Top Trips for Exploring Huge Countries
Content and CRM Executive
Sometimes scale in itself is awe-inspiring, be it a towering mountain or a neon-lit metropolis. These multi-day trips, in some of the world’s largest countries, all offer immersive experiences across large swathes of some of the coolest destinations on the planet.
A lot of the classic bucket-list destinations are, not completely coincidentally, in some of the biggest nations on Earth. The only problem is, how do you plan a trip that fully does the country justice? That’s where Culture Trip steps in with our expertly curated, locally led itineraries that can rack up huge mileage in as little as a week. These are the best big-country trips you can book with us today.
Icons of China by Train
It’s one of the largest nations on the planet, and the most populous, with some of the most famous landmarks of all time, but many travellers find the thought of planning a trip to China too daunting. Well, using the country’s quite remarkable high-speed rail networks, we’ve put together a 10-day trip that shows you the very best of this ancient kingdom. We’ll start in the capital, Beijing, before heading out to Badaling for sunset and sunrise walks on the Great Wall of China. Next up is the ancient old town of Pingyao, followed by Xi’an, home to the famous Army of Terracotta Warriors. Our final stop? The country’s largest city, Shanghai, where we’ll explore ultra modern, neon-lit skyscrapers and take a stunning sunset cruise of Huangpu River, either side of a day trip to the gorgeous old water town of Zhujiajiao. That’s a lot of ground covered in just 10 days, right?
From US$2137
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Beijing, China
ENDS AT
Shanghai, China
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Dazzling Brazil
Brazil squeezes into the top five largest countries in the world by area, but you can actually get a pretty comprehensive taste of this vibrant nation without having to trek countless miles across the Amazon. That’s what our nine-day itinerary does, anyway, as we wind down the east coast from Sao Paulo – the country’s largest city – to Rio de Janeiro, surely its most iconic. Between exploring the trendy neighbourhoods and architectural wonders of Sao Paulo and the samba streets of Rio, we’ll take a rural detour to the stunning coastal region of Paraty Bay. You’ll get a taste of ancient Brazil in the gorgeous cobblestone town of Paraty, and enjoy the crystalline waters of the the area with a boat tour and barbecue. Then it’s onto Rio, where you’ll get the full Brazil experience. Ascend to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, discover the local’s favourite sunset spots and spend plenty of time playing volleyball and football on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.
From US$2099
Next available from 8th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Sao Paulo, Brazil
ENDS AT
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Regal Rajasthan
Cruising into the top ten by area, and edging ever closer to China in the population stakes, is India. From its magisterial man-made wonders in the north to tropical secrets in the south, as well as culinary delights all over, you can never get really tired of this vast Asian nation. Our 10-day trip in the region of Rajasthan is the perfect itinerary for newcomers, who’ll get to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise – truly once-in-a-lifetime stuff – the Amber Palace and the cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. If you’re after something a little more rural, may we point you in the direction of our Captivating Kerala trip, a nine-day adventure that explores the serene backwaters, luscious tea plantations and remote villages of India’s photogenic southwestern state.
From US$
Next available from 1st Jan 1970
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Delhi, India
ENDS AT
Udaipur, India
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Ancient Peru
We’re dropping down the list of behemoths a little bit here, but not many people realise than Peru is one of the world’s top 20 largest countries by area. Our nine-day epic across the country’s vast and scenic landscapes will help you understand the scale of this Andean nation. The two slices of bread propping up our Peruvian sandwich are the vibrant cities of Cusco and Arequipa. We’ll explore markets and take an authentic cooking class in the former, and go on an incredible foodie tour in the latter, but it’s the filling of this itinerary that celebrates the size of Peru. First is the Sacred Valley of the Incas, full of epic viewpoints, incredible coffee and giant condors prowling above. It doesn’t get grander than Machu Picchu, our next destination. This otherworldly ancient citadel needs to be seen to be appreciated in full, even though you’ve seen a thousand pictures of it on your phone. We’ll pass native settlements, forests, lagoons and snow-capped mountains as we carve through the Colca Valley, visiting the epic Colca Canyon and charming old town of Chivay en route to Arequipa.
From US$1824
Next available from 1st Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cusco, Peru
ENDS AT
Arequipa, Peru
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Splendid South Africa
In this case, last is least, since South Africa is the smallest nation on our list. That’s the only time you’ll consider this place small, however, especially if you join our 11-day tour along the Western Cape’s famous garden route. The scale is clear from the outset in the bustling city of Cape Town, the size of which you’ll be able to appreciate best from atop Table Mountain, which you’ll ascend via cable car. The spectacular Cape of Good Hope looks out over the endless watery expanses of both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, while the Cape Winelands have so many vineyards they built a tram to take you around them all. You’ll explore caves the size of football pitches and get the chance to experience the tallest bridge bungee jump on the planet, if that’s your kind of thing. Our trip ends with a blend of glamour and wilderness only South Africa could provide, as we stay on a 11,000ha (over 27,000 acre) luxury game reserve. Share the infinity pool with towering elephants and giraffes and spot the Big Five on up to four unforgettable safari drives before returning to Cape Town.
From US$2129
Next available from 2nd Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Cape Town, South Africa
ENDS AT
Cape Town, South Africa
DURATION
11
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
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.
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