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???????? ANZAC Day, Festivals & Major Events | March–April 2025 ?? The next six weeks are packed with meaningful commemorations, vibrant cultural festivals, and sporting spectacles across Australia and New Zealand. From ANZAC Day services to comedy festivals and yacht races, here’s what’s happening—and what to plan for! ??? ANZAC Day Services & Parades (April 25, 2025) A day of deep reflection, honoring Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women. Expect solemn dawn services and city-wide parades, with road closures in major urban centers. ??Sydney – Martin Place Cenotaph (4:30 AM), Parade (9:00 AM) to Hyde Park ??Melbourne – Shrine of Remembrance (5:30 AM), ANZAC March (9:00 AM) ??Brisbane – ANZAC Square (4:28 AM), Parade (9:30 AM) ??Gold Coast – Currumbin Beach (5:00 AM), sunrise tribute ??Cairns – Esplanade (5:30 AM), wreath-laying & honor guard ??Auckland – War Memorial Museum (6:00 AM), Parade (9:00 AM) ??Rotorua – Muruika War Cemetery (5:45 AM), bilingual service ??Wellington – Pukeahu National War Memorial (6:00 AM) ?? Festivals & Cultural Events ?? World of Cultures – Auckland (March 21–April 6) – Culminates in CultureFest on April 6 (10:00 AM–5:00 PM), a multicultural feast of food, music & dance. ?? Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March 26–April 20) – One of the world’s biggest comedy showcases, with free street performances & world-class acts across various venues. ?? CubaDupa – Wellington (March 29–30) – A lively street festival with performances from midday to late evening in Cuba Street. ?? Tjungu Indigenous Cultural Festival – Uluru (April 25–28) – Celebrate Aboriginal culture with Inma welcome ceremonies, markets & performances (various times daily). ?? Arrowtown Autumn Festival – Queenstown (April 24–27) – Features the Festival Parade (April 26, 2:00 PM) & a bustling market day. ? Sporting & Outdoor Events ?? Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race (April 18) – Dozens of yachts depart from Shorncliffe Pier on Good Friday at 11:00 AM, with great viewing spots along Moreton Bay. ?? Transport Disruptions & Alerts ?? Auckland Rail Shutdown (April 12–27) – City Rail Link construction = no trains, bus replacements in place. ?? Wellington Rail Upgrades – No trains Easter weekend (April 18–21) & ANZAC weekend (April 25–27). Johnsonville Line closed April 13–27. ?? State Highway Works (Wellington-Hutt Valley) – SH2 at Melling closed April 12–25 = heavy traffic delays. ?? ANZAC Day Road Closures – Sydney CBD streets closed 2:00 AM–4:00 PM, Melbourne’s St Kilda Rd & Swanston St closed early morning until ~2:00 PM, and similar closures in Brisbane, Wellington, and other cities. Whether you're paying your respects on ANZAC Day, enjoying a festival, or watching an exciting race, make the most of these special events and travel safely! #TourDirectors #TravelUpdate #Australia #NewZealand #CulturalEvents

? Build a Great Story ?? As tour directors, we’re natural storytellers. We don’t just share facts—we create experiences. And one of the best ways to do that? Build a story using these key elements: ?? A Strong Hook – Grab attention right away with an unexpected or intriguing detail. ?? Vivid Imagery – Paint a picture so the audience can see the moment unfold. ?? Emotional Connection – Make it relatable, funny, or suspenseful to keep people engaged. ?? A Memorable Twist – Leave them with something they won’t forget. To prove it, here’s a real historical event turned into a story—one that never fails to surprise: ?? The Day Napoleon Was Defeated by Bunnies ??? It was 1807. Napoleon Bonaparte, at the peak of his power, had just returned victorious from battle. To celebrate, his chief of staff arranged a grand rabbit hunt for the emperor and his officers. Hundreds—some say thousands—of rabbits were gathered for the event. But when the cages were opened, something went terribly wrong. Instead of running away, the rabbits rushed toward him. At first, Napoleon laughed. Then he realized they weren’t stopping. Rabbits leapt at his boots, scurried up his coat, and swarmed his officers. The mighty general had faced the armies of Europe—but he was completely unprepared for this fluffy invasion. Why? Because these weren’t wild rabbits. They were domesticated, raised by humans. To them, Napoleon wasn’t a fearsome leader, they saw him as a walking food dispenser. His men shouted, stomped, and even fired their rifles into the air. Nothing worked. The rabbits kept coming. With no other choice, Napoleon did what any great military leader would do. He ran. Scrambling into their carriages, he and his men sped away, leaving the battlefield to the real victors—the bunnies. ?? Vive la Bunny! ??? This story works because it follows the key elements of storytelling—a strong hook, vivid imagery, humour, and an unforgettable twist. What’s your favourite unexpected story to tell on tour? Share below! ?? #Storytelling #TourDirectors #Napoleon #TravelStories #FunFacts

