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Special Events & Festivals
Tours for the Event V.I.P.
The highlight of the tour was the Tattoo. I have been looking forward to seeing the Tattoo for about four years and it did not disappoint.”– Traveler on one of our Scotland tours featuring The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Special events on tour are your ticket to an exclusive experience – something that few world travelers will get to do. You’re witnessing tradition, culture, and beauty, and getting a brand-new perspective of a well-loved destination. Tours featuring the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta… the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing… Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope… Scotland’s Military Tattoo… these events give you bragging rights for life because you are experiencing history in the most special way.
Special Events
80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing
On the Memorials of World War II featuring the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing tour, retrace history as you explore the hallowed grounds of the Normandy landing beaches. Visit The D-Day Story Museum and learn about Operation Overlord. In Caen, France, experience the Caen Peace Memorial Museum that vividly documents the causes and consequences of WWII. From the Vel d’Hiv, Hôtel de Ville, Les Invalides, Panthéon, and the Luxembourg Gardens to Le Marais, see the sites that tell the story of the liberation of Paris and what life was like under the Nazis.
With 3 nights in the Normandy region, honor the anniversary of historic D-Day. From the London streets that played home to the German “Blitz” to the U.S. landing zones on Omaha and Utah beaches, WWII history lives on during this truly special tour.
With 3 nights in the Normandy region, honor the anniversary of historic D-Day. From the London streets that played home to the German “Blitz” to the U.S. landing zones on Omaha and Utah beaches, WWII history lives on during this truly special tour.
With 3 nights in the Normandy region, honor the anniversary of historic D-Day. From the London streets that played home to the German “Blitz” to the U.S. landing zones on Omaha and Utah beaches, WWII history lives on during this truly special tour.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Heads up! The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is one of the most spectacular displays of color and sound. Close to 600 balloons navigated by 1,000 pilots launch into the sky at early morning, creating a colorful spectacle of aviation and artistry. Enjoy this magical event during your time in the diverse and scenic state of New Mexico.
History
The brainchild of Susan Johnson, a local radio promotional director, and Sid Cutter of Albuquerque’s Aerostat Ascension Association, the Balloon Fiesta started with a meager 13 balloons in 1972 in the corner of a mall parking lot. Initially, the fiesta was meant to serve as a birthday celebration for the radio station, but it steadily grew in popularity to become the largest balloon event in the world. The event is now held on a sprawling field boasting over 350 acres and attracts an international audience.
A Photographer’s Dream Subject
The Balloon Fiesta is considered one of the world’s most photographed events. It’s estimated that more than 25 million still photographs are taken during the event. Whether you consider yourself a hobbyist or are a professional photographer, this is a must-attend event for those who live for the perfect shot.
The Albuquerque Box
While the temperatures in Albuquerque during the October season make for decent flying conditions, the wind patterns are also important for balloonists to consider. Balloonists make use of the wind’s predictable “box” pattern, known as the Albuquerque Box. This way, they can safely navigate through the air and then land safely.
Gas Versus Hot Air Balloons
A gas balloon takes flight as a result of helium or hydrogen gas lifting the envelope (the part of the balloon that holds air or gas). A hot air balloon relies on the gentle lifting of the envelope from hot air and “burners” to heat and cool the air. Both gas and hot air balloon pilots say the winds should be below twelve miles per hour for optimal launching and landing conditions.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo bring men and women from around the world to showcase their impressive talents and military pomp and pageantry. From drum corps and piping bands to dancers and drill teams, the performances are a sight to behold. Learn more about this global military event.
The Meaning Behind the Tattoo
The term tattoo originated from the Dutch in the 17th century. When military drummers or trumpeters began to play, the innkeepers would yell out doe den tap toe (turn off the tap), meaning that beer taps would stop serving beer and that soldiers should return to their barracks. The term, along with the practice, continued to evolve. Today, the tattoo is known as an elaborate military performance.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
For over 60 years, the Tattoo has been dazzling thousands of audience members with impressive performances of military pageantry. Drill and display teams, drum corps, military bands and dancers from every corner of the globe perform at the Tattoo, set on the esplanade of the historic Edinburgh Castle. Since its inception back in 1950, not a single performance has been cancelled. Tickets to this tattoo are included on several Collette tours.
