cultural and tour

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Arts Culture Tours

Top Arts & Culture Tours

Save up to $639

Splendours of Japan

9 Locations

13 Day Japan Tour from Tokyo to Osaka via Hiroshima

Save up to $854

East Coast USA and Canada

11 Locations

2 Countries

14 Day USA and Canada Tour starting and ending in New York

Save up to $600

Bohemian Highlights 2024

10 Locations

5 Countries

14 Day European Tour of Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic

Save up to $400

Best of Turkey

18 Locations

14 Day Turkey Tour of Istanbul, Gallipoli, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

Save up to $704

Best of France

13 Day France and Monaco Sightseeing Tour from Paris

Save up to $999

Best of Italy

15 Locations

13-Day Italy Sightseeing Tour of Rome, Lake Como and Sorrento

See All Arts & Culture Trips

Arts & culture tours inspiration

Cultural wonders, ancient traditions & local artisans

Delve into the unique cultures of the world and get a deeper insight with your Local Specialists on our art and cultural experiences. Meet with local artisans, learn how they keep their traditions alive, and witness moving cultural performances.

Stays with incredible stories

Our cultural vacations continue on well into the night, with our unique Stays with Stories. Step back in time with a stay in the lavish 17th-century Château de Beauvois in France, sleep in a room hewn out of the surrounding ancient rock in Turkey, experience genuine Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan in a mountain hot springs village, or stay in an old Franciscan convent in Santa Maria degli Angeli in Italy.

Witness powerful cultural rituals

Immerse yourself in ceremonies and traditions around the world with our cultural experiences. Witness the soulful ritual of Aarti on the River Ganges in India, take part in a private blessing ceremony at Wat Damnak in Cambodia, meet a Shaman who will perform an ancient Pago a la Tierra ceremony to welcome you to Peru, or watch the Grand Entrance Dance Performance at a Black Hills Pow Wow in the USA.

Connect with locals

Our cultural trips connect you with locals who share their unique customs. Witness the revival of Khmer crafts by young artisans in Siem Reap, see the delicate craft of Venetian glassblowing on Giudecca Island, learn the art of haggling at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, discover the spiritual connections the local Anangu caretakers have with the land at Uluru, or learn how local artisans make Japanese washi paper in Gokayama. 

The best local culture unlocked for you

Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

0:00 / 0:00

Want to learn about Black Forest craft?

Want to discover folk italian weaving, want to see lusitano horses in portugal, all you need to know about arts & culture tours, what is culture heritage tourism.

Culture heritage tourism is traveling to experience authentic food, music, clothing, stories, artifacts and activities of different countries and cultures around the world. Our arts and culture tours include cultural heritage experiences like listening to Fado music in Portugal, learning how to wear a kimono in Japan, and witnessing the flamenco in Spain.

What is the art capital of the world?

Looking for the best cities in the world for art? You can’t miss the art mecca of Paris, with over 1,000 galleries including The Louvre. You also have to visit New York for its MoMa and Guggenheim, London for its Tate Modern and National Gallery, Florence for Renaissance art, Barcelona for the works of Gaudi, Amsterdam for its iconic Dutch artists, and Singapore for its futuristic exhibitions.

Which destinations are popular for arts and cultural trips?

If you’re keen on arts tours or cultural vacations, you can’t go past destinations like Kyoto in Japan, Shanghai in China, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hoi An in Vietnam, Wellington in New Zealand, the Northern Territory in Australia, the east coast of the USA, and European cities like Paris and Rome.

What are the top cultural trip destinations in Europe?

Our cultural tours take you to some of the top destinations in Europe where you can experience arts and cultures, including Istanbul, Vienna, Prague, Porto, Seville and of course, the cultural heavyweights like Venice, Florence and Rome of Italy and Paris and Bordeaux of France.

View All Ways To Go

Request a quote

Request a brochure

Get expert help booking your vacation

Get a brochure delivered to your door, making travel more affordable for you.

Order Yours Today

See All Deals

We are the world's most loved tour company

Ready to be inspired?

Get your free brochure and plan your next escape.

Request a Brochure

5 million happy guests...

...and counting. See what our past guests have to say.

Read Reviews

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Want to discover more about traditional Black Forest craftmanship?

Want to unlock the secrets of traditional Italian weaving?

Want to meet Lusitano horses in Portugal?

Cultural Trips

Top 10 cultural tours for 2024-2025, short inca trail hike to machu picchu, mediterranean gems: from dubrovnik to naples, discover iceland, america’s great river, hidden zimbabwe, panoramic peru, charms of the mekong, 10 best cultural tours of europe for 2024-2025, 10 best cultural tours of africa for 2024-2025, 10 best cultural tours of asia for 2024-2025, top 10 cultural tours of the united states for 2024-2025, wild alaska escape: haines, the inian islands, and tracy arm fjord, heart of the delta, hawaiian seascapes, new orleans & southern charms, alaska adventure cruise - alaska fjords and glacier bay, america’s heartland, lower mississippi river cruise, our 10 favorite cultural tours of south pacific for 2024-2025, new zealand uncut: north & south islands, southern slice: nelson to queenstown, northern portion: auckland to wellington, tahiti & the society islands, islands of the marquesas & tuamotus, marquesas, tuamotus & society islands, fiji, tonga, cook & society islands, society islands & tuamotus, ancient polynesia: tuamotus and marquesas islands, discover the marquesas, travel guide for cultural experiences.

• The Amazon - Contrary to popular myth, most of the indigenous communities in the Amazon have been contacted by modern society, but they choose to keep their customs and traditions. We have formed relationships with several of these communities who are excited to share their jungle lifestyles with you!
• Africa - Perhaps the most famous native group that we visit on our cultural experiences in Africa is the Maasai , who have found a balance between integration into the modern world without losing their customs and traditions. Several of our Africa tours visit other tribes that are even more secluded from the buzz of society. 
• The South Pacific - These early oceanic explorers were the first to settle the islands of the South Pacific and their distance from the nearest major cities has helped them preserve their ways of life (and more native languages than the rest of the world combined) for thousands of years.
• Sample local dishes - a mix of some delicious flavors that you didn't even know existed and some that might even challenge your palate! 
• Learn how to cook these dishes for yourself using the same methods and techniques that the indigenous communities have used for centuries.
• Participate in ceremonies, dances, and rituals! Many native groups are excited to share their ways of life with travelers and will give you a front row seat or even a role in their ceremonial rituals.

Cross Cultural Advice

History and culture of peru, culture and history of the mississippi river, culture of chile, culture, politics and cuisine of guatemala, history and culture of ecuador, history and culture of bolivia, the history & culture of costa rica, history and culture of belize, culture and history of new england, the cultural side of a virgin islands cruise, customs and culture of bulgaria travel, politics, culture and cuisine of the falkland islands, senegal: africa's cultural center, cultural snapshot of zimbabwe, a microcosm of african cultures, history, politics and culture of china, the history & culture of iceland, cultural travel videos.

Cultural Travel Stories

A sampling of cultural immersion, my cultural tour of china and tibet 2016, south america cultural tours, why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

Foodies’ Pilgrimage in Mexico

Germany family mosel valley bike tour, kids and families discover the mayan world at hacienda petac, down on the farm in california’s anderson valley, angel island history tour, a warm winter weekend in old québec city, california north coast storm watch, magical yosemite in winter.

Cruise with a Purpose: Three Voyages for History Buffs

Four cultural river cruises, cultural tours and itineraries.

• City Secrets

A snowy winter weekend in Québec that I’m hoping will inspire you to plan a winter holiday in Canada’s second…

California Wine Country Villages

Cultural riches in phoenix and scottsdale, only 24 hours in san francisco: really, san diego: culture and history in a california beach town.

• Ships and Trains

Brac Island, Croatia: Sun, Sea and Stone

As we watched deckside, our small Katrina Line cruise ship anchored alongside the Dalmatian coast shoreline of Brač Island and its…

Six Culture-Focused Cruises You’ve Never Heard Of

A voyage in the baltics with oceania cruises, discover portugal’s less-traveled douro river, ireland on the grand hibernian luxury train.

In 1775, Spanish naval lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala sailed through the mouth of a vast bay in the New…

San Jose: Early California History, Architecture and the Arts

Museums on san antonio’s river walk, adventures on the san francisco bay area maritime trail.

I’m lucky to live in California’s Sonoma Valley wine country, where we have a large Mexican population and many authentic…

Lovers of the Grape head for the Sonoma County Wine Library

• Active Journeys

From Jenner north to Fort Bragg, the wintertime drama along the California North Coast can make for romantic weekends to…

A Warm Winter at Snowy Lake Tahoe

Yosemite national park in the fall, walk inn to inn in california wine country.

• Cultural Countries

Our Dreams of Vietnam: a Semi-Guided Tour Part I

By Karen Misuraca and Jessica Misuraca Mother and daughter, we embarked on a three-week tour of Vietnam with Intrepid Travel,…

Best Bali Daytrips Part II

Best bali daytrips: beyond the beach umbrella, our dreams of vietnam: a semi-guided tour part ii, iceland: vikings and democracy, mystery lover’s england tour, cultural travel news and tours.

As specialists in featuring the top cultural travel companies in the world, we know that their guided and self-guided tours…

Croatia for Families

After your family’s tour of Croatia with Adriatic Luxury Journeys this summer, your kids or grandkids will surprise their teachers…

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Pick a medium

And learn, play and explore, discover artemisia gentileschi, photography, learn with the olympic museum, sculpt your own, explore poetry in motion, museum of the day.

Van Gogh painted it in January 1889, a week after leaving hospital. He had received treatment there after cutting off most of his left ear (shown here as the bandaged right ear because he painted himself in a mirror). 

This self-portrait demonstrates Van Gogh's determination to continue painting, reinforced by the objects behind him such as a Japanese print, an important source of inspiration. Above all, it is Van Gogh's brushwork and handling of colour that declares his ambition as a painter.

This picture was Manet’s last major work, exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1882. Manet knew the Folies-Bergère well. He made preparatory sketches on site, but the final painting was executed in his studio. He set up a bar and employed one of the barmaids, Suzon, to pose with it. 

Manet’s picture is unsettling. The quickly sketched crowds convey the bustle of the Folies-Bergère. In contrast, the barmaid here is detached and still at the bar, with her reflection displaced to the right. She stares at the viewer, but the mirror shows her facing a customer. 

Adam and Eve are depicted at the fateful moment they disobey God. Hoping to know good and evil, Eve bites into a fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, the only forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. Soon after, Adam will take the fruit and the couple will be banished as punishment. 

Cranach and his workshop made over 50 versions of this subject. This painting is one of the largest and most beautiful. His seductive depiction of nude figures and nature heightens the theme of temptation, central to this biblical story.

Paul Cézanne spent several years drawing and painting farmworkers from the rural estate where he lived near Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France. This is one of five paintings depicting some of these men playing cards. 

Cézanne's figures are elongated, somewhat out of proportion, and his brushwork is lively and varied. However, the overall feeling in the painting is one of stillness and concentration, with the men completely absorbed in their game. 

This work is the only major portrait painted by Georges Seurat, who died at the age of 31. It depicts his companion, Madeleine Knobloch, applying make-up. The theme of nature and artifice, represented by the use of cosmetics, is echoed in Seurat's technique, called ‘pointillism'.

He applied a ‘skin’ of coloured dots to the surface of his work to animate it and create volume. Following newly formulated optical theories, he placed colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel — orange and blue, red and green — next to each other for greater contrast.

Some stories you might've missed

Where does 'american gothic' live, hunt through the art institute of chicago, faith after the pharoahs, with the british museum, top 10 masters of the mauritshuis, discover art from the dutch golden age, borobudur: center of the universe, explore the mountain of a thousand statues, vivienne westwood in 360°, blending fine art and fashion in virtual reality, the art of manga, read about a manga master, ...or explore a manga museum, go further..., today's challenge..., classical music, arcade style, more games to play, émile gallé was born 178 years ago today, émile gallé was a french artist and designer who worked in glass, and is considered to be one of the major innovators in the french art nouveau movement. he was noted for his designs of art nouveau glass art and art nouveau furniture, and was a founder of the école de nancy or nancy school, a movement of design in the city of nancy, france., follow us on instagram, keep up with the latest from arts and culture, recommended for you, discover popular artworks and hidden gems from around the world, balloon dog (yellow), by same artist, kaldor public art project 10: jeff koons 1995, from related movement, eagle /sunflower or banana /scottish terrier / change the world 100 trees / isn't it good , created around the same time, dog is blue, depicts same object, blue and white dog, uses same medium, bowl with dog, what's your favorite color, discover over 100,000 artworks by color, artwork of the day, a centennial of independence, pick a palace..., the forbidden city, palace of versailles, charlottenburg palace, ...or explore a labyrinth, an art-filled quest through time and space, explore with street view, see the sites from home, discover the world with..., pick a topic and follow it around the world, worldwide women's marches, recommendations from every continent, the most important meal around the globe, wherever you go, have a cup of joe, uncork wine culture worldwide, tour olympic stadiums, go beyond the guidebook, visit surprising cultural sites from around the world, art and audio, plug into paintings, sights and sounds of poussin, soothe your eyes and ears with a calm landscape, look and listen with lowry, the business of the day, a pointed self-portrait, hear the elemental forces of frida, what's your favorite style of music, discover music around the world, celebrate the icons and innovators, discover the life and legacy of bach, get to know muthoni drummer queen, journey through the archives with riak, guess the artwork from the pieces, museum spotlight, seto inland sea folk history museum was built in 1973, in order to collect and maintain important materials, to carry out general research, and to make the results publicly accessible., explore pocket galleries, step inside a gallery from home, inside the jean pigozzi collection, art from africa to japan, enjoy an audio art tour, where sound and art come together, discover indian miniatures, see the tiny works up close, discover the art of color, see artworks from around the world, explore klimt's masterpieces, a never-before-seen gallery of the artist's works, enter a kandinsky exhibition, view the artist's work in a virtual gallery, meet vermeer, all of the artist’s paintings together for the first time, getty museum: immersive experience, discover paintings from los angeles' iconic collection.

Great Maya Ball Court

Explore this British Museum artifact in 3D

More 3D Models

Get a new perspective, how does 'the starry night' connect to superheros, discover connections between culture with machine learning, explore museums in south africa, jo'burg and beyond, iziko museums of south africa, south africa, johannesburg art gallery, origins centre, the rock art research institute, university of the witwatersrand, johannesburg.

Modern vs. ancient

Twombly was inspired by Greek culture, creating a modern vision of the ancient world and reworking it into a new form of visual expression.

The ideal screen

At the start of the 1960s, Twombly began using increasingly large canvases, almost as big as cinema screens, which were "the ideal shields" for hurling splashes, marks, threads, and lumps onto the white background.

Abstract expressionism

The artist translates the very action of abstract American expressionism into this work, both syllabically and ideographically.

The Fall of Hyperion, Cy Twombly, 1962

Click on the dots to zoom into the details

Explore in high definition

The details you might have missed, keep exploring..., dive into culture from around the world, milan cathedral remixed, see an icon in a new light, meet lee ungno, get to know the pioneering korean artist, manga out of the box, unpack manga past and present, black histories, black futures, discover black culture in the usa, woven stories, from papua new guinea, welcome to the green zone, explore the uns climate change conference, chopin forever, meet the man behind the music, taste mexico, the secret ingredient of mexico's food culture.

• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Cultural tours

Achieve your travel dreams with an Explore small group tour. On one of our cultural tours you'll get to see the highlights, and get off the beaten track to discover more than the average tourist. Our trips are designed to make sure you experience the culture, history and sights of every destination.

Places to go for Discovery

South america, central america, middle east, north america, australasia, about our small group cultural discovery tours.

We offer hundreds of cultural discovery trips to extraordinary destinations all over the world; from bucketlist favorites like  India  and  Italy  to more unusual, less-visited destinations like  Kazakhstan  and  Lebanon . They're designed to fully immerse you in the culture of your destination, as well as include the must-dos, like visits to key landmarks, walks and wildlife spotting. And alongside the essential things to see, we work hard to add in extraordinary experiences you wouldn't otherwise get, like meals with locals and unique  accommodation  like home stays.  

Our Discovery tours allow you to get under the skin of your destination and fully explore. The average group size on these small-group tours is just 11, meaning you'll have like-minded travelers with you, but not too many to disrupt your trip.

On a Discovery tour you'll be led by a local  tour guide . These tour leaders have expert knowledge about the areas you'll travel and will make sure your trip is not only safe and comfortable but unforgettable in all the right ways. 

First time traveling with Explore? We've answered some of the  most-asked questions  about our small group Discovery trips. 

Our most popular Discovery tours

Jordan discovery.

Discover Chernobyl

Botswana Wildlife Safari

Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

India's Golden Triangle

What to expect on a cultural discovery tour

Types of discovery tours.

Included in our cultural discovery tours are our  festival departures . Visiting a festival is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a destination. We run trips to unusual and less-known festivals like the festivals in Bhutan  or festivals in Tibet .

Many of our destinations are home to fascinating wildlife species, and so we include wildlife-spotting activities like game drives and visits to nature reserves in our itineraries. We also offer dedicated wildlife tours , which have a focus of seeing the animals and birdlife of a destination. From Africa safaris to Galapagos tours, bear watching in Europe to Amazon rainforest stays, our wildlife tours offer you the best opportunity to spot the stars of the animal kingdom. 

Food and drink is also a big part of our Discovery vacations. We aim to include the opportunity to try local food and drink on all our discovery tours, but if this is a particular focus for you we've got some trips specifically designed to include  food and drink experiences . From sampling cheeses and wines in Italy to making tamales in Mexico, you'll get to sample all the best cuisine from your destination.    

Frequently asked questions about our Discovery trips

Learn more about our Discovery tours in our  7 questions answered about your first Discovery trip  blog.

