Festival fever hits the world

Festival fever is upon us but will the unpredictable British weather continue to put a dampener on festivities? Travelsphere, the UK’s leading operator of escorted tours worldwide, may have the answer.

The company is offering an excellent selection of trips to some of the world’s most fascinating festivals. So, whether you would like to immerse yourself in the mystique of Hong Kong, follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims in Sri Lanka or hail the return of the Southern Right whales to the waters off Hermanus in South Africa – there’s sure to be a festival to suit you.

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival 1st – 30th August 2007

The annual Hong Kong Shopping Festival, a 10 week extravaganza is an absolute must for the serious shopper in search of a bargain. Hundreds of shops, market stalls and shopping malls take part in the event - so whether you are looking for jewellery, watches, electronics, crafts, fabrics, silks, tailor-made suits or fabulous designer labels, there are some excellent bargains and in-store discounts to be had.

The 6-day break from £899 comes with the option to extend your stay a further 3 - nights for just £79. The price includes flights from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester airports to Hong Kong, transfers, four nights’ room only accommodation and a city tour. Departure on 19th August.

The Hermanus Whales Festival 21st – 24th September 2007

The Hermanus Whale Festival, the only Enviro-Arts festival in South Africa, is held annually to celebrate the return of the Southern Right whales to the waters of Walker Bay. Known as the best land based whale watching destination in the world, Hermanus attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe keen to experience this thrilling sight.

In addition to the three days spent at the festival, the 14-day trip from £1799 also includes return flights from Heathrow to Cape Town, six nights in Cape Town and three in Knysa on a B&B basis, plus fabulous excursions to Table Mountain, the West Coast National Park and beautiful Cape Peninsula. Highlights include a whale watching trip by boat, a visit to Stellenbosch for a wine tasting and cruise and farewell dinner on Knysna Lagoon. Departure on 13th September 2007.

The Pushkar Camel Fair, India 21st – 24th November 2007

The peaceful lakeside town of Pushkar is set in a beautiful valley in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. The Pushkar Camel Fair, an annual religious and cattle fair is one of the most popular and colourful fairs of the Thair desert, attracting thousands of locals and visitors from around the world. The event is primarily used for the mass trading of some 25,000 camels that are then adorned with handmade saddles, embroidered back-covers, beads and shells ready for the camel racing and beauty competitions! Expect an array of colourful stalls selling a cornucopia of items, plus the chance to take a camel trek into the surrounding desert.

The 10-day ‘India’s Golden Triangle’ tour from £1315, includes two nights’ in Pushkar, staying in special tented accommodation with private facilities, return flights from Heathrow and Manchester to Delhi, two nights’ each in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra on a half-board basis, plus tours of Old and New Delhi, Jaipur and the Taj Mahal. Departures on 13th November 2007.

The Kandy Perahera Festival, Sri Lanka 12th – 27th August 2007

Since 300 AD and as the August moon waxes in the Buddhist month of Esala, paraders have taken to the streets of Kandy for a 10-day festival to invoke the blessings of the gods for rain, fertility, successful crops and good health. The processions, which all take place at night, include fire-juggling acrobats, lavishly decorated elephants, traditional dancers, oboe-tooting musicians, whip crackers, torch bearers and thousands of barefoot pilgrims and swordsmen.

The 15-day India & Sri Lanka tour from £1395 includes two nights in Kandy for the festival, six nights in India and five further nights in Sri Lanka, plus flights from Heathrow to Delhi, returning from Colombo and several excursions. Departures on 13th August 2007.

For more information, visit Travelsphere.co.uk.