Explore Off-The-Beaten-Path Abu Dhabi With...

As an increasingly popular travel destination, Abu Dhabi has plenty to offer for every type of visitor. We’ve picked out a selection of off-the-beaten-path experiences ideal for the culturally curious traveller.

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Abu Dhabi’s stunning skyline hides a beautiful city full of incredible experiences for those looking for something a little different. The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is literally translated as ‘Father of Gazelle’, and although the the region has changed significantly in recent years from the land that was once full of nature, these experiences will help you enjoy all sides of life here.

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

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

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.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

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.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

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.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

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.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

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.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

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.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

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.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

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.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

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.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

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.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

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

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

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!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

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.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

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.

Evening Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner, Henna Painting, Camel Ride and Belly Dance

Tours

Experience a host of exciting desert activities and a barbecue dinner on this six-hour, desert camp expedition from Abu Dhabi, including round-trip transport. Travel to a Bedouin-inspired camp amid the dunes, and throw yourself into the traditional Emirati activities on offer. Enjoy a 4×4 dune-bashing adventure; try sand boarding, camel riding, Henna Painting, Sheesha Smoking; watch a belly dance show, and much more. Rent a quad bike (additional cost) if you wish, and finish with a tasty barbecue.

Abu Dhabi Guided Sightseeing Boat Tours

Tours

As a city shaped by its seafaring heritage, Abu Dhabi can only truly be experienced by the water. Our unique sightseeing tours will take you on a journey through time as you experience the contemporary architecture juxtaposed with the traditional Arabic culture.75-minute Yas TourThis spectacular guided tour is a one-stop shop for all things Yas Island. It is brimming with iconic sights, as well as key tips and facts about the Island and its many attractions.60-minute Corniche TourThere’s simply no better way to explore Abu Dhabi’s headline-grabbing skyline than from the water. You start your tour in style at the luxurious Emirates Palace Marina, then head out to sea to experience the beautiful Corniche.60-minute Maya Island TourThis incredible guided tour takes you on a journey down Abu Dhabi’s extensive coastline, to witness the luxury of Abu Dhabi island, Emirates Palace and the Presidential Palaces juxtaposed with the natural, tranquil beauty of Al Maya Island.

Chevrolet Camaro Drag Racing Experience

Activities

If you dream of becoming a professional drag racer, you could ask for no better introduction than a session in the Chevrolet Camaro, the choice of drag racers from around the world.Don’t just take our word for it. Watch the Chevrolet Camaro in action.

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: Two-Hour Tour

Tours

You won’t be able to take your eyes off the falcons when you visit the Falcon Hospital. The falcon treatment centre, falcon demonstration centre and the falcon museum are located under one roof at the Falcon Hospital premises. While you walk around the hospital the tour guide will fill you in on all the facts about falcons.

Abu Dhabi Seaplane Flight

Tours

Get an aerial view of Abu Dhabi on a 30-minute flight by seaplane over the capital city and its stunning surroundings. Enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf as well as city sights as you soar at an elevation of just several hundred feet. Fly over the Ferrari World theme park, Emirates Palace, Zayed Bridge, Corniche Beach, Nurai Island and more.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

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.