The Most Unique Cultural Experiences You Can...

Here at Culture Trip we believe that travel is at its best when you’re fully immersed in the culture of your destination. That’s the inspiration behind our small-group adventures, which offer unique, authentic getaways all over the world. Here is a selection of the coolest cultural experiences you can have with Culture Trip.

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Maasai Mara men in traditional colorful clothing showing traditional Maasai jumping dance in a Masai village, Kenya

Spend a day with a Masai community – Immersive Kenya

Immersive by name, immersive by nature. There are two obvious ways in which we’ll embed you into the extraordinary nation of Kenya. The first is nature, from the flamingos of Lake Nakuru and the mountains of Aberdare National Park, to the incredible array of wildlife roaming the Masai Mara savannah. The other side of our trip hones in on the rich cultural traditions still present across the country today. We’ll learn about the homesteads and culinary staples of the Agikuyu tribe at Riuki Cultural Centre, experience traditional music and dance with the Bomas of Kenya, and visit a local school in the Masai Mara. Meanwhile day six is dedicated entirely to a Maasai village experience, which dives deep into the daily life of the Maasai people. You’ll milk cows and help take stock, prepare breakfast with a local family and practice your beadwork, as well as having the chance to experience the intoxicatingly energetic cultural dances of the Maasai warriors – a colourful sight you’ll never forget. Those who really want to embrace the tribal ways can even observe in and take part in the sacred process of selecting, slaughtering and cooking a goat – don’t worry, we totally understand if that’s not your thing.

From US$2811

Next available from 11th Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

ENDS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Flash Sale

Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongju-si, South Korea.

Experience a traditional Buddhist temple stay – Soulful South Korea

Buddhism has been in South Korea for over 1,600 years and, as such, has embedded itself deeply into the Korean psyche. This means that, while conservative estimates suggest around a quarter of the population are Buddhist, it is widely accepted that far greater numbers of people are influenced by the philosophies and practices of Buddhism. The best way to experience this ancient culture is, naturally, by visiting a temple. However, in Korea you can do far more than just visit. The art of the Korean temple stay is a popular travel experience here, so you can actually live the life of a devout Buddhist practitioner for a day. That’s what we do on our 10-day South Korea trip, as you get the chance to spend a night in Golgulsa Temple, which dates back to the sixth century. You’ll tuck into vegetarian cuisine, take archery lessons and work on your meditation chants. You’ll also get a masterclass in the meditative martial art of Sunmudo before settling down for the evening, having spent the day living like a Korean monk.

From US$2414

Next available from 8th Oct 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Seoul, South Korea

ENDS AT

Seoul, South Korea

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Flash Sale

Old man baking traditional bread in Georgia

Learn ancient winemaking and baking techniques – Georgia and the Caucasus

This tiny nation, nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains, is one of the oldest civilisations on Earth. The oldest evidence of humans ever found outside of Africa was discovered here, and remnants from the thousands of years since can still be traced all over the country. The culture of what is today known as Georgia is rich and ancient, with many local traditions still thriving. This is best explored via the country’s incredible culinary quirks. Our comprehensive nine-day tour of the country takes in plenty of man-made and natural wonders, but much of the real immersion comes in delicious little bites of history. On our first full day we’ll lunch on khachapuri, a delicious cheesy bread, before heading to the Museum of Georgia. You’ll get a guided tour of a local farmer’s market with a professional chef, who’ll then welcome us into their home and give us a Georgian cooking masterclass. On day four we’ll explore the oldest wine culture in the world – dating back 8,000 years – by observing ancient underground fermentation processes. We’ll follow that up by visiting a local family for home-baked bread and churchkhela, a sweet treat made from nuts and thickened grape juice. We’ll also have lunch conducted by a traditional toastmaster and, on day five, go to a local winery for a tasting session.

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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Samba dancers, surrounding by falling confetti and glitter, performing in a carnival with their band

Embrace the samba spirit in Rio – Dazzling Brazil

Brazil boasts one of the most radiant, joyously colourful cultures on the planet, so no trip here is complete without embracing that head on. Our nine-day adventure from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, via the gorgeous coastal region of Paraty, will feature plenty of Caipirinhas, brigadeiro and barbecue, but one activity in Rio offers the ultimate taste of Brazilian culture. On day seven, having already visited Christ the Redeemer and strolled down the street art-adorned Olympic Boulevard, you’ll get an authentic Carnaval experience at a local samba school. The annual explosion of colour that is Carnaval is the living embodiment of the rhythmic, celebratory passion that flows through the blood of Brazilian people. Whether you visit in season or not, this tour will give you the chance to learn more about samba, its history and place in Brazilian culture. You’ll even get the chance to put on a traditional samba outfit and sink a Caipirinha – who knows, you might even learn a few new moves, too.

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

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Cape Malay lamb curry - Cooking from South Africa

Take a Cape Malay cooking class – Splendid South Africa

The melting pot culture in South Africa, particularly Cape Town, is in many ways a product of historical atrocity but, today, it is also a symbol of survival and the strength of community spirit. The first day of our South Africa trip explores this, first by visiting Langa, the oldest Black African Township in the city. After learning about the amazing communities and traditions forged in the fires of political horror, we’ll continue our cultural exploration in Bo Kaap, the city’s most significant Muslim district. The area’s houses are painted in an assortment of joyful rainbow colours, but we’ll be here to discover the culinary delights of the Cape Malay people. You’ll have a cooking masterclass to help you produce amazing African-Asian fusion dishes, while learning about the history and culture of the Cape Malay people along the way.

From US$2129

Next available from 2nd Dec 2023

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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

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Flash Sale

Traditional Balinese offerings, made of flowers and incense, at Tirta Empul Temple, Bali

Experience traditional Balinese ceremonies – Blissful Bali

This Indonesian paradise has a rich and sacred culture but, sadly, many tourists flock to Bali only to enjoy the region’s remarkable natural splendour and modern nightlife. To come here and not embrace the ancient local ways is a travel crime, which is why our 12-day epic here doesn’t ignore the magical customs of this ethereal place. Our first day starts at Batukaru Temple, at the foot of its namesake mountain, where we’ll learn how to make a Canang Sari. These handmade offerings, made with a vibrant variety of flowers, leaves and even nuts, are sacred symbols of gratitude that we’ll place in the temple. The rest of the trip will feature an authentic Balinese cooking class and multiple temple visits, before we end our experience in Bali with a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony at a temple in Canggu. The ceremony will be led by a local mangku (priest) and, at the end of a spiritual experience, they will place a tridatu (three-colour bracelet) around your wrist, which symbolises the circle of life. What a beautiful way to end an immersive, authentic experience in Bali.

From US$1350

Next available from 7th Oct 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bali, Indonesia

ENDS AT

Bali, Indonesia

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

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.