The Most Beautiful Caves to Discover With...

The gentle echo of dripping water drops, the atmospheric outline of stalactites and stalagmites, and the cerulean reflections of gentle pools of water make caves some of the most awe-inspiring spots on the planet. Here are five incredible coves you can explore on one of our Culture Trips.

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Pak Ou Cave on the Mekong River near Luang Prabang, Laos

Pak Ou Caves – Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train

Usually it’s the geological furnishings of a cave that make it special, but in Pak Ou there are some human creations that add an extra touch of spirituality. These two caves are carved directly into a cliff face overlooking the Mekong River, just a couple hours upstream from Luang Prabang. They’re most notable for the hundreds upon hundreds of miniature Buddha statues that have made the caves home. This has been a place of worship for potentially thousands of years, and remains an important pilgrimage site for many Laotian people today. You’ll get to visit the caves on our two-week Thailand and Laos Rail Trip, which includes a Mekong river cruise that we’ll use to get there.

From US$1957

Next available from 2nd Dec 2023

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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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Limestone Cavern Formations in South Africa

Cango Caves – Splendid South Africa

South Africa is not short on sights that can take your breath away, whether it’s the coastlines of the Western Cape, the flat-topped peak of Table Mountain or the lions and elephants of the African wilderness. You’ll get to see all of those on our comprehensive 11-day Garden Route tour, but we think the most striking visual of the whole experience is Cango Caves, near Knysna. This giant limestone complex, the true size of which is unknown, is 20m years old and thought to have been in use during the Middle and Later Stone Ages. Today you can gaze in awe at the football field-sized main cavern and see if you can spot creatively named rock formations like Cleopatra’s Needle, the Organ Pipes, the Ballerina and the Frozen Waterfall.

From US$2129

Next available from 2nd Dec 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

ENDS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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The mesmerizing Blue Cave of Bisevo with majestic blue water and atmosphere

Blue Cave of Bisevo – Coastal Croatia

Coastlines, and especially islands, naturally tend to be a bit of a sweet spot for magical cave systems. Croatia is practically all coastline, with around 600 islands and islets, so you can expect to find a fair few hidden chambers amid the golden beaches and charming old towns of this ancient European nation. The most spectacular in the whole country can be found near the island of Vis, a former Yugoslavian military base turned travel gem. Our eight-day Croatia tour spends some time on Vis, including the three caves boat tour on day four. You’ll be whizzed around on a speedboat to explore a collection of stunning coastal caverns in nearby islets, the most famous of which is the Blue Cave of Biševo Island, one of Croatia’s most beautiful sights thanks to the otherworldly blue glow caused by the Dalmatian Coast’s vibrant waters.

From US$1844

Next available from 29th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Split, Croatia

ENDS AT

Dubrovnik, Croatia

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Dambulla cave temple – Secrets of Sri Lanka by Train

There is something inherently spiritual about a cave – just ask the people of Laos. Maybe it’s the feeling of being hidden from the world, or perhaps there’s something divine about an apparently ‘naturally formed’ room, with better acoustics than the oldest theatres in London’s West End. Well, Pak Ou aren’t the only caves that have been given a deeper purpose. In the wilds of central Sri Lanka, not far from the remarkable Sigiriya rock fortress, is Dambulla cave temple. This remarkable complex would have been a home to prehistoric people – skeletons have been found nearby dating back 2,700 years – but since the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, it was converted into a holy site. Today, the five main caves are full of stunning Buddha statues and paintings, as well as sculptures of kings and gods like Vishnu and the Ganesha. You’ll visit the cave on day four of our Rail Trip around the country.

From US$1259

Next available from 13th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

ENDS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Sykia sea cave and beach one of natural tourist attractions in Milos Greece

Sikia Cave – Greek Island Odyssey

Greece is not short of coastal coves and caverns ripe for exploring on foot or by boat. However, you’ll struggle to find a more impressive one across the archipelago than Sikia Cave in Milos. The island is bordered by a series of hidden ocean alleys, old pirate hideouts and secret golden beaches, which you’ll explore with a boat cruise on day four of our island-hopping extravaganza in the Cyclades, including a stop at Sikia. The roof of the cave collapsed long ago, leaving an almost surreal circular skylight that illuminates the inside. It’s only accessible via small boats that can fit through the 5m-tall (16ft) entrance, but once inside there’s a gorgeous little pebble beach and a crystal clear pool that you can swim in. It’s a truly dreamy spot to go for a dip, as the Mediterranean sunlight bursts through from above.

From US$2056

Next available from 28th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Athens, Greece

ENDS AT

Santorini Island, Greece

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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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.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

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.