Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration to honour those who have passed away. On these special departures, we’ll witness the different ways this festival is marked, from sampling pan de muerto (bread of the dead) at a Mexico City bakery, to admiring the marigold-draped ofrendas (offerings) in the candlelit streets and squares of Oaxaca.   

What’s different for this departure? 

• 6 additional excursions to experience Day of the Dead festivities and celebrations in Mexico City (bakery visit and walking tour), Coyoacan, San Andrés Cholula, Atlixco, and Oaxaca.

Kyoto’s Gion Festival is the biggest festival in Japan – a month-long event with street parties, huge floats and locals in flowing yukata (summer kimonos). As well as spending a full day at the festival (you’ll have a guided walking tour to show you where everything is, then you can explore on your own), we’ll take advantage of the balmy summer weather and enjoy a traditional Japanese riverside dining experience, with a full kaiseki dinner and a performance from a maiko (apprentice geisha). 

What’s different for this departure? 

• One day longer than our standard departures

• An extra day in Kyoto to enjoy the Gion Festival 

• A guided walking tour of the festival 

• Kawadoko riverside dining experience 

• 2 additional meals

Sumo is Japan’s national sport, and it’s one that’s steeped in tradition. Attending a match is a thrilling way to immerse yourself in the energy and excitement of it all – these special departures include tickets to one of the three official tournaments held in Tokyo each year. We’ll arrive at Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium ahead of the big afternoon match, ready to watch the wrestlers grapple for supremacy.   

What’s different for this departure? 

• One day longer than our standard departures 

• An extra day in Tokyo for the tournament 

• Transport & tickets to watch a sumo wrestling match 

• 1 additional meal 

This vibrant Buddhist festival is a celebration of culture, community and spirituality. It takes place over three days, where locals dress in traditional costume and sacred cham dances are performed in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. We’ll be in the city during the festival, so you’ll have the opportunity to experience the festivities for yourself – a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture.  

What’s different for this departure? 

• Chance to attend festivities during the three-day Thimphu Festival 

Please note that festival dates can change at short notice.