Top Culture Trips For An Original Travel Experience

Take a left turn and book an original travel experience that delivers something different in the best way possible.

After ticking off the traditional tourist routes, it’s about time you took the road less travelled. No matter how many times you’ve trekked the globe, you’re yet to truly see it all. From ancient winemaking in Georgia to elephant-spotting in Sri Lanka and tribal hangouts in Kenya, there’s no end to the unique excursions you can take if you know where to look. These Culture Trips will not only take you to some of the world’s most unique countries, but also show you a different side to some of the most popular travel destinations around.

Spring Sale

Train from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy among tea plantations in the highlands of Sri Lanka

Secrets of Sri Lanka by Train

Prepare for train journeys like no other on this 10-day Rail Trip around the island of Sri Lanka. We start with street food in Colombo, ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa and the truly singular Sigiriya rock fortress, before taking one of the world’s most scenic train rides from Kandy to Ella. Pop your head out of an open window as your carriage gently undulates through luscious green tea plantations, stretching as far as the eye can see along central Sri Lanka’s rolling hills. Pass charming rural villages and cross stunning stone bridges as you marvel at the beauty of this remote countryside. You’ll enjoy spectacular valley views from your gorgeous hotel in Ella, before heading out to Udawalawe National Park, where we’ll spot wild elephants on a safari drive. Our final destination is the pretty fort city of Galle, filled with charming cobbled streets and surrounded by glorious beaches. Explore the city thoroughly before embarking on one last train journey along the scenic western coastline back to Colombo.

From US$1519

Next available from 18th May 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

ENDS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Additional reporting was contributed by Nick Dauk and Mandi Keighran.

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.