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Tired of the same old recommendations? Bored of seeing your Insta feed dominated by the same three “on-trend” destinations? Well, join one of our immersive small-group trips in these underrated countries and blaze the travel trail for 2024.

Black Friday
Trinity Gergeti Church, Kazbegi, Georgia

Georgia

We can’t get enough of Georgia, a country defined by its ridiculously spectacular landscapes and a culture richer and older than most on Earth. Our nine-day trip embraces every facet of what makes this tiny little nation, nestled amid the Caucasus Mountain on the Eurasian border, so special. You’ll discover the oldest winemaking tradition on the planet – learn about underground fermentation, the toastmaster ceremony and, of course, sample some of the goods for yourself. Hearty local delicacies like khachapuri and churchkhela should keep you fuelled up for our trek through the forests of Lagodekhi National Park, and an epic hike up to Gergeti Church, sat high in the Caucasus. The recovery process is taken care of with a visit to Tbilisi’s traditional sulphur baths – what hasn’t this country got!?

From US$1444.15 Next available from 26th Apr 2025 Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT Tbilisi, Georgia
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ENDS AT Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION 9
GROUP SIZE 16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate info icon
STYLE
Discovery info icon
Black Friday
Train approaching the Duoliang Station in Taitung, on the east coast of Taiwan

Taiwan

China and Japan might dominate the East Asian conversation, but if you want to sample the exotic joys of the Far East in an original way, look no further than the island nation of Taiwan. This place has its own totally distinct sense of identity, infused with influences from a variety of neighbours, from the culinary delights of its bustling city night markets, to the majesty of Buddhist temples and pagodas. Our nine-day Rail Trip loops around the whole island, starting and ending in Taipei. As well as exploring the capital’s most snap-worthy sights and thrilling markets, you’ll also get to discover the cities of Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. Natural splendour, meanwhile, awaits at Sun Moon Lake, which you’ll boat along and cycle around, as well as visiting a nearby tea factory for a tasting session. This itinerary even turns getting from A to B into an activity itself, as our East Coast National Scenic Area route exemplifies.

From US$1777.3 Next available from 4th Jan 2025 Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT Taipei, Taiwan
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ENDS AT Taipei, Taiwan
DURATION 9
GROUP SIZE 16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate info icon
STYLE
Discovery info icon
Black Friday
The,Blue,And,Green,Lakes,,Azores

The Azores, Portugal

We’re taking a narrower focus on this one because, as much as we love Portugal, this volcanic archipelago feels a million miles away from mainland Europe. The Azores are a truly surreal place, forged in volcanic flames that have produced a series of verdant mountains, crater lakes and natural hot springs, and yet they don’t get the same spotlight as distant cousins like Madeira and the Canary Islands. You can discover the Atlantic’s best kept secret with us across six adventurous days on the main island of São Miguel. You’ll cycle around and kayak across the volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades, go canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões and keep an eye out for whales on an optional marine safari. Respite comes in the form of cocktail-making classes, hearty cozido stews and, of course, long soaks in soothing geothermal hot springs.

From US$2007.2 Next available from 29th Mar 2025 Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT Porto, Portugal
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ENDS AT Lisbon, Portugal
DURATION 8
GROUP SIZE 16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate info icon
STYLE
Discovery info icon

About the author

Gethin Morgan has developed an exciting portfolio across a series of roles at Culture Trip. With a keen interest in food and drink, Gethin is also particularly interested in niche or alternative travel which, in his case, usually involves following the Wales national soccer team to Europe's most obscure cities.

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