Spiritual vacations include pope's Poland, Christian England

LITTLETON, Colo. -- The tour operator Globus says bookings for its trips themed on religion and spirituality have increased 74 percent this year over last.

The company started a division for religious or faith-based travel in 2004, and is offering a variety of trips next year, including a seven-day "Legacy of Pope John Paul II" trip in Poland, from $1,249; a 10-day trip to Jordan and Egypt exploring the roots of the Bible, from $1,649; and a nine-day trip themed on "Christian England & the World of C.S. Lewis," from $1,889.

Prices include hotels, tours and some meals but not airfare.

Other Globus faith-themed trips visit Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Catholic Germany and the Alps. Details at www.globusfaith.com.

A survey by Globus of 2,697 international leisure travelers in June and July found that Israel was the most desirable destination for religious trips.