TRIPS

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The Most Diverse and Progressive Countries to Visit

Embrace the world’s most diverse and progressive countries in the world by booking your place on one of these small-group TRIPS by Culture Trip.
Grace Beard
15 Sep 2022
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.
1 . Iceland, for northern lights chasing and soaking in hot springs

Iceland is widely considered to be one of the most progressive countries in the world – and for good reason. The Nordic island country is consistently named a leader in environmental sustainability and standards of safety. On Culture Trip’s five-day Iceland tour, you’ll see exactly why. Embrace the great outdoors – we’re talking black-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls and huge glaciers – and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Plus, you’ll stay in Reykjavik, one of the world’s happiest and safest capital cities – which also runs largely on geothermal energy.

From£2286
Next available from21 Oct 2023
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2 . 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 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£2672
Next available from7 Sep 2023
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3 . 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 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£2672
Next available from7 Sep 2023
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4 . 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 nine-day tour, 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 in traditional Quinta lodges. 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.

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5 . South Korea, for mountain hiking, karaoke and Buddhist meditation

South Korea is generally regarded as a safe and liberal country, particularly in comparison to its northern counterpart. Experience a warm Korean welcome on Culture Trip’s 10-day South Korea small-group tour. You’ll start off in Seoul, South Korea’s diverse and futuristic capital city, before enjoying an action-packed itinerary that includes admiring mountain scenery in Seoraksan National Park – discovering archaeological gems such as Jeonjuy’s hanok village and spending a night in a Buddhist hillside temple. After learning Buddhist chanting and meditation, you’ll come away feeling properly zen.

From£2384
Next available from27 Aug 2023
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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 Bespoke 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 Bespoke 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.