The Most Unique Temples And Churches In The World

From epic European cathedrals to majestic Buddhist temples and ancient wonders, these places of worship are all special in their own way. Book one of our small-group trips for a chance to tour some of the coolest temples and churches in the world.

Exterior shot Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik, Iceland

Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland

This Lutherian parish church in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is one of the most singular works of religious architecture out there. While many of the greatest cathedral and temples were built centuries ago, this is one of the finest examples of modern art crossing over with religion, with construction having taken place between 1945 and 1986. The design is supposedly inspired by the country’s many mountains, trap rocks and glaciers, with Guðjón Samúelsson’s expressionist design utilising curved spires and side wings to create a gorgeous textured aesthetic. Our Volcanic Iceland trip is focused mostly on the epic landscapes that inspired Hallgrímskirkja, but our first full day does begin with a locally guided tour of the capital, which invariably includes a visit to the city’s most notable architectural gem.

From US$2889

Next available from 6th Apr 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

ENDS AT

Reykjavik, Iceland

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Winter Sale

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The first thing that sets Angkor Wat apart is obvious – it’s recognised as the largest religious structure in the world. This place is about much more than just scale, though. The intricacies of the design, the detail found in each carving, is utterly spellbinding. The silhouette of what is today a Buddhist temple – originally constructed as a Hindu place of worship in the 12th century – remains one of the most beautiful works of ancient architecture on Earth. What makes Angkor Wat even more special is its relationship with nature. It’s bordered by a 5km (3mi) moat, which beautifully reflects the temple on a clear day, and surrounded by luscious greenery, as giant tree roots and sprawling vines slowly reclaiming the site. Our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam trip includes an early morning trip to the complex, so you get to experience the wonder of Angkor Wat at sunrise – it’s the best way to see it, and even the most staunchly unspiritual among you will have a tingle in your tummy as dawn breaks across this ancient temple’s weathered walls.

From US$2499

Next available from 25th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Winter Sale

Trinity Gergeti Church, Kazbegi, Georgia

Gergeti Trinity Church, Georgia

Sometimes it’s all about location, location, location. That’s the case with Gergeti Trinity Church, which is found high in the Caucasus Mountains, a three-hour hike away from the nearest town. The 14th-century cross-cupola church is utterly charming but would be relatively unremarkable were it not for its dramatic position beneath the towering shadow of Mount Kazbek, Georgia’s third largest mountain. The church itself stands at an elevation of 2,170m (7,120ft) and with its remoteness comes an almost fairytale-like quality. Simple, but completely magical. You’ll make the trek up to Gergeti on our nine-day Georgia and the Caucasus, so don’t forget your walking boots!

From US$1199

Next available from 18th May 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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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.