The Most Underrated Countries to Visit in 2024
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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.
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$1199
Next available from 18th May 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
ENDS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
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$2199
Next available from 27th Jan 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
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$1669
Next available from 29th Mar 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
Sri Lanka
Just like Taiwan sits off the southeastern coast of China, the luscious island nation of Sri Lanka plays a similar role off the southeastern coast of India. Also like Taiwan, this beautiful country is famous for its tea production, with the plantations in central Sri Lanka providing the perfect backdrop for a trio of stunning train rides that you can embark on with our 10-day Rail Trip. Again, this is a loop tour of the island, starting and ending in Colombo. You’ll head inland to explore the otherworldly Sigiriya rock fortress and the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. The following train route from Kandy to Ella is widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic, while the journey from Galle – a gorgeous coastal fort town that acts as our penultimate stop – to Colombo isn’t far behind.
From US$1679
Next available from 9th Mar 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Colombo, Sri Lanka
ENDS AT
Colombo, Sri Lanka
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
12
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
South Korea
If Taiwan is your alternative to China, then South Korea should act as your alternative to Japan. While Korea’s giant neighbour sweeps up hordes of tourists in the post-pandemic boom (a costly boom, by the way) you can experience an equally unique culture and equally beautiful landscapes in nearby Korea. Like Japan, this is a place where ancient history and high-tech modernity blend seamlessly, and like Japan this is a country that’s at its prettiest during springtime’s cherry blossom season. Join our 10-day tour of the country to sample every facet of its diverse offerings. You’ll experience neon-lit hysteria in Seoul and sample foodie delights in the coastal city of Busan, while natural beauty is abundant in Seoraksan National Park. Experience ancient history in Gyeongju, discover the life of Buddhist monks with a traditional Korean temple stay in Golgulsa, and explore more recent history at the eery Demilitarized Zone, where you can catch a glance over the North Korean border. So how about it? See you in the Far East!
From US$3499
Next available from 24th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Seoul, South Korea
ENDS AT
Seoul, South Korea
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
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.
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