The Best Countryside Tours in Europe
Discover the diversity of the European countryside and immerse yourself in some of the continent’s incredible landscapes on a small-group adventure with Culture Trip.
Escape to the countryside with these multi-day group experiences that immerse you in nature – while helping you explore the lesser-known sides of popular destinations. These Culture Trip adventures take you to the vineyards and olive groves of Italy and the remote Caucasus Mountains, or even as far north as the Arctic Circle. To inspire your next escape, here are the best countryside tours in Europe.
Destinations Unlocked:
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
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.Next
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. Next
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.Next
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.Next
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. Next
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.Next
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. Next
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 price Africa
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!Next
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. Next
Georgia, for trekking in the Caucasus Mountains
The Georgian countryside is one of the best destinations in Europe for food, wine and nature lovers. This nine-day group tour with Culture Trip starts in Tbilisi, but you’ll swiftly travel to Kakheti – where you’ll learn about Georgia’s millennia-old winemaking tradition at the source. Feast like a Georgian, then work off all that wine and Georgian cheese bread as the tour moves into the mountains. First, you’ll be hiking in the forests of the remote Lagodekhi National Park. Then, you’ll venture high into the Caucasus Mountains to visit churches and glaciers in Stepantsminda, before finishing your trip with a sulphur bath soak in Tbilisi.
From US$1199
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
Iceland, for dramatic glaciers, geysers and waterfalls
Iceland’s interior is more wilderness than countryside, but if you’re looking for a wild, icy adventure, this is the destination for you. This five-day group tour with Culture Trip may start in Reykjavik – but it will quickly see you escaping the city to soak in hot springs in Borgarfjordur. You’ll also get to visit the geysers and waterfalls of the Golden Circle, snowmobile across epic glaciers and try bread that’s been baked in a geothermal oven. The adventure concludes on the southern shores of Iceland, as you search out dramatic black sand beaches and crashing waterfalls.
From US$2889
Next available from 17th Feb 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
ENDS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Southern Italy, for unbeatable foodie experiences
Looking for sun, sea, wine and artisanal bread? Then this 10-day Culture Trip tour into Southern Italy’s countryside could well be the one for you. Join the group for pizza in Naples, before travelling along the sun-drenched shores off the Amalfi Coast as you slowly make your way south. Experience the gourmet heart of the Italian countryside in Altamura – where you can try artisan bread that’s been baked here for centuries. You’ll cycle, hike and tour through valleys, vineyards and olive groves as you explore Puglia – before ending the trip in Lecce, a compact city that’s better known as the Florence of the South.
From US$2599
Next available from 29th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Naples, Italy
ENDS AT
Lecce, Italy
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Easy
STYLE
Discovery
The Azores, for wild landscapes in the Atlantic
Ditch mainland Europe and head off the beaten path to the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. This adventurous six-day trip is packed full of adrenaline-pumping activities – think kayaking around volcanic crater lakes, abseiling down waterfalls and swimming in natural rock pools, to name a few. You’ll also have a chance to cook your own cozida stew – cooked in an underground pot using thermal heat – and enjoy a cocktail-making class, as well as enjoying a soak in natural hot springs. This might not be the quintessential European countryside you imagined, but it’s epic and dramatic – and waiting to be explored.
From US$1459
Next available from 29th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
ENDS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
DURATION
6
GROUP SIZE
8
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Scotland, for rugged mountains and verdant valleys from the comfort of a train
There’s no better way to see Scotland than from the comfort of a window seat – the founding principle of this seven-day Rail Trip. You’ll actually start in London, catching the overnight sleeper train to Fort William. Warm up with a wee dram of whisky at Ben Nevis Distillery, take the iconic Jacobite steam train across Glenfinnan Viaduct and explore the Isle of Skye by boat across a week of outdoorsy fun in the UK’s most dramatic landscape. Enjoy glassy lochs, fairytale woodlands and rocky mountains in the Cairngorms National Park, before getting back to civilisation for a couple of nights in Edinburgh.
From US$2499
Next available from 29th Apr 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
London, England
ENDS AT
Edinburgh, Scotland
DURATION
7
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Maja Proescholdt and Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.
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.
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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.
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