The Most Unique Cultural Experiences You Can Have With Culture Trip

Here at Culture Trip we believe that travel is at its best when you’re fully immersed in the culture of your destination. That’s the inspiration behind our small-group adventures, which offer unique, authentic getaways all over the world. Here is a selection of the coolest cultural experiences you can have with Culture Trip.

Spring Sale

Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongju-si, South Korea.

Experience a traditional Buddhist temple stay – Soulful South Korea

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.

From US$3223

Next available from 19th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Seoul, South Korea

ENDS AT

Seoul, South Korea

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

Old man baking traditional bread in Georgia

Learn ancient winemaking and baking techniques – Georgia and the Caucasus

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.

From US$1287

Next available from 18th May 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

Traditional Balinese offerings, made of flowers and incense, at Tirta Empul Temple, Bali

Experience traditional Balinese ceremonies – Blissful Bali

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.

From US$1847

Next available from 15th Jun 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bali, Indonesia

ENDS AT

Bali, Indonesia

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

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.