?? Key Events & Travel Updates for March & April 2025 in the US?? Spring is packed with exciting events across the US, and we’ve got your quick guide to what’s happening! From festive parades to seasonal highlights, here’s what to look out for—and yes, those inevitable strikes! ?? St. Patrick’s Day Parades ?? March 15 – Chicago, IL (Grant Park, River Dyeing), San Francisco, CA (Market St.), Phoenix, AZ (Downtown) ?? March 16 – Boston, MA (Southie), Detroit, MI (Downtown) ?? March 17 – New York City, NY (5th Ave.), Honolulu, HI (Kalākaua Ave.), Savannah, GA (Historic Downtown), Charleston, SC (King St.), Minneapolis, MN (Nicollet Mall), Nashville, TN (Broadway) Spring & Cultural Festivals ?? Washington, D.C. ?? Blossom Kite Festival ?? March 29 | ?? 10:00 AM-4:00 PM | ?? Washington Monument Grounds A colorful kite-flying event as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. ?? "Bloomaroo" Cherry Blossom Celebration ?? March 29 | ?? 4:00–8:00 PM | ?? The Wharf Enjoy live music, cherry blossom–themed art, beer gardens, and a fireworks show at 8:30 PM. ?? Los Angeles, CA ?? CicLAvia Open Streets Festival ?? April 6 | ?? 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | ?? Koreatown Meets Hollywood A car-free event transforming city streets into pedestrian-friendly zones for biking, skating, and outdoor performances. ?? New Orleans, LA ?? French Quarter Festival ?? April 10–13 | ?? French Quarter A four-day festival with 20+ live music stages, jazz performances, local cuisine, and cultural showcases. ?? Miami, FL ?? Viernes Culturales (Cultural Friday in Little Havana) ?? March 21 | ?? 12:00 PM–Evening | ?? Calle Ocho (SW 8th St.) A lively monthly event with Latin music, folkloric dance, domino games, and Cuban street food. ?? Seattle, WA ?? Irish Festival Seattle ?? March 15–16 | ?? Seattle Center Armory Celebrate Irish culture with Celtic music, step-dancing, genealogy workshops, and kids’ activities. ?? ?? Travel Disruptions to Keep in Mind ?? San Francisco Bay Area: VTA bus & light rail strike ongoing since March 11, affecting Santa Clara County. No VTA services are operating, impacting commutes and connections to Caltrain & BART. No end date confirmed. With big events and bustling streets, a little extra planning can make all the difference. If you're visiting any of these cities, get ready for an amazing trip! #TourDirectors #SpringEvents #CulturalFestivals #TravelUpdates