An adventure travel company you can trust

Unforgettable experiences.

From big wows to hidden gems, our tours leave you feeling that you've really explored.

Expert tour leaders

Chosen for their great knowledge of your destination and a passion to make your trip extraordinary.

Small groups

Average groups of 11; solos, couples and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.

Responsible at heart

How we operate sets us apart; our flexible booking policy, our loyalty scheme & sustainable approach.

Need some inspiration for your Discovery tour?

7 questions answered for your first small-group adventure tour

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

See All Discovery destinations

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• El Salvador
• Ivory Coast
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Turkmenistan

Art & culture tours

Whether you’re learning about glassblowing in Venice or sipping mint tea on the ground of a Bedouin tent, you’re bound to have a life-changing experience with us.

Each of our tours will help you uncover the art and culture of a destination, but if you’re looking for a more in-depth experience, check out the tours below.

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.8 out of 5 stars

4.6 out of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars

Get paired with your perfect tour

Answer six questions and we’ll narrow down our 175+ tours to just a few that are made for you.

Already booked? Add excursions!

Add handpicked experiences to dive deeper into culture, and stay longer on the tour extension.

Combine your Club Go credits

If you have an account, you’re part of Club Go—and you earn rewards after every trip.

Group travel made easy

We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay . Plus, you can pay in interest-free, monthly installments.

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.

Not sure which tour is right for you? We're here to help.

Chat online.

Chat instantly with us during our normal hours, or leave a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Schedule a call

Let us know your preferred time to chat and a travel expert will reach out.

Schedule now

We’re available every day from our offices in Boston and Denver at 1-855-590-1161

What our travelers say about their art & culture tours

Faqs about our art and culture tours.

Great art comes from all over the globe, but here are a few hot spots we'd recommend:

• Italy for the birthplace of the Renaissance
• Paris for some of the richest art collections in the world
• Rome for sculptures of all kinds
• Morocco for artisan markets and performances

Whether you're into painting, sculptures, theatre, music, architecture, or nature, you'll see it up close—in museums, parks, performance halls, and even city bus tours. View any of our trips for the full itineraries.

Italy is home to some of the greatest artists in history—and not just Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. Italy has incredible glass-blowers, playwrights, and crafters. It also has some of the most notable sites from famous works of art, like Shakespeare’s fair Verona, the Amalfi coast, and the Sicilian backdrops for Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic movie The Godfather. Check out our The Art-Lovers Guide to Italy . 

When you travel with us, you get a full educational and cultural experience with knowledgeable guides, free time to explore, and all the benefits of traditional group travel, too. Learn more about the Go Ahead Tours difference .

More types of travel

See the latest from our travelers @goaheadtours.

• Deutschland

Heritage & Culture

Cultural Tourism and the Discovery of Past and Present

Every place has a unique story, and a cultural and heritage tour helps narrate it. Discover the past through the remains of medieval cities, ancient temples, and archaeological sites.

Visit  Mayan  pyramids and temples to learn about the daily and ceremonial life of this ancient civilization. Explore the legacy of the colonial Spanish in the architecture of countless South and  Central American  cities like  Antigua ,  Cartagena , and  Sucre .

Experience  Asia ’s various religious and spiritual traditions in real time as you listen to monks chat in the atmospheric monasteries of  Bhutan , or watch devotees worship in the elaborate temples of  India  or Bali. Step into  Japan ’s Zen gardens and ancient Shinto shrines. Or make your Japanese cultural experience more immersive by having dinner with a geisha, attending a matcha tea ceremony, or taking a hands-on sumo wrestling or Samurai swordsmanship lesson.

Anyone with the faintest interest in traditional architecture will be bowled over by the abundance of India’s heritage structures. Erotic temples in  Khajuraho , grand medieval forts and palaces in Rajasthan, the bustling temple towns of Tamil Nadu, the Taj Mahal in  Agra —these are only a small fraction of the country’s cultural wealth.

Asia to  Africa , Central to  South America , browsing local markets is a marvelous way to experience a region’s contemporary culture. Explore lives, legends, and lore as you wander through Asia’s floating produce markets or the colorful handicraft markets of the native Andean cultures.

If you’d like to visit an indigenous community we’ll arrange a tour that is respectful of their culture and ethical and responsible to the people you meet. It’s a good way to delve deeper into the history and heritage of a people, their environment and way of life. Spend the day with the Uros who live on floating homes on Lake Titicaca in  Peru , or interact with Maasai pastoralists in  Kenya .

As you travel the world and uncover its cultural diversity, you will be repeatedly reminded that around every corner lies a fascinating tale. At Enchanting Travels we take pride in helping you immerse in and experience these stories.

Recommended Heritage & Culture Tours

Italy: Rome, Matera & Apulia

This tour is ideal for those who want to go beyond the usual and see Italy’s hidden gems. Enjoy a walking tour of Rome and admire the glorious Vatican museums before heading off to explore the towns of Matera, Lecce and Fasano. Learn about Matera’s turbulent history on a tour that takes you to an…

Japan's Samurai History, Culture and Cuisine

Uncover Japan’s famous Samurai culture, heritage and cuisine as you explore some of its best-loved destinations. Admire the iconic landmarks of Tokyo on a personalized tour, see Sumo wrestlers in action and go on a gourmet food exploration with an expert. At Kanazawa, stroll through beautiful 17th century gardens and participate in an authentic tea…

Best of Imperial Morocco

Delve into Morocco’s fascinating history and culture on this lovely self-drive tour. Explore the fabled port city of Casablanca, and marvel at the architectural wonders of three of Morocco’s Imperial Cities – Rabat, Fes and Marrakesh. Walk through quaint neighborhoods, soak in the ambience of bustling markets, and sample the irresistible local street food. Experience…

India's Golden Triangle and Varanasi

This customizable tour blends the historical and cultural exploration of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with the spiritual charms of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Marvel at the colonial architecture of Lutyens’ Delhi and discover the charms of Old Delhi on a walking tour through its winding alleys. Enjoy a boat ride…

Balinese Traditions and Island Magic

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Bali and discover magical islands on this nine-day tour. Ubud is the perfect blend of natural beauty, intriguing history and traditions that go back ages. Unwind at Lombok that draws you in with its pristine beaches, lush forests and paddy fields. In Seminyak, visit ancient temples by the…

Peru: Traditions of the Sacred Valley

Go off the beaten track at Peru’s Urubamba Valley, or the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and discover a unique cultural landscape and communities. Explore historic villages such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Lamay, and visit Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lake Titilaka in Puno.

Central Mexico: Colonial Heritage

Delve into Mexico’s history and culture as you travel through three fascinating cities – Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. Explore the iconic Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Zocalo (main square) and the colorful southern neighborhoods of Mexico City. You will also get to visit the spectacular ruins of Teotihuacan…

France: Landscapes, History and Wine

This custom France vacation takes you to the heart of Normandy and the Loire Valley, where you can explore historic sites such as the D-Day Beaches, Mont St-Michel, romantic abbeys and classic French châteaux at leisure. Discover picturesque villages and tranquil valleys in Northern and Central France, live it up in Paris, and sample authentic…

Highlights of Germany

Explore the highlights of Germany, right from Frankfurt, the hub of trade and commerce, to the historic university town of Heidelberg, and the delightfully vibrant capital, Berlin. Traveling in comfort by rail, also visit Saxon stronghold Dresden and the charming Bavarian village of Nuremberg, where World War II history comes alive. End your tour in…

What Our Guests Say

Heritage & Culture Experiences

From the Blog

North or South India: Which is the one for you?

With a vast country like India, choosing a region is no mean feat! Here’s your comprehensive guide on what North and South India have to offer to help you decide on the best tour for you.

What makes the High Atlas Mountains a must-visit on your Morocco trip

Morocco is a fascinating fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, as evidenced in its architecture, food and landscapes. One of its most stunning jewels is the High Atlas Mountains – ancient, rustic and rich with folklore – unmissable your Morocco trip

Our top 10 Haciendas and Estancias in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay

Discover why a tour in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile is incomplete without a stay in the charming estancias and haciendas that these countries are known for.

Being a Culture Vulture on your Cambodia Trip

From unique architecture and cultural flair to culinary delights and an inspiring NGO, unearth the charms of authentic Cambodia. Cambodia Trip: The Angkor Village Resort & Spa in Siem Reap The Angkor Wat Temple Complex in Siem Reap is every history enthusiast’s dream.

Exploring Indigenous Culture in Canada

Discover the deep cultural history of Canada’s first inhabitants.

Beyond Beaches: The Fascinating Culture And History of Mexico

Fancy trying to cook like the Zapotec people? This is just one of the many authentic cultural experiences that awaits you beyond Mexico’s beaches.

Machu Picchu – A bucket list experience

Deciding on a Machu Picchu trip to explore this ancient wonder is a choice no one has ever regretted.

Top Heritage & Culture Destinations

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is strongly rooted in its rich Arabic heritage. You simply can’t miss the local customs and traditions as you roam around the city’s souks or local markets savoring the delicious flavors and checking out the colorful wares.

Abu Simbel is a serene little Nubian village by the Nile River near Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser. It’s home to the colossal ancient temples comprising of the Temple of Hathor and the Great Temple of Ramses II.

Meaning the city of lights is built at 19 meters above sea level amidst lush vegetation.

Adam’s Peak

Discover the magic of white marble at Agra! The city is home to UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.

Ahmedabad: Manchester of the East! This historic center of Ahmedabad is a thriving business district on the Sabarmati river, founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah.

Ajabgarh is a picturesque garrison fort between Bhangarh and Pratapgarh, with a scenic nearby reservoir.

UNESCO’s New Intangible Cultural Heritages List

Witness some of the world’s most significant cultural practices before they’re gone forever.

Top Heritage Hotels

Fairmont Taghazout Bay

Located in the heart of Taghazout, this luxurious beach resort overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Stay in a tastefully decorated room or suite, where contemporary design meets Berber heritage.

Wadaya Minshuku

Wadaya Minshuku in Shirakawa-go is a charming homestay that offers easy access to the World Heritage-listed communal and architectural attractions of the area.

Hotel L'Orologio

Hotel L’Orologio in Florence welcomes guests with its fashionable environs as well as easy access to cultural attractions like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.

Phra Singh Village

Set amidst the labyrinth of Chiang Mai’s seventh-century city streets, Phra Singh Village is within strolling distance of historic temples, glittering pagodas, museums, busting markets, old village communities and many of Chiang Mai’s major attractions in the old part of town.

Capella Bangkok

Capella Bangkok is located along the iconic Chao Phraya River, in the heart of the city.

M Boutique Ipoh

M Boutique Ipoh lies in a quiet neighborhood within easy reach of downtown Ipoh. This elegant property is designed in a style reminiscent of the pre-war shop houses of historic Malaya (now, peninsular Malaysia)

India Tours: Top 5 Boutique Hotels of North India

The Enchanting Difference

Authentic & unique.

Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and exclusive experiences for you.

Personalized & Private

Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences.

High-Quality Experiences

All our accommodations and services are personally tested by our team.

Fully Supported Travel

You’ll have a personal and dedicated trip coordinator, backed by 24/7 support in case of emergencies while you’re traveling.

Financial Protection & Flexibility

Your booking is flexible and completely secure with us.

Safe & Secure

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Do you have a vacation in mind? Personalize your itinerary with our Trip Builder.

• Our Cultural Tours

Boundless Journeys’ Cultural Adventure Tours

Boundless Journeys’ small group cultural tours around the world carefully uncover, gently explore, and quietly meander through some of the most exceptional and unspoiled places in the world. Our expert local guides reveal traditional customs, exotic flavors and foods, and beautiful surroundings, while excellent locations, remarkable service, and indulgent touches even in the most remote places are hallmarks of the accommodations we choose.

In each locale, Boundless Journeys’ relationships with the local people ensure our small groups are welcomed as friends. For example, sit down to a very special evening meal in a local home on our Peru hiking tour . Witness the traditional festivals of Bhutan , a unique privilege shared by only a few visitors each year. Be delightfully entertained by talented local musicians on our Portugal hiking tour .

But it is perhaps the unplanned cultural encounters—moments sharing stories with your guide’s friends at Angkor Wat or enjoying sundowners around a campfire in the African bush with a Maasai tribesman—that are the most memorable. And if you prefer a cultural encounter for just you and your friends and family, our Custom Tours offer private alternatives to our Boundless Journeys’ cultural adventure tours.

What Our Guests Say About Us

Boundless Journeys is a 5-star company that I would travel with again and again.

Our Cultural Encounters Tours

Argentina: iguazu falls extension.

• Activity Level: 1 - Easiest

$1,850 / person*

3 days / * airfare not included

Argentina: Patagonia Hiking Journey

• Activity Level: 3+ - Moderate
• December 5, 2024
• January 31, 2025
• March 2, 2025
• December 3, 2025

$7,795 / person*

10 days / * airfare not included

Argentina: Wine in Mendoza Extension

$1,795 / person*

Bhutan & Nepal Custom Tours

• Activity Level: Tailored for You
• With a Custom Tour you decide when to go

Bhutan & Nepal: Himalayan Kingdoms Hiking

• Activity Level: 3 - Moderate
• October 10, 2024
• October 29, 2024
• March 26, 2025
• October 12, 2025
• October 26, 2025

$6,995 / person*

13 days / * airfare not included

Bhutan Custom Tours

Bhutan: eastern bhutan revealed.

• Next Departure Date: November 4, 2024

Bhutan: Hidden Kingdom in the Himalayas

• Activity Level: 2 - Easy to Moderate
• September 28, 2024
• October 26, 2024

$5,595 / person*

8 days / * airfare not included

Bhutan: Hiking in the Peaceful Kingdom

• Activity Level: 2+ - Easy to Moderate
• October 14, 2024
• November 12, 2024

$6,795 / person*

12 days / * airfare not included

Bhutan: Spirituality & Wellness Journey

• Next Departure Date: October 11, 2024

$5,795 / person*

Botswana Custom Safaris

Cambodia custom tours, ireland: gems of the emerald isle.

• May 14, 2024
• August 20, 2024
• September 10, 2024
• May 13, 2025
• September 9, 2025

Italy: Discovering Puglia

• May 18, 2024
• September 14, 2024

$4,995 / person*

Italy: Splendors of Sicily

• Next Departure Date: September 22, 2024

$5,295 / person*

Japan: Hiking the Nakasendo Trail

• October 8, 2024
• November 2, 2024
• April 13, 2025
• October 7, 2025
• November 6, 2025

$8,195 / person*

Nepal Custom Tours

Nepal: chitwan experience extension.

• Activity Level: 1+ - Easy

$2,495 / person*

4 days / * airfare not included

Nepal: Everest Lodge to Lodge Trekking

• Activity Level: 4 - Moderate to Strenuous
• October 13, 2024
• March 17, 2025
• October 24, 2025

$5,995 / person*

Nepal: Kathmandu Cultural Extension

$1,995 / person*

New Zealand: Alpine and Coastal Hiking Tour

• November 3, 2024
• February 17, 2025
• November 10, 2025

$7,495 / person*

11 days / * airfare not included

Peru Custom Tours

Peru: into the amazon extension.

$1,295 / person*

Peru: The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

• May 11, 2024
• July 13, 2024
• August 10, 2024

$6,095 / person*

Portugal: Porto, the Douro Valley & Lisbon Hiking

• October 12, 2024
• May 10, 2025

$5,495 / person*

Rwanda Custom Safaris

Slovenia & croatia: alps to istria.

• June 2, 2024
• June 16, 2024
• September 1, 2024
• September 15, 2024

$6,895 / person*

9 days / * airfare not included

South Africa: Ultimate Cape Town & Kruger Safari

Spain and morocco: granada to fes walking.

• Next Departure Date: October 1, 2024

$7,995 / person*

Spain: Hiking the Camino de Santiago

• May 21, 2024
• September 3, 2024

$7,095 / person*

Tanzania: Great Migration Safari

• June 23, 2024
• July 19, 2024
• August 4, 2024
• September 8, 2024
• September 29, 2024

$8,695 / person*

Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam: The Best of Southeast Asia

• November 8, 2024
• January 10, 2025

$9,895 / person*

14 days / * airfare not included

Vietnam Custom Tours

Vietnam: cultural explorer.

• November 4, 2024
• March 3, 2025
• November 3, 2025

Zanzibar Custom Tours

Zimbabwe custom safaris.

Our dedicated team of travel experts are here to help.

1-800-941-8010

• Request Information
• Email an Expert
• Find a Tour
• Reserve Your Trip

Travel + Leisure World's Best Award

Top 5 World's Best Tour Operators Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Traveler

50 Tours Of A Lifetime Multi-year Recipient

National Geographic Adventure Magazine

Best Adventure Travel Company Winner

ATTA member since 2006

Stay in the know.

Receive special offers, learn about cultural encounters with Boundless Journeys, and keep up-to-date with the latest adventures and news.

• Name * First Last
• Latin America
• North America
• South Pacific
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Interested in learning more? Sign up to receive our free catalog and start planning your next adventure. Request Information

We've noticed your browsing from a country in the European Economic Area. Unfortunately, due to privacy guidelines in your area, our website cannot support traffic from your location. If you'd like to contact us directly, please call 1-800-941-8010 . Apologies for any inconvenience. Click here to exit the site.

Wander-Lush

World’s Best Cultural Tourism Destinations: 30 Cultural Trips to Take This Year

Discover the best cultural trips and immersive travel experiences our world has to offer. From Southern India to the High Arctic, here are the top 30 countries and regions for cultural tourism this year .

With many of us now on the lookout for deeper and more meaningful travel experiences , cultural tourism – travel that prioritises learning about and appreciating different ways of life – has never been more appealing.

Immersive cultural experiences give travellers an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, form meaningful relationships, and develop new skills. They can also open the door to a slower, more sustainable type of travel that has benefits for local communities and a lighter impact on the planet.

