Meet Our On-The-Ground Local Insiders
Commissioning Editor
Our Local Insiders are an integral part of our Trips – often born and raised in the destination itself, they have the inside scoop on the most authentic, off-the-tourist-track places to eat, sleep and explore. Here they tell us why they love doing what they do, and the reasons you should put their homeland your holiday hit-list.
Hanna – Local Insider, Iceland
Hanna loves all things outdoorsy, which makes her the perfect person to lead our Volcanic Iceland Mini Trip. From snowmobiling across a glacier, to walking behind thundering waterfalls and bathing in the luminous waters of the Blue Lagoon, there’s adventure and tranquility to be found on this five-day itinerary.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
‘There are always mountains that I want to climb, recently discovered waterfalls I haven’t seen – it’s what I love about living here. There’s so much natural beauty, it would be almost impossible to see it all.’ – Hanna, Local Insider, Iceland | Photo by Adam Jang on Unsplash
Antonio – Local Insider, Ecuador
Antonio did most of his growing up in Quito, but is a country boy at heart. Among the things he most loves about leading our eight-day Adventurous Ecuador Epic Trip is how we move from the inner-city buzz of the Ecuadorian Capital, to the wild tranquility of the Cotopaxi highlands as we take to horseback among volcanic peaks.
Linda & Angelica – Local Insiders, Colombia
Linda and Angelica are both from Bogotá, Colombia’s high-altitude capital. They lead our eight-day Authentic Colombia itinerary, which spans the breadth of the Andes – from Bogotá to Medellín, via whitewater rafting on the Rio Negro, sipping volcanic coffee in Cordillera Central and visiting an orchid farm. They share their love for the diversity, history and accessibility of their home country.
When it comes to the things she most loves about her home country, the food is right up there. ‘We have some of the best food and drink in the world – wine production, cheeses, cured meats… and the people are some of the most gentle and kind you can find.’ It’s no surprise that foodies will find plenty to love about our 10-day Complete Portugal Epic Trip, which meanders its way through the country from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley.
With over 20 years’ guiding experience, Onur knows Turkey like the back of his hand. He’s helped us put together the comprehensive 12-day itinerary of our Majestic Turkey Epic Trip, which covers the best of the big-hitter and off-the-beaten-path sights, from the bazaars of Istanbul to the blazing beaches of the Antalya coast. His favourite spot? Cappadocia, with its magical ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations.
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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