Other Notable Military Tattoos
While the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are quite well-known internationally, there are several other tattoos around the world. In North America, the largest annual indoor military tattoo is Canada’s Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, which features over 2,000 performers from across the globe. And Asia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia have their own military tattoos.
Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope
The first Holy Year was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII in the year 1300. In the year 2025, follow in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims and journey to Rome for the next Jubilee. On Collette’s Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope tour, walk through history, reflect, and connect as you experience moments of hope in Rome and beyond. Enjoy a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Be a part of the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica. Experience the tradition of visiting 7 churches in a religious procession, with multiple opportunities to cross the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica for a plenary indulgence. From the Holy Cross in Jerusalem to visiting the catacombs and more – do not miss this spiritual journey that only comes around once every 25 years.
Flower Festivals
Whether you have a green thumb or just appreciate Mother Nature’s beautiful floral gifts, flowers are captivating organic creations. Across the world, people dedicate elaborate festivals to showcase flowers and all their unique shapes, sizes and colors. Enjoy one of these flower-themed festivals while on tour.
Tulip Time Festival, Holland, Michigan
Come May in Holland, Michigan, over 5 million vibrantly-hued tulips festoon the gardens, main streets and historic homes of this charming city in celebration of the annual Tulip Time Festival. Since the late 1920s, the festival has served to celebrate Holland’s Dutch roots and the token flower of the Netherlands. On tour, you’ll be able to take in beautiful fields filled with these bold-colored beauties at the Veldheer Tulip Gardens and Windmill Island Gardens.
Keukenhof
The expansive tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens is home to more than 7 million tulips. Spanning more than 70 acres, this picturesque park offers an idyllic scene with gorgeous flowers, tranquil ponds and shaded paths. See one of the most visited attractions in all of Europe on a tour through Holland.
Other Special Events Including Nice Carnival
Nice Carnival
Be swept up by the humming energy of this jubilant fête (party) at one of the most famous carnivals in the world: the Nice Carnival. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the coast of the French Riviera to witness this spectacle of festivity and joy that dates back to the 13th century. With a different theme every year, each carnival brings a unique twist to the holiday. Watch as the night is transformed by an array of colors, elaborately costumed dancers and towering floats during the Parade of Lights.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival sweeps the entire city. Many area hotels offer special cherry blossom-themed packages, which, in addition to discounts, may include a free bloom-inspired cocktail, chocolates, meals or more. See tours that visit here
Special Holiday Tours
Kick off your holidays feeling merry and bright.
Southern Charm Holiday
Find your holiday spirit with a drive through enchanting James Island County Park, decorated with 500,000 holiday lights. Enjoy Christmas caroling and afternoon refreshments on Jekyll Island.
Tour Details
Christmas in London
Nothing is quite as full of cheer as London during the holiday season. Whether you’re shopping through the Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations or taking in the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, this atmosphere will make you feel very festive indeed.
Tour Details
Spotlight on New York City Holiday
Shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and lots and lots of holiday cheer. New York City positively bursts with excitement for the holidays. From the lights and decorations to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, New York City has all the merry you need.
Tour Details
Magical Christmas Markets
Christmas markets transform already charming European villages and cities into magical holiday wonderlands. Stroll through a market in Austria or Germany and feel the holiday spirit in the air as you admire handcrafted ornaments and gifts, perhaps with a warm cup of mulled wine in hand. A festive, merry-filled experience awaits.
Tour DetailsOther Holiday Tours Include...
America’s Music Cities Holiday
8 Days • 11 Meals
Christmas on the Danube
9 Days • 19 Meals
Spotlight on San Antonio Holiday
5 Days • 6 Meals
Classic Christmas Markets
9 Days • 11 Meals
Spotlight on New Orleans Holiday
5 Days • 7 Meals
Nashville & the Smoky Mountains Holiday
8 Days • 11 Meals
Magical Christmas Markets
7 Days • 8 Meals