Whether you’re a seasoned cultural traveller researching for your next trip or you’re interested in getting off-the-beaten-track but aren’t sure where to start, I hope this guide to culture and travel offers you some food for thought!

I also suggest reading these tips for socially responsible travel for advice about engaging with different cultures in a sensitive and mindful way.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

This post may contain sponsored links for which I received compensation.

What is cultural tourism?

Cultural travel is as broad and multifaceted as culture itself – it’s difficult to pin down, and highly subjective. For me, cultural tourism is a kind of travel that prioritises activities and experiences designed to immerse you in a way of life that differs from your own.

It might involve consuming tangible cultural products (museums, archaeological sites, food , tea ) or encountering intangible cultural elements (rituals, performances, processes). As well as art, literature, religious monuments and the like, it also encompasses ways of living, values and beliefs – both historical and contemporary.

It’s almost impossible to avoid local culture when you travel. No matter your motivation, it’s inevitable that you’ll end up experiencing some aspect of local culture, even if it’s something as simple as eating local cuisine or learning a few words of the language.

Apart from these incidental encounters, cultural tourism represents a more concerted effort to engage with local culture through specialised activities. In the same way an adventure traveller might seek out a particular hiking route, for example, a cultural traveller might plan their trip around a festival.

Cultural vacations might involve:

• Learning a new skill, for example through a cooking class or craft workshop
• Attending a local festival or event
• Participating in a ritual or ceremony
• Eating local food
• Staying with a family at a homestay
• Immersing yourself in the local community by teaching English as a foreign language
• Visiting a community-based tourism project
• Visiting World Heritage Sites and immersive museums
• Taking a locally guided tour

There’s lots more to cultural trips (as you’ll soon see), but these are some of the common elements we tend to associate with this genre of travel.

Pros and cons of cultural travel

Cultural travel is almost a guaranteed way to enrich your experience as a tourist. But it’s worth noting that this type of travel has both benefits and downsides for host communities.

Cultural tourism helps to encourage the preservation of culture and heritage by keeping endangered traditions alive. There might be little demand for heritage handicraft skills, for example, but outside interest (and an opportunity to earn an income) could be enough to safeguard a tradition that might otherwise have been lost.

By the same token, cultural tourism can incentivise better protections for physical heritage sites, ensuring that monuments and the like remain accessible for future generations. Cultural tourism can have far-reaching social impacts and environmental benefits when it gives rise to new social enterprises, local businesses and women-led ventures geared towards giving tourists an immersive experience.

On the other hand, there’s always a question mark around authenticity when it comes to cultural travel. If a ritual is performed for the benefit of outsiders, does it lose its meaning? Commodification of culture for tourism is a serious issue that impacts many communities and can be damaging to social and economic development more broadly.

Cultural tourism often involves travelling to more remote areas, which introduces a whole host of other pros and cons. A road constructed for the benefit of tourists is also new infrastructure for the community – but it might speed up globalisation and cultural erosion, while the very presence of tourists can worsen environmental pollution or cause rifts between different social groups.

These are complicated issues. Personally, I think cultural exchange is one of the most important aspects of travel and when managed properly and in a way that actively involves communities, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks.

Top 30 countries & regions for cultural trips

There’s not a town, city, county or region in the world that doesn’t have something amazing to offer in terms of local culture. This makes it very hard to pick the ‘best’ places for cultural tourism.

However, each of these 30 hand-picked destinations stands out for its extravagant festivals and celebrations, rich cuisine and heritage handicrafts that give travellers a window on culture, heritage and the local way of life.

At the end of the list, you’ll find my top tips for having a more culturally immersive travel experience no matter where in the world you go.

Cultural destinations in the Americas

Antioquia Department, Colombia • Cuba • Ecuador • Big Island of Hawaii, USA • Orleans Parish, USA • Oaxaca, Mexico

Colombia’s Antioquia Department – for pueblos, bandeja paisa & Botero

A melange of Indigenous traditions and colonial influences, there are few destinations in the world more culturally vibrant or intriguing than Colombia.

Antioquia Department in the north-west – with the city of Medellin as its capital – has become one of the most popular destinations in the country for tourists, beloved for its exquisite landscapes, colourful small towns and coffee farming heritage.

Along with several other departments, this part of Colombia is home to the Paisas , a self-defined cultural group whose name is derived from a Spanish word meaning ‘countryman’. They speak their own dialect, eat their own cuisine, and pass down their culture through a rich tradition of music and folklore.

Modern-day Antioquian culture is defined by the region’s artists, writers and poets. And then there’s the city of Medellin itself, which has undergone a huge transformation in recent years and is now considered one of the country’s main cultural hubs.

Top cultural experiences in Antioquia

Eat Paisa cuisine: One of the biggest joys of visiting Antioquia is experiencing the food scene. Paisa cuisine is heavily influenced by the topography and way of life in the Colombian Andes – carb-heavy dishes that feature beans, rice and maize are designed to fuel bodies for back-breaking work on the land. Bandeja Paisa is by far the most popular traditional dish and a must-eat in Medellin. The Antioquian version of a ploughman’s lunch, it consists of carne asada (grilled steak), chicharrón (crispy pork rind), rice and red beans served with a slice of avocado, fried plantains, a fried egg and a corn arepa on the side. It’s not for the faint hearted!

Visit a pueblo : Colombia is renowned for its small towns with colourful painted facades and pretty flower boxes. Antioquia is home to some of the loveliest pueblos in the country, including  Jardin , Jericó and Santa fe de Antioquia, to name but a few. Developed during Spanish times, most follow the same basic town plan: A public square, a market, a church, and rows and rows of houses built in the region’s vernacular style. If you’re short on time, Pueblo Paisa in Medellin is a model village in the heart of the capital.

Shop at the San Alejo Handicraft Market: If you happen to be visiting Medellin on the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss this unique opportunity to see Colombia’s handicraft traditions on display. Vendors from across the region descend on the city to sell traditional products, including woven Wayuu bags, and artisanal foods. You can chat to the vendors and watch live demonstrations to see how these Indigenous handicrafts are produced.

Visit Comuna 13: A locally guided tour of Medellin’s Comuna 13 will allow you to delve into the city’s tumultuous recent past in a respectful and mindful way. This collection of once-notorious city neighbourhoods has become a symbol for the nation’s transformation and cultural revitalisation. Street art, music and other expressions of local creativity are all on display for visitors to enjoy.

Cuba – for Mambo, classic cars & casas particulares

The native Taino Indians called their beautiful island Cubanacán. When the Spaniards arrived in 1511, they shortened it to ‘Cuba’ and claimed it for Spain, labelling it “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever beheld.”

Ethnically, the country is a vibrant mix of Europeans, Africans brought over as enslaved workers throughout the 1700s, and a large group of Chinese imported as indentured servants. Sadly, the original inhabitants have largely disappeared.

On December 31, 1959 the Cuban Revolution succeeded in converting the country into a communist nation. Since then – and due to the mutually adversarial relationship with the United States – the island nation has existed in semi-isolation, frozen in time.

The cars that roam the streets are the same classic American models from the 1950s, and the frequently crumbling buildings have enjoyed little renovation.    

Despite Cuba’s trying history, the spirit of the people lives on and in its rich and celebrated culture. Before you go, learn the dos and don’t of visiting Cuba . 

Top cultural experiences in Cuba

Dance the night away at a musical venue: Cuba is the birthplace of dozens of musical genres including Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha and Afro-Cuban Jazz. These Afro-European genres have contributed and enriched music categories around the world. Be sure to experience one of Cuba’s world-famous carnivals and Jazz Festivals.

Overdose on art and architecture: With nine UNESCO World Heritage sites and an amazing collection of museums, Cuba is a culture vulture’s paradise. Most are found in the capital city of Havana, but you also find little gems in the second city, Santiago de Cuba, and the perfectly preserved colonial city of Trinidad. Cuba’s architecture ranges from Spanish colonial and French Baroque to 1920s Art Deco. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Havana and the Bacardi Museum in Santiago to start; but don’t miss the quirky Rum Museum or the delectable Museum of Chocolate either.

Stay at a Cuban homestay: These Airbnb-type experiences are called ‘ casas particulares ‘. This is your opportunity to live with a Cuban family and delve into the culture.

Go hiking: Cuba’s national parks, biosphere reserves and 1,500 miles (2,400km) of coastline provide an opportunity to experience the outdoor culture.

By Talek from Travels With Talek

Ecuador – for jungle homestays, festivals & colada morada

A country with just over 17 million people, Ecuador is an extremely culturally diverse nation and a cultural tourism destination that should not to be overlooked.

Retaining a strong influence from Spanish colonisation, with widely-celebrated Catholic festivals and traditions, there is also a diverse mix of Andean Indigenous groups and traditions that dominate the mountainous centre of the country. In the east, the influence of various Amazonian Indigenous groups and their traditions is strong.

The coast of Ecuador, meanwhile, is marked by African influence from the cultures of enslaved peoples brought during colonisation.

With such a diversity of cultures – each with their own festivals, traditional foods and more – there are plenty of immersive experiences to partake in across the country that make a trip to Ecuador a must for any cultural traveller.

Top cultural experiences in Ecuador

Visit a remote community in the Amazon rainforest: One of the most popular and fascinating cultural experiences for travellers to Ecuador is to visit an Indigenous community to learn about and experience the rich traditions. Even a jungle tour of the Amazon on a budget can be tailored to include a visit to an Indigenous community, where you’ll learn to make traditional dishes and beverages such as chicha . Tribes deeper in the Amazon that welcome visitors often offer more in-depth cultural experiences including homestays, ritual cleansings, or even ayahuasa retreats.

Celebrate Easter in Ecuador: In addition to the Indigenous traditions in Ecuador, there are many popular celebrations from the Catholic tradition that travellers can partake in. Easter celebrations during Holy Week include Quito’s parade, known as the Procesión Jesús del Gran Poder, which features thousands of purple-hooded devotes carrying crosses and statues. Make sure you enjoy a bowl of traditional Fanesca , a rich and creamy soup made with 12 grains representing the 12 Disciples.

Dress up for Día de los Difuntos : Another cultural celebration with Indigenous roots is the Día de los Difuntos or ‘Day of the Deceased’, marked on November 2nd. Ecuador celebrates by honouring the dead and visiting cemeteries. Celebrations also include preparing and eating guaguas de pan , bread in the shape of a baby filled with fruit jam, and drinking colada morada , a thick, sweet drink made with berries and fruit and thickened with blue corn flour before being served warm. These delicious treats are sold in bakeries across the country for at least a month prior to the festivities. The largest celebrations are held in Indigenous communities such as Otavalo in Northern Ecuador.

By Carley from Home to Havana

The Big Island of Hawaii – for palm weaving, stargazing & petroglyphs

The natural abundance of the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is nothing short of spectacular. With eight different climate zones, three active volcanoes, and the most mesmerising waterfalls and beaches in different shades, there’s a wealth of diversity to explore on the Big Island .

This unique natural setting is also home to several important cultural sites. After all, this is the Hawaiian island where the first Polynesian settlers arrived, where the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, King Kamehameha the Great, was born, and where the European explorers first arrived.

With such a rich heritage, it comes as no surprise that Hawaiian culture is still very much alive on the Big Island. Here are some experiences that allow you to explore the island’s heritage.

Top cultural experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii

Take a self-guided tour of the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park: Just south of Kailua-Kona, there’s a site where the royal family and their warriors once lived. It’s very well preserved and you can still see the thatched huts, an ancient temple, wooden carvings and fishponds. But this site was more than just a royal retreat: When Hawaiians broke the law or kapu , they were condemned to death. The only option to escape their fate was reaching this sanctuary, known as the Place of Refuge. You can visit this intriguing site on a self-guided tour.

Learn the traditional Hawaiian art of weaving palm fronds: In the Hawaiian craft known as lau niu , the leaves of the coconut palm were used to thatch roofs, create baskets and even hats. There’s a handful of workshops where you can learn this traditional craft from a professional weaver. Not only does it make for a unique experience, it also allows you to craft your own handmade Hawaiian souvenir.

Go stargazing at Maunakea: In Hawaiian culture, the dormant Maunakea volcano, with its unique alpine Lake Waiau, is considered sacred. They believed the summit to be the realm of the gods and the meeting place of earth and sky. To this day, cultural rituals are performed on the slopes of Maunakea. This intriguing volcano is home to the world’s largest astronomical observatory, the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, which hosts a regular stargazing program.

Check out the Hawaiian petroglyphs: Hawaiian petroglyphs tell the stories of ancient times and give a unique inside into the different cultural beliefs on the islands. You can find carvings of canoes, turtles, babies and more at one of the petroglyph sites that dot the Big Island, such as the Puuloa Petroglyph site in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve near the Mauna Lani Resort.

Conquer the ocean in an outrigger canoe: Step aboard a double-hull outrigger canoe and explore the shore in the same way the Polynesian settlers did centuries ago. This type of canoe features lateral support floats or outriggers fastened to one or to both sides of the hull. Learn how to paddle and work as a team as you glide along the Kona reefs teeming with fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins.

By Sarah from CosmopoliClan

Orleans Parish – for jazz, Madi Gras & creole cooking

When it comes to cultural destinations, few cities have as much to offer as New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Located in Southeastern USA, New Orleans is all about tradition and culture. The city’s unique heritage comes from a blend of French, Spanish, Cajun, and Creole cultures.

Combined, these groups have given birth to something truly iconic. The beautiful Mardi Gras celebrations are a remnant of the French colonial era, while the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture in Jackson Square is worthy of a walking tour .

You will also find unique Cajun cuisine served in the city’s most popular restaurants. Add in the many historical museums, southern plantation homes, and distinct architectural styles and Orleans Parish makes for the ultimate cultural destination in the US.

Top cultural experiences in New Orleans

Join a Mardi Gras parade: New Orleans is well-known for its lavish and grand Mardi Gras parades and balls. Visitors can enjoy the festivities for an entire month in the lead up to the big day. Outside of Mardi Gras, there are plenty of other festivals in New Orleans to check out as well. 

Listen to jazz: New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. The city’s Creole population gathered and celebrated in the city’s Congo Square on Sundays and thus jazz was born!

Tour a plantation home: Many southern plantation homes are located along the banks of the Mississippi. These can be seen on a road trip along the Great River Road. On a tour, you will learn about pre-Civil war life in the South and the history of slavery. Learn more about the ethics of visiting plantation homes here .

By Ketki from Dotted Globe

Oaxaca – for Indigenous cuisine, Zapotec rugs & mezcal

The state of Oaxaca is a cultural hub in Mexico. Void of resorts or even big-name hotel chains, Oaxaca is rich in flavourful cuisine, celebrations, and Indigenous revitalisation.

Located in southern Mexico, Oaxaca features a variety of different landscapes, from lush hills and forests, to dry arid deserts and blissful beaches. However, the community atmosphere of Oaxaca is what keeps people coming back, both international visitors and Mexican residents alike.

Oaxaca is known as the food capital of Mexico, with dozens of celebrity chefs. Notably, Indigenous culture is very visible in Oaxaca, with 16 recognised Indigenous groups in the state. Zapotec weaving is one of the most sought-after souvenirs in the area – and Mexico in general – and it comes from Oaxaca.

Top cultural experiences in Oaxaca

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos : Oaxaca City is a top destination for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), with its dazzling parades, intricate family altars and abundant festivities. Dia de los Muertos is a pre-Columbian tradition that honours deceased loved ones with food, drink, and merriment. So, if you happen to visit Oaxaca during a festival like Dia de los Muertos, bring comfortable shoes for fun activities throughout the day. Oaxaca City is an extremely walkable city, and you will want to explore every inch of its mural lined walls.

Eat Oaxacan cuisine: Since Oaxacan cuisine is also central to the region’s identity, sign up for a food tour with a local to learn the origins of some of the most popular dishes and what makes Oaxacan food and flavour so unique and different from other states in Mexico. Or, if you want to take a more hands-on approach, take a cooking class with a world-class chef at Casa de los Sabores and learn how to make mole and other Oaxacan staples.

Visit a Zapotec village: If you’d prefer to focus on Indigenous cuisine, take a day trip out to the Zapotec village of Teotitlán del Valle for a cooking class at El Sabor Zapoteco . After you finish, there are many things to do in Teotitlán del Valle , but you will probably want to get your fill of shopping at the many boutique shops for best quality Zapotec rugs.

Drink mezcal: If you’re a fan of hard drinks, Oaxaca is a great destination for mezcal tasting! Hop on any tour and view the vast agave fields as you taste mezcal throughout the day. Depending on the season, you may even get to try your hand at using the harvesting machete!

By Kay from The Awkward Traveller

Learn more: A local’s guide to the best of Mexican culture and an in-depth guide to Mayan culture in the Yucatan .

Cultural travel destinations in Europe

French Basque Country • Armenia • Sicily • Greece • Bosnia & Herzegovina • Russia • Northern Europe’s Arctic Regions • The Greater Caucasus • Andalusia, Spain

French Basque Country – for frontons , fêtes & espadrilles

The Basque country at the southwestern-most tip of France is one of those regions you might not guess is French – at least not at first.

The half-timbered houses are painted oxblood or green, and the Euskara (Basque) language, Europe’s oldest, is related to no other tongue. The Basques are also among the oldest ethnic groups of Europe.

Basque culture is unique and is spread among seven provinces, of which three are in France (the other four are in Spain). The Basques have their own festivals, music and dances, their own foods, games and folklore, as well as an acute sense of history and heritage.

Top cultural experiences in French Basque Country

Here are just a few cultural experiences to whet your appetite for all things Basque!

Gastronomy: The food is different from your regular French fare. For example, the Espelette pimento is spicier than seasonings you’ll find elsewhere in France, and food itself is taken to new heights here – the region has the highest number of Michelin stars per capita in the world. And let’s not forget the pintxo , the Basque equivalent of the Spanish tapas.

