The Most Unique Temples and Churches in the...

From epic European cathedrals to majestic Buddhist temples and ancient wonders, these places of worship are all special in their own way. Book one of our small-group trips for a chance to tour some of the coolest temples and churches in the world.

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A person standing in a large room with columns in the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, Spain

Mezquita Cathedral-Mosque, Cordoba

The Andalusian city of Cordoba is the most striking exhibition of Spain’s multicultural history you can find. There are still easily recognisable remnants of Roman rule here, but more notable is the abundance of amazing Moorish architecture found across the city. The crown jewel among Cordoba’s many Islamic masterpieces is without doubt the Mezquita. This Roman Catholic cathedral was originally built as The Great Mosque in 785, under the orders of Abd al-Rahman I, founder of the Umayyad dynasty. The structure received multiple upgrades and additions before its conversion to a cathedral in 1236, following Christian conquests in Iberia. It was barely modified until the 16th century, when a Renaissance cathedral nave was built in the centre of the building. What makes it so unique today is that incredible blend of architectural styles, coming together to tell a story about this region’s long and ever-changing history. It’s a truly remarkable monument, which you’ll be able to visit on day three of our Madrid to Marrakech Rail Trip, which itself traces the historical, cultural and culinary evolution from Spain to Morocco.

From US$2635

Next available from 5th Nov 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Madrid, Spain

ENDS AT

Marrakech, Morocco

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Exterior shot Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik, Iceland

Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland

This Lutherian parish church in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is one of the most singular works of religious architecture out there. While many of the greatest cathedral and temples were built centuries ago, this is one of the finest examples of modern art crossing over with religion, with construction having taken place between 1945 and 1986. The design is supposedly inspired by the country’s many mountains, trap rocks and glaciers, with Guðjón Samúelsson’s expressionist design utilising curved spires and side wings to create a gorgeous textured aesthetic. Our Volcanic Iceland trip is focused mostly on the epic landscapes that inspired Hallgrímskirkja, but our first full day does begin with a locally guided tour of the capital, which invariably includes a visit to the city’s most notable architectural gem.

From US$2369

Next available from 21st Oct 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The first thing that sets Angkor Wat apart is obvious – it’s recognised as the largest religious structure in the world. This place is about much more than just scale, though. The intricacies of the design, the detail found in each carving, is utterly spellbinding. The silhouette of what is today a Buddhist temple – originally constructed as a Hindu place of worship in the 12th century – remains one of the most beautiful works of ancient architecture on Earth. What makes Angkor Wat even more special is its relationship with nature. It’s bordered by a 5km (3mi) moat, which beautifully reflects the temple on a clear day, and surrounded by luscious greenery, as giant tree roots and sprawling vines slowly reclaiming the site. Our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam trip includes an early morning trip to the complex, so you get to experience the wonder of Angkor Wat at sunrise – it’s the best way to see it, and even the most staunchly unspiritual among you will have a tingle in your tummy as dawn breaks across this ancient temple’s weathered walls.

From US$1874

Next available from 14th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Trinity Gergeti Church, Kazbegi, Georgia

Gergeti Trinity Church, Georgia

Sometimes it’s all about location, location, location. That’s the case with Gergeti Trinity Church, which is found high in the Caucasus Mountains, a three-hour hike away from the nearest town. The 14th-century cross-cupola church is utterly charming but would be relatively unremarkable were it not for its dramatic position beneath the towering shadow of Mount Kazbek, Georgia’s third largest mountain. The church itself stands at an elevation of 2,170m (7,120ft) and with its remoteness comes an almost fairytale-like quality. Simple, but completely magical. You’ll make the trek up to Gergeti on our nine-day Georgia and the Caucasus, so don’t forget your walking boots!

From US$1167

Next available from 24th Sep 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Ad Deir (Monastery) built into the rocks of Petra, Jordan

The Monastery of Petra, Jordan

The ancient city of Petra is most famous for the fantastical facade of its Treasury, an elaborate mausoleum carved directly into the kind of sandstone rock face found all over Jordan. The Treasury famously features in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), but Petra’s monastery is equally cinematic, just not as appreciated. Ad Deir, as it’s known in Arabic, is another remarkable example of Nabataean architecture built directly into sandstone. It is thought that this structure may have been used as a religious complex, dating back to the 1st century, and is later thought to have been used as a church in the Byzantine period. You’ll need to tackle around 800 steps to reach the Monastery, found high in the hills northwest of Petra’s centre, but it’s worth every drop of sweat shedded along the way. You’ll get the chance to enter Petra via a ‘backdoor route’ on our Discover Jordan trip, which includes an amazing hike to the Monastery, as well as two visits to the Treasury.

From US$2379

Next available from 6th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Amman, Jordan

ENDS AT

Amman, Jordan

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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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.

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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.