Festivals & Special Events Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Mexico City: Day of the Dead Original

- Fiesta the night away in Mexico City and get into the true spirit of this haunting ceremonial festival.
- Get the low-down on all of the traditions and rituals of the Day of the Dead festival, including taking part in making your own traditional altar offering.
- Get a taste of local art with a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum in the Coyoacan neighbourhood. Check out the works in her former home, with her art often focused on the notion of death.
- Explore the historic town of Tepoztlan – a mecca for artists and mystics, with a magical feel in the air. Tour the ancient city and ruins, and climb to the top of the Tepozteco pyramid.
- All of these festivities will work up an appetite. Luckily Mexico City boasts some of Central America’s best food – from roadside taco stands to fine dining in the heart of the city, you won’t go hungry.
Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
- Explore Vienna and Salzburg with a Local Specialist
- Discover Munich, Oberammergau, Innsbruck and Lucerne
- Visit the Christmas Markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein
- View Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, the Marienplatz in Munich, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- See stunning alpine scenery
- Connect With Locals
- Dive into Culture
Mexico City: Day of the Dead Comfort

- Fiesta the night away in Mexico City and get into the true spirit of this haunting ceremonial festival.
- Get the low-down on all of the traditions and rituals of the Day of the Dead festival, including taking part in making your own traditional altar offering.
- Get a taste of local art with a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum in the Coyoacan neighbourhood. Check out the works in her former home, with her art often focused on the notion of death.
- Explore the historic town of Tepoztlan – a mecca for artists and mystics, with a magical feel in the air. Tour the ancient city and ruins, and climb to the top of the Tepozteco pyramid.
- All of these festivities will work up an appetite. Luckily Mexico City boasts some of Central America’s best food – from roadside taco stands to fine dining in the heart of the city, you won’t go hungry.
German Christmas Markets
- Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist
- Discover Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Weimar, Dresden and Leipzig
- Visit the Christmas Markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach (Sat/Sun only), Erfurt, Weimar, Dresden, Leipzig and ascend the Berlin TV Tower
- View the Opera House and Zwinger Palace in Dresden and the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building in Berlin
- Connect With Locals
- Dive Into Culture
Rio Carnival Experience

- Perfect your samba steps at a local club and learn how to blend in with the Carioca crowds, a great introduction for your first night in this pulsating city.
- Witness a parade of elaborate floats and costumes as samba dancers show off their moves in the Sambadrome – a party that stretches well into the early hours.
- Leave the guidebook at home and get to know the rhythms of Rio on a city tour of the top sites. See Christ the Redeemer up close and soak up sweet views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Be a part of the biggest stage in the world – don a costume and take part in the parade – dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway, a truly once in a lifetime experience.
- Experience the best of Carnival under the safe and knowledgeable guidance of your expert leader. They’re on hand to make sure you have a hassle-free, fun-filled adventure!
Halloween in Transylvania (Southbound)

- Transylvania conjures up images of haunted castles, gothic churches and vampires. Where better to spend time around Halloween than in the 12th-century town of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Count Dracula? Things are about to get medi-evil
- Break out your scariest costumes for a spooky Halloween party in Cluj Napoca, the former capital of the historical principality of Transylvania
- Protect yourself against devils and demons with a visit to the Turda Salt Mines, a fascinating museum showcasing the history of salt in the region complete with an underground amusement park
- Delve into the communist past and the thriving, artistic present-day vibe of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers. The grand architecture of the 1980’s Palace of the Parliament is particularly awe-inspiring
- A stopover in the traditional Saxon village of Viscri exposes you to Romanian hospitality and some finger-licking home-cooked food
Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest

- This trip takes you to a variety of Christmas markets across central Europe. Contrast the various traditions, cuisines and of course, mulled wine, in several amazing cities
- Munich's Christmas markets are probably the most famous of them all. Authentic Bavarian food, ale and music make this an unforgettable Christmas experience
- Explore Salzburg’s markets and travel high above the rooftops of the Baroque historical district to the fully preserved castle, the Hohensalzburg Fortress
- Vienna's Christmas markets are as ornamental as its architecture. Austria's capital provides a spectacular seasonal shopping affair, with tonnes of hand-crafted toys, candles and paintings on offer. Where better to pick up those last-minute gifts?
- Jolly Budapest really embraces the Christmas spirit. Take a walk through the streets to find every street, tree and market lit up in lights
Halloween in Transylvania (Northbound)

- Transylvania conjures up images of haunted castles, gothic churches and vampires. Where better to spend time around Halloween than in the 12th-century town of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Count Dracula? Things are about to get medi-evil
- Break out your scariest costumes for a spooky Halloween party in Cluj Napoca, the former capital of the historical principality of Transylvania
- Protect yourself against devils and demons with a visit to the Turda Salt Mines, a fascinating museum showcasing the history of salt in the region complete with an underground amusement park
- Delve into the communist past and the thriving, artistic present-day vibe of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers. The grand architecture of the 1980’s Palace of the Parliament is particularly awe-inspiring
- A stopover in the traditional Saxon village of Viscri exposes you to Romanian hospitality and some finger-licking home-cooked food
Vanuatu Land Diving Festival

