See the World's Most Iconic Skylines With...

Some cities are so instantly recognisable that a mere glimpse of skyscraper tells you exactly what you’re looking at. If you want to see them for yourself, as opposed to on a laptop lock screen, then book one of these Culture Trips that features some of the world’s most iconic skylines.

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Shanghais iconic skyline lit up during sunset

Shanghai – Icons of China by Train

The largest city in China is a sprawling metropolis, housing around 25m people, but you can capture its famous skyscraper lineup within the width of your phone’s camera frame. The view of Shanghai’s Lujiazui district, which towers over a bend in Huangpu River, is best seen from the historic Bund promenade across the water. Marvel at the modern majesty of Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower as you stroll along the waterfront. Our 10-day China trip features a few few iconic sights, from Beijing to the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, before finally reaching Shanghai. Your time in the city will include a walk down the Bund, an ascent up Jin Mao Tower with an optional skywalk and, to cap off the trip, a gorgeous sunset cruise down Huangpu River. There’s no better way to enjoy the Shanghai sunset that with a glass of bubbly and the best seats in the house.

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

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Aerial view of Christ and Botafogo Bay from high angle.

Rio de Janeiro – Dazzling Brazil

Is there a city on Earth more unmistakeable than Rio? From its unique coastal mountains to those incredible golden beaches, all watched over by Christ the Redeemer himself – there’s nowhere in the world quite like this Brazilian metropolis. Its densely packed cityscape looks out over the spectacular Guanabara Bay, designated as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. You’ll get to see the city from pretty much every angle on our Brazil trip, which ends with four days here. You’ll ascend Corcovado to visit Christ the Redeemer, hike to a stunning viewpoint in Tijuca Forest, sip sunset cocktails at a Sugarloaf Mountain bar and watch the sun go down from Arpoador stones – a favourite beachside spot among locals.

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 Town, South Africa, seen from an aerial shot above the ocean

Cape Town – Splendid South Africa

As a city flanked on one side by the ocean, and on another by a famous mountain, there’s certainly something of the Rio de Janeiro about South Africa’s most populous city. This place is just as singular, however, thanks to the remarkable curvature of its coastline and the almost freakishly flat-topped Table Mountain looming in the background. It almost looks like the edge of the world here, as if the peninsula’s rocky outcrops have chased civilisation to the very brink, with nowhere left to go beyond endless horizon. Our comprehensive Western Cape tour starts with a couple of days here, firstly embracing the city’s Black African and Muslim communities, before ascending Table Mountain by cable car for truly mesmerising views of the city, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the Atlantic on the other. You’ll also be staying in trendy Sea Point, which has beautiful views of Signal Hill, Table Mountain and the marina.

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

Aerial view of city buildings during night time in Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo – Japan by Train: The Grand Tour

While not quite as distinctive as some skylines, the sheer scale of the world’s most populous city is enough to make it iconic in its own right. If the seemingly endless neon-lit horizon doesn’t give it away, then the city’s Eiffel Tower lookalike (the Tokyo Tower) certainly will – there’s no Seine to be seen here. If the aerial shots aren’t iconic enough for you, then your ground-level views certainly will be. The Shibuya Crossing and Omoide Yokocho could only ever be in Tokyo. You’ll spend three nights in the capital on our extensive Japan Rail Trip, which uses the Bullet Train network to fit Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo – plus a whole lot of countryside – into just one trip.

From US$2774

Next available from 12th Oct 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Santorini – Greek Island Odyssey

When you think of skylines you most probably picture ultra modern skyscrapers towering above a city with a population larger than most countries. Well, that doesn’t have to be the case. We struggle to think of an image on Earth more easily recognisable than the gorgeous whitewashed buildings crawling up the hillside of Fira, the capital of Santorini. We don’t expect you to know the name of the town, but even if you’re not familiar with Santorini, this place could only ever be an island in Greece. Those blue-domed churches, and the aesthetically pleasing shapes of all-white stairs, towers and flat-topped houses, are as beautiful as any city skyline on the planet, especially when the sunset bathes it in a warm glow. That’s why we could only end our Greek island-hopping adventure with a sunset dinner in Santorini – the defining image of the definitive Greek getaway.

From US$2056

Next available from 28th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Athens, Greece

ENDS AT

Santorini Island, Greece

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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.