Archives: Trips

For one magical weekend in July, Venice’s Festa del Redentore lights up the lagoon with spectacular fireworks, centuries old traditions, and celebrations that spill from the canals into the city’s streets. Journey from ancient Rome and Renaissance Florence to Venice, the Tuscan countryside, and the sparkling shores of Lake Garda.

Summer arrives in the Scottish Highlands as purple heather blankets the hills and festival season begins. From the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Highland Games to legendary castles, world renowned whisky, and scenic Highland rail journeys, discover the traditions that make Scotland unforgettable.

Champagne awakens each September as the annual vendange transforms the vineyards into a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and community. Harvest grapes alongside local growers, master the art of sabrage, cruise the Marne River, and uncover the region’s finest Champagne from Reims, Épernay and beyond.

Día de los Muertos transforms Mexico with vibrant celebrations that honour life, remembrance, and generations of tradition. From Teotihuacán at sunrise and the heartfelt traditions of Oaxaca to the crystal clear cenotes of the Yucatán, experience a country where ancient history and living culture come together.

Lanterns rise into the night sky above Chiang Mai during the twin festivals of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng. Craft your own krathong, receive a monk’s blessing, and release lanterns beneath a sky glowing with thousands of lights.

The Northern Lights are the star of Arctic Norway’s long polar nights creating nature’s greatest light show. From nights beneath the aurora to reindeer and husky adventures, dramatic Arctic fjords, whale watching, and an unforgettable overnight stay in an ice hotel, immerse yourself the wonder of life above the Arctic Circle.

Tết is a time of renewal, when Vietnam slows, gathers, and begins again. From the vibrant preparations of Hanoi to the quiet rituals of Ninh Bình, the lantern lit celebrations of Hội An, and the spectacular New Year festivities of Ho Chi Minh City, discover the traditions, flavours, and spirit of Vietnam.

The Harbin Ice Festival transforms an entire city into a frozen world of light, where towering sculptures glow against the winter sky. From Beijing’s imperial landmarks and Harbin’s dazzling ice sculptures to snowy Yabuli and vibrant Shanghai, embrace China’s winter traditions, ancient history, and modern energy.

Holi fills northern India with colour and traditions that celebrate the triumph of good over evil. From the extraordinary celebrations of Vrindavan to the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s magnificent forts, and Udaipur’s shimmering lakes, experience a country where history, culture, and tradition come vividly to life.

Sakura season transforms Japan as delicate cherry blossoms blanket parks, temples, and riverbanks across the country. Explore Kyoto’s timeless temples, the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, and the vibrant energy of Tokyo during Japan’s most beautiful time of year, when the country is awash in pink blooms.