Fronton s: You’ll find one of these walls in every Basque village – it’s what Basques use to play their national sport, Basque pelota (known in some countries as jai alai). It’s played with a racquet-like bat which scoops up the ball. Then, a bit like squash, the players fling it back and forth against the wall, or fronton.

Family-owned businesses: Basque artisanal traditions run deep, whether it’s leatherwork, espadrilles, Basque linen or beret making. This is a region in which hand-made goods thrive and where mass-production takes a back seat. The local government makes sure family businesses are promoted and Basque know-how exported, however stiff the competition – there are special labels for family businesses, and even labels for those businesses that have been around for more than a century (and there are plenty). As a result, hand-made goods from this small region find their way around the world, symbolising not only Basque savvy but Basque determination to hang on to its heritage.

Bayonne Festival: With its one million annual participants, the Fêtes de Bayonne is France’s largest festival. It was ‘borrowed’ in 1932 from not-too-distant Pamplona in Spain, but has grown immeasurably since. Each July, visitors dress up in white clothes and red scarves (and a red beret, of course) and spend five days eating, drinking, singing Basque songs and watching Basque sports. The Festival includes bullfighting, which has a long tradition in the region, although this particular sport might be short-lived given the growing opposition to it.

By Leyla from Offbeat France

Bosnia & Herzegovina – for old bazaars, woodcarving & kahva

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse countries in the Balkans . If you have your sights set on this lesser-visited part of Europe for your next cultural trip, it’s the perfect setting to learn about the region’s different – often competing – influences and how they’ve shaped modern life.

Bosnia is the original cultural melting pot, and Sarajevo is where it all comes to a head. The city is divided into two parts – Ottoman and European – with the sprawling Old Bazaar on one side, and the Austro-Hungarian planned portion of the capital on the other. A plaque on the pavement marks the spot where East Meets West.

But the boundaries aren’t always that clear. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s character is a combination of Bosnian, Serb and Croat, layered with Jewish, Romanian, Albanian and Turkish traditions. The vignette of a mosque’s minaret and a church bell tower rising up side by side is a perfect motif for the country’s diversity.

Top cultural experiences in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Explore Sarajevo’s Old Bazaar: One of the most beautiful Ottoman bazaars in the region (and there are a lot), just wandering the rows of picturesque wooden shops connected by cobbled streets – the sound of coppersmiths beating intricate designs onto plates ringing in your ears – is a completely immersive experience. At the kafane coffeehouses, where kahva and rakia are served with much pageantry, you get a feel for famous Bosnian hospitality.

Take a food tour of Sarajevo: Bosnians are fiercely proud of their national cuisine. Dishes such as burek (filled savoury pastry) and cevapi are a common ground and bring the country together. A food tour of Sarajevo takes you behind the scenes on some of the city’s liveliest markets and busiest restaurants while giving you an insight into the history behind some of the country’s most iconic dishes.

Visit a woodcarving master in Konjic: Sarajevo in particular has an incredibly rich art and literature scene, as evidenced in the many festivals that take place in the city throughout the year. Bosnia’s heritage handicrafts shine a light on the culture of craftsmanship that has bestowed the country with so many beautiful landmarks over the years. Woodcarving has been practiced for generations in the city of Konjic and today, visitors can tour the masters’ workshops for an up-close encounter.

See the Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards: Stećci medieval tombstones were laid during the time of the Bosnian Kingdom. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they’re found throughout the territory including in forests close to the border with Serbia . Carved from limestone, the Stećci contain motifs and inscriptions and provide a rare window onto this epoch of the country’s history that’s still shrouded in much mystery.

Greece – for markets, mythology & Orthodox Easter

Greece is a country rich in culture, from the legacy of ancient history and mythology to traditional cuisine and celebratory festivals that still bring people together to this day. Greek nationals tend to be very proud of their history and culture , which can be seen in the well-executed museums, galleries and archaeological sites throughout the country.

Believed to be the ‘birthplace of Western civilisation’, Greece is known for its scholars, medics, architects, philosophers and politicians that shaped the way the world works today. This makes the country an excellent choice for cultural tourism as there are simply so many things to see and do that will both satiate your wanderlust while also teaching you new things.

Whether you’re interested in archaeological excavations, gastronomic tours, local festivals or ancient architecture, Greece certainly has you covered.

Top cultural experiences in Greece

Take a Mythology Tour of Ancient Athens: Athens has a whole host of archaeological sites to explore , from the Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library to the world-famous Acropolis and Parthenon perched on a hillside overlooking the city. One of the best ways to discover these sites is via a Mythology Tour that takes you around the best historic monuments and ruins while also giving you interesting information about the city and country’s history and mythology. This tour , suitable for all ages, gives you skip-the-line access to some of Athens’ most important landmarks along with an experienced guide to give you detailed history about how Greece became the centre of the world.

Visit the Athens Central Market: If your idea of cultural tourism involves food, you might be interested in a trip to the Athens Central Market and a local cookery class. A gastronomic experience allows you to soak up the sights and smells of the city’s biggest market, picking up local produce and souvenirs while also trying some tasty titbits along the way . You’ll then take your purchases back to the kitchen where you’ll cook up a storm using local recipes and techniques. Try classics like Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), Tzatziki and Spanakopita (spinach and feta pies) to give you a real taste of traditional Greek cuisine.

Attend the Epidaurus Festival: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a grand amphitheatre located on the bank of the Acropolis Complex, runs an annual summer festival of art. The festival combines modern and traditional music, theatre and dance with the picturesque Ancient Greek setting, making it a real highlight for any traveller. Over the years, the Epidaurus festival has played host to names like Frank Sinatra, Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti.

Celebrate Orthodox Easter in Greece: Easter is one of the biggest traditional festivals on the Orthodox calendar, so no matter where you are in Greece during this time, you’re sure to come across some pretty exciting celebrations! One destination that always enjoys epic Easter festivities is the island of Corfu. Local Easter traditions begin on Palm Sunday (a week before Easter) and there are different festivities each day leading up to the main event.

Palm Sunday sees a large procession of the Holy Shrine; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday see locals preparing their Easter meals and sweet specialities, going to evening ceremonies and lighting up the town with lanterns; Maundy Thursday is egg-painting day; Good Friday features the mournful marches of the philharmonic orchestra and the procession of epitaphs; Good Saturday features an artificial earthquake(!), bell ringing, the throwing of clay pots and tossing coins into a barrel; and the whole week culminates on Easter Sunday with a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ – fireworks, marches, music and traditional family meals galore!

By Chrysoula from Athens and Beyond

Learn more: 7 awesome cultural activities in Athens .

Russia – for ballet, banyas & borscht

While many may think of Russia as cold and grey, this could not be further from the truth. From the famous colourful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the gilded fountains of the Peterhof Palace, Russia’s beauty is undeniable.

Russia is also a country rich in culture and filled with literature, ballet, painting and classical music.

Top cultural experiences in Russia

To really delve into Russian culture, there are a few experiences you should have whilst here.

Experience a Russian banya : One of the best cultural experiences you can have in Russia is to visit a banya . A banya is similar to a sauna. The biggest difference, though, is that a banya has high levels of humidity, while a sauna usually has dry air. They’ve been a part of Russian life for over a thousand years! You wear funny felt hats to protect your hair and ears from the heat. This also helps to regulate your body temperature, so you are able to sit in the banya for a longer period of time.

Another interesting aspect of the Russian banya is ‘flogging’ using birch twigs ( venik ). This is supposed to benefit your health and improve your immune system, and honestly, if you have someone who knows what they are doing, it does feel really good!

After you’ve gone in and out of the banya a couple times, you then cool yourself off by taking a quick, cold shower, jumping into a cold pool or tub (banyas do have these), jumping into a snowbank (seriously). Or… You can just jump in a frozen lake!

See a ballet at the Bolshoi: Seeing a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre is one of the best things to do in Moscow and all of Russia in general. Even though ballet did not originate in Russia, Russian ballet is world-renowned, and the locals are incredibly proud of the tradition. If you can, try to see a performance of The Nutcracker or Swan Lake on the historic stage. Tickets sell out very quickly, so don’t delay in purchasing them once they go on sale!

Experience NYE: New Year’s Eve is the biggest holiday in Russia. This is because Christmas was forbidden during the Soviet years. Many traditions were moved from Christmas to the New Year, including keeping presents under the Christmas tree and visits from the Russian equivalent of Santa. Celebrations and fireworks take place across the country on December 31 – the biggest and most famous displays are in Moscow’s Red Square and Gorky Park.

Sample Russian cuisine: No trip to Russia would be complete without experiencing the local cuisine. The best Russian food and drinks to sample on your visit are: Pelmeni (a Russian dumpling filled with meat and usually topped with sour cream); borscht (a traditional Russian soup whose main ingredient is beetroot); beef stroganoff (a Russian dish made with sautéed beef in a sauce with smetana ); syrniki (essentially a cottage cheese pancake topped with jam or sour cream – SO good!); kvass (a fermented beverage made from rye bread); and caviar and vodka (alas, you can’t come to Russia and not try caviar and vodka!)

By Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel

Northern Europe’s Arctic Regions – for reindeer & Sami traditions

In Europe’s high northern reaches, you will find one of the continent’s oldest and most distinct cultures, the Sami. Spread across the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, the Sami are Indigenous people who have traditionally led a nomadic lifestyle, known for herding their reindeer between their summer and winter feeding grounds.

The origins of the Sami are largely unknown, and it is believed that they once inhabited grounds much further south. But years of persecution drove them north and forced them to decrease livestock numbers in order to maintain their way of life. 

Against all odds, they have managed to hold onto large parts of their culture, including languages, traditions and ceremonies. As the modern world has encroached further north, there have been clashes over natural resources and land, which has put the plight of the Sami at the forefront of people’s minds in recent years and led to movements to protect the people and the culture. 

Top cultural experiences in the Arctic regions

Head to Tromso for an immersive Sami experience: Today, there are plenty of ways you can learn about and experience Sami culture. During the winter months, there are many Sami experiences in Tromsø, Norway and beyond where you can educate yourself about the Sami way of life, hear stories that have been passed down through the generations, and eat traditional foods.

Shop at a Sami market: Keep an eye out for Sami markets where you can purchase handmade traditional items.

Participate in a Sami festival: Norway is known to have the largest festivals and in various Arctic cities, you will find Sami festivals on National Sami Day (February 6th). In the summer, there are also Sami music festivals, such as the one found near Murmansk in Russia.

A visit to Northern Europe’s Arctic region is one of the most meaningful cultural trips in Europe as it helps bring attention to a group of people who have spent many years marginalised in their respective modern-day societies.

By Megan from Megan Starr

Andalusia – for Moorish architecture, tapas & Flamenco

Andalusia is an autonomous region in Southern Spain, geographically bounded by Spain’s southern coast. It’s culturally vibrant and very distinctive when compared to other parts of Spain such as Catalunya.

This part of the country was ruled by the Moors for centuries, and Moorish influence is evident in the cuisine, architecture and culture. Seville, Cordoba and Granada are all among the best Spain city breaks and each serve as a good base for exploring more of the region.

Top cultural experiences in Andalusia

Marvel at the Moorish architecture: The Andalusian architecture will capture your attention as soon as you land there, and this is probably the easiest way to start digging into the region’s past and cultural evolution. Cities like Seville and Granada have major UNESCO sites that will blow your mind – the style is in no way similar to buildings in France or even northern Spain for that matter. Islamic calligraphy and intricate details are most evident at the Real Alcazar Palace in Seville, the Alhambra in Granada , and the Mezquita in Cordoba.

Go tapas hopping: People in Andalusia are known for being a more little laid back, and generally enjoy food, family and companionship. Popular ‘tapas hopping’ is best experienced in Andalusia. Tapas bars in the south cultivate a cosy atmosphere with rounds of $1 dollar beers, spinach and chickpeas, cheese, and churros. Moorish/Muslim influence can be seen in the preparation of some foods, especially marzipan, and in the use of herbs and spices such as cumin and cilantro.  

Watch a Flamenco performance: After food, flamenco is what defines Andalusia. Flamenco is a dance that is synonymous with Southern Spain and is one of the most energetic and passionate forms of dance/storytelling. Flamenco shows in Seville and other cities in Andalusia are a great way to understand and enjoy this side of Southern Spanish culture.

By Mayuri from To Some Place New

Cultural tourism destinations in the Asia Pacific

Central Australia • Timor-Leste • Sarawak, Malaysia • Cambodia • Japan • Bhutan • Kerala, India • Rajasthan, India • Uzbekistan • The Tibetan Plateau • Taiwan

Central Australia – for ancient landscapes, ochre & bush tucker

The Arrernte and Anangu people have lived in Central Australia for over 20,000 years. From Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to the MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs, they have made their home in one of Australia’s driest and hottest regions.

The landscape, its plants and animals permeate every aspect of their culture. The natural environment is the basis for the Creation (or Dreamtime) stories at the core of their beliefs, ceremonies and traditions.

Their relationship with the land also has a practical aspect as a source of food, shelter and medicine. The Arrernte and Anangu’s land management techniques, native foods and art have all found their ways into broader Australian life.

Today, members of the communities have roles as guides, ranges and managers of major tourism businesses. For travellers, there are many opportunities to appreciate the on-going connection the Arrernte and Anangu people have with the Central Australian landscape.

Top cultural experiences in Central Australia

Visit Uluru (Ayres Rock): You can’t go to Central Australia and not visit Uluru. It is an iconic Australian landmark and when you visit this enormous rock, you’ll find many ways to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture. At Yulara Resort you can join a free session to learn about Indigenous food, crafts and didgeridoo playing.

On your way to Uluru, stop at the Cultural Centre. There are ranger talks about the area’s wildlife, how the Anagu have lived in the area for thousands of years, and how that knowledge is used to manage the park today. There are also galleries featuring local art and craft. For something a bit different, try a Segway tour of the rock . As you cruise around the 10 km base, you get a wonderful explanation of the Creation Stories tied to many of the rock’s features, caves and waterholes.

Ochre Pits: Ochre is a natural clay that comes in a range of colours and has been used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The Ochre Pits are at a site in the West MacDonnell Ranges where ochre has been collected by Arrernte men for generations. The Ochre Pits are an easy and accessible stop as you tour the gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The colourful ochre cliff face is spectacular and it is quite an experience to be in the presence of a site that has been used for so long and continues to play a role in Arrernte life.

Alice Springs Desert Park: With the lives and lore of the Arrernte tied so closely to the environment, this combination of a wildlife park and botanic garden gives you a great insight into their relationship with the land. Besides the fantastic desert animal exhibits, there is a full program of keeper and cultural talks over the day. Learn about surviving in the desert, bush food and the meaning many of the animals have in the daily life of the Arrernte. The park is in Alice Springs with the West MacDonnell Ranges providing a spectacular backdrop.

By Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

Timor-Leste – for sacred houses, tais weaving & Cristo Rei

Asia’s youngest nation, tiny Timor-Leste fought hard for its independence, first from Portugal and later from Indonesia. Holding strong to customs and beliefs is part of the resistance and against all odds, the Timorese have managed to pass down many traditions through music, dance and storytelling.

Fiestas held year-round throughout the country showcases these oral traditions, while in recent years, contemporary collectives have began building on the nation’s heritage of performance arts to process the events of the past and express their visions for the future.

There aren’t many physical reminders of Timor’s time as a Portuguese colony left – most architecture was subsequently destroyed – but the invisible influence is still there, along with the influence of the Catholic Church.

In the more remote regions, ethnic groups such as the Fataluku speak their own language and observe a fascinating array of cultural practices you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

Top cultural experiences in Timor-Leste

Tais weaving: Timor’s ornate national textiles are storytelling objects, filled with symbols inspired by folktales and animist traditions. At the Tais market in Dili you can shop for handwoven tais scarves and tablecloths, while visiting a weaving centre such as Koperativa Lo’ud gives you a chance to see the natural dyeing and weaving process in person.

See the uma lulik in Lospalos: Part of the Fataluku tradition, these sacred houses perched high on stilts symbolise the link between the dead and the living. They are sacred objects that cut an impressive profile as you pass them on the coast around far-eastern Timor.

Make the pilgrimage to Cristo Rei: Standing 27 metres tall on a hill overlooking the capital, Dili, Cristo Rei is the ultimate symbol of Timor-Leste’s piety. More than 99% of Timorese are Christian, and the church has played a huge role in shaping the island’s character post-independence. Walking the 590-step path lined with Stations of the Cross is a right of passage. At the top, views of Dili, Atauro Island and the sparkling coastline.

Sarawak, Malaysia – for ikat textiles, longhouses & forest trekking

The largest of Malaysia’s 13 states , Sarawak envelops much of Borneo. Local culture and way of life is intimately intertwined with the island’s flora and fauna and offers visitors experiences quite distinct from anything you find in Peninsular Malaysia.

Life, history, culture and spirituality is all heavily influenced by the area’s Indigenous peoples, most notably the Iban. Malaysia’s mix of Malay, Indian, Muslim, Chinese and British culture can also be felt in Kuching , the autonomous state’s biggest city and a hub for culture and the arts.

Top cultural experiences in Sarawak

Visit a museum in Kuching: The Tun Jugah Textile Museum, the Sarawak Cultural Village and the Sarawak State Museum – all in or near Kuching – offer immersive exhibits that explore Iban culture. The former is dedicated almost completely to the art of ikat weaving, a time-honoured craft tradition that’s kept alive by artisans and students who learn to dye and weave at the museum workshop.

Stay in an Iban longhouse: Travelling up river into the forest to spend the night at an Iban longhouse is an unforgettable experience. As well as sleeping in traditional quarters, you’ll get to taste home-cooked food and experience various oral traditions, including Renong singing and Ensera storytelling.

