Festival tours

For us, festivals are the smell of incense, the fizz of fireworks and the twinkling lights of a Christmas market.

They arrive with the thunder of bespeckled dancers and wind down like a Munich beer hall hangover. They’re the lantern-lit, confetti-filled, mud-slinging reminder that life is there to be enjoyed to the max, and that there’s no such thing as too much fun in the name of pomp and ceremony.

From the embers of a fire pit in Papua New Guinea and the graveyards of Mexico to the tulip fields and orange groves of Europe, festival season never truly dies – and we’ve got your private pass all ready to go. It’s time to strap on your sandals, pick up some maracas and dive right in.

Our festival trips

Festival highlights

Two dancers at the Rio Carnival, Brazil
Get lost among the bright colours of Carnival in Rio

You haven’t partied properly if you haven’t done it in Rio during Carnival – and that’s a promise. Whether you want to watch a parade of elaborate floats featuring costumed dancers showing off their best moves, join a conga line of colourfully clad locals snaking their way through the surging streets or perfect your samba steps so you can blend in with the Carioca crowds, prepare your mind, body, and soul for the biggest party on earth. 

Baby gorilla in the jungle in Rwanda
Take part in a gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda

As if your 9-day trek through the steamy rainforests of Rwanda in search of wildlife you’re used to seeing in books wasn’t good enough, you’ll also get the opportunity to participate in the Kwita Izina ceremony; a naming ceremony for the baby gorillas born in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park during the year. Celebrate this park’s protection efforts and revel in the festivities that encompass this special and unique conservation event. 

Jumping tower in Vanuatu
Witness the unique land-diving festival in Vanuatu

There are few experiences that could make an unforgettable trip to the tropical island of Vanuatu any better but witnessing the incredible naghol festival – where local, indigenous men jump from high platforms as part of a coming-of-age ritual - is definitely one of them. Paving the way for present-day bungee jumping, this land-diving ceremony will undoubtedly take your breath away and give you an insight into the Melanesian culture that few visitors ever get to see. 

Colourful skulls in Mexico
Experience Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico

Discover a different side of Mexico on one of two trips that’ll lead you straight into the heart of this haunting celebration. From visiting local cemeteries to see how families decorate the graves of their ancestors and creating a traditional altar in TIahuac to watching the colourful and incredible Day of the Dead parade as it spills through the streets of Mexico City, your trip will be filled with all of the cultural experiences that make this ceremonial festival one to remember.  

Where you can go

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 84 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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ANZAC Day Dawn Service 2024

Ann · Traveled April 2024
This was a fantastic way to see and experience the ANZAC Day celebrations at Gallipoli. This was a Bucket list trip for me and Intrepid made it not only possible but also, memorable and enjoyable. I learnt so much and now understand so much more about our shared history with Turkey.
Review submitted 01 May 2024

Rio Carnival Experience

Sophie · Traveled February 2024
The carnaval experience in Rio was unmatched, our guide Lola was full of knowledge and pride for her home and it made the experience 100x better. I can’t wait to go back
Review submitted 17 Feb 2024

Rio Carnival Experience

Dominique · Traveled February 2024
I highly recommend this tour especially for those experiencing this Brazilian holiday for the first time and if you don't speak Portuguese. The local guides provided context on the Blocos, the Sambadromo competitions and Rio as a whole that I wouldn't have gotten independently. Seeing Rio during this time of year is truly an experience that words and pictures cannot capture. Vicente was an awesome guide who further enhanced this experience for me.
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Rio Carnival Experience

Jessica · Traveled February 2024
My experience with the Rio Carnaval tour was absolutely amazing! From the vibrant atmosphere to the beautiful people I met along the way, it exceeded all my expectations. Aline, our tour guide, played a pivotal role in making this journey unforgettable. Despite battling sickness for most of the tour, Aline's kindness and patience never wavered. Her caring demeanor and attention to detail ensured that I still got to experience all the tourist sights I had hoped to see. Aline's dedication to ensuring everyone's comfort and enjoyment truly sets her apart. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the magic of Rio Carnaval. And if you have the chance, do yourself a favor and request Aline as your guide – she's simply the best! Thank you, Aline, for making my Rio Carnaval experience one for the books!
Review submitted 04 Mar 2024

Europe Christmas Markets: Munich to Budapest

Carla · Traveled December 2023
Our group leader, Lilla, provided us with a memorable trip, imparted so much knowledge about each beautiful city we visited, and fostered relationships between tour participants in a fun and easy manner.
Review submitted 26 Dec 2023

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