??? Greece This Spring – Cultural Events & Travel Alerts (March–April 2025) ??? Spring in Greece is a time of vibrant celebrations—from Greek Independence Day to Easter Week, one of the country’s most important events. If you're visiting between Holy Thursday (April 17) and Easter Sunday (April 20), you'll witness candlelit processions, midnight church services, and of course, no Greek Easter is complete without a friendly egg-cracking battle (Tsougrisma)—may the strongest egg win! ???? ?? Upcoming Cultural Events in Greece ?? Athens – Greek Independence Day Parade ?? March 25 | ?? 11:00 AM | ?? Vasilissis Amalias Ave. to Omonia Square A grand military parade celebrating Greece’s 1821 independence with bands, folk costumes, and national pride. ?? Athens – Craft & Create Market ?? March 14–16 | ?? 12:00 PM–9:00 PM | ?? Kypseli Municipal Market A lively artisan market featuring handmade jewelry, candles, ceramics, and local crafts. ?? Thessaloniki – Thessaloniki Wine Show 2025 ?? March 30–31 | ?? 12:00–8:00 PM | ?? Pavilion of Nations, HELEXPO A two-day wine expo showcasing Greece’s top wines & spirits. (Ticketed, open to the public) ?? Santorini – Good Friday Candlelight Procession ?? April 18 | ?? After sunset | ?? Pyrgos Village A breathtaking candlelit procession through the village, illuminating the night with thousands of lanterns. ?? Crete (Chania) – OiNotika Wine Fair ?? March 29–30 | ?? Sat 12:00–9:00 PM, Sun 12:00–8:00 PM | ?? Avra Imperial Hotel, Kolymbari A Cretan wine festival with tastings of 350+ wines from 35 wineries. (Ticketed, includes tasting glass) ?? Corfu – Easter “Pot Throwing” Tradition ?? April 19 | ?? 11:00 AM | ?? Spianada Square & Liston area, Corfu Town A thrilling Holy Saturday tradition where locals throw clay pots from balconies to welcome spring! ?? Paros – Good Friday Passion Reenactments ?? April 18 | ?? 8:00 PM | ?? Marpissa, Paros Villagers perform dramatic reenactments of the Passion of Christ in the village streets. ?? ?? Travel Disruptions in Greece March 25: Greek Independence Day Parades in Athens & Thessaloniki = major road closures & possible metro station shutdowns. April 9: Nationwide 24-hour general strike = no ferries, public transport, and possible flight disruptions. ?? Greece is alive with history, culture, and tradition this spring! Whether you’re experiencing Athens’ parades, Santorini’s Easter magic, or Crete’s wine fairs, there’s something unforgettable for every traveler. #TravelGreece #GreekEaster #TourDirectors

Italy this month has it all—historical reenactments, parades, free museum days… oh, and a few travel strikes. Here’s what’s happening in Italy within the next month! ?? Rome – Ides of March Reenactment ?? March 15 | ?? Afternoon | ?? Largo di Torre Argentina Watch Julius Caesar’s assassination reenacted at the historic site where it happened in 44 BC! ?? Rome – Rome Marathon ?? March 16 | ?? Starts at 8:30 AM | ?? Starts & ends at Via dei Fori Imperiali, in front of the Colosseum Expect road closures across central Rome; plan for metro travel & walking. ?? Florence – Florentine New Year’s Historical Parade ?? March 25 | ?? All day | ?? Starts at the Palagio di Parte Guelfa and ends at the Basilica of SS.?Annunziata.? A medieval-style parade celebrates Florence’s traditional New Year! ?? Venice – Free Museums for Women (Festa della Donna) ?? March 8 | ?? All day | ?? State-run museums Women can visit top museums (like Gallerie dell’Accademia) for free! ?? Pisa – Pisan New Year (Capodanno Pisano) ?? March 25 | ?? 12:00 PM | ?? Pisa Cathedral Witness a stunning cathedral sunbeam ritual and a medieval procession. ?? Assisi – FAI Spring Days ?? March 22–23 | ?? Various times | ?? Bosco di San Francesco Explore hidden heritage sites for free during Italy’s cultural open-house weekend. ?? Important Travel Alerts: ?? March 8 – General Strike (Nationwide) ?? Airports & ??? Trains may experience cancellations & delays. ?? Rome, Florence, Venice, Naples: Flights & rail services could be disrupted – check schedules! ?? March 16 – Airport Staff Strike ?? Baggage handlers at airports across Italy are to engage in a 24-hour strike. ?? March 18–19 – National Rail Strike ?? Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord, and Trenitalia Tper could be canceled or delayed. ? Plan ahead & enjoy Italy’s incredible culture! Which event are you most excited for?? #TourDirectors #Italy #TravelTips #CulturalTravel #Rome #Florence #Venice #Naples #TransportStrikes

