The Most Beautiful Lakes In The World You Can Visit With Culture Trip

Whether you love wild swimming, boat trips or simply lounging with a waterside view, there’s something inherently serene about the peaceful beauty of a lake. From Northern Italy to East Asia and even an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, these are the world’s most beautiful lakes that you can visit with Culture Trip.

Spring Sale

Sete Cidades crater lakes, the Azores

The volcanic geology of this Portuguese archipelago is to thank for countless extraordinary landscapes, from epic coastlines to luscious forests, but none are quite as memorable as the crater lakes of Sete Cidades, on São Miguel Island. These twin lakes – Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, or Green Lake and Blue Lake – are situated within the actual craters of a dormant volcano. Seeing them from a good vantage point is the best way to appreciate the striking hues of green and blue that shimmer on a sunny day, the incredibly abundant surrounding flora, and the almost otherworldly shapes of the lakes themselves. Day two of our Atlantic Azores trip focuses on this area alone, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area by Jeep, before cycling around and kayaking on the lakes with the guidance of our expert Local Insider.

From US$1928

Next available from 23rd Jun 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

ENDS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

8

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

The largest body of water in Taiwan is as ethereal as the name suggests. The area is designated as one of the country’s National Scenic Areas and, while the lake’s majestic alpine vistas are to be treasured, it’s also what surrounds that makes this place so special. It’s an area rich in indigenous culture and local agriculture, as well as verdant hiking and cycling trails. Day three of our Taste of Taiwan trip is dedicated entirely to Sun Moon Lake. We’ll start with a refreshing two-hour cycle around the lake’s turquoise waters, followed by a visit to Xiangshan Visitor Centre and lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we’ll embark on a gentle hourlong boat cruise, before visiting the hilltop temple of Wenwu, which boasts stunning views of the lake. Finally, this region is also famous for producing black tea, so it would be rude not to make a late afternoon visit to Ho Ho Cha Tea Factory for a hand-rolling and tasting session.

From US$2031

Next available from 20th Jul 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

ENDS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Spring Sale

View of Hakone Shrine and Mt Fuji from Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi, Japan

This is another volcanic crater lake, formed by an eruption on Mount Hakone 3,000 years ago. Today it’s one of the main attractions in the Hakone region, which is full of traditional accommodations, historic sights and muscle-soothing hot springs. It’s popularity is mostly derived from the views of Mount Fuji that can be enjoyed both on and around the lake. The ultimate photo frame shot includes Mount Fuji in the background and the Hakone Shrine torii gate in the foreground, separated by dense forestry and a few thousand feet. Having already spent the night soaking in hot springs at our traditional ryokan inn in Hakone, the ninth day of our Japan by Train: The Grand Tour trip will start with a serene boat cruise across Lake Ashi, so you can start your day with spectacular views of Japan’s tallest peak.

From US$4045

Next available from 2nd Sep 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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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.