Top worldwide festivals and events to experience in 2024-25
Tired of the same old tourist trails? Yearning for something other than relaxation and sightseeing? How about witnessing some of the world’s most vibrant festivals and special events?
Take a deep dive into culture and tradition with these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Awaken your senses at the Bulbfields of Keukenhof – in the Netherlands
As spring blooms in the Netherlands, the fields come alive with a riot of colours. Rows upon rows of tulips stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a kaleidoscope of hues that will leave you breathless. The Keukenhof Gardens in Amsterdam are the epicentre of this floral extravaganza, where you can stroll through enchanting pathways surrounded by millions of flowers in full bloom. It’s a sensory overload that will awaken your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Trip: Amsterdam & the Bulbfields of Keukenhof – April 2024 (2025 dates coming soon) – From £1315
Party up a storm at ‘Cinco de Mayo’ in Mexico
Experience the fiesta of a lifetime in Mexico as you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a day that commemorates the country’s victory over the French army. From colourful parades to lively street parties, the air is filled with the sound of music, laughter, and the tantalising aroma of Mexican cuisine. Join in the festivities as you sip on margaritas, sample street tacos, and dance the night away under the starry sky.
Trip: Mexico (Cinco de Mayo) – May 2024 – From £4199
Watch the streets come alive during the ‘Battle of the Flowers’ in Spain
In Valencia, Spain, the streets come alive with a floral fantasy like no other during the Battle of the Flowers. Imagine yourself amidst a sea of fragrant blooms, as elaborately decorated floats parade through the city, showering spectators with petals and perfume. It’s a sensory overload that will leave you intoxicated with the beauty of nature and the spirit of celebration.
Trip: Valencia & the Battle of the Flowers – July 2024 – From £1249
Embrace tradition at the St. Dominic Fair in Poland
Join the festivities at the St. Dominic Fair in Gdansk, Poland, where the streets are transformed into a lively carnival of music, dance, and merriment. From colourful parades to street performances, there’s never a dull moment as you immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Poland. Sample traditional delicacies, browse stalls filled with local crafts, and dance the night away under the stars.
Trip: Northern Poland (St. Dominic Fair event in Gdansk) – July 2024 – From £1899
Dance to the tune of the Summer Opera Festival in Italy
Indulge your senses in the melodious strains of opera at the Summer Opera Festival in Verona, Italy. Set against the backdrop of ancient Roman ruins, the city comes alive with the sound of music as world-class performers take to the stage to enchant audiences with their captivating performances. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that will transport you to another time and place, where passion and drama reign supreme.
Trip: Verona (Summer Opera Festival) – Aug 2024 – £1395
Soak up the festive magic of the ‘Christmas Markets’ in Poland & Belgium
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in Poland as you wander through the charming Christmas markets of Krakow and Zakopane. Sip on steaming mugs of mulled wine, savour traditional Polish delicacies, and browse stalls filled with handcrafted treasures and festive decorations. It’s a winter wonderland come to life, where the spirit of Christmas fills the air with warmth and cheer.
Trip: Krakow & Zakopane (Christmas Markets) – Dec 2024 – From £1095
Step into a fairy-tale setting in Bruges, Belgium, where the cobbled streets are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Lose yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you explore the medieval city centre, where quaint wooden stalls offer an array of artisanal crafts, delectable treats, and warming drinks. It’s a magical experience that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas card come to life.
Trip: Bruges (Christmas Markets) – Dec 2024 – From £1069
Chase the Northern Lights – in Iceland and Tromso
Embark on a magical journey to Iceland, where the Northern Lights illuminate the sky in a breathtaking display of celestial wonder. Bundle up and venture into the Icelandic wilderness, where the crisp air is filled with anticipation as you wait for the dancing lights to appear. It’s a moment of pure magic that will leave you spellbound and longing for more.
Trip: Discover Iceland – Nov 2024 & Jan 2025 – From £2239
Picture yourself standing in the crisp Arctic air, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, waiting with bated breath as the night sky begins to dance. The Northern Lights, a mesmerising display of colours swirling and twirling above you, painting the heavens with shades of green, purple, and blue. In Tromso, Norway, this celestial spectacle isn’t just a sight to behold—it’s an experience that will leave you in awe of the natural world.
Trip: Tromso, Norway’s gateway to the Arctic – March 2025 – From £2679
Celebrate the Holi Festival of Colours – in India
Prepare to be drenched in colours and immersed in joy as you celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in India. Join the vibrant crowds as they dance to the beat of traditional drums, smearing each other with bright powders and drenching one another with water guns. It’s a riot of hues and happiness that transcends barriers and brings people together in a celebration of love and unity.
Trip: India’s Holi Festival & the Splendours of Rajasthan – March 2025 – From £2999
Be captivated by Brazil’s greatest party at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival
Experience the electrifying energy of the world-famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival as you dance the night away amidst the pulsating rhythms and infectious samba beats. Immerse yourself in the vibrant spectacle of the Carnival Champion’s Parade at the iconic Sambadrome, where a riot of color and celebration unfolds before your eyes, leaving you captivated by the sheer joy and exuberance of this legendary event.
Trip: Epic Brazil & Rio Carnival – March 2025 – From £5,495.00
