The Most Diverse And Progressive Countries To Visit

Embrace the most diverse and progressive countries in the world by booking your place on one of these small-group Culture Trip adventures.

When choosing a country to visit, many people consider factors such as affordability, weather and the variety of things to do – but how about progressiveness? Typically, the higher a country ranks on social progress surveys, the happier and friendlier the locals are. Through Culture Trip, you can book a place on a small-group trip to many of the most progressive and friendliest countries in the world – from the lunar-like volcanic landscapes of Iceland to the pulsating cities of Japan.

Spring Sale

Busy, neon-lit street full of Japanese signs in Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan.

Japan, for delicious food and fascinating architecture

Anyone who has visited Japan will attest to meeting some of the kindest people in the world, thanks to the country’s long-standing culture of welcoming guests with wholehearted hospitality – known locally as omotenashi. Discover one of the world’s most polite countries on this in-depth 12-day Rail Trip, where our Local Insider will show you the best of Japanese culture. From soaking in hot springs at a traditional ryokan to sushi making and sumo wrestling – don’t worry, you’ll only be spectating – in Tokyo, you’ll have a blast here.

From US$4045

Next available from 2nd Sep 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Spring Sale

View of Ponte Luis I and the Douro river in Porto from Vila Nova de Gaia

Portugal, for mouthwatering cuisine and colourful cities

According to surveys from InterNations and the Global Peace Index, Portugal is not only ranked the friendliest country in the world, but also the third most peaceful. Expats and retirees report feeling at home right away in the southern European country. Get a warm Portuguese welcome on Culture Trip’s leisurely eight-day Rail Trip, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto and venture into the dreamy Douro Valley to sip some of the continent’s finest wines. As soon as you take a seat on a sloping street and sink your teeth into a Pastel de Nata, you’ll feel like you’ve lived here forever.

From US$1927

Next available from 11th May 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Porto, Portugal

ENDS AT

Lisbon, Portugal

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Additional words by Gethin Morgan.

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.