Harbin Ice Festival in China January 2010
What: Intricate ice carvings and stunning snow sculptures are the order of the day at the Harbin Ice Fesival that takes place every January in China. Harbin in northeast China holds its annual celebration of ice art throughout January, attracting sculptors and visitors from across the world. Each year the city is transformed into a glorious ice world, with sculptures and artwork on discplay in Sun Island Park, Harbin Ice and Snow World and Zhaolin Park. A highlight of the festival is the wonderful ‘ice lanterns’ - incredible ice creations imbedded with thousands of tiny coloured lights
When: From 5 January 2010 for a month
How: Bales has developed a 9 day holiday, which includes three nights in Harbin taking in this extravaganza. The trip includes time in Beijing, a visit to the Great Wall of China, a chance to witness the spectacle of Harbin locals taking a daily dip in the frozen River Songhua, plus a guided tour of St. Sophia Church and the smugglers market
Cost: From £1,499 per person based on two sharing. This includes flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals and sightseeing
Longest Annular Eclipse in Kerala January 2010
What: January 2010 sees the longest Annular Eclipse of coming millennium take place and Kerala in Southern India is one of the best places to view it. As opposed to a total eclipse where the moon blocks the sun out completely, an Annular Eclipse is when it doesn’t totally cover the sun, leaving a stunning ring of light – or annulus - around its edges. The annularity of this eclipse will last an amazing 10+ minutes in Southern India!
When: 15 January 2010
How: Head to Kerala with Bales’ 10 day India Eclipse itinerary. As well spending the eclipse day in Varkala learning about the phenomenon, being taught how to photograph it and finally watching it unfold, the trip includes other Keralan highlights. Visit a spice plantation, head out on a jungle walk, relax in a luxurious backwater lagoon resort, and explore colonial Fort Cochin
Cost: £1720.00 per person based on two sharing. This includes flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals and sightseeing
Waitangi Day in New Zealand February 2010 – Waka Festival
What: The largest fleet of waka (ceremonial canoes) in recorded history and the largest waka in the world will form a central part of Waitangi Day 2010. Taking place on 6 February, Waitangi Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the nation’s formative Treaty and it has a great family and festival atmosphere. In addition to the huge waka fleet, highlights for 2010 include The Royal New Zealand Navy’s 21-gun salute and the impressive Beat Retreat at Ceremonial Sunset, beachfront concerts from the likes of Ray Woolf and the Rodger Fox Big Band, and Whirimako Black, plus competitive team games. Nostalgia and tradition mix with modern music and a festival marketplace atmosphere, to create a uniquely Kiwi day out!
When: 6 February
How: Bales’ offers a 14 day self drive itinerary in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, to coincide with the Waitangi Day celebrations. Fly to Kerikeri airport, via Auckland, pick up your rental car and set off to explore this wonderful region. The 5 and 6 February are spent at leisure in Waitangi Bay, ensuring you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the festivities. Other highlights of the trip are Rotorua, Napier and Wellington.
Cost: £2,785 per person based on two sharing. This includes all flights, car rental, accommodation and breakfast
Shanghai Expo May – October 2010
What: Shanghai is set to sparkle as it plays host to Expo 2010. This awesome spectacle will cover a total area of 5.28km² square kilometres, spread over both sides of the Huangpu River. The 12 pavilion groups will showcase countries from around the world, including the UK which is planning a huge ‘light box’ for its pavilion. With a slogan of Better City, Better Life, Shanghai hopes to make the Expo a powerful and lasting example of sustainable and harmonious urban living
When: From 1 May - 31 October 2010
How: For an extravagant short break, opt for Bales’ Shanghai Expo Weekend. This 4 day itinerary includes a full day at the Expo, as well as a day exploring the sights of Shanghai. Tour Old Shanghai, taking in the famous Jade Buddha temple and the wonderful 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens, before heading for a spot of shopping on the busy Nanjing Road. Finish your trip on a high with an exhilarating trip aboard the Maglev train, which will whisk you back to the airport at speeds of up to 350 km per hour!
Cost: From £899 per person based on two sharing. This includes flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfast, Expo day ticket, half day Shanghai sightseeing
Inti Raymi celebration in Peru June 2010
What: Inti Raymi, the ‘Festival of the Sun’, is the second largest festival in South America. Hundreds of thousands of people converge on Cuzco for a week long celebration, marking the beginning of a new year. Expect daytime expositions, street fairs, dancing in the streets, and live music from the best of Peruvian musical groups. June 24 is the actual day of Inti Raymi, when the ceremonial events begin with an invocation by the Sapa Inca in the Qorikancha, in front of the Santo Domingo church, built over the ancient Temple of the Sun. Following the oration, Sapa Inca is carried on a golden throne, a replica of the original which weighed about 60 kilos, in a procession to the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán, in the hills above Cuzco
When: 24 June
How: Bales’ Peru and the Andes Inti Raymi itinerary takes in the festival, along with a number of other Peruvian highlights. The 14 day extravaganza allows you to explore Lima’s ancient and colonial treasures, experience the awe-inspiring vistas of the Colca Canyon and the sacred shores of Lake Titicaca, and discover the Inca treasures of the Sacred Valley and the unmissable ruins of Machu Picchu. The tour includes a full day of festivities at the Inti Raymi festival
Cost: £3,655 per person based on two sharing. This includes flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals, sightseeing and English speaking guides
1000th Year Anniversary for Hanoi – October 2010
What: October 2010 sees ten days of celebration and festivity in Hanoi to mark the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the city. Highlights include a food festival, art exhibition, 1,000 flying lanterns, sporting events, music, dance, theatre productions, a kite festival and much more. Events culminate with the Great Anniversary Festival on 10 October, which will include official ceremonies, street parades, music and the release of 1,000 ‘dragons’ into the night sky!
When: 1- 10 October 2010
How: Bales’ Vietnam 1000 Anniversary itinerary offers 9 days in Vietnam, coinciding with the festival. As well as a chance to join in the festivities in Hanoi (including the spectacular opening ceremony), the trip includes other Vietnamese highlights. Visit the captivating trading port of Hoi An, take an optional excursion to the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of My Son and explore majestic Ho Chi Minh City.
Cost: £1,695 per person based on two sharing. This includes flights, transfers, accommodation, breakfasts and sightseeing
For all reservations go to www.balesworldwide.com or call 0845 057 0600
