Looking for a cultural holiday? Here’s where to go…

Learn the etiquette of a Japanese tea ceremony on holiday

Japan’s unique cultural symbolism - from tea ceremonies to sumo

A holiday in Japan offers cultural experiences ranging from learning the quiet etiquette of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to soaking up the adrenaline-packed spectacle of a sumo wrestling bout. Although both are uniquely Japanese, these two cultural experiences couldn’t be more different. A Japanese tea ceremony is a chance to slow down and connect with a practice rooted in Zen Buddhism. Every gesture, from pouring the tea to exchanging bows, is an act of mindfulness and respect. At the other end of the scale, sumo is a powerful and boisterous Japanese sport, which is also deeply ceremonial. It dates back over 1,500 years with rituals, chants and an aura of mysticism that make it quite enthralling to watch. Attending a sumo tournament during your holiday is a thrilling way to witness this unique Japanese culture close up.

Witness the art of flamenco in Spain

It might seem like a cliché, but watching a live flamenco show is a must for any cultural holiday in Spain. That’s because flamenco is more than just a dance; it’s an embodiment of Spanish spirit, a symbol of the nation and Spain’s signature art form. In cities like Seville and Madrid, you’ll find intimate venues where the sight and sound of castanets, soulful guitar music, traditional dress and storytelling through dance come together in a powerful display of pure Spanish culture. But don’t stop there - Spain is also home to some of Europe’s most colourful and lively festivals. The April Fiesta in Seville is a whirlwind of Andalusian culture, from flamenco music and dancing to horse parades and cuisine. This is just one of many fiestas and cultural events that take place in Spain throughout the year - time your holiday to coincide with one and you’re in for a treat.

Why not time your holiday for Cusco’s Sun Festival?

Witness Peru’s inspiring Inca culture and civilisation

A holiday in Peru is a journey through ancient culture and traditions, particularly the rich history of the Inca civilization. Cusco’s Sun Festival is one of the country’s most spectacular celebrations of wider Andean culture. Held every June, the festival re-enacts an ancient Inca ritual dedicated to the sun god, Inti. It’s a dizzying procession of music and dance, bringing to life various chapters and stories in Inca life and mythology and filling the streets with joyful crowds. For a deeper, and perhaps more physically challenging dive into Inca culture, why not hike part of the Inca trail while you’re on holiday? The steep mountain path opens up to the most spectacular mountain scenery, as well as the stunning sight of Machu Picchu, once capital of the Inca Empire and now one of the most famous archaeological destinations in the world. Don’t fancy the hike? Take the train - the scenery is just as impressive!

Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival is a cultural celebration

Celebrate life, death and ancient Mayan mastery in Mexico

Unlikely as it may sound, Mexico’s Day of the Dead is one of the world’s most captivating cultural events, blending indigenous Mexican tradition with Catholic customs and beliefs. Held annually at the start of November, the Day of the Dead is not about mourning but celebrating the life of a deceased loved one, when families make and decorate altars with candles, photos, food offerings and flowers, especially marigolds. It’s a vivid celebration of life and death which has been given UNESCO cultural heritage status. For a deeper cultural journey on holiday, head to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to witness awe-inspiring Mayan ruins like Chichen Itzá and Tulum. The Mayans excelled in mathematics, writing and astronomy and these extraordinary cultural landmarks including pyramids, temples, and observatories tell the story of a sophisticated civilization that flourished long before European explorers set foot on the Americas.

Visit New Orleans in time for its vibrant Mardi Gras

Join the jazz and Mardi Gras party in New Orleans

New Orleans is widely recognised as the birthplace of jazz, a genre that has shaped music across the world. The city’s live music scene is legendary with countless bars, clubs, and venues where you can hear local talent perform the soulful, spontaneous rhythms of jazz, and visit places where cultural legends like Louis Armstrong and King Oliver played. A visit to the iconic French Quarter with its lively bars and historic venues, will immerse you in a place where the sound of brass bands, improvisation and jazz rhythms echo through the streets. If you’re lucky enough to be on holiday in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, the cultural experience is even more electric. Mardi Gras is a riot of colour, music, parades and costumes that transform the entire city into one big party. The celebration’s roots go deep into French, African and Spanish heritage, mixing sounds, cultures and cuisines. If you’re a jazz fan, a holiday during Mardi Gras is not to be missed.

More cultural holidays in Europe and beyond

This is just a tiny taste of the culturally rich tours and holidays you can experience with Titan. Other rewarding destinations include Italy’s gorgeous Amalfi Coast where you can visit places like stylish Sorrento and the ruins of Pompeii, Egypt's timeless River Nile with its inspiring ancient treasures including Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, and Cambodia where cultural heavyweights like Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat await. We also have lots of holidays featuring things like wine tasting, cookery lessons and opportunities to meet and interact with local people, all giving you the chance to experience real life, culture and customs firsthand.

To see Titan’s full range of escorted tours and small group holidays with cultural interest, browse our collection online, request a brochure or speak to our travel advisors.