- Witness naghol, the unique land-diving ceremony of South Pentecost (and the inspiration for the modern sport of bungee jumping).
- Visit remote villages accompanied by a local leader who will ensure you have an immersive experience of Vanuatu's unique cultural practices.
- Stay in traditional bamboo bungalows and enjoy meals cooked with love by the village mamas using fresh organic produce from the gardens and the sea.
- Snorkel and swim in pristine blue waters and relax in the sun on the sandy beaches of the South Pacific.
German Christmas Markets
- Explore Berlin with a Local Specialist
- Discover Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Weimar, Dresden and Leipzig
- Visit the Christmas Markets of Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach (Sat/Sun only), Erfurt, Weimar, Dresden, Leipzig and ascend the Berlin TV Tower
- View the Opera House and Zwinger Palace in Dresden and the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building in Berlin
- Connect With Locals
- Dive Into Culture
Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland
- Explore Vienna and Salzburg with a Local Specialist
- Discover Munich, Oberammergau, Innsbruck and Lucerne
- Visit the Christmas Markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Lucerne and Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein
- View Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, the Marienplatz in Munich, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck and the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- See stunning alpine scenery
- Connect With Locals
- Dive into Culture
Festive St. Petersburg and Moscow
- Explore St. Petersburg and Moscow with a Local Specialist
- Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg and the Kremlin in Moscow
- View the Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of Peter the Great in St. Petersburg and Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow
- Connect With Locals
- Dive into Culture
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Festive St. Petersburg and Moscow
- Explore St. Petersburg and Moscow with a Local Specialist
- Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg and the Kremlin in Moscow
- View the Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of Peter the Great in St. Petersburg and Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow
- Connect With Locals
- Dive into Culture
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival
- Corner brook: Sightseeing
- Gros morne national park: Visit Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, Broom Point
- Port au choix national historic site: Sightseeing
- Strait of belle isle: Ferry across Iceberg Alley
- Red bay national historic site: Sightseeing
- L’anse aux meadows: Visit Viking settlement site
- St. anthony : Cruise through Iceberg Alley; Viking Feast Dinner Theatre
- Arches provincial park: Sightseeing
- Rocky harbour: Scenic cruise on Bonne Bay; traditional lobster dinner
- Grand falls: Visit Salmonid Interpretation Centre
- Twillingate: Visit Prime Berth Fishing Museum
- Terra nova national park: Sightseeing
- Trinity: Historic walking tour with a Local Guide
- Bonavista peninsula: Excursion to Cape Bonavista; visit Ryan Premises National Historic Site
- Witless bay: Whale and nature cruise
- St. john’s: Cape Spear National Historic Site; sightseeing; Signal Hill National Historic Site; farewell dinner and traditional screech-in ceremony
- With cruises, ferry crossings, and visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this breathtaking vacation features the best of Newfoundland and Labrador—with overnights in Corner Brook, Plum Point, L’Anse-au-Clair, St
- Anthony, Rocky Harbour, Gander, Clarenville, and St
Heart of India
- Visit Raj Ghat, a beautifully serene monument.
- Visiting the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India
- Enjoy short ride by rickshaw through the crowded lanes of the Chandni Chowk bazaar.
- Visiting Qutab Minar, a spectacular example of Indo-Islamic architecture topped by a 234-foot-high tower.
- Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Jaipur and its surroundings
- See the Jantar Mantar, a remarkable astronomical and astrological observatory built in the 18th century
- See the Royal Bengal tiger
- Visit the sprawling Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River.
- Visit the east and west temple complexes that the Chandelas constructed.
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Top Festivals & Special Events Attractions & Experiences
Top Festivals & Special Events Experiences
Joining in the party at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras or Rio’s Carnaval; will it be catching beads or sampling the samba?
Floating over New Mexico’s high desert at Albuquerque’s hot air Balloon Fiesta
Braving the firecrackers and embracing the fervor at India’s Diwali, the Festival of Light
Downing a few liters of beer (and dancing on the tables) at Munich’s boisterous Oktoberfest
Getting splattered by fresh tomatoes and then plastering others with same at Spain’s one-of-a-kind La Tomatina
Running with the bulls (if you dare) at Pamplona’s notorious San Fermin fest
Grooving to the vibes at Montreal’s Jazz Festival
Taking in the spectacle of lion dances and marching bands at San Francisco’s colorful Chinese New Year celebration
Bathing in mud at South Korea’s Boryeong Mud Festival
Absorbing the local culture at Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo or Day of the Dead festivities
Top Festivals & Special Events Attractions
1,746 Festivals & Special Events Tour Reviews - Summary 98% Recommend
All Festivals & Special Events tours, river cruises, expedition cruises, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.6 for all Festivals & Special Events trips.
38 trips from 95 tour companies with 1,746 reviews
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