One Traveller has rounded up the top events around the world – don’t miss these must-do experiences
1. White Lights Festival: 11th July – 14th July 2019 – One Traveller – St Petersburg
WHY GO? To feast all your senses on Russia’s second city of St. Petersburg known as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’, as you go back in time to experience the rich history and cultural legacy left behind by the great Russian royalty.
Head to Russia during the spectacular White Nights Festival in St Petersburg which sees the skies stay light throughout the night due it’s northerly location on extreme latitudes. The city puts on a series of cultural events including music, ballet and opera to celebrate this natural phenomenon. Take a tour to several of the Baroque and Rocco style palaces home to Russian royalty including Palais Menshiovk and Catherine Palace, experience a guided tour of the State Hermitage Museum and don’t miss the chance to attend a magnificent performance at the Marinnsky Theatre.
2. Diwali: October 27th 2019 – One Traveller – Delhi, Royal Rajasthan and Bombay
WHY GO? For a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore India’s greatest treasures including big bustling centres such as Mumbai and Delhi as well as the palatial cites of Jaipur and Udaipur. See everything India has to offer including safari and boat tours as well as many unmissable activities which will complement each destination.
Highlights of a visit to Delhi during Diwali include a visit to rural Rajasthan, starting with Dhar village, don’t miss the chance to explore the market area and visit one or two village homes, experiencing a performance retelling the story of the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the lake in Udaipur followed by a visit to the Sahelion-ki-bari water gardens, built for the palace ladies.
3. Surin Elephant Festival: 15th – 19th November 2019 – One Traveller – Thailand
WHY GO? To partake in a diverse trip encompassing all of Thailand’s greatest treasures which will include visiting the busting city of Bangkok before travelling through the heart of the country experiencing all the sights and smells of this magnificent country.
Take a once in a life trip to Thailand, one of the world’s most visited countries. Check out the capital city Bangkok and it’s infamous market halls. don’t miss a dinner on a floating pontoon which will gently flow down the River Kwai, a trip to the pristine waters of James Bond Island or a morning at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary.
4. Christmas: 25th December 2019 – One Traveller – Austrian Lakes & the Tyrol for Christmas
WHY GO? To indulge in an idyllic Christmas experience in the snowy mountains of Austria. Enjoy a Christmas like no other spend soaking up the scenery during a horse and sleigh ride and cosying up inside enjoying traditional Austrian and Tyrolian food.
Spend the Christmas period in the most scenic wintery setting. Take a guided tour of Salzburg and the city’s sought-after Christmas market’s, a Christmas Eve cable car ride with stunning views across the Pongau region and a mid-morning horse and sleigh ride through the snow on Christmas Day. romance your loved one with a candlelit dinner and Mozart concert in Europe’s oldest restaurant, St Peter Stiftskeller.
5. New Year: 1st January 2020 – One Traveller – The Solent & New Forest for New Year
WHY GO? If you want to spend your New Year relaxing in a luxury four-star hotel, exploring some of England’s most historic destinations and enjoying the fresh air of the New Forest, this is the tour for you.
Experience a New Year like no other with the magic of a wonderful New Year’s break to The Solent and the New Forest in the South of England – the perfect balance of indulgence, relaxation and exploration.
Visit to Beaulieu Palace House and the National Motor Museum, a guided tour of the HMS Victory in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard and dance the night away at an exclusive gala black-tie dinner with entertainment on New Year’s Eve.
6. Harbin Ice Festival: 25th January 2020 – One Traveller – China & the Harbin Ice Festival
WHY GO? To experience a trip of a lifetime exploring China’s greatest wonders including Bejing, Shanghai, The Great Wall and the legendary Harbin Ice Festival, the world largest snow and ice festival – an unmissable experience.
Visit China in time to enjoy one of the country’s greatest events, the Harbin Ice Festival. Take a guided tour of the Forbidden City, previously home to successive emperors for over 500 years, walk along The Great Wall of China, take a trip on the high speed bullet rain to Xi’an. After travelling though Shanghai to Harbin you will be met by the spectacular ice festival recreating some of the world’s most famous buildings and monuments such as the Egyptian pyramids and German fairy-tale castles.
7. Venice Carnival: 8th February – 25th February 2020 – One Traveller – Venice and Verona Carnival
WHY GO? To experience the best Italy has to offer including tours of the great cites steeped in history as well as indulging magical Carnevale di Venzia which attracts crowds from across the world who enjoy the spectacle.
Take a trip to Northern Italy and visit Venice, Verona, Cento and Lake Garda during Italy’s revelrous winter carnival season. Enjoy a walking tour of the ancient city of Verona brought to life in Shakespeare’s infamous Romeo and Juliet, a chance to experience the popular Cento Carnival before ending your trip in Venice when the city comes to life for the Carnevale di Venzia where people dress up in ornate clothing and masks. Other top things to do include a wine tasting lunch at one of Lake Garda’s most popular destinations.
8. Mardi Gras: 25th February 2020 – One Traveller – Deep South Mardi Gras Carnival
WHY GO? To discover the rich history of America’s Deep South visiting the origins of Jazz and Country music and finishing in New Orleans where the city put throws a huge celebration for Mardi Gras unrivalled anywhere else in the world.
A trip to America’s Deep South will offer a Shrove Tuesday experience like no other travelling from Nashville to New Orleans in time to join the infamous Mardi Gras Festival. Take a guided tour of Nashville, the home of country music and a chance to explore the diverse range of exciting live music venues, enjoy an excursion to the Jack Daniels distillery, a visit to Elvis Presley’s beloved former mansion Graceland and of course finish your trip with the specular Mardi Gras carnival which sees a parade of colourful dancers and musicians line the streets of New Orléans.