Eat Sarawak cuisine: Malaysia is a foodie’s paradise and Sarawak is no exception. In addition to the usual mix of cuisines served up at hawker markets, the state boasts many regional breakfast specialties including Sarawak laksa, kolo mee (Sarawakian noodles) and ayam pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo).

Cambodia – for Theravada Buddhism, apsara & golden silk

It’s easy to think of Cambodian culture as a relic of the past – a crumbling stupa or a cobwebbed museum display. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Khmer culture is a living, breathing thing, and it permeates everything – from underrated Cambodian cuisine to the country’s handicraft industry and the young collectives in Battambang and Kampot who are reviving the arts scene.

Many traditions and art forms almost lost during the 1970s have been brought back from the brink by artists and entrepreneurs determined to keep Cambodian culture alive.

Whether you’re interested in the legacy of the most powerful Golden Age state, the Khmer Empire, or discovering reminders of the Kingdom’s time as part of French Indochina in the beautiful colonial architecture and peppercorn plantations, it’s never been easier for visitors to get a feel for Cambodian culture.

Top cultural experiences in Cambodia

Take a Buddhism tour of Siem Reap: Spirituality plays a huge role in contemporary Cambodian life and there’s no better lens for exploring the country through. After you’ve taken in the Temples of Angkor that blend Hinduism and Buddhism, learn the ins and outs of Theravada Buddhism with an immersive Buddhism tour of Siem Reap . It’s a life-changing experience that teaches you how ancient beliefs coexist with modern society.

Watch an Apsara performance: It wasn’t so long ago that Cambodia’s national dance, Apsara, was considered an endangered art form. Artist and genocide surviver Arn Chorn-Pond has almost single-handedly revived Apsara traditions through his organisation Cambodian Living Arts. Nothing captures the Cambodian spirit like the understated but immensely beautiful performance. Nightly shows are held in Phnom Penh along with hands-on Apsara workshops that teach visitors the basic moves.

Go forest trekking in Mondulkiri: Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri in Cambodia’s far north-east are two of the country’s most remote provinces , known for their thick forests and biodiversity, including wild elephants. Ethnic minority groups including the Tampuan and the Bunong have developed sustainable tourism offerings, hosting guests at homestays and organising guided forest treks. During the tours, you get a glimpse of how people have coexisted with the forest for generations, and learn about the struggles they face today.

Seek out Khmer handicrafts: From Siem Reap’s Golden silk to Takeo cotton and clay pottery in Kampong Chhnang, every Cambodian province has its specialty crafts, many of which are still made by hand according to traditional techniques. In addition to making the perfect Cambodia souvenir , many co-ops offer tours and workshops so you can see the processes up close.

Japan – for ryokans , geisha culture & tea ceremonies

For those seeking an immersive cultural travel experience, Japan offers visitors a unique look at some of the oldest and most beautiful traditions in the world.

From the historic temples and shrines found throughout the country to the many spiritual and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to Japan to learn about the various philosophies and spiritual traditions that underpin Japanese culture. 

Top cultural experiences in Japan

Observe a temple ritual: Consider participating in some of the various rituals at Japan’s temples and shrines. This is especially beneficial if you’re visiting Japan with kids , as it helps to gain a better understanding and appreciation for Japanese customs. Many people in Japan have deep-seated beliefs in symbolism. At the temples and shrines, you can observe and participate in practices that will bring you good fortune, luck, prosperity or health.

Spend the night in a ryokan : To truly embrace Japanese culture, book a stay at a ryokan rather than a hotel. These traditional Japanese inns typically feature rooms with tatami-matted floors and communal onsens or bathhouses. Guests tend to walk around the ryokan in a yukata or lounging kimono and slippers. It is also common for guests to walk around barefoot, as it is considered unclean to wear shoes inside.

Drink matcha : A tea ceremony is another immersive experience that is unique to Japan. Although popular throughout Japan, tea ceremonies are especially prominent in Kyoto, the home of geisha culture. Geishas are treated somewhat like celebrities in Japan, and booking a geisha performance and tea ceremony can be expensive and fairly difficult to arrange. However, you can book a tea ceremony with a maiko , or geisha apprentice, for a more modest price. This one-of-a-kind ritual ceremony is sure to be one of the most memorable travel experiences you’ll have in Japan!

By Melissa from Parenthood and Passports

Bhutan – for handicrafts, thangka & fertility symbols

Most people think of the Tiger’s Nest when they think of Bhutan. But this small, mountainous nation has a wealth of cultural history to offer in addition to its ornate monasteries.

Bhutan is a nation of crafters. In every town and city you will find streetwise vendors selling all manner of clothing, kitchenware, homeware and decorations that have been made using techniques that have been taught and passed down for hundreds of years.

Likewise, if you turn your attention to the buildings, you’ll see that many of them are adorned with colourful decals and patterns, especially designs that depict the eight auspicious signs which, among other things, represent wealth, good fortune, purity and harmony.

Bhutan is the only country in the world to measure their country’s wellbeing based on Gross National Happiness as opposed to Gross Domestic Production, which makes it (un)officially the happiest country on Earth.

Best cultural experiences in Bhutan

Attend a Tshechu ceremony: The annual Tshechu ceremonies show off Bhutan’s handicraft history perfectly. Throughout the year, locals gather across the country in regional Tshechus to celebrate Bhutan’s culture by singing traditional songs and performing dances in elaborate, brightly coloured costumes. At the Tsechu celebrations, an enormous religious banner or thangka depicting the country’s founder, Guru Rinpoche, is unveiled. The thangka is the size of a three storey building, hundreds of years old, and has not faded through the centuries due to the tradition of making sure that the light of the sun never touches it, so it’s still incredibly colourful and detailed.

Visit the Choki Traditional Art School: In order to see the historical handicrafts of Bhutan in production for yourself, make sure to visit the Choki Traditional Art School. Located just to the north of the capital city of Thimpu, here you can witness the students being taught how to weave, paint and sculpt masks, clothes, models, tapestries and dioramas from Bhutan’s history. Students’ ages range from elementary through to late teens, with all levels of skill on display. The students’ creations can then be bought from the school craft shop, with the proceeds helping fund the continuation of the institute’s classes.

Spot the phallus in Punakham: Punakham is the former capital of Bhutan, and was the seat of government until 1955. Located in the north of the country, the town is notable to western tourists for one particular reason. In the 15th century, a controversial master named Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the ‘Divine Madman’) popularised the phallus as a means to ward off slander and provide protection for those who lived in houses that displayed it prominently. Yes, it may be taboo for most of the world, but not here – these graphic symbols of fertility and good luck are artistically painted on walls everywhere!

By Jeremy from Cultura Obscura

Kerala, India – for houseboats, tea estates & contemporary art

Dubbed ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is a noodle-shaped state in the Southwest of India on the Malabar Coast. It’s known for its beautiful nature – especially a series of canals known as the backwaters and the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats Mountains.

Kerala people are officially the most literate in India and have the longest life expectancy. It is often said the Keralites have the best quality of life in this part of India, and that things are a lot more advanced. This is conveyed in the increasingly popular field of ecotourism and other initiatives.

The region is a beautiful mix of influences and religions. The spice trade has flourished in the area, which brought about European colonisation. You can feel Portuguese influence to this day, especially in the town of Kochi.

Top cultural experiences in Kerala

Cruise Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat: With the decline of goods being transported on water, Kerala’s trade boats were repurposed into houseboats, and now provide a unique immersive experience on the famous backwaters. The most popular route is between Alleppey and Kumarakom or Kolam. Spending at least one night on the backwaters is necessary for the ultimate houseboat experience.

Soak up the tea heritage in Munnar: Munnar in the Western Ghats is famous for its tea production. You can visit several tea estates in the area and enjoy a tasting. In the village of Munnar, you can also experience the peaceful coexistence of three religions. There’s a Hindu temple, a Catholic church and a mosque all within a few meters from each other. 

Attend the Muziris Biennale in Kochi: A bi-annual international exhibition of contemporary art takes place in Kochi. This is the largest festival of its kind in Asia. When the biennale is on, the whole city lives it. The main space for the festival is a large complex of empty buildings near the port. Here, art installations covering all possible mediums bring the space to life. It’s a wonderful sight and quite a modern undertaking in Kerala.

Watch the artists at work at Kerala Kalamandalam: This is one of India’s most traditional universities of art and culture. Students learn Indian performing arts, especially those typical for Kerala. When visiting, you can observe students practicing unique dances with distinct facial expressions such as the Kathakali or Ottan Thullal, learning martial arts, and playing on unique musical instruments. The school is located in Cheruthuruthy.

By Veronika from Travel Geekery

Learn more: 9 amazing cultural encounters in Kerala .

Rajasthan, India – for folk dance, thaali & camel fairs

Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’, is one of the most historically and culturally significant states of India. Over the centuries, Rajasthan has witnessed many rulers and many epic battles. Each built their own magnanimous fort and helped develop the region’s rich culture of art, dance and literature.

Over the past few decades, the Ghoomar dance from Jodhpur region and Kalbeliya dance of the deserts of Jaisalmer and Bikaner have become famous all over the world. Along with dance, folk music and songs relating the heroic tales of epic battles, these form an essential part of Rajasthan culture.

Against a backdrop of the vast Thar Desert, this has all shaped the culture of Rajasthan as we see it today.

Top cultural experiences in Rajasthan

Rajasthan offers travellers a plethora of unique cultural experiences .

Be a bystander at the Pushkar Camel Fair: The Pushkar Camel Fair, held every year in November, is one of the largest animal trading fairs in the world. This colourful carnival is a great opportunity for travellers to experience the charm-in-chaos of traditional melas (Indian fairs) along with a huge tribal gathering. In 2018, nearly half-a-million people visited this multi-day festival. Pushkar is only 150km from Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, and is easily accessible by road. 

Visit Choki Dhani: A resort village merely 20km from Jaipur, Choki Dhani is the go-to place to experience a collection of Rajasthan cultural experiences. Spread across 10 acres, this uniquely designed resort-village reflects the grandeur of the Rajasthani tradition. Visitors can experience Rajasthani traditional folk dance, watch a puppet show, see skits and sketches depicting important battles, and relish a traditional Rajasthani thaali (set meal), eaten while seated on the floor.

Watch a Dharohar dance performance: The Dharohar dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur is a mesmerising experience in itself. This hour-long show is a combination of many traditional, tribal and folk dances local to the region along with a puppet show. One of the highlights of the show is when an 80-year-old folk dancer performs with more than 10 earthen pots stacked on her head.

By Mainak from Places in Pixel

Uzbekistan – for ceramics, Silk Road heritage & plov

Uzbekistan is an upcoming cultural destinations in Central Asia. With a new visa policy, it is now easier than ever to visit the country – and there are many good reasons to do so.

Uzbekistan was once an important part of the famous Silk Road and has a rich cultural heritage that is still visible in the beautiful Islamic architecture and historic sites throughout the country. 

Uzbekistan’s major cities including Samarkand, Khiva and Bukhara were multicultural melting pots where people from all over the world exchanged goods, ideas and philosophies. The Turks, Greeks, Persians, Russians and Mongols all ruled parts of what is now Uzbekistan. Each of them left behind their own influence.

With so much history around, it’s sometimes easy to forget modern Uzbek culture, but this is just as interesting. The Uzbek people are very friendly and will give you a warm welcome to their world of delicious Uzbek food, traditional dance and music, and beautiful handicrafts.

Top cultural experiences in Uzbekistan

Taste Uzbek cuisine: One of the highlights of Uzbek culture is without doubt its food. The best way to learn more about Uzbek food is by taking an Uzbek cooking class. Tashkent is a great place to do so and also has some great restaurants where you can try the country’s national dishes. The Plov Center serves plates of the national dish to thousands of people every day – the huge steaming pots and pans outside are impressive enough to warrant a visit. 

Explore ikat and ceramic traditions: Another great cultural experience in Uzbekistan is to explore the country’s beautiful handicrafts. The Fergana valley is home to several centres of handicraft production where they still use traditional techniques. Margilon is famous for its ikat silk textiles and there are several silk factories that offer free tours to see how it’s done. The Usmanov Ceramic Workshop in Rishton also welcomes visitors for a short visit to see its pottery production and design process. 

Watch a dance performance: Traditional dance and music is an important part of Uzbek culture. Uzbek dance is an ancient art that has been perfected over hundreds of years. In Bukhara, there are almost daily performances in the Nadir Divan Begi madrasah showing the traditional dances from the different regions in the country.

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Learn more: Things to do in Uzbekistan for cultural travellers .

The Tibetan Plateau – for horse trekking & nomadic culture

Sprawled across the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, in the remote northern tip of China’s Sichuan province, Ruoergai town and county do not appear on Google maps. To Google, this locality is known by its Tibetan name, Zoige.

After 12 hours of following your car GPS from Chengdu to Zoige, climbing onto the Tibetan Plateau , Chinese road signs welcome you to Ruoergai, 3,500 meters above sea level.

Top cultural experiences on the Tibetan Plateau

Witness nomadic culture: Remote and isolated, Zoige/Ruoergai is the best place in the world to witness the disappearing Tibetan nomadic culture. All you have to do is drive around this vast, open grassland to catch a glimpse. You’ll see white nomads’ tents with smoky chimneys scattered on the sides of the road, surrounded by herds of domestic yak and protected by the menacing Tibetan mastiffs. The nomads are mistrustful of outsiders, which is not surprising given political tensions in the region.

Go horse trekking: Yet there is a way to experience the nomadic culture first-hand here – by taking a horse-trekking adventure with the local Tibetan Horse Trekking Agency in the nearby town of Langmusi. Tours range from a day hike to the hills – the domain of the nomads – to a multi-day horseback adventure with overnight stays in nomad tents. Guides are local Tibetans, so while you may not be having extensive discussions in English, you’ll be welcome in nomadic households.

Visit the monasteries and mosques in Langmusi: Encircled by forest-covered mountains, the small sleepy town of Langmusi is inhabited by three ethnic groups: Amdo Tibetans, Han Chinese and Hui Muslims. So, even just a visit to the town is a unique cultural experience. There are two large Tibetan monasteries on the hills above the town and a Hui mosque at its centre.

The nearest airport to Langmusi is Gannan Xiahe Airport, 130 km away. From Xiahe, you can take a bus to Langmusi, or arrange a car with a driver via Tibetan Horse Trekking.

By Margarita from The Wildlife Diaries

Taiwan – for night markets, Confucianism & forbidden relics

An island nestled off the coast of Mainland China, Taiwan is fast becoming one of the best cultural tourism destinations in Asia.

Its long history and combination of cultural influences – including Indigenous culture, Mainland China, Korea and even Japan – make Taiwan as intriguing as it is complex. Bustling with life, amazing food and beautiful scenery, this island has it all.

Top cultural experiences in Taipei

Eat your way through the Night Markets in Taipei: The capital city of Taiwan, Taipei, offers a world of things for people to see and do . One of the most popular culturally immersive activities for visitors is to head down to the local night market, the biggest one being the Shiling Night Market. Along with delicious local foods, you can also find clothes, accessories, games, cosmetics and more. Night Markets are significant because they play a huge role in Taiwanese culture . Locals and tourists alike flock to these areas each and every day to shop and socialise.

Observe the rituals at a Taiwanese temple: Taiwan is a very religious country with most people following either Buddhism or Confucianism. Many temples are built around these religions in a very extravagant manner. Visitors can take part in the prayer ceremony, burn some incense, or just sit back and observe. If you’re interested in visiting these temples, one of the best places to start is the Songshan Ciyou Temple, which is conveniently located right next to the Raohe Night Market. 

Visit the National Palace Museum: This museum houses thousands of cultural relics, art and artefacts, including many items that were carried out of the Forbidden City in China and moved to Taiwan to protect them from destruction during the Chinese Civil War. It’s one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. Here, you can learn how the Chinese language was formed, see what kinds of ancient tools and weapons were used throughout history, and witness what life was like many hundreds of years ago.

By Wayne from Daily Tourist

Learn more: The best cultural experiences in Taiwan .

Cultural trips in Africa & the Middle East

Ethiopia • Oman • Mauritius • Morocco

Ethiopia – for coal-fired coffee, churches & injera

Ethiopia is a country like no other. Here in North East Africa, the steaming tribal lowlands of the Rift Valley collide with the cool thin air of the Northern highlands. The fertile lands towards the West produces some of the world’s best coffee, while the wind from the East carries whispers from Arabia. It’s truly a spectacular place to visit.

Ethiopia is even more unique in terms of its cultural treasures. As the only country in Africa never to be colonised, Ethiopia is a truly African country with African culture. If you want to see lions chase and eat zebras, go somewhere else. If you want to see and experience African culture at its purest, then book your ticket to Ethiopia already!

Top cultural experiences in Ethiopia

Visit the city of Lalibela: Situated in the northern highlands, Lalibela is the most important pilgrimage site in the country for the predominantly Orthodox Christian population of Ethiopia. It is here that you’ll find eleven incredible churches completely hewn from the rock. If you see only one place in Ethiopia, make it Lalibela.

Attend Sunday Mass: The UNESCO recognised Lalibela churches still function as churches, and attending a Sunday morning service before sunrise with hundreds of pilgrims is an experience that you won’t forget. Afterwards you can join the crowds eating injera while basking in the morning sun. Be prepared for the fact that everyone will want to come and talk to you.

Hike to a remote mountain community: Hiking into the mountains surrounding Lalibela will take you to small farming communities where time has seemingly stood still. It’s also possible to visit one of these communities for a day and learn how to cook traditional Ethiopian dishes such as injera , tibs or shiro . You’ll also find a few cave churches and monasteries in these mountains. The priests will be eager to show off their ancient treasures for a small tip.

