Top Trips For Reconnecting With Nature

Get closer to Mother Nature once more on these immersive rural retreats with Culture Trip.

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With the high speed, high stress reality of modern life, it’s no surprise that travellers are looking more and more at using their time away to reconnect with nature. Whether it’s the wonderment of spotting rare wildlife and gazing out over a stunning vista, or the soul soothing pleasure of closing yourself off from the world and slowing everything down on a beach, in a jungle or high up on a mountain, these Culture Trips will get you back in tune with Mother Earth in no time.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

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.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

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.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

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

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

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.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

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

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

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.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

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.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

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

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

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.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

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.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

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

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

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!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

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.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

A land iguana sitting in the shrubby ground on North Seymour in the Galápagos, with a group of travellers in the background

Go Wild in the Galapagos

It doesn’t get more exotic, or off the beaten path, than this extraordinary Ecuadorian archipelago. Seriously, the Galapagos are like some surreal showreel for nature’s most wild and wonderful creations. You’ll get to see why Darwin was so infatuated on our five-day trip across the islands, as you paddleboard with penguins, snorkel with sea lions and spot iguanas on the beach. You’ll also encounter spectacular birdlife along the lava trails of San Cristóbal, and spend two nights glamping among giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands – it doesn’t get more immersive than that.

From US$2499

Next available from 13th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Two tourists stand on dry land at the foot of the giant Skogar waterfall in southwest Iceland

Volcanic Iceland

Nature retreats usually conjure an image of luscious forests or palm-tree beaches, but there’s no better illustration of nature’s ferocious power and raw beauty than the rugged volcanic landscapes of Iceland. Our five-day trip is all about experiencing Iceland’s most incredible natural wonders, from getting up close to thundering waterfalls to soaking in geothermal hot springs and trekking across an icy glacier. You’ll get to see geysers erupting, touch the surreal black sand of Reynisfjara beach and immerse yourself in the milky, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. With a bit of luck, you’ll even get to watch nature’s own light show, aurora borealis.

From US$2889

Next available from 17th Feb 2024

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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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Safari guide in jeep with calming sign looking at rhinos in South Africa

Splendid South Africa

Our 11-day epic across South Africa’s Garden Route is jam-packed with once-in-a-lifetime nature experiences. You’ll start by ascending the strangely flat-topped peak of Table Mountain, kayaking with penguins in Simons Town and gazing in awe at the Cape of Good Hope. Then it’s on to the Cape Winelands, to see first hand how humans have taken the gift of the grape and made something even better out of it. Next is a tractor safari on an ostrich farm and boat cruise around Knysna, as well as a day exploring the luscious vegetation and jagged cliffs of Tsitsikamma National Park. We save the biggest natural experience until last, however, with a Big Five-spotting stay at a giant luxury game reserve. You’ll embark on multiple safari drives, as well as having the time to learn about the area’s flora and chill by the infinity pool, sometimes shared by elephants looking to cool off too.

From US$2899

Next available from 3rd Feb 2024

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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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Woman looks down from a bridge amid a verdant forest canopy in Santa Elena

The Real Costa Rica

To connect with a place as biodiverse as Costa Rica, you’ll have to witness the wild during the day and night. This extensive eight-day trip will keep you engaged with moonlit sloth viewing in Monteverde and whitewater rafting through La Fortuna. When you’re not drinking in the country’s coffee culture, take your head out of the cloud forest and down to the shoreline with surf lessons and mountain biking in Tamarindo.

From US$2199

Next available from 6th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

San Jose, Costa Rica

ENDS AT

Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Holiday Sale

Woman swims under a tropical waterfall with green plants lining it in Bali

Blissful Bali

With its balmy climate and astonishing blue waters, it’s not surprising that some of the friendliest people in the world live in Bali. Get to know what makes the locals so content by swimming in waterfalls, biking around rice paddies and experiencing aerial yoga. You can even offer a sacred symbol of gratitude known as a Canang Sari at Batukaru Temple – you’ll certainly want to give thanks for such a life-changing trip.

From US$1929

Next available from 16th Mar 2024

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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

View Trip

This is an updated version of an article originally contributed to by Siobhan Grogan and Nick Dauk.

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

See Our Culture Trips

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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.