The Best Private Trips to Book in Northern...

Whether you’re looking to book a private trip with family, friends or a social group, these are the best Culture Trip itineraries you can book in Northern Europe.
There’s plenty of pros for going private. Obviously it means you can keep the guest-list locked down, but it also allows for far greater flexibility on travel dates, group sizes (minimum of 4) and even age requirements. Simply get in touch with our Travel Experts to organise your personalised Culture Trip adventure.

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Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in Harry Potter

Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands by Train

There’s a transportive quality to train travel through Scotland, and we’re not just talking about getting from A to B. There’s something magical about the rugged landscapes of the Highlands, and something even more magical about the Jacobite steam train – it is the real-life Hogwarts Express, after all. The journey from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct en route, is the crowning moment of this week-long itinerary, but don’t discount the riverside whisky-tasting, boat trip on the Isle of Skye and a guided hike in the Cairngorms. You’ll also get to discover the chilled charms of Inverness – the capital of the Highlands – and the gothic wonder of Edinburgh’s storied old streets.

From US$2109

Next available from 25th Sep 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

London, England

ENDS AT

Edinburgh, Scotland

DURATION

7

GROUP SIZE

15

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Flash Sale

Volcanic Iceland

It doesn’t get much more northern in Europe than the frozen volcanic expanses of Iceland. This singular destination is best explored with an expert local guide, which is exactly what you’ll get when booking this five-day adventure itinerary. Get a private tour of the Golden Circle, and a trip to the Blue Lagoon, as well as visits to giant waterfalls, black-sand beaches and natural hot springs. Fuel up on geothermally baked bread and hearty Icelandic dinners in order to tackle two icy glaciers, one on a three-hour hike, the other on a thrilling snowmobile ride.

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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A yellow tram en route alongside the Danube in Budapest

Berlin to Budapest: The Best of Central Europe by Train

The classic way to explore the heartlands of mainland Europe is by using the region’s border-crossing rail networks. Well, why break tradition? This 10-day tour is an ode to the romance of train travel, carving through the countryside of Central Europe to visit five of the continent’s most picturesque capital cities. You’ll meet the many faces of Berlin, sip locally brewed beer and explore gorgeous medieval streets in Prague, while schnitzel and sachertorte awaits in Vienna. After a brief interlude cycling and wine tasting along the Danube, you’ll get back on the tracks to Bratislava – the Slovakian capital is one of Europe’s most underrated – before rounding off the trip in Budapest. There’s plenty to see here, but its soothing thermal baths and atmospheric ruin bars make for a perfect final stop on this Euro rail adventure.

From US$2473

Next available from 13th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Berlin, Germany

ENDS AT

Budapest, Hungary

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Fairytale Ireland

Lovers of the great outdoors, especially when there’s a serene ocean horizon on the cards, will fall head over heels for this week-long tour of Ireland. Start with city strolling, sightseeing and Guinness in Dublin, before embarking on a coastal road trip from County Cork, along the south coast and up the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway. You’ll stop off at the surprising foodie haven of Kinsale, embrace local pub culture in Dingle and let your jaw drop to the floor as you get up close to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Expect plenty of coastal walks, whiskey-tastings and friendly taverns along the way.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Dublin, Ireland

ENDS AT

Dublin, Ireland

DURATION

7

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Flash Sale

georgia-caucasus-mountains-julia-cheperis-T5AVDK38hAE-unsplash

Georgia and the Caucasus

Head all the way east, to the border with Asia, and Europe reaches its tallest heights in the Caucasus Mountains. Nestled amid these giant peaks is the small nation of Georgia, home to one of oldest cultures in the world. This nine-day itinerary explores those ancient traditions alongside some of the most scenic excursions you can have on the continent. In Tbilisi you’ll visit an old farmer’s market and take an authentic cooking class, experience a toastmaster ceremony, learn about ancient winemaking and bread-baking techniques, as well as soaking in the city’s famous sulphur baths. Outside of the capital you’ll visit the Unesco-listed city of Mtskheta, trek the forested hills of Lagodekhi National Park and head high into the Caucasus on a hike up to Trinity Gergeti Church, a fairytale-worthy structure in the shadow of Mount Kazbegi – the fifth highest peak in Europe.

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

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.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

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.