This is the second largest festival in South America, the festival of the sun. Hundreds of thousands of people converge on Cuzco for a week long celebration, marking the beginning of a new year. Every day has its events, from daytime expositions, street fairs, and people milling and dancing in the streets. In the evenings, live music from the best of Peruvian musical groups draws the crowds to the Plaza de Armas for free concerts.

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. Here, the Sapa Inca calls on the blessings from 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. The procession continues along flower-bedecked streets. At Sacsayhuamán, huge crowds await the arrival of the procession, and Sapa Inca climbs to the sacred altar to make his speech. As the sun begins to set, stacks of straw are set on fire and the celebrants dance around them and the ceremony ends with a procession back to Cuzco. 

Botswana’s beautiful scenery, prolific wildlife and excellent private game reserve make it one’s of Africa’s best safari destinations. Renowned for its abundant and varied wildlife, and its wide open, sparsely populated countryside, Botswana has set aside a large percentage of its land for national parks and games reserves. The jewel in Botswana’s crown is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta.

The Okavango is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17,000 square km and the largest inland delta in the world. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on the permanent waters of this unique feature. Enjoy wildlife, including lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah, viewing on foot, from open topped safari vehicles or from a mokoro dugout canoe.  Botwana is also home to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, the second largest game reserve in the world. Situated right in the centre of Botswana, this reserve is characterised by vast open plains, saltpans and ancient riverbeds.

The safari season in Botswana runs from the beginning of March to the end of November. June is generally warm and very dry although the nights can become cooler.

2007 marks the 800th anniversary of the birth of the great Islamic sage, poet and spiritual guide Jallaludin Rumi. The wisdom, insight and beauty of Rumi’s heritage are celebrated in concerts and ritual throughout the festival programme. The spirit of Morocco’s ancient holy city of Fes inspired the creation of the Sacred Music Festival. It is now recognised as one of the world’s great musical events, with visitors converging on the city from all over the globe for the festival week. They come for intimate performances that take place under a great Barbary oak in the gardens of the BathaMuseum – and for big events staged with Arabian Nights splendour in the Bab Makina palace courtyard. Alongside the music festival, The Fes Encounters brings together politicians, academics and social activists to discuss the urgent issues of our times. These include conflict resolution, climate change, urban renewal, social justice and much more. This year’s focus is on cultural diversity versus globalisation – and the relationship between faith and reason. The Fes Festival is a unique experience that combines high art, popular entertainment, spiritual energy and intellectual challenges.

Alaska, nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’, is the largest state in the USA and is a sparsely populated land of immense natural beauty. At one-fifth the size of the lower 48 States, Alaska has 3 million lakes, over 3000 rivers, 17 of the USA’s 20 highest peaks, 100,000 glaciers and 15 national parks, preserves and monuments. Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is surrounded by intercoastal waterways, lush rainforests, rugged mountainsides and awe-inspiring glaciers and is a prime example of why Alaska is such an exceptionally beautiful destination. Rugged charm, unforgettable scenery, and wide open expanse can all be used to describe this remote part of the world. Alaska is an enjoyable place to visit and to journey north to the Arctic is a truly memorable experience. Drive between the Yukon and Alaska via the ‘Top of the World Highway’ or take time to explore DenaliNational Park and for the journey of a lifetime why not take a cruise up to the Arctic Circle. Alaska is generally best visited between May and early September, with May usually affording the best combinations of clear skies and warm days.

The fact that the country has, for so long, been largely overlooked as a tourist destination is one of its greatest assets. The wilderness areas are pristine and the country offers its guests views of the African bush that have not changed for centuries.

The wild heart of Africa is still full of big game and has some of the best guides of Africa. There are two main National Parks: the South Luangwa and the LowerZambeziNational Park. The unique wilderness can be seen either by canoe or open 4-Wheel Drive vehicles. Alternatively, why not try a walking safari to really get a feel of being out in the wilderness. June is generally a dry month and therefore a great time to get out into the bush on foot.