To visit a country and meet its people during a festival can be an experience second to none: you will bring home not just life-long memories of colour, music, dancing and fun but also a richer understanding of the traditions and beliefs that make the country what it is. Join one of our small group tours during a festival and experience a country in a whole new light. Our expert local tour leaders will take you under the skin of your destination, often enabling access to parts of a festival visitors wouldn't usuall see. In Asia, experience India's Pushkar Camel Fair or the vibrant Holi, sometimes called the Festival of Colours, which takes place over two days each year, celebrating the victory of good over evil - and covering everyone and everything in wet paint along the way!
Elsewhere in Asia you could experience the three traditional sports of Mongolia (wrestling, archery and horse riding) at the annual Nadaam Festival, or witness the spectacular colours and centuries-old religious customs of Bhutan’s Thimpu Festival, or immerse yourself in the little-known mountain festivals of south-west China’s Guizhou and Yunnan provinces.
Africa is also rich in tradition and festivals abound, including the Akwasidae Festival in Ghana, where celebrations take place at the Royal Palace in Kumasi. In the Americas you can take part in Brazil’s most spectacular extravaganza, the Rio Carnival, or witness the ancient Inca Inti Raymi festival in Peru. Read more about the best festivals to experience on our tours, from the Voodoo Festival in Benin to Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan. New to Explore? We've answered some of the most-asked questions about our small group adventure tours.
From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.
Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.
Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.
How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.
Average customer rating:
4.5
/
5
Independent service rating based on
512
reviews.
Frederick - 4 days ago
Trusted Customer - 7 days ago
Explore is fabulous. Great value, great everything. Easy to book, lovely staff and tour leaders.
Karin - 11 days ago
Nearly everything was done to a high standard. The criticisms I had amount to:1. One hotel did not ...view more
Trusted Customer - 1 months ago
Excellent trip but very full on! We were a bit unlucky with the temperatures as we had four days at...view more
The trip was good for seeing Ghana as it exists today as a modern, bustling country. The itinerary ...view more
Doreen - 1 months ago
accommodation was great. No sleeping bag liners or mosquito nets were needed. Travelled in April. Re...view more
Patricia - 1 months ago
A really well thought out tour. You see all the major sights. The local tour guides are impressive....view more
The trip was excellent. The itinerary was well-balanced between organised activity and free time to ...view more
Moray - 2 months ago
A full on trip, with excellent tour leaders. Maybe one too many dance shows.A shame that at some of...view more
Trusted Customer - 2 months ago
This holiday was rated “full on” and it was. Not a moment was wasted! Tashkent, Khiva, Bukara and Sa...view more
Amanda - 2 months ago
Fantastic experience with so much to see and do
On the whole a great itinerary. I would drop the Sunderbans though, since the chance of seeing any w...view more
Adrienne - 2 months ago
Better than expected.Loved it!
David - 2 months ago
Bhutan is a unique country and Chencho, ably assisted byTandin and driver Captain John, was central ...view more
Iain - 2 months ago
Highly recommended tour for those who want to start exploring West Africa! The four members of the l...view more
Kinzang was an excellent tour leader and along with our driver Ngawang made our trip very memorable....view more
Graham - 2 months ago