The Most Unique Cultural Experiences You Can Have with Culture Trip

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.

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.

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.