CULTURE TRIP SALE: Wind Down 2023 With a Soul-Soothing Wellness Escape
The New Year might energise you to try new things, make big life decisions and become a gym-head but, as the calendar reaches its final few pages, you might start to feel burnt out. Just because the summer is over, it doesn’t mean travel can’t act as your go-to detox, especially since we’re cutting prices on a range of late-2023 departures. Join us on one of these soul-soothing itineraries to end the year happy and invigorated.
If you’re interested in one of these trips, be sure to chat to our Travel Experts, who are on hand to offer you support and guidance throughout the trip selection and booking process.
Georgia and the Caucasus – 24 September – $437 OFF
Ever dreamt of escaping to somewhere high in the mountains, far from the mind-numbing hum of modern metropolises? Head right up to the border between Europe and Asia and join us for eight-days of serene outdoor adventures in gorgeous Georgia. This itinerary takes multiple routes to inner-peace. First, there’s surrounding yourself in the epic natural beauty of Lagodekhi National Park, Truso Gorge and the Caucasus Mountains. Second, there’s food for the soul, in the form of a cooking class, wine tasting and Georgian delicacies with a local family. Finally, after a week of thorough exploration, you’ll soak off in the soothing sulphur baths of Tbilisi – the perfect way to end a life-affirming, high-altitude holiday. If you’re prepared to book extremely last-minute and travel next week, then you could save a chunky $437.
From US$1167
Next available from 24th Sep 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
ENDS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Blissful Bali – 7 October – $499 OFF
In recent years Bali has become the poster destination for wellness retreats, but our 12-day exploration of this Indonesian paradise isn’t a nauseating influencer retreat, nor is it a youth hostel party holiday. Our itinerary blends all of the elements that make this island so wonderful, namely a unique and ancient culture, sublime natural beauty and an inherent flair for relaxation. You’ll experience a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony and create sacred offerings to place in a temple, as well as exploring the great outdoors by swimming in waterfalls, hiking through rice paddies and summiting Mount Batur at sunrise. We’ll round off the trip with a relaxing few nights at a luxurious beach resort on the tiny island of Gili Trawangan, where you can chill on the beach, book yourself a massage or go snorkelling with the local sea turtles. Who needs devices anyway!? Book our October departure today and save $499.
From US$1350
Next available from 7th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bali, Indonesia
ENDS AT
Bali, Indonesia
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Beachy Belize – 7 October – $402 OFF
Keeping a coastal theme, things really kick back on our five-day escape to the white sands of Belize. This small nation might be part of mainland Central America but the vibes are all Caribbean, especially at our luxurious resort on the peninsula of Placencia, which even has its own private beach. When you’re not reading under a palm tree, swimming in crystal clear waters and rolling around in the sand, you’ll be snorkelling in the Belize Barrier Reef, spotting jaguars on a rainforest hike and taking in the coastal views on a stunning sunset cruise. Sound like the retreat you’ve been waiting for? Our October departure is $402 off, so see you on the beach.
From US$1094
Next available from 7th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Belize City, Belize
ENDS AT
Belize City, Belize
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Soulful South Korea – 8 October – $805 OFF
Wellness culture is extremely popular in South Korea, partly deriving from the country’s rich history with Buddhism. Our 10-day tour of the country explores this in its purest form, as you’ll get to experience a traditional Korean temple stay for yourself. That’s right, we’ll whisk you over to Golgulsa, a sixth-century Buddhist cave temple, where you’ll learn to live like monks for the day. Dine on hearty veggie cuisine, practice archery and master meditation and martial arts before sleeping over in the temple itself. If that doesn’t leave you centred and refreshed, then perhaps hiking in Seoraksan National Park or sipping soju on the beaches of Busan will. The savings are colossal on this one – $805 off our last departure of 2023!
From US$2414
Next available from 8th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Seoul, South Korea
ENDS AT
Seoul, South Korea
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Japan by Train – 12 October and 5 November – $985 OFF
Japanese culture can be soul-soothing in a very similar way to Korea and, while this 12-day Rail Trip does feature a lot of city-breaking, it also includes more than a few moments for gentle relaxation. There’s the epic peaks, ancient shrines and pretty little deer trotting around Miyajima Island, while few places are as inherently tranquil as Arashiyama bamboo forest. You’ll encounter ancient Japanese life and sip sake in the Japanese Alps before heading to Hakone for an onsen experience. These traditional hot springs are a staple of Japanese culture, and as soothing for the mind as they are to the muscles. We’ll end the trip in Tokyo, where you can opt for a more cathartic route to inner-peace by banging on taiko drums and belting out karaoke bangers. We have two dates on sale for this one, both of which offer an enormous $985 discount – how can you say no to that!?