Participate in a traditional coffee ceremony: Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee, and man are you in for treat! The best way to drink a cup of buna (Ethiopian coffee) is to attend a coffee ceremony. It starts off with the hostess washing green coffee beans and then roasting them in a pan over an open fire. The coals are infused with natural incense made from tree resin. You’ll see bags of these tree resin for sale in markets all over Ethiopia. Finally the coffee beans are ground and brewed in a special coffee pot called a jebena . It’s expected that guests will have at least three cups of buna, but why stop there?

By De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander

Oman – for dhow boats, frankincense & Bedouin culture

Unlike some of its more glitzy neighbours who’ve traded their souqs for skyscrapers, Oman has approached cultural preservation from a different angle. It’s often called out as the most culturally ‘authentic’ country in the region .

This part of the Middle East has long been a melting pot of Arabian and East African cultures, with a strong South Asian influence. Semi-nomadic Bedouin tribes that paint the desert with their costumes and brightly coloured carpets are less accessible, but a range of tourist-friendly desert experiences allow you to brush with this part of Omani culture.

Contemporary Omani traditions are deeply tied to Ibadism and revolve around an annual calendar of Islamic festivities.

Top cultural experiences in Oman

Get lost in a souq: Perfumed by rose petals and frankincense, Oman’s souqs are a treat for the senses. Roam displays of henna and spices while getting a feel for commerce and culture. Muttrah Souq in the capital, Muscat, and the delightful Nizwa Souq are both must-visits.

Visit a dhow workshop in Sur: Not only are Oman’s wooden boats an impressive feat of engineering, they’re steeped in legend and tradition. In Sur, the home of Sinbad the Sailor, you can watch expert craftsmen fitting the vessels together without glue or nails.

Spend the night at a desert camp. The Sharqiya Sands, Oman’s slice of The Empty Quarter, is the territory of nomads. Bedouin-inspired desert camps recreate the experience of staying with a Bedouin tribe – albeit with a luxury edge! Spending the night in a desert camp involves listening to folk music, eating Omani food, while the very lodgings – the tent lined with carpets you’re sleeping in – is part of the Bedouin tradition.

Mauritius – for street food, Sega & sugarcane

The island nation of Mauritius is normally associated with splendid white-sand beaches and luxury resorts – thus its inclusion on this list of cultural trips might come as a bit of a surprise.

Yes, this is an island paradise incarnate, but it also happens to be one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in the region, with African, Indian, Chinese and South Asian cultures – along with layers of Dutch, French and British influence – all accounted for.

Many elements of Mauritian culture can be traced back to the island’s plantation roots and the legacy of slavery. Mauritians honour this period of history while proudly showing off their culture in everything from the cuisine to the music.

Top cultural experiences in Mauritius

Take a street food tour of Port Louis: Mauritian food, much like Mauritian society itself, combines Chinese, Indian, Creole, East African and European flavours. Must-try dishes include vindaye , an adaptation of West Indian vindaloo, Chatini (chutney) is a popular condiment and traces its roots back to British-Indian origins, briani (biryani) and creations gifted from the island’s Chinese community, such as bol renversé (a layered dish of rice, chicken, shrimp and vegetables). The best way to get a grasp of these edible delights is by joining a guided street food tour of the capital, Port Louis .

Watch a Sega performance: Recognised by UNESCO for its value to Intangible Cultural Heritage, Mauritian Sega is a performance art characterised by music, song, dance and costume. It started out as an expression of pain and loss practiced by slave communities but has morphed over time into a colourful, optimistic expression of local culture. Elaborate Sega costumes moving to the tune of Creole lyrics is a . Many hotels offer Sega performances.

Visit an old sugarcane farm: Mauritius’ history of slavery and plantation farming has left an indelible mark on the island. Visiting preserved plantation homes and crumbling sugar mills is a step back in time to the colonial period, while regenerated cane fields such as those on Frederica Reserve now serve as a sanctuary for the island’s wildlife.

Learn more: 8 ways to experience Mauritian culture .

Morocco – for riads , tajines & mint tea

By all accounts, Morocco is a beguiling destination . The most popular country to visit in North Africa, it stands out for its diversity of landscapes and cultural experiences.

Morocco is an important gateway to the rest of Africa, and has been since Roman times. Its position at the northernmost tip of the continent – with a coast shared between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean – means it’s been at the centre of conquests and various cultural overlap throughout the ages.

Today, Morocco lives with the legacies of various civilisations, including Roman, Phoenician, Jewish, Berber, Arabic, Spanish and French. Morocco has a very hospitable culture, steeped in a refined art of living. When you visit the imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes, or the coastal towns of Essaouira and El Jadida, you will notice a multitude of little details typical of Moroccan life.

This art of living and careful hospitality is very important in Morocco and, as a visitor, you can experience it in many different ways.

Top cultural experiences in Morocco

Try your hand at Moroccan cuisine: Moroccan cuisine is world-famous for its use of spices and mix of sweet and savoury flavours. Every restaurant offers a selection of delicious tajines , a stew of meat and vegetables. Couscous is on the menu every Friday and if you like sweets, you will be in heaven. Sweet biscuits mixing flower, almond and spice flavours make a delicious afternoon treat. If you’re interested in learning new skills, cooking classes are often available in traditional riads in Marrakech. Moroccan cuisine takes time and care, but the results are delicious and quite easy to recreate at home.

Shop for authentic handicrafts at a souq : Another great way to experience the heart of Morocco is to spend time in the souks. Shopping in Morocco is a fun experience and haggling for a good price is the norm. You have to engage with merchants, ask questions, make small talk and, most importantly, have fun with it! Never lose your smile and sense of humour, and it will great fun! The most spectacular shopping experience is in Marrakech due to the volume and intensity of the medina. It’s easy to get lost but that’s part of the experience too!

Sip mint tea, a Moroccan tradition: When you travel throughout Morocco, you will notice that mint tea is served everywhere. This is a pivotal element of Moroccan hospitality. Green tea is mixed with fresh mint leaves and served in little decorated glasses. There is a little bit of theatre in serving mint tea, with the brass or silver teapot held high above the glass… Traditionally, mint tea is served with a lot of sugar, but these days it is common for sugar to be served on the side, so you can dose it yourself. And you can even buy a set of decorated tea glasses in the souk as a souvenir!

By Delphine from Lester Lost

How to have a more culturally immersive travel experience anywhere in the world

It doesn’t matter if it’s a remote community or a popular city – there are things you can do to have a more enriching cultural travel experience no matter where you’re going.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you on your way.

1. Do your research before you go: Familiarise yourself with local customs and learn a bit of the history so you know what types of experiences to look out for. This guide is a great start!

2. Seek out festivals and special events: Many tourism boards feature a calendar on their website, or you can try using Facebook to find local events. Check out my four-part series about the world’s best festivals, starting here .

3. Eat local. Food is one of the easiest routes to culture. Here are my tips for eating local when you travel.

4. Stay at a homestay. Spending time with a local family will give you an invaluable insight into daily life. Here are my tips for using homestays in Vietnam.

5. Participate in a class or workshop . Trying a cooking class, handicraft workshop or any other hands-on experience is one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in local culture. I recommend using Get Your Guide , Airbnb Experiences, Cookly or Backstreet Academy to find opportunities.

6. Learn a bit of the language. Even knowing a few basic words will show you’re interested and can go a long way to forming relationships.

7. Shop local. Support artisans and heritage skills. Here are my tips for finding authentic and meaningful souvenirs .

8. Slow down. The best cultural experiences are often spare-of-the-moment and can’t be planned in advance. Keep some flexibility in your travel itinerary for spontaneous detours.

9. Go your own way. You don’t always have to follow the pack. Venturing away from the crowds will often give you access to unique and meaningful experiences.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If in doubt, ask a local. Remember that cultural tourism is all about exchange – don’t just take, make sure you give something back in return.

Are you a cultural tourist? Which of these destinations is your favourite? What other places would you add to the list? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!

World’s best cultural trips: Save it & share it on Pinterest

More cultural travel inspiration.

• 30+ amazing cultural experiences around the world
• Best cultural festivals around the world
• Best destinations for tea culture
• Best destinations for wine culture
• Unique food cultures around the globe
• My collection of cultural travel guides for 30+ cities and regions
• World’s best unique & underrated travel destinations

This is a very wonderful article about cultural destinations! Thank you so much for sharing!

One can easily visit India and experience the different kinds of cultures in a particular place. Tourism in India has been much more managed and safe with passage of time. Rajasthan tourism has been the most reliable and safe in India. One can enjoy all the traditional dishes and enjoy living in the palaces as a hotel room in different cities. But, whenever you are visiting to Rajasthan, India travel guide is a must because one can easily lose track of pathways in the puzzle like roads of the cities in Rajasthan. One can easily plan for a Kerala tour packages because of the minimal expenses in the state.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Subscribe to future posts

THE 10 BEST United States Cultural Tours

Cultural tours in united states.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Mauka Warriors Luau Honoring Polynesia's Forgotten History

2. Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston

3. Charleston Food Tour

4. Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

5. Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls

6. Private White House Neighborhood Walking Tour

7. All Inclusive Ultimate Circle Island Day Tour and Waimea Falls

8. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

9. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options

10. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona

11. Charlotte's Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Cart Tour

12. Half-day Sedona Sightseeing Tour

13. 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Trolley Tour in Atlanta

14. 2.5 Hours of Monument Valley's Backcountry 4×4 Tour

15. Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods from Denver

16. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour

17. Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour

18. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

19. Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

20. Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

21. Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural Tour

22. NYC Food Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy

23. Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour

24. 3-hour Private Tour

25. JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House

26. Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles

27. French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

28. Oahu Island Experience feat. North Shore (Small Group Tour)

29. Tour of Historic Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark

30. Kauai Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Tour with Lunch

What travelers are saying.

• Christine H 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Great tour. And I never do these surveys. But I wanted you to know I really enjoyed Angie and all the history and passion she shared with us. Thanks! Read more Review of: New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 Written May 7, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Molly K 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Golf cart tour of Charlotte We had a larger group so ended up splitting into two carts. Our guides Caleb and Veronica were awesome! They were very knowledgeable and friendly. I wish we had taken this tour at the beginning of our trip instead of near the end. It was a great way to get the lay of the city and even some recommendations of what to do next. Highly recommend this tour! Read more Review of: Charlotte's Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Cart Tour Written May 7, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

AVAILABLE TRIPS

Seductive southern italy.

From US$3279 US$2623

Complete Portugal By Train

From US$2409 US$1927

Soulful South Korea

From US$4029 US$3223

Japan By Train: The Grand Tour

From US$4759 US$4045

Epic Morocco

From US$2929 US$2343

Scotland By Train 2024 - London Start

From US$3209 US$2728

Scotland By Train 2025 - Edinburgh Start

From US$3039 US$2735

Greek Island Odyssey

From US$2549 US$2039

Incredible Thailand And Laos By Train

From US$2889 US$2311

Chat To Our Team

If you'd like to discuss joining one of our departures or modifying an existing one for your group, please get in touch with our travel experts.

Make an Enquiry

As Featured In 

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $960 on our unique trips.

See our privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

What Are Our Trips?

Deeply immersive 5-16 days itineraries with a small group of like-minded people

Suitable for solo travelers, couples, or a group of friends

Local insider-led offering authentic experiences difficult to curate independently

Premium accommodation of 4* or 5* hotels

Cultural Tours & Holidays in Europe

A culture trip of Europe lets you learn secrets of ancient times, meet welcoming locals and listen to folklore that has stood the test of time. With 2819 cultural adventures lasting from 1 days to 42 days, you're sure to experience a true cultural immersion. Click here to see all cultural tours .

250+ cultural tours of Europe with 47,830 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Central Europe

This tour had everything I was looking for! Great Eastern European food, great local beer, and a variety of things to do for any type of interest. The hikes were fantastic, and the transportation between stops was well organized. This tour offers a good balance of free time and time with the group, which allows you to come together at the end of the day over dinner to discuss your day.

The Best of Eastern Europe

Excellent tour and with a small group it was easy to get to & enjoy everything. There were a couple of hiccups. More to do with local public transport and out of the hands of our CEO, Jakub. He took everything in stride though and went above and beyond to assist some of the group when they needed it My first group tour and I was pleasantly surprised. G Adventures did a stellar job with this tour and comments from other, who have done other G Adventures’ tours, members of group said they are generally good value

Baltic Experience

First and foremost with these tours, the enjoyment and experiences can be enhanced by the guide you have and our guide for this trip was exceptional! There are a LOT of cobblestones to walk on this tour so sensible footwear is an absolute must. Every city visited had its 'Old City" which were paved with cobblestones. It was a fascinating tour of the history of this part of Europe from medieval times to present day. The days spent canoeing and trekking in the countryside offered a welcome break from the cities visited. Klaipeda and the day trip to the unique, World Heritage-listed Curonian Spit National Park was just one of the highlights of the countryside experience. A hillside of Witches was a unique collection of sculptured tree trunks depicting all manner of mythical witches and demons. Amazing to wander through this huge area with such an engaging local guide to share the stories and history of the area. Hiking and canoe through Aukstaitija National Park's dense forests and lakes provided an opportunity for not only physical activity, but also time to swim and stop to appreciate the wild flowers and other flora. Plants that are considered garden annuals here, grow wild amongst the grasses and forests of this area. But Riga was one of the most beautiful cities visited. Fragrant gardens, fountains, old and new public sculptures and the well preserved and restored art nouveau buildings, made this city enchanting and fascinating. The trip did consist of long journeys especially by bus from Warsaw to Berlin. It proved to be quite exhausting and could be well improved by a stay somewhere in between these two major cities. Overall, if interested in Russian and German occupation and the history of these Baltic countries and their struggle for independence then this is the trip for it.

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

Excellent tour with fantastic tour guide (Noddy). It's a tour aimed at younger (under 40) travellers, so the accommodation is mainly hostels and the pace is pretty fast but we still managed to spend a reasonable amount of time in each place. There was a good balance of history/culture and activities, and there is a lot of flexibility with the optional activities and free time to spend more or less time at the beach, museums, etc. Highly recommended as an introduction to the Balkans!

ScanBaltic Tour

This whistle stop tour like most is fast and furious covering considerable territory in a short time. Many side tours and stops were enjoyable and a few not so much. Bus and ferry transport was comfortable. Hotels were very good but few were in center city - choosing the room share option, I lucked out having a room to myself for seven out of 17 nights. Guides Bijor and Israel were most attentive. The ScanBaltic tour is good value and offers a general overview of the region inspiring a return roadtrip to Norway.

• Coach / Bus

Enchanted Landscapes

My family & I just got back from taking the Enchanted Landscapes tour. We had a Fantastic trip! The tours are guided by Eurpamundo. On the first day we were so confused because we had no idea which guide we were supposed to go with as there were Multiple Eurpamundo tours at the same hotel. MAKE SURE YOU READ THE PAPERS POSTED BY EURPAMUNDO OR ASK THE RECEPTION WHERE THEY ARE POSTED TO SEE WHERE WHAT TIME YOUR LEAVING each day!!! Ask all the tour guides if you are on their lists because they do not tell you…..You have to check if you’re on their list!!! After the first day you will get the hang of it!!! We got to see and do so much for 2 weeks all over Europe! Is the tour fast moving yes…..but it has to be so you can see all the places included in the tour. All of the tour guides we had were great but our favorite was Judy. Such a sweet and patient lady☺️. We really enjoyed our trip and all the hotels were very nice. My daughter used Uber eats a few times to get food as we were sometimes not close to restaurants….which was ok!! We would definitely use Toyr Radar again. You can beat the prices

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

The hotels are good and Mat is funny and knowledgably. The whole travel is well organized and interested.

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

Great trip affordable with good accommodations. Able to see all the main spots in Europe and meet some great people

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

An excellent tour with an excellent tour guide - Lasse.

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

Excellent! Very well organised, extremely interesting and informative. The most famous ancient sites in Greece mixed with lots of cultural activities and a variety of geographical areas. Our tour director, Nikos Kontogiannis, was superb. Nikos has a great sense of humour, is extremely knowledgable and an excellent organiser. We were very impressed!

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

What can I say about a last minute trip of a lifetime! We had the best guide, James Smith, and best driver, Paul. They were organised and professional, calm and skilful at dealing with a bunch of strange personalities; witty and insightful, sharing their life experiences with us; advising and guiding us with the history and the memories of home. Even missing my pickup point, I did not panic or worry. I’m sure James was shocked at receiving a call from Australia. Lucky for me, he picked up! Good to have a backup plan. Ireland and Scotland were everything I wished for. I loved all of it- the driving, excursions, free time, sightseeing, foods, local people, ancient and modern history, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Donegal, Londonderry, Ring of Kerry, Giants Causeway, wall of Remembrance, Good Friday Peace agreement. I learnt about habits, customs, whiskey and shortbread, music, culture, accents and people, Celtic and Viking influences, symbolism and the importance of change and structure affecting our lives. Love the quirkiness too - The idea of Guinness offering a pint of beer for your blood donation is hilarious, doing your exams in Gaelga gives you a 20% advantage; museums and most event places have no entry fees. NB - (1) ensure all travellers have contact details, only for emergency use (updated as to country and location). (2) We would have loved to have a photo with our guide and driver. They were an important part of our experience! A Most enjoyable and memorable Trafalgar trip. I loved the little aside-jaunts and I loved the way James and Paul worked at keeping the journey interesting, well paced, stress less and fun. Highly commended!

• Sightseeing

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

We loved and enjoyed our tour from Athens to Belgrade with Choose Balkans and Alfred (Alfie) as our tour guide and driver. We have been to 130 countries to date and Alfred is in our top 3 best tour guide list. He is excellent. The itinerary was well thought of, with all the highlights of each destination visited. Alfred provided us with the historical background of each attraction. Having a small group is absolutely a plus. There were 7 of us in an 8 passenger van. We communicated through social media when we were not in the van so a regional or global sim is advisable but not a must because all the hotels had free wifi. Since it was a small group, the guide had ample time to entertain our questions such as currency used and accepted and good places to eat. I recommend Choose Balkans and hopefully, we can do more tours with them someday. Faleminderit!

