The Best Travel Photographs of 2017
Creative Director (Editorial)
This year, our team of talented local and travelling photographers have captured some of the most inspiring stories, unique cultural events and attractions in the world. Curated from 62 photographers across 27 countries, here’s a look at some of the best of 2017.
A local mezcal producer uses his cattle to grind the agave plant in Oaxaca, Mexico.
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Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
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.Next
CentralAmerica
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. Next
CentralAmerica
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
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.Next
SouthAmerica
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
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.Next
Europe
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. Next
Europe
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
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.Next
Asia
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. Next
Asia
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
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!Next
Africa
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. Next
Sandstone street views in Valletta, the European Capital of Culture 2018.
Walkers enjoy spectacular views of the Pragser Wildsee in the Prags Dolomites, South Tyrol.
A local passes the beautiful white marble Birla Mandir temple in Jaipur.
Men carry a mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) through the streets of Koto Ward during Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, a water-soaked summer celebration Tokyo.
An elderly couple sort through celosia and marigold flowers in preparation of Day of the Dead festivities in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Villagers in Indonesia gather on the fifth and final day of the Ma’nene festival in which they celebrate their dead relatives by bathing and dressing their corpses and displaying them on the cliffs.
A local street food vendor by his stall in Varanasi.
Thousands gather to watch the funeral of King Rama IX on a projector on Bangkok’s Khaosan Road, using umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.
A sika deer uses the pedestrian crossing in Nara, Japan.
The Worshipful Company of Woolmen gather to drive sheep across London Bridge, a tradition rooted in over 800 years of history.
The Lazo family carry on the centuries-long tradition of Zapotec weaving at Dixza Rugs and Organic Farm in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico.
A man helps his wife off the train at Mosteiro Station in Portugal.
Musicians and dancers enjoy Diwali celebrations on the streets of Delhi.
A Peruvian woman rests in one of the hammocks on a cargo ship travelling along the Amazon.
A local rolls his shopping home along the cobbled streets of the whimsical Trastevere neighbourhood in Rome.
Shaman Don Martial Achote holds a Ayahuasca ceremony at La Luna del Amazonas retreat in Peru.
The sun begins to set on Umayyad Palace, located in the historical site Citadel in Amman, Jordan.
Teens in fancy dress take Halloween selfies at the famous Shibuya crossing in Tokyo.
Hikers bypass clouds on stratovolcano Mount Damavand, the highest peak in Iran and highest volcano in Asia.
Fourth-generation owner of his family-run pie and mash shop, F Cooke in Shoreditch, London.
A woman cuts cloth for lanterns at a local business in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Pastel-coloured houses nestled into the dramatic cliffs on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
An Uru woman uses bundles of fried totora reeds to make balsas (reed boats) on one of the forty-two floating Uros islands on Lake Titicaca, Peru.
Monks gather at Wat Phan Tao in the heart of the Chiang Mai’s old town to celebrate Yee Peng lantern festival.
Seamstress Dulce Albuquerque looks out of the window of her home in the hilly Bairro Alto neighbourhood in Lisbon.
Inside the beautiful tiled Blue Mosque in Iran.
Woman weaves on an artisanal loom in one of Mae Sot’s traditional handicraft villages.
Exploring the fields at the foot of Mount Bromo, an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia.
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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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.