March is shaping up to be an exciting month across Spain and Portugal?????? From fireworks in Valencia to tango in Granada and live music in évora, culture is everywhere on your tour. And because no trip is complete without a little adventure—brace for strikes in Valencia, traffic in Madrid, and detours galore. But hey, think of it as a bonus sightseeing stop! ?? Madrid – Carnaval de Madrid ?? March 1–5 | ?? Various times | ?? Citywide A lively carnival celebration featuring free street parades, music, and workshops. Don’t miss the Grand Carnival Parade on March 1 (1–3 PM) from Puente de Toledo! ?? Barcelona – Sant Medir “Candy Festival” ?? March 3 | ?? Afternoon & evening | ?? Gràcia A sweet tradition where horseback riders toss candies to the crowd during a festive parade through the streets of Gràcia. ???? ?? Granada – International Tango Festival ?? March 18–23 | ?? Various times | ?? Citywide Enjoy free tango performances and open-air dance gatherings in plazas, celebrating the passion of tango with live music. ???? ?? Seville – FeMàS (Seville Early Music Festival) ?? Starts March 21 | ?? Various times | ?? Historic venues A prestigious festival of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music, offering free concerts, lectures, and rehearsals in public spaces. ???? ?? Valencia – Las Fallas ?? March 1–19 | ?? Citywide A UNESCO-listed festival where 750+ giant satirical sculptures take over the streets. Daily firecracker shows, parades, and fireworks—all free to enjoy! ???? ?? Málaga – Málaga Film Festival ?? March 14–23 | ?? Various venues Alongside screenings, enjoy free concerts, film workshops, and cultural activities at the new La Villa del Mar on Malagueta Beach. ???? ?? Loulé (Algarve, Portugal) – Carnaval de Loulé ?? March 2–4 | ?? 3:00–6:00 PM | ?? Avenida José da Costa Mealha The Algarve’s biggest carnival—free parade with samba dancers, colourful floats, and street performances. ???? ?? Travel & Transport Updates ?? Madrid: A?5 roadworks causing peak-hour congestion (Jan–March). ?? Barcelona: VTC strike on March 3 and protest on March 11. ?? Toledo: Carnaval road closures on Feb 28, March 1–2. ?? Valencia: Metrovalencia strikes on multiple dates (March 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14), plus rail disruptions to Sagunt & Teruel. Take in the sights, embrace the surprises, and enjoy the ride—March is going to be a great one! ????? #TourDirectors #Spain #Portugal #GroupTravel #CulturalEvents #Festivals #TravelUpdates

Getting into the UK is about to come with a little extra paperwork. The new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) means that some travellers who used to enter without a visa will now need to apply in advance. And it’s not just your group—depending on your nationality, you might need one too! Just something to keep in mind as you plan your tours. ?? Who Needs an ETA? ?? From January 8, 2025: Visitors from 48 non-EU countries (including the US and Canada) who previously travelled visa-free. ?? From April 2, 2025: EU nationals (Applications open March 5, 2025). ?? Key Features of the ETA: ?? Cost: ￡10 (expected to increase to ~￡16 later in 2025). ?? Validity: Digitally linked to the traveller’s passport, valid for multiple entries over two years (or until passport expiry). ?? Stay Duration: Allows visits of up to six months. ?? Application Process: ? Travellers must apply online or via a mobile app at www.gov.uk/apply-eta. ? The process takes about 10 minutes, requiring a digital photo, passport scan, and a short questionnaire. ? Most applications receive an automated decision within minutes, but some may take up to three working days. ?? Enforcement at the Border: ?? Airlines are responsible for verifying ETA status before boarding. Passengers without a valid ETA may be denied boarding. ?? Final entry approval remains with UK Border Force, even if an ETA is granted. The travel landscape is always changing, and this is just one more update to keep on your radar. Whether it affects your travellers—or even you—a little awareness goes a long way in keeping things running smoothly. Happy touring! ??? #TourDirector #TravelUpdates #UKTravel #ETA #GroupTravel #OnTheRoad

