The ancient Greeks may have the Olympics but the Mongols have Naadam. Mongolia’s annual circus-like Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties. Wrestling, archery and horse racing - the three skills that Chingis Khan considered essential for any Mongol warrior - are showcased at the country’s largest celebration of the "three manly sports". Come behind the scenes as we meet the competitors in the lead up to the festival and discover some of Mongolia’s wild outback, visiting ruined monasteries, flaming cliffs and historic cities.
On April 25th, 1915, Allied troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The military campaign that followed was disastrous for the Allies yet came to define the national psyches of Australia and New Zealand. Travel to these solemn battlefields on the anniversary of the landing and wander through Anzac Cove to the Nek and Lone Pine. Walk through the trenches, attend a moving dawn service and hear the stories of heroism and camaraderie immortalised in Australia's Anzac history. This journey provides a great opportunity to pay respect to the fallen of World War I and to reflect on what they fought for.
Be amazed by the ancient land diving ritual of Vanuatu's Pentecost tribes, the original bungee jumping, often called ‘the most remarkable custom in all of Melanesia’.
Even without its bloodcurdling myths of Dracula, werewolves, haunted castles and curses, Romania is an atmospheric destination. And no more so on the spooky holiday of Halloween. Let us introduce you to the beauty of ancient Bucharest, the haunting beauty and mythology of Sighisoara, and spooky Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s castle) in Brasov. For a spine-tingling adventure this Halloween, don’t look past this adventure in Transylvania. Mwahahaha.
Even without its bloodcurdling myths of Dracula, werewolves, haunted castles and gypsy curses, Romania is an atmospheric destination. And no more so on the spooky holiday of Halloween. Let us introduce you to the beauty of ancient Bucharest, the haunting beauty and mythology of Sighisoara, and spooky Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s castle) in Brasov. For a spine-tingling adventure this Halloween, don’t look past this adventure in Transylvania. Mwahahaha.
Take centre-stage in this epic annual event and let the rhythm of Rio take over. Don an elaborate costume and samba your way through the non-stop action as you get swept up in the energy and euphoria of the biggest party on earth. Witness the festivities reach their dizzying climax, join the conga line with the locals, move and shake among the drum-fuelled street fiestas and revel in the magic celebration of life. With a mix of festival-specific activities and iconic Carnival experiences – you don’t want to miss the party of a lifetime.
Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, or the annual Day of the Dead festival, on a five-day cultural exploration of Mexico City. Sample tasty street food at the open air Mercado Jamaica, see the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan, participate in a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony and see elaborate altars dedicated to the deceased. This festival is all about rituals, so dive straight in to the spooky and spiritual ceremonies that have made this tradition so famous. Oh, and Mexico City’s tacos will make you feel you’ve died and gone to heaven, too.
Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, or the annual Day of the Dead festival, on a five-day cultural exploration of Mexico City. Visit the museums of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and learn all about their fascination with death, wander about the sacred indigenous site of Tepoztlan, participate in a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony and see elaborate altars dedicated to the deceased. This festival is all about r...
Indulge the senses by exploring the best of Central Europe’s festive market scene. Feel the bustling energy of Munich’s charismatic Christmas markets, savour the smell of spicy festive delights in Salzburg, see the sights of vibrant Vienna and take a therapeutic soak in the thermal baths of Budapest. Meander from stall to stall, discovering new sights, sounds, flavours and fashions.
This Celtic summer itinerary highlights the best sights in and outside of Edinburgh, while taking in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival.