The Most Challenging Tours For Seasoned Hikers

Consider yourself a seasoned hiker? See what you’re made of on one of these small-group Culture Trips – featuring the Atlas and Caucasus Mountains, icy glaciers and volcanic lakes.

Spring Sale

Trinity Gergeti Church, Kazbegi, Georgia

Hike to Gergeti Trinity Church – Georgia and the Caucasus

Georgia is a hiker’s paradise. This beautiful little country, nestled high amid the Caucasus Mountain on the fringes of Europe and Asia, is one of the most underrated destinations you can visit with Culture Trip. Our nine-day tour inevitably features plenty of outdoor fun, including a hike in Lagodekhi National Park and a drive through Truso Gorge. The main event comes round on day six, when we’ll take a stunning mountain drive up to the small Caucasus town of Stepantsminda, found below the towering 5,054m (16,581 ft) Mount Kazbegi. From there you’ll embark on a spectacular three-hour hike all the way to Gergeti, a pretty, unassuming medieval church set amid the most jaw-dropping backdrop imaginable – you’ll struggle to find a more scenic reward for your hard work.

From US$1287

Next available from 18th May 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

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

Woman hiking around a lake in the Azores, Portugal

Hike around huge volcanic crater lakes – Atlantic Azores

This volcanic archipelago, far off the Atlantic coast of Portugal, is not short of adventurous activities. Our six-day trip around the main island includes cycling around and kayaking on the twin crater lakes of Sete Citades, as well as canyoning down Ribeira dos Caldeiroes. You’ll hike to the stunning Salto do Cabrito waterfall, where you can gain insight into the island’s unique geology and cool off with a refreshing rock pool dip. Our last full day starts with a bit of cooking, as we prep a classic Azorean cozido stew. What makes our version special is that we’ll be slow cooking it underground, using only natural geothermal heat generated by the island’s volcanic underbelly. While is cooks below the surface we’ll head out on a rewarding hike around Furnas Lake, another body of water found within a vast volcanic crater and surrounded by steaming hot springs. You’ll be worn out by the time we return but, luckily, dinner is already sorted and this hearty Portuguese classic is food for the soul.

From US$1928

Next available from 23rd Jun 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

ENDS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

8

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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This is an updated version of an article originally written by Nick Dauk.

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.