Essential Britain & Ireland

Tour was action packed Sometimes too busy Scottish evening was too soon and too much like the Irish Cabaret the night before John Tour Guide and Juilian Driver were absolutely the best Hotels were too big I found... I found the best ones were smaller I dont understand Hotels not having wash cloths anymore... I dont like that

European Whirl (Summer, End Paris, 12 Days)

The European wirl was amazing Garry was an amazing gide we had a great time absolutely loved it and the people we were travelling with were great everyone cooperated it was my trip of a lifetime

Premium Turkey in Depth

The six of us enjoyed an excellent stay in the multicity tour and would gladly tour again with this company.

Cultural Europe Tour Reviews

To be honest, part of what made the trip fantastic was our group of 12- could not have had a better group to travel with- which is clearly luck, but a piece of our group being so cohesive was Nejca, our guide. She was perfect! Available but not pushy. Laid back, but willing to assert herself to make our experience the best. She made each person in the group feel special and appreciated. Thank you, Nejca! The itinerary was quite good as well. Although there were places I could have stayed for a day longer, I think it’s important to not stay too long and feel like time is wasted on a certain place on the tour. Transportation was efficient and Nejca did a great job getting us to our destinations easily and without rushing. Accommodations were very good- with the exception of Prague. Although our apartment was nice, it was clear that the residents of Prague feel that their space is being taken over by tourists- which is clearly true. I would have preferred to have stayed in a hotel in Prague-honestly, I would have paid more for it. Other than that, cannot day enough good things about the trip! Thank you!!

Very good tour , something’s we didn’t find out right until the moment. But, overall good tour.

The Baltic Experience tour was a lot of fun! Our Tour Leader, Agata, was superb! The small tour size (we had six participants) meant we got to know each other well. The tour had a perfect mix of planned group activities and time to explore the sites on our own. The on-line tour description was accurate and extensive. Three cautions: Travel insurance is MANDATORY, somewhat expensive, and not included in the tour price. Many, like me, will commit to the tour not knowing this additional cost will be tacked on. Second, the tour sometimes involves significant walking (up to 30 minutes) from transportation facilities to hotels while carrying your own bags (two weeks of baggage), as well as walking tours that sometimes involve climbing as many as 800 steps. This is a tour for fairly young and fit participants. Finally, European hotels and home-stay facilities generally don't have air conditioning or screened windows, meaning sometimes in the summer you will have to choose between sleeping in hot, stuffy rooms or opening the windows for mosquitoes to enter. All that said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience and I would highly recommend it for fit, adventurous people with positive attitudes who can tolerate occasional less-than-luxurious accommodations.

In-depth Cultural Tours

• Historical (700)
• Sightseeing (314)
• Walking Adventure (48)
• Museum (14)
• Religious Sites (12)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Cultural Travel Companies
• 10 Best Cultural Experiences in The World 2024/2025
• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

Best Cultural Tour Companies

Search 919 Cultural tour operators and travel companies, with 35,257 reviews.

Exodus Travels

Health Safety +

Featured Cultural Trips

G Adventures

Intrepid Travel

Insight Vacations

Health Safety

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Luxury Gold

Poseidon Expeditions

Brendan Vacations

50 Degrees North

Charlie The Traveler

Exotic Voyages

VBT Bicycling Vacations

Realistic Asia

919 match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

View Cultural trips

Plan your Cultural trip

Cultural Reviews & Ratings

History in the heat.

I've always been interested in Egyptian history and when friends suggested joining this holiday I booked straight away. And it didn't disappoint. Seeing & bein...

Sorry, I meant to add that Exodus should perhaps delete the reference to the "library" on the cruise from the Trip Notes. The library consisted of 16 dog-eared bo...

Nile Cruise

This was a wonderful trip - I enjoyed it enormously. Visit to the temples at Karnak & Luxor Khaled Lotfy was an excellent & inspirational group leader. He ...

I do not have a very long 'bucket list', in fact Egypt is the only destination on it and this holiday did not disappoint. From the flight to Cairo to the flight ho...

Nile Cruise and Pyramids

This was a wonderful trip. It was very exciting to get our first glimpse of the Pyramids which were only a short ride from the airport. There was a few early mor...

See all Cultural reviews

Related Trips and Tours

Trip planning.

Destinations

Holidays to Africa (51 available)

Botswana(4)

Ethiopia(1)

Mauritius(3)

Mozambique(1)

South Africa(11)

Tanzania(6)

Zimbabwe(8)

Holidays to Americas (56 available)

Argentina(11)

Colombia(7)

Costa Rica(4)

Dominican Republic(2)

Guatemala(2)

United States(1)

Holidays to Asia (72 available)

Cambodia(6)

Hong Kong(6)

Indonesia(4)

Malaysia(1)

Maldives(5)

Philippines(4)

Saudi Arabia(1)

Singapore(2)

South Korea(1)

Sri Lanka(1)

Thailand(12)

United Arab Emirates(10)

Uzbekistan(1)

Holidays to Europe (101 available)

Austria(12)

Baltic States(2)

Czech Republic(9)

England(13)

Montenegro(1)

Netherlands(1)

Portugal(15)

Scotland(5)

Slovakia(3)

Switzerland(5)

Holidays to Oceania (2 available)

Australia(2)

By Interest

Trip By Season

Trip By Interest

Cruise & Tour

Multi-Country

Trip By Group

Friends & Private Tours

Solo Travelers

Celebrate 11 years with up to 50% off

Win a Trip for two

Refer a friend and earn $100

Group travel deals

Spain · EUR €

United Kingdom · GBP £

France · EUR €

Germany · EUR €

United States · USD $

Canada · CAD $

México · MXN $

1-888-488-0592

Call us toll-free now

Book with an expert for free:

Prefer us to call you? Drop your number in the box:

I have read and accept the Privacy policy

24 hours a day, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

Travel protection included

Create an account

Cultural trips

Cultural travel.

What does travel mean to you? If you’re more excited about immersing yourself in local experiences and sightseeing than lounging on the beach, our cultural trips are an ideal choice. Travel gives us the chance to learn about new cultures and discover unique traditions , and our cultural tours take care of all the necessary details so you can focus on savoring the experience!

Of course, there’s no better way to understand a new destination than to throw yourself into the local traditions. Whether that’s indulging in a Hammam treatment in Turkey , taking part in a tea ceremony in Japan or joining a tapas tour in Spain , there’s always a chance to try something new on a cultural tour ! Our cultural tours offer you all kinds of included and optional experiences so you can cater your trip to your interests.

So, whether you’re ticking off bucket-list heritage sites , looking for your next foodie-adventure or are in search of the world’s most exquisite works of art, discover our selection of incredible cultural tours today!

Cultural tours

From $2,369

Per night : $162

Peru in 9 days +

Sacred land of the incas.

• map-pin-check-icon Cuzco
• map-pin-check-icon Lima
• map-pin-check-icon Machu Picchu
• map-pin-check-icon Sacred Valley
• Accommodation
• All flights
• All transfers
• Breakfast only

Valentine Travel crafter

Our action-packed tour of Peru's most emblematic sights! Visit the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu, discover the vibrant food scene of Lima, explore Cuzco and uncover the secrets of the Sacred Valley.

From $3,459

Per night : $237

Egypt in 9 days

Great pyramids & full-board nile cruise.

• map-pin-check-icon Aswan
• map-pin-check-icon Cairo
• map-pin-check-icon Giza
• map-pin-check-icon Kom Ombo

Emma Travel crafter

Our essential tour of Egypt, this active-paced trip includes the Great Pyramids, 3 or 4 nights on board a Full-Board Nile Cruise, the ancient temples of Luxor and stays in Cairo.

Cultural trips can focus on all aspects of your chosen destination, from historic tours of ancient archaeological sites to foodie-inspired adventures and museum and gallery visits. Some of the most popular cultural tours highlight important UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of which there are more than 1,000 worldwide. These bucket-list trips might focus on sites such as Machu Picchu, the Great Pyramids, the Great Wall of China or the lost city of Petra. 

Multi-city vacation packages

Another way to immerse yourself in the culture of a particular country or region is with our multi-city vacation packages. By spending time in several different places, you can develop a better understanding of the destination as a whole and get to know a variety of cultures, landscapes and traditions!

A cultural tour through the capital cities of South America might appeal to anyone who wants to discover the highlights of Latin culture. Another popular choice is a three-country tour of Southeast Asia, combining the traditions of Vietnam with the historic temples of Cambodia and the idyllic beaches of Thailand. Alternatively, a tour through the medieval towns of Romania or the romantic, artistic centers of Italy is sure to offer you valuable insight into the culture and heritage of the country. Furthermore, our multi-city vacation packages are ideal for those who want to see a variety of sights in a short period of time.

Want to hear from us?

The best deals on travel

Exciting promotions

Expert travel tips

I have read and accept the Terms of use , the Privacy policy and the Cookies policy

Exoticca reviews

Join our team

Travel Advisors Portal

Refer a friend program

Save with your group

Affiliate program

Customer support

• General conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies policy

Payment methods

Exoticca international

United Kingdom

Copyright 2013-2024 Exoticca. All Rights Reserved.

80 Southwest 8th Street Brickell Bayview, Miami, FL 33130, United States

Rated 98% based on 1029 reviews

UK   0345 475 1815   USA (toll free)   877‑209‑5620   International   00 44 345 475 1815 [email protected] Rated 98% on feefo

Sign-in Latest News Subscribe Request Brochure

• Future Planning
• Military History and Battlefield Tours
• Classical History and Archaeological Tours
• Holocaust Tours
• General History Tours
• Experience Tours
• Walking Tours
• Early Periods
• 17th & 18th Century
• Victorian Era
• First World War
• Second World War
• Cross-Periods
• Destinations
• Our Expert Historians
• Historians Q&A
• Historical Tailor Made Tours
• School Tours
• Battlefield Studies
• Testimonials
• What to Expect
• Activity Levels
• Tour Diaries & Images
• Our Library
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Work For TCE
• General Booking Conditions
• Download Booking Form
• Tours by Date
• Tours by Theme
• Tours by Period
• Tours by Destination
• Latest News
• Request Brochure

Fortress Malta. From The Knights of St John to World War Two - click here to find out more

This is a wonderfully varied and scenic tour of Malta – a tiny island with a warm welcome and proud military and cultural heritage. The Second World War siege will be our main focus, but we also examine the indelible marks that other cultures and events have left behind: the unspoilt ancient walled city of Mdina, the renaissance architecture of the Knights of St John, the brief occupation by Napoleon and the extant Victorian fortifications

The Battle For Berlin - click here to find out more

The Battle for Berlin was the decisive action that brought an end to the war in Europe. The tour will focus on the fierce and bitter action from the point when the Red Army crossed the Oder River to the eventual fall of Berlin.

Wellington in Spain | A Classic Peninsular War Tour - click here to find out more

This eight-day tour, the second in our series of 'classic' of Peninsular War tours is led by award winning Peninsular War historian Nick Lipscombe. It visits some of the most beautiful and historic parts of central Spain and Wellington’s most notable battles and sieges during the period 1809 – 1812.

The Pompeii Experience | Archaeological delights of the Bay of Naples - click here to find out more

This comprehensive archaeological tour of the Bay of Naples and the events of AD79 not only includes the well-known and impressive remains of Pompeii and the superbly preserved Herculaneum but also those lesser known, but nonetheless important sites such as the seaside villas of the wealthy at Oplontis.

The Vietnam War | From Defeat at Dien Bien Phu to the Fall of Saigon - click here to find out more

Appealing to history and culture enthusiasts alike, this tour combines the key locations of the Vietnam war, with the stunning highlights of that country. Vietnam offers a rich culture and history, combined with delicious local cuisine with a French twist. Hanoi, with its leafy tree lined avenues, plays host to fascinating, thought provoking museums and military sites.

The Holocaust - click here to find out more

In this 8-day tour to Poland, we visit the sites of the former ghettos in Warsaw, Lublin and Krakow alongside four of the concentration and death camps - Treblinka, Majdanek, Belzec and Auschwitz-Birkenau - that played such a significant role in this genocide.

The Raise & Fall of Nazi germany - click here to find out more

This tour tells the whole story of the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich chronologically from its birth in 1919 Munich, to its bloody end in Berlin in 1945. Led by Historian Nigel Jones, this tour will visit all the significant milestones marking Adolf Hitler's ascent and Germany's descent into the abyss.

Finland 1939. The Winter War - click here to find out more

This tour follows the fortunes of the 9th Soviet Army attempting to cut Finland in two at its narrowest point in time for Stalin’s 60th birthday. Ex Parachute Regiment colonel and historian Robert Kershaw uses his Arctic training background and broad military experience to explain the nature of this amazing victory against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Discovering the Western Front - click here to find out more

This five-day Western Front tour provides an overview of the major events involving British and Empire forces in Northern France and Belgium: it is both an introductory tour for the novice and an essential ‘aide memoire’ to those more familiar with the First World War.

History Tours & Holidays With Expert Historians

The Cultural Experience is a leading international battlefield tour , historical tour and cultural tour company offering expert led holidays to destinations throughout the world. We offer a wide range of scheduled escorted tours including archaeology, military history and general history tours all of which are accompanied by leading historians, academics or senior soldiers.

We are also a leading provider of school trips to many schools in the UK and Ireland and organise bespoke battlefield studies and staff rides for The Army, RAF, Royal Navy and other MOD establishments. We can also create a wide range of tailor made tours for individuals, small groups and organisations.

Today's Recommended Tours

Latest News From The Cultural Experience

view all news stories

Established in 2009, The Cultural Experience now offer tours all over the world. From the battlefields of the Zulu War in South Africa to the War Of the Roses in the UK, all bases are covered. If for any reason you cannot see the tour you would like to do, you can either see our future planning page or contact us to arrange your own bespoke tour.

Each of our guides are experts in their respective fields. Authors, historians, lecturers and fellows guide you through battlefields in France, America, India, Israel, Canada, Belarus and more. They guide you throughout the day, and dine with you in the evening, as all Cultural Experience tours include a three course meal in the evening.

Another benefit of a Cultural Experience tour is that a maximum of 22 passengers are accommodated on each tour. This means that we can include more in our daily activities as there is less time spent waiting for others to catch up.

All of our tours vary in the amount of physical activity involved. This is why we have added an activity level to each tour. This enables you to ascertain which tours are most suitable for you. All of the extra information about all of our tours can be found on our what to expect page.

Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter

For up to date news as well as details about all of our tours please subscribe to our fortnightly e-newsletter

Quick Links

Military History and Battlefield Tours Classical History and Archaeological Tours Holocaust Tours General History Tours Experience Tours Walking Tours Future Planning Request Brochure Site Map

The Cultural Experience 11B Mansfield Park Four Marks Alton GU34 5PZ United Kingdom

UK: 0345 475 1815 USA (toll free): 877 209 5620 International: 00 44 345 475 1815

[email protected]

© 2015 - 2024 Midas Tours Ltd - Hosted by SWD  -  Legal Info  -  Terms of Use  -  Privacy Policy / Cookies  -  Sign-in

What is cultural tourism and why is it growing?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Cultural tourism is big business. Some people seek to embark on their travels with the sole intention of having a ‘cultural’ experience, whereas others may experience culture as a byproduct of their trip. We can argue that there is some form of cultural tourism in most holidays (even when taking an all-inclusive holiday you might try to local beer, for example).

But what do we mean by the term ‘cultural tourism’? What’s it all about? In this post I will explain what is meant by the term cultural tourism, providing a range of academic definitions. I will also explain what the different types of cultural tourists are, give examples of cultural tourism activities and discuss the impacts of cultural tourism. Lastly, I will provide a brief summary of some popular cultural tourism destinations.

What is cultural tourism?

Cultural tourism is the act of travellers visiting particular destinations in order to experience and learn about a particular culture . This can include many activities such as; attending events and festivals, visiting museums and tasting the local food and drinks.

Cultural tourism can also be an unintentional part of the tourism experience, whereby cultural immersion (with the local people, their language, customs, cuisine etc) is an inevitable part of a person’s holiday.

Cultural tourism definitions

It has been suggested that tourism is the ideal arena in which to investigate the nature of cultural production (MacCannell, 1976). Tourism provides endless opportunities to learn about the way other people live, about their society and their traditions. Whether you are attending the Running of the Bulls Festival in Pamplona , visiting the pyramids in ancient Egypt , taking a tour of the tea plantations in China or enjoying the locally brewed Ouzo on your all-inclusive holiday to Greece, you will inevitably encounter some form of cultural tourism as part of your holiday experience.

The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) (1985) broadly define cultural tourism as the movements of persons who satisfy the human need for diversity, tending to raise the cultural level of the individual and giving rise to new knowledge, experience and encounters. Cultural tourism is commonly associated with education in this way, some describing it more narrowly as educational cultural tourism (e.g. Bualis and Costa, 2006; Harner and Swarbrooke, 2007; Richards, 2005).

Although a common, more specific definition has not been agreed amongst academics due to the complexity and subjectivity of the term, there do appear to be two distinct viewpoints. The first focusses upon the consumption of cultural products such as sites or monuments (Bonink, 1992; Munsters, 1994), and the second comprises all aspects of travel, where travellers learn about the history and heritage of others or about their contemporary ways of life or thought (MacIntosh and Goeldner, 1986).

Csapo (2012) pertains that the umbrella term of cultural tourism can encompass a number of tourism forms including heritage (material e.g. historic buildings and non-material e.g. literature, arts), cultural thematic routes (e.g. spiritual, gastronomic, linguistic), cultural city tourism, traditions/ethnic tourism, events and festivals, religious tourism and creative culture (e.g. performing arts, crafts).