From US$2774
Next available from 12th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Osaka, Japan
ENDS AT
Tokyo, Japan
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Seductive Southern Italy – 14 October – $632 OFF
If indulgence is your road to mindfulness, then join us as we wind along the coasts of west and east Italy in celebration of la dolce vita. We’ll start with a street food tour of Naples before leaving the city hustle behind for the glitz and glamour of the glorious Amalfi Coast. Discover charming clifftop towns and explore the coastline by boat before heading east. We’ll stop off in the quirky, endearing towns of Matera, Alberobello and Locorotondo, go e-biking through the serene Itria Valley and go olive oil tasting in Puglia, before setting up shop on the stunning beaches of Polignano a Mare. Expect plenty of gelato, limoncello and pizza to keep your mind, soul and tummy very satisfied. This is another big saver, with $632 off our October departure, the last one of 2023!
From US$1766
Next available from 14th Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Naples, Italy
ENDS AT
Lecce, Italy
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Volcanic Iceland – 21 October – $790 OFF
For some (dare we say extreme) travellers the best way to relax is to do the opposite of what’s considered relaxing. If spending time in the great outdoors is your idea of a retreat, then boy does this five-day epic in Iceland suit you. Marvel at thundering waterfalls and black-sand beaches, whiz across an icy glacier via snowmobile and gorge on delicious, geothermally baked bread. Among all the action and adventure there’ll be plenty of time to soothe the muscles in natural hot springs and, on our final morning, in the Blue Lagoon. October is also among the best times of year to see the Northern Lights here, and few sights on Earth are as inspiring as that. Save a phenomenal $790 off our October departure when you book with us today.
From US$2369
Next available from 21st Oct 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
ENDS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Tropical Northern Thailand – 12 November – $445 OFF
Immersing yourself isn’t hard in the tropics of Northern Thailand. In fact the overgrown jungles near Chiang Mai will be doing all of the hard work on this serene 10-day escape to Southeast Asia. You’ll find countless waterfalls to dive in and splash about as we explore the jungles of Pai. You’ll discover an ancient cave and go for a soothing soak in some natural hot springs, before we go jungle trekking in Mae Hong Son. Our resort here has a pool and a terrace bar with stunning sunset views, but it’s the sunrise that steals the headlines on our last full day, as we summit Doi Inthanon at dawn. The view from Thailand’s highest peak at this time of day is spectacular, as will be your close encounters with elephants afterwards at an ethical rescue sanctuary. Join us in the jungle this November and save $445!
From US$1189
Next available from 12th Nov 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Chiang Mai, Thailand
ENDS AT
Chiang Mai, Thailand
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Captivating Kerala – 18 November – $456 OFF
This southwestern state in India is one of the most underrated destinations on Earth when it comes to relaxing retreats. On this nine-day adventure you’ll get a Keralan cooking class, go hiking through coffee and cardamom plantations and explore the serene backwaters of Kumarakom on a morning cruise. Each of the three hotels you’ll stay in feature glorious countryside views and outdoor pools. One has an onsite artisan coffee shop, library and yoga practitioner, while our final resort specialises in Ayurvedic spa treatments. Find your zen in India this November and save $456 in the process.
From US$1267
Next available from 18th Nov 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cochin, India
ENDS AT
Cochin, India
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Adventurous Ecuador – 9 December – $540 OFF
A little bit like Iceland, Ecuador offers an adventurous style of wellness based on magical outdoorsy experiences, like horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park, cycling the Baños Waterfall Route or hopping on the Swing at the End of the World. There’s also some indulgence, and some serenity, to be had. You’ll sample some of the world’s finest chocolate in Quito, learn all about natural essential oils while hiking in the Amazon, and stay in a series of beautiful accommodations. Most notably is the gorgeous Chilcabamba Lodge, in the shadow of Cotopaxi volcano, and the serene hideaway of Kuyana Amazon Lodge, found deep in the rainforest. Sound like your idea of a proper getaway? Join us this December and take advantage of our $540 discount.
From US$1459
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Quito, Ecuador
ENDS AT
Quito, Ecuador
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.