June:
Russia / Greece / Canada / Bhutan
Russia
Snow covered landscapes give way to reveal vibrant flowers blooming and lush green trees in lawns and parks. The warm weather is perfect to explore the stellar cathedrals of Russia across Moscow and the Venice of the North: St. Petersburg.
Explore the renowned Red square, the iconic Kremlin, the fairytale like St Basil’s cathedral, enjoy the views of the Kremlin walls at the Sofiyskaya Embankment and the panoramic views of Moscow, including the Seven Sister Skyscrapers from the Sparrow hills.
Discover the relics of the Romanov dynasty at St Petersburg, as you visit architectural buildings of varied eras and styles. St Petersburg offers ornate palaces, spectacular cathedrals including the Kazan cathedral, Peter and Paul cathedral and St Isaac’s cathedral and several museums like the State Hermitage museum which houses paintings of Leonardo.
Go offbeat to Kizhi island which is akin to an open air museum and Kem, a town seeped in history.
Enjoy culinary Russian feasts and endless samplings of Vodka in gourmet tasting sessions, witness cultural performances and live life Tsar size in an Namaste exclusive experience that takes you on an enchanting train ride on the Kirov railroad across rustic Russian villages.
Greece
June is the perfect time to go island hopping in Greece: with it’s turquoise waters and culturally rich islands. White sand beaches, azure waters, great Greek cuisine, white and blue buildings and stunning sunsets: Greece has something for everyone.
The waters are warm enough to swim in June and the peak season has not yet set in so the prices are fairly cheaper. History lovers can unearth the secrets of Greek history at the Acropolis and Pantheon in Athens, take a day trip to the ruins of Delphi and to Meteora, a monastery perched on a cliff.
Party goers can revel in Mykonos, die hard romantics can wander off in the villages of Oia and Fira in Santorini and beach lovers can head to Zakynthos and Milos for a secluded beach vacation.
Go off the beaten track by visiting Naxos, the biggest island in the Cycladic group and climb Mt. Zeus. Visit the traditional islands of Paros and Antiparos to get a slice of the local Greek life and head to Crete for adventures like the Samaria gorge trek and scuba diving off the Northern coast.
With it’s sun kissed landscapes and scenic blue domes, Greece is the stuff storybooks are made of.
Canada
Being outdoorsy in June in Canada can give ample opportunities for travellers to hike, camp, and go fishing! Lesser crowds, lower prices, and easier access to the Northern territories, makes June a favourable month to visit Canada.
Head to South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park in British Columbia to see Polar Bears, go mountain biking at Vancouver and Campbell river, explore the UNESCO heritage town Quebec with it’s colonial streets and get drenched at the Instagram worthy Niagara Falls.
Nightlife lovers can party at Vancouver and thrill seekers can walk the CN tower EdgeWalk in Toronto. While in Toronto, head out for an art crawl to appreciate the wall art on the streets and picnic at the Sugar beach with scenic views of Lake Ontario. Go star gazing at Jasper, one of the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky preserves and visit the remote Bay of Fundy, a natural wonder with cliffs and coves.
Head to Algonquin Provincial Park, with pristine lakes and evergreen forests where you can kayak and camp in the wild and have a rendezvous with Beluga whales at Somerset island!
Cities, countryside, activities, wildlife: Canada has you covered.
Bhutan
Sacred mountain passes, massive fortresses (Dzongs), serene Buddhist temples (Lhakhangs), pristine rivers, happy faces, lush green fields: Bhutan is an epitome of happiness.
Travel to this elusive Himalayan kingdom to travel away from the illusion of the modern world to dreamland. Come June and the season is perfect to explore the architecture of the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dip your feet in the icy waters of the Paro Chu river and trek upto the sacred Tiger’s monastery at Paro.
For birder’s there is a chance to see the elusive Monal and a clear view of the mighty Jomolhari peak at the Chelela pass and for foodies there is a host of Bhutanese dishes to satiate your appetite. (From various kinds of Cheese to the local betel nut (Doma) to the varied types of Datshis.
Spend at least three days in the capital Thimpu, see an archery match, explore the folk museum to get an insight into the local life in Bhutan, meet the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin and get yourself a personalised stamp at the post office.
Indulge in a stone therapy spa in Paro, visit the local markets, savour the famous carrot cake and get back infectious smiles and the contagious happiness of Bhutan back home.