Planning a tour in London this March? Get ready for an exciting mix of world-class events, festive crowds, and- of course- transport surprises! Because what’s a London tour without the occasional road closure keeping things interesting? Here’s what’s coming up, so you can stay ahead of the game. ?? Head of the River Race When: Saturday, March 22, 2025 Where: River Thames, running from Mortlake to Putney Details: This prestigious rowing event attracts large crowds along the Thames, especially in west London. The race typically begins about two hours after high tide (around 2:00 PM—check horr.co.uk closer to the date for exact timing). It’s always a fantastic sight, and the atmosphere along the river is incredible. ?? St Patrick’s Day Celebrations When: Monday, March 17, 2025 Where: Central London Details: A lively day filled with parades, cultural performances, and plenty of Irish spirit! There will also be vibrant celebrations in Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, and Manchester. ??Brit Awards 2025 When: Saturday, March 1, 2025 – Evening (TBC) Where: The O? Arena, London Details: A huge night for music, with top artists and performances. If your group is staying in or around Greenwich, it could be a bit busier than usual. Key Transport Updates & Road Closures ?? Elizabeth Line Strikes – No Service On: February 27, March 1, March 8, March 10, 2025 Please check the TfL website before travelling to confirm the current status ( https://lnkd.in/e7ty_BM ). ??? M25 Closures (Junction 10–11, Surrey, Southwest of London) Weekend closures: March 7–10 & March 21–24, 2025 This section of the M25 near Wisley and Woking will be closed over two weekends. ??Lambeth Bridge Renovations One-way restrictions: Feb 10 – July 18, 2025 For those travelling through central London, there will be ongoing restrictions on Lambeth Bridge, so it’s good to be aware of possible detours. March is shaping up to be an exciting time in London, with plenty happening across the city. Hopefully, this helps with any plans you’re making for your tours. Wishing you smooth travels and a fantastic time on the road! #TourDirectors #LondonTours #TravelPlanning #OnTour

?? March 2025 is coming soon, and Europe is getting ready for amazing festivals and cultural events! From big parades to beautiful light shows, these events will make any trip special. Here are 10 exciting festivals to know about: 1?? Carnival of Venice – Venice, Italy (Feb 22 – Mar 4, 2025) ? Step into a world of magic at Venice’s famous carnival! Enjoy beautiful masks, gondola parades, and elegant costumes at this historic festival. 2?? Cologne Carnival (Karneval) – Cologne, Germany (Feb 27 – Mar 5, 2025) ?? Join one of Germany’s biggest celebrations! Colourful parades, fun costumes, and the famous Rosenmontag parade on March 3 make this event full of energy. 3?? Carnival of Basel (Basler Fasnacht) – Basel, Switzerland (Mar 10–12, 2025) ?? At 4 AM, the city of Basel comes alive with lanterns, music, and masked performers for Morgestraich—a magical and unique experience. 4?? St. Patrick’s Festival – Dublin, Ireland (Mar 15–17, 2025) ?? Dublin turns green with fun parades, traditional Irish music, and a great atmosphere to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint. 5?? Fallas de Valencia – Valencia, Spain (Mar 1–19, 2025) ?? See giant artistic statues (fallas) before they are set on fire in this exciting UNESCO-listed festival that welcomes spring. 6?? Kaziukas Fair – Vilnius, Lithuania (Mar 7–9, 2025) ?? This traditional fair, started in the 17th century, is a great place to find handmade crafts, folk music, and tasty Lithuanian treats. 7?? EAT & MEET Culinary Festival – Salzburg, Austria (Mar 7–30, 2025) ??? A dream event for food lovers! Try delicious Austrian food, watch chef demonstrations, and enjoy special restaurant menus in Salzburg. 8?? Festival of Lights Zagreb – Zagreb, Croatia (Mar 19–23, 2025) ?? Walk through Zagreb’s old streets as they light up with beautiful art installations—a true wonder to see! 9?? Amsterdam Tulip Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands (Mar 20 – May 11, 2025) ?? Welcome spring by walking through Amsterdam’s parks and canals decorated with thousands of colourful tulips—a symbol of Dutch culture. ?? Courchevel Pyrotechnic Arts Festival – Courchevel, France (Feb 13 – Mar 6, 2025) ?? Enjoy amazing fireworks in the French Alps, lighting up the sky to music every Thursday evening—a winter show to remember! Europe has so many exciting festivals in March! Do you know of any other events that should be on this list? ?? #TourPlanning #GroupTravel #TourDirectors #EuropeEvents #MarchFestivals #MustSeeEvents #CulturalTravel

??? "The countdown is over, and 2025 is here! Let’s make it a year to remember." ??? May this year bring you new opportunities, exciting adventures, and moments to celebrate. ?? Wishing you a year filled with happiness, success, and endless possibilities. Let’s make it an incredible one together! Happy New Year #TourDirectors!