Sometimes the best way to get the feel of a local culture or destination is to attend festivals and events. I have been very fortunate to have been to many of the worlds best festivals and events and now you can too.

Award-winning luxury travel provider, Kensington Tours, offers tailor-made tours and access to a variety of such events across the globe. From the sports enthusiast to the culturally-driven, Kensington Tours can help travelers to curate a once-in-a-lifetime experience and don’t forget to join me at the 2014 Masters golf tournament!

India’s Holi & Elephant Festival—March 17, 2014: Adventurers can take part in two of the most extraordinary spectacles on Earth – Holi, an ancient celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and Jaipur’s Elephant Festival on this brilliant new adventure through India. A perfect fusion of this spellbinding land’s classic highlights, cultural riches and larger-than-life events, guests can delve into the fairy tales of Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Agra led by an expert private guide.

Festival of the Sun—June 24, 2014: Travelers feel transported back through time to the height of the great Incan Empire as they celebrate Inti Raymi—Peru’s Festival of the Sun – and travel to the marveled Machu Picchu. A religious ceremony of extravagant Andean costumes, holy legends, colorful dances, and processions, this mysterious 500 year old celebration is awash in ancient traditions.

Chinese New Year Celebration—February 17, 2015: Surrounded by red dragons, glowing lanterns and dazzling displays of fireworks dance overhead as guests ring in the Chinese New Year. Lion dancers will usher as a private guide leads guests through the festivities in Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai.

Spain’s Running of the Bulls—July 6-14, 2014: Travelers are invited to grab life by the horns on this culturally-decadent journey through Madrid, Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Spain’s most famous fiesta, San Fermin. This adrenaline-charged festival dates back to the 14th century, and showcases a Spain rarely seen by visitors.

Germany’s Oktoberfest—September 20-October 5, 2014: Travelers should ready themselves to don their Lederhosen and celebrate all things Bavarian at the world’s largest fair, Oktoberfest. Travelers will join thousands of merry-makers from around the world in a whirlwind of singing, dancing, costumes, traditional brass bands, and beer, of course.

Iceland Summer Solstice—June 21, 2014: Kensington Tours invites the jet set crowd to celebrate the summer solstice in “the land of the midnight sun” on an exclusive tour to the top of the world. Guests will honor this mystical ancient tradition, marking the longest day of the year in Reykjavik, Iceland.

2014 Calgary Stampede—July 4-16, 2014: During “the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede, guests will kick off the rodeo experience with a famous parade, mingle with ranchers, and saddle up for an incredible display of bull riding.

Nice Carnival—February 14-March 4, 2014: A dazzling display of costumes, enormous floats, fireworks and the stunning French Riviera await guests who take part in the elegance of the Nice Carnival. Kensington Tours offers an escape from the winter blues and a chance to soak up the sun as the extravagantly-dressed carnival goers throw flowers on thousands of onlookers and celebrate this year’s theme, King of Gastronomy.

Alaska’s Iditarod Dog Sled Race–Departs February 26, 2014: Adventurers will embark on an amazing adventure showcasing Alaska’s legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. From this historic race’s opening banquet in Anchorage, across thousands of miles to Finger Lake, guests can watch as the mushers and their teams vie for the coveted “Golden Harness.”

Cherry Blossom Season—March – April 2014: Travelers are invited to picnic under trees radiating with pink cherry blossoms and take part in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of hanami “flower viewing” on this private journey showcasing the historic highlights of Tokyo & Kyoto during the most desirable time of the year. The best time for travelers to visit would be the second two weeks of March, and the first two weeks of April.

Myanmar’s Leg Rowing Festival—October 30-November 6, 2014: Kensington Tours takes guests back in time on a cruise of the waters to a tradition evocative of Southeast Asia centuries ago with a pilgrimage to Hpaung Daw U—otherwise known as Myanmar’s Leg Rowing Festival. Guests will watch as a golden barge holding four Buddhas is towed by ornamented leg-rowers from a private boat with an expert guide.

Disclaimer: I receive financial compensation from Kensington Tours. I am a member of the Kensington Tours Explorers in Residence Program.

Sharing is caring!