The Best Places to Visit with Culture Trip this Autumn

Planning a trip for later in the year? Summer holidays are great, but everyone has that idea and why would you want to follow the crowds? We’ve picked out some of our favourite autumnal destinations and thrown in some wildcard selections too, for a comprehensive guide on where you will want to head to as the nights start closing in.
Gastronomic Bologna

Stuff yourself like a tortelloni on this seriously foodie trip to Italy’s tastiest city. The classic shoulder season trip, our October jaunt to Bologna is perfect for the gastronomically-inclined traveller who wants to avoid the summer crowds. The weather during autumn in Bologna is mild, with temperatures usually ranging between 54°F to 68°F. This makes it a great time to explore the city without the summer heat or winter chill. Besides, the autumn foliage colours make the city look more beautiful and enchanting. Our Local Insider will guide you around La Grassa – the affectionate nickname for the city translates as ‘the Fat One’ – with a gourmet city tour stuffed with tastings, a pasta cooking class, and a day exploring the wider Emilia-Romagna region.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 priceAfrica
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
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.Colonial Mexico

Revolution, architectural masterpieces and ancient ruins await on this five-day cultural escape in the colonial heartland of Mexico. Led by our expert Local Insider, you’ll soon leave the capital behind and immerse yourself in the beautiful cities of San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro and Guanajuato, learning all about the Colonial era and Mexican Independence as you go. You’ll also visit ancient pyramids and stone warriors in Teotihuacan and Tula, providing you with a deep understanding of this wonderful, storied country. With favourable travel prices at this time of year, this could be the perfect bargain trip to plan ahead for.
Take a look at our September and October departures for an autumnal trip to Mexico
Authentic Colombia

Discover the wonders of Colombia during the picturesque autumn season with an eight-day itinerary across the stunning Andes mountains. Starting in Bogota, you’ll delve into the country’s rich history and exciting future before taking on an unforgettable road trip. Embrace the beauty of the Cocora Valley while hiking, experience the thrill of river rafting on the Río Negro, and indulge in world-class coffee in the Zona Cafetera. As you journey through the breathtaking mountains to reach Medellín, you’ll witness some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in South America. Once considered one of the most dangerous cities, Medellín now boasts a trendy vibe, making it the perfect finale to your adventure.
Join us on one of our autumn trip to Authentic Colombia
Japan by Train – The Grand Tour

From neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples, there’s nowhere quite like Japan. This 12-day trip will take you from the foodie capital of Osaka, to the city lights of Tokyo and even down to the floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island, which sits in Hiroshima Bay. Along the way, you’ll get to see geishas in Kyoto, sample sake in Takayama and watch sumo wrestlers train in the capital. You’ll even get the chance to stay in a traditional ryokan-style hotel and sing your heart out at karaoke alongside your fellow travellers. How can we squeeze so much into one itinerary? You have Japan’s incredible train networks to thank.
One of our writers recently experienced the joys of travelling by Japan’s bullet trains and told us that the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that even seasoned travellers will fall in love with.
With regular trips to Japan this autumn, take the rail journey of a lifetime with Culture Trip
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.


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.