History & Culture

See the world’s most incredible cultural spectacles – up close and personal.

Two million bodies dancing together to a hypnotic samba beat. Rainbow-hued costumes that boggle the senses. Ornate floats that took months to prepare – all for five days of joyous abandon. The Rio Carnival is truly an experience like no other. Since 1723 Rio de Janeiro has exploded into a life-affirming celebration in the days leading up to Lent. You can be at the heart of it, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Or perhaps you’d like to see in the New Year the Chinese way. A huge ceremonial dragon, adorned in spectacular robes, dances and enters to a backdrop of clattering percussion whilst revellers banish bad luck and wish one another good fortune for the coming year. Everywhere you look, houses are adorned with scarlet drapes to engage ancient gods and bring about wealth and longevity – and everywhere people will be smiling.

Alternatively, you could take in the wild abandon of Mardi Gras – an ancient celebration heralding the oncoming of Lent. Each city has its own traditions, but wherever you go you can expect dancers in incredible masks and costumes, music that dizzies the senses, and dancing until you’re satiated to the full.

Or for something completely different, enjoy the tranquillity and the ancient spectacle of the Great Wall of China. With parts dating back to the seventh century BC, the Great Wall extends for more than 13,000 miles including all its branches. Whilst it’s a myth that the Wall can be seen from space, it’s a spectacle that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime – testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty and one of the most remarkable structures anywhere in the world.