The Best Long Trips To Take In 2024

See more of your destination without having to rush on our 12-14 day itineraries, carefully curated by Travel Experts and led by friendly Local Insiders. From Thailand to Turkey and beyond, these are the best long stay vacations you can take with Culture Trip.

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Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train – 14 days

Southeast Asia is a classic long stay destination, and this two-week Rail Trip ensures plenty of time is spent in bustling cities as well as luscious jungles. The trip will start in Bangkok, before we hop on the train to explore the ancient ruins of Sukhothai and the street food delights of Chiang Mai. We’ll head out to the tropical forests of Northern Thailand to visit an ethical sanctuary to feed and bathe elephants, go bamboo rafting on Wang River and spend a night barbecuing and glamping in the jungle. Across the Laos border, via Chiang Khong, we’ll start by swapping trains for a river cruise down the Mekong River. We’ll stop in remote villages, meet whisky-making locals and discover a sacred cave system. Next up is the most famous sight in Laos, as we hike to the ethereal Kuang Si Falls. Back on the tracks, we’ll take the high-speed train to Vang Vieng, a favourite destination among adventurous travellers, where you’ll be able to explore Nam Song River by kayak. We’ll cross back over to Thailand to take the sleeper train back into Bangkok, where we’ll have one last full day in the Thai capital, starting with a guided tour from our local expert.

From US$2311

Next available from 11th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

DURATION

14

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Majestic Turkey – 12 days

So many people visit Turkey without leaving Istanbul, or their coastal resort on the southwestern coast, but dedicate a bit more time to your trip and you’ll be rewarded with a remarkably varied set of travel memories. Our 12-day trip is the most comprehensive Turkey tour out there, starting with three nights in Istanbul, where you’ll get a guided tour of the big sights – Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar – and discover the lesser known foodie gems of Kadikoy and Kuzguncuk. From there we’ll visit Ankara, the capital, and numerous archeological wonders en route to Cappadocia. The otherworldly rock formations of this spectacular landscape are best seen from of the region’s iconic hot-air balloons, which you’ll be able to ride on day six. You’ll also sample wine and take a pottery workshop before moving on to an ancient underground city and two stunning valleys. The sacred city of Konya is next, followed by more incredible sets of Roman remains, before eventually reaching the Turkish Riviera. You’ll have a well earned few days on the coast to relax on stunning golden beaches and reflect on an unforgettable Turkish adventure.

From US$2798

Next available from 16th Aug 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Istanbul, Turkey

ENDS AT

Antalya, Turkey

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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View from a flowery field as the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) zooms past Mount Fuji in the Japanese countryside

Japan by Train: The Grand Tour – 12 days

Japan’s world renowned Bullet Train network means that, with a bit of guidance, you can explore an awful lot in just 12 days. Our Rail Trip takes you from Osaka to Tokyo, stopping off at major cities like Hiroshima, Kyoto and Hakone. You’ll also get to enjoy natural bounties like Miyajima Island, Arashiyama bamboo forest and Lake Ashi. You’ll see torii gates and geishas, try Japanese delicacies in local markets and stay in a traditional ryokan inn, equipped with soul-soothing onsen hot springs. In Tokyo you’ll learn how to roll sushi, try taiko drumming and watch sumo wrestlers train, not to mention a night of belting tunes out in a neon-lit karaoke bar. Only in Japan could you experience so much culture, see so many cities and traverse so many different landscapes in less than two weeks.

From US$4045

Next available from 2nd Sep 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

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.