The Best Group Tours for Adrenaline Junkies

Gethin Morgan

Content and CRM Executive

Looking for your next big thrill? These adrenaline-fuelled trips will soon have your blood pumping and hairs standing on end.

Sun loungers? Forget them. Real thrillseekers pack their hard-earned holidays with high-adrenaline activities that keep them buzzing long after they’ve returned home. Want to experience a night under the stars or travel across endless deserts like a real explorer? Here’s a selection of our most extreme trips (don’t worry, you don’t need to be a daredevil to take part!).

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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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.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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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.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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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.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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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.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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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.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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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.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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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.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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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.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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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.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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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.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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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
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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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!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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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.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The,Blue,And,Green,Lakes,,Azores

Atlantic Azores

This archipelago far off the west coast of Portugal is like one big adventure playground. Its volcanic underbelly has crafted epic waterfalls and giant lakes, dramatic coastlines and towering mountains. There is no limit to the outdoor fun you can have here, especially when you book a spot on our six-day tour of São Miguel, the main island of the Azores. You’ll be exploring the extraordinary volcanic crater lakes of Sete Citades, starting with a jeep tour of the surround mountains, followed by a cycle around the lakes and, finally, a kayak sessions across them. You’ll hike to Salto do Cabrito waterfall and dip in its refreshing rock pools, join an optional whale watching safari and go canyoning along the cascading waterfalls and rocky ravines of Ribeiro dos Caldeiroes. All that hard work will be rewarded with soothing soaks in natural hot springs, a cocktail making class and a hearty cozido stew, cooked underground with only the geothermal heat produced naturally underground.

From US$1459

Next available from 29th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

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ENDS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

8

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Crossing a wooden swing bridge in Ecuador with waterfall and forest either side

Adventurous Ecuador

It’s in the name! This eight-day epic is all about making the most of Ecuador’s remarkably diverse natural landscapes. This is a small country but its packed with adventurous areas ripe for exploring. You’ll hike around a glacial lagoon and ride on horseback through Cotopaxi National Park, before tracing the incredible Banos Waterfall Route on two wheels, stopping off only to marvel at the majesty of cascading waters like those of the Devil’s Cauldron. Next up is a bouncy white-water rafting experience on one the main tributaries of the Amazon, followed by a nighttime jungle hike in the rainforest. The trip ends with a gentler rainforest hike as we learn about essential oils, before having the chance to cool off with a waterfall swim and spend a pampering afternoon back at our cosy Amazonian lodge.

From US$1999

Next available from 9th Dec 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Quito, Ecuador

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ENDS AT

Quito, Ecuador

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Table Mountain, Cape Town Amazing View

Splendid South Africa

Standing atop the eerily flat peak of Table Mountain, with the entirety of Cape Town below, and both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans in the distance, will have you feeling on top of the world. It’s a feeling that you’ll get early in our 11-day Garden Route road trip, but one we aim to maintain for the whole holiday. It’s a well balanced itinerary, so for every kayaking session with penguins off the waters of Simons Town, we’ll also spend a time sampling fine wines in Stellenbosch. You’ll spend a laid-back evening in coastal Knysna before heading out to explore the rocky cliff-faces and ropey bridges of Tsitsikamma National Park. Heart rates will peak when we reach Bloukrans Bridge, known as the world’s largest bungee jumping bridge. You’ll get the chance to make the leap of faith yourself, although less hardcore travellers might opt for the skywalk instead. That might peak your pulse, but the thrills don’t stop there, since our final destination is Gondwana Game Reserve, where you’ll get to go on up to four safari drives in search of the famous Big Five. See lions up close and watch leopards stroll by before returning to our luxurious lodge for a soak in the infinity pool – who knows, the local elephants might pop round to say hello.

From US$3009

Next available from 3rd Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

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ENDS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland

With black volcanic beaches, snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls, Iceland needs to be seen to be believed. This five-day adventure trip will give you the opportunity to charge through the wilderness on a snowmobile, traverse glaciers, walk behind waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs and watch out for the Northern Lights. Foodies will enjoy trying geothermal baked bread and Arctic char. You’ll also get to explore the Golden Circle, with three of the most stunning sights in southwest Iceland. Not bad for a long weekend.

From US$2889

Next available from 17th Feb 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

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ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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A land iguana sitting in the shrubby ground on North Seymour in the Galápagos, with a group of travellers in the background

Go Wild in the Galapagos

Encounter an extraordinary array of wildlife on this overland trip to the Galápagos Islands – an archipelago around 1,000km (621mi) off mainland Ecuador. From kayaking in the Itabaca Channel to snorkelling around Kicker Rock, you’ll waste no time covering the most majestic sites in five days, giving you the chance to spot penguins, iguanas, sharks and more. Marvel at giant tortoises from your idyllic glamping retreat in the Santa Cruz highlands and venture to uninhabited islands to experience a more rugged side to the Galápagos. You’ll use snorkel equipment, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to see the animals up close, as well as sticking to what God gave you while hiking lava trails and swimming with sea lions.

From US$2499

Next available from 13th Jan 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

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ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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STYLE

Discovery

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This is an updated version of an article originally written by Siobhan Grogan.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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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!

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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 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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