Types of cultural tourists

In attempt to understand the scope of cultural tourism academics have developed a number of typologies, usually based upon the tourist’s level of motivation.

Bywater (1993) differentiated tourists according to whether they were culturally interested, motivated or inspired.

Culturally interested tourists demonstrate a general interest in culture and consume cultural attractions casually as part of a holiday rather than consciously planning to do so.

Culturally motivated tourists consume culture as a major part of their trip, but do not choose their destination on the basis of specific cultural experiences, whereas for culturally inspired tourists culture is the main goal of their holiday. 

A more complex typology was proposed by McKercher and Du Cros (2002), who defined tourists based upon the depth of the cultural experience sought, distinguishing them in to one of five hierarchical categories. 

The first is the purposeful cultural tourist for whom cultural tourism is their primary motive for travel. These tourists have a very deep cultural experience. 

The second category is the sightseeing cultural tourist for whom cultural tourism is a primary reason for visiting a destination, but the experience is more shallow in nature.

The serendipitous cultural tourist does not travel for cultural reasons, but who, after participating, ends up having a deep cultural tourism experience, whilst the casual cultural tourist is weakly motivated by culture and subsequently has a shallow experience. 

Lastly, the incidental cultural tourist is one who does not travel for cultural tourism reasons but nonetheless participates in some activities and has shallow experiences. 

Adapting this theory, Petroman  et al (2013) segments tourists based upon their preferred cultural activities.

The purposeful cultural tourist, described as according to Mckercher and Du Cros (2002), enjoys learning experiences that challenge them intellectually and visits history museums, art galleries, temples and heritage sites that are less known.

The tour-amateur cultural tourist is akin with the sightseeing cultural tourist above and they often travel long distances, visit remote areas, enjoy tours and wandering through the streets.

The occasional cultural tourist plays a moderate role in the decision of travelling and enjoys an insignificant cultural experience, their preferred activities being to visit attractions and temples that are easy to reach and to explore, although not to the extent that the tour-amateur cultural tourist does.

The incidental cultural tourist plays a small or no role in the decision to travel and enjoys an insignificant cultural experience, whilst visiting attractions that area within easy reach and heritage theme parks.

The last segment is the accidental cultural tourist, who plays a small or no role in the decision to travel but enjoys a deep cultural experience. This tourist type is diverse and as such has no preferred activities attributed to it. 

Importance of cultural tourism

Cultural tourism is important for many reasons. Perhaps the most prominent reason is the social impact that it brings.

Cultural tourism can help reinforce identities, enhance cross cultural understanding and preserve the heritage and culture of an area. I have discussed these advantages at length in my post The Social Impacts of Tourism , so you may want to head over there for more detail.

Cultural tourism can also have positive economic impacts . Tourists who visit an area to learn more about a culture or who visit cultural tourism attraction, such as museums or shows, during their trip help to contribute to the economy of the area. Attractions must be staffed, bringing with it employment prospects and tertiary businesses can also benefit, such as restaurants, taxi firms and hotels.

Furthermore, for those seeking a deep cultural experience, options such as homestays can have positive economic benefits to the members of the community who host the tourists.

Read also: Overtourism explained: What, why and where

Personally, I think that one of the most important benefits of cultural tourism is the educational aspect. Tourists and hosts alike can learn more about different ways of life. This can help to broaden one’s mind, it can help one to think differently and to be more objective. These are qualities that can have many positive effects on a person and which can contribute to making them more employable in the future.

Cultural tourism activities

Whether a tourist is seeking a deep cultural experience or otherwise, there are a wide range of activities that can be classified as cultural tourism. Here are a few examples:

• Staying with a local family in a homestay
• Having a tour around a village or town
• Learning about local employment, for example through a tour of a tea plantation or factory
• Undertaking volunteer work in the local community
• Taking a course such as cooking, art, embroidery etc
• Visiting a museum
• Visiting a religious building, such as a Mosque
• Socialising with members of the local community
• Visiting a local market or shopping area
• Trying the local food and drink
• Going to a cultural show or performance
• Visiting historic monuments

Impacts of cultural tourism

There are a range of impacts resulting from cultural tourism activities, both good and bad. Here are some of the most common examples:

Positive impacts of cultural tourism

Revitalisation of culture and art.

Some destinations will encourage local cultures and arts to be revitalised. This may be in the form of museum exhibitions, in the way that restaurants and shops are decorated and in the entertainment on offer, for example.

This may help promote traditions that may have become distant.

Preservation of Heritage

Many tourists will visit the destination especially to see its local heritage. It is for this reason that many destinations will make every effort to preserve its heritage.

This could include putting restrictions in place or limiting tourist numbers, if necessary. This is often an example of careful tourism planning  and sustainable tourism management.

This text by Hyung You Park explains the principles of heritage tourism in more detail.

Negative impacts of cultural tourism

Social change.

Social change is basically referring to changes in the way that society acts or behaves. Unfortunately, there are many changes that come about as a result of tourism that are not desirable.

There are many examples throughout the world where local populations have changed because of tourism. Perhaps they have changed the way that they speak or the way that they dress. Perhaps they have been introduced to alcohol through the tourism industry or they have become resentful of rich tourists and turned to crime. These are just a few examples of the negative social impacts of tourism.

Read also: Business tourism explained: What, why and where

Globalisation and the destruction of preservation and heritage.

Globalisation is the way in which the world is becoming increasingly connected. We are losing our individuality and gaining a sense of ‘global being’, whereby we more and more alike than ever before.

Globalisation is inevitable in the tourism industry because of the interaction between tourists and hosts, which typically come from different geographic and cultural backgrounds. It is this interaction that encourage us to become more alike.

Standardisation and Commercialisation

Similarly, destinations risk standardisation in the process of satisfying tourists’ desires for familiar facilities and experiences.

While landscape, accommodation, food and drinks, etc., must meet the tourists’ desire for the new and unfamiliar, they must at the same time not be too new or strange because few tourists are actually looking for completely new things (think again about the toilet example I have previously).

Tourists often look for recognisable facilities in an unfamiliar environment, like well-known fast-food restaurants and hotel chains. Tourist like some things to be standardised (the toilet, their breakfast, their drinks, the language spoken etc), but others to be different (dinner options, music, weather, tourist attractions etc).

Loss of Authenticity 

Along similar lines to globalisation is the loss of authenticity that often results from tourism.

Authenticity is essentially something that is original or unchanged. It is not fake or reproduced in any way.

The Western world believe that a tourist destination is no longer authentic when their cultural values and traditions change. But I would argue is this not natural? Is culture suppose to stay the same or it suppose to evolve throughout each generation? 

Take a look at the likes of the long neck tribe in Thailand or the Maasai Tribe in Africa. These are two examples of cultures which have remained ‘unchanged’ for the sole purpose of tourism. They appear not to have changed the way that they dress, they way that they speak or the way that they act in generations, all for the purpose of tourism.

You can learn more about what is authenticity in tourism here or see some examples of staged authenticity in this post.

Culture clashes

Because tourism involves movement of people to different geographical locations cultural clashes can take place as a result of differences in cultures, ethnic and religious groups, values, lifestyles, languages and levels of prosperity.

Read also: Environmental impacts of tourism

The attitude of local residents towards tourism development may unfold through the stages of euphoria, where visitors are very welcome, through apathy, irritation and potentially antagonism when anti-tourist attitudes begin to grow among local people. This is represented in Doxey’s Irritation Index, as shown below.

Tourist-host relationships

Culture clashes can also be exasperated by the fundamental differences in culture between the hosts and the tourists.

There is likely to be economic inequality between locals and tourists who are spending more than they usually do at home. This can cause resentment from the hosts towards the tourists, particularly when they see them wearing expensive jewellery or using plush cameras etc that they know they can’t afford themselves.

Further to this, tourists often, out of ignorance or carelessness, fail to respect local customs and moral values. 

There are many examples of ways that tourists offend the local population , often unintentionally. Did you know that you should never put your back to a Buddha? Or show the sole of your feet to a Thai person? Or show romantic affection in public in the Middle East?

Cultural tourism destinations

Whilst many would argue that cultural tourism is ingrained to some extent in travel to any country, there are some particular destinations that are well-known for their ability to provide tourists with a cultural experience.

Cultural tourism in India

It is impossible not to visit India and experience the culture. Even if you are staying in a 5 star Western all-inclusive hotel in Goa, you will still test Indian curries, be spoken to by Indian workers and see life outside of the hotel on your transfer to and from the airport.

For most people who travel to India, however, cultural tourism is far more than peeking outside of the enclave tourism bubble of their all-inclusive hotel.

Thousands of international tourists visit the Taj Mahal each year. Many more people visit the various Hindu and Buddhist temples scattered throughout the country as well as the various Mosques. Some visit the famous Varanassi to learn about reincarnation.

Most tourists who visit India will try the local dal, eat the fresh mutton and taste chai.

All of these activities are popular cultural tourism activities.

Cultural tourism in Thailand

Thailand is another destination that offers great cultural tourism potential. From the Buddhist temples and monuments and the yoga retreats to homestays and village tours, there are ample cultural tourism opportunities in Thailand .

Cultural tourism in Israel

Israel is popular with religious tourists and those who are taking a religious pilgrimage, as well as leisure tourists. I visited Israel and loved travelling around to see the various sights, from Bethlehem to Jerusalem . I’m not religious in any way, but I loved learning about the history, traditions and cultures.

Cultural tourism in New York

New York is a city that is bustling with culture. It is world famous for its museums and you can learn about anything from World War Two to the Twin Towers here.

Many would argue that shopping is ingrained in the culture of those who live in New York and many tourists will take advantage of the wide selection of products on offer and bargains to be had on their travels to New York.

You can also treat yourself to watching a traditional West End show, trying some of the famous New York Cheesecake and enjoying a cocktail in Times Square!

Cultural tourism in Dubai

Dubai might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of cultural tourism, but it does, in fact, have a great offering.

What I find particular intriguing about Dubai is the mix of old and new. One minute you can be exploring the glitz and glamour of the many high-end shopping malls and skyscrapers and the next you can be walking through a traditional Arabian souk.

Cultural tourism: Conclusion

As you can see, there is big business in cultural tourism. With a wide range of types of cultural tourists and types of cultural tourism experiences, this is a tourism sector that has remarkable potential. However, as always, it is imperative to ensure that sustainable tourism practices are utilised to mitigate any negative impacts of cultural tourism.

If you are interested in learning more about topics such as this subscribe to my newsletter ! I send out travel tips, discount coupons and some material designed to get you thinking about the wider impacts of the tourism industry (like this post)- perfect for any tourism student or keen traveller!

Further reading

Want to learn more about cultural tourism? See my recommended reading list below.

• Cultural Tourism – A textbook illustrating how heritage and tourism goals can be integrated in a management and marketing framework to produce sustainable cultural tourism. 
• Deconstructing Travel: Cultural Perspectives on Tourism – This book provides an easily understood framework of the relationship between travel and culture in our rapidly changing postmodern, postcolonial world.
• Re-Investing Authenticity: Tourism, Place and Emotions – This ground-breaking book re-thinks and re-invests in the notion of authenticity as a surplus of experiential meaning and feeling that derives from what we do at/in places.
• The Business of Tourism Management – an introduction to key aspects of tourism, and to the practice of managing a tourism business. 
• Managing Sustainable Tourism – tackles the tough issues of tourism such as negative environmental impact and cultural degradation, and provides answers that don’t sacrifice positive economic growth.
• Tourism Management: An Introduction – An introductory text that gives its reader a strong understanding of the dimensions of tourism, the industries of which it is comprised, the issues that affect its success, and the management of its impact on destination economies, environments and communities.
• Responsible Tourism: Using tourism for sustainable development – A textbook about the globally vital necessity of realising sustainable tourism.

Liked this article? Click to share!

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Cultural Tours in the USA

Get ready to embark on an unparalleled journey with one these exceptional cultural tours in the USA. We've invested our time and effort to scrutinize a wide selection of trips from top-rated companies, ensuring that we bring you the very best travel experiences. Our analysis covers crucial factors such as pricing, guest ratings, service excellence, sought-after destinations, and thrilling activities. Whether you're an intrepid wanderer or a novice traveler, these handpicked cultural tours will provide an unforgettable adventure in the USA.

• New York Uncovered (4 Days) 4 Days, $725.00
• Highlights of Route 66 16 Days, $3069.00
• The Lone Star State to the French Quarter 12 Days, $2499.00

What are cultural tours like in the USA?

Here are the important factors:

• 114 trip options analyzed
• $340 average price per day (USD)
• 1 to 20 days in length
• 4.71 of 5 average rating
• 43 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of cultural tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 43 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 1 days, while the longest is 20 days. When it comes to physical activity , tour options are organized as easy, moderate, relaxing, and serious, with a majority being easy tours. For transportation , you'll find tours classified as coach / bus and ocean cruise, with most of them being coach / bus. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 114 cultural tours, you can rest assured that the USA has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Cultural Tours in the USA

New york uncovered (4 days).

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for cultural tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Check out this incredible journey that has received a 5 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 4 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 25 people, and is good for travelers aged 18 to 35 years old. New York City will be the beginning and end of your trip. This fantastic option, organized by Contiki , presents an unbeatable value at just $181 per day.

• In-depth Cultural

Highlights of Route 66

Spanning over 16 days, this journey has a maximum size of 50 individuals. Welcoming travelers aged 5 or older, it is organized by Cosmos , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 18 destinations, featuring Pontiac, Springfield, St. Louis, and Branson. Beginning in beautiful Chicago, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Los Angeles. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. Available at an unbeatable price of only $192 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

• Sightseeing

The Lone Star State to the French Quarter

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional voyage that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 12 days, this jouney will have 50 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers aged 5 or older. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. Expertly organized by Cosmos , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $208 per day.

America's Greatest Treasures with Rapid City Start

This memorable journey is offered by Cosmos which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $258 per day. Traverse through 9 enchanting destinations, with Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial among the must-see stops along the route. Rapid City marks the starting point, while Salt Lake City stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities. The maximum group size is 50 people, welcoming travelers aged 5 or older.

• Walking Tour

American Gateway – 4 Days

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 4.3 out of 5 stars by previous guests. You'll love the emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, too. With a duration of 4 days, this trip offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 99 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to people of any age. This trip visits 5 destinations, including Finger Lakes, Niagara Falls (USA), and Philadelphia along the way. You'll start and end this amazing trip in New York City. Brought to you by Amadeo , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $201 per day.

Niagara Falls and Outlet Shopping

With this option you can experience an unparalleled voyage for 2 unforgettable days, visiting USA and Canada. It ensures an intimate group setting with 99 participants at most. Experience a trip that takes you to 4 remarkable destinations, including Finger Lakes and Niagara Falls (USA). New York City will be both the start and end of your journey. Amadeo , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests people of any age. With an emphasis on local culture and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $193 per day.

Colours of New England

This fantastic journey has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Explore 11 incredible locations on this trip, including Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Franconia Notch State Park, and Bretton Woods. Your adventure starts and ends in Boston. Lasting 10 days, the maximum group size is 35 people, and it's good for travelers aged 21 or older. Organized by Omega Tours , this is a great deal because it's only $244 per day.

• Coach / Bus

Western Wonders

With a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary journey is the perfect choice. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Discover a journey that spans 12 destinations, with notable stops in Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon National Park, and Williams. Beginning in beautiful Los Angeles, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in San Francisco. Spanning across 12 days, the journey accommodates 50 individuals, and is suitable for travelers aged 5 or older. Offered by Cosmos , this remarkable journey is priced at just $201 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Eastern US & Canada Grand Vacation

This exceptional trip offering by Cosmos has received a 4.9 out of 5 rating. On this 15-day trip, visiting USA and Canada, you can unwind while also making new memories. This trip takes you on an adventure to 11 destinations, including Toronto, Niagara Falls (USA), Lancaster, and Washington DC. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of New York City. With a group size of 50 people, it's suitable for travelers aged 5 or older. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture and family-friendly activities. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $202 per day.

America's Greatest Treasures with Denver Start

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating. With 11 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, and Cheyenne, and more. Denver marks the starting point, while Salt Lake City stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This terrific trip also highights local culture and family-friendly activities. Spanning across 10 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 50 participants, and it's great for travelers aged 5 or older. Brought to you by the renowned Cosmos , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $249 per day - an unbeatable value.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to the USA , The Best Wildlife Tours to the USA , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in the USA , The Best Historical Tours in the USA , The Best 10-Day Tours in the USA , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in the USA , The Best 3-Day Tours in the USA , The Best 2-Week Tours in the USA , The Best 3-Week Tours in the USA , The Best Bicycle Tours in the USA , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in the USA , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in the USA , The Best Coach Bus Tours in the USA , The Best Adventure Tours to the USA , The Best Eco Tours in the USA , The Best Train & Rail Tours in the USA , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in the USA , The Best Sightseeing Tours in the USA , The Best Photography Tours in the USA , The Best Camping Tours in the USA , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in the USA , The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in the USA , The Best Walking Tours in the USA , The Best Tours Under $1000 in the USA , The Best Luxury Tours to the USA , The Best Tours for Seniors to the USA , The Best Contiki Tours to the USA , or The Best G Adventures Tours to the USA for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Las Vegas , The Best 3-Day Tours from Asheville , The Best 3-Day Tours from Los Angeles , The Best 3-Day Tours from New York City , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Jackson , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Boston , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Nashville , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San Francisco , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seattle , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phoenix , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Washington DC , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Honolulu , The Best 10-Day Tours from Las Vegas , The Best 10-Day Tours from Anchorage , The Best 10-Day Tours from Boston , The Best 2-Week Tours from Las Vegas , The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles , The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage , The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City , The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco , The Best 2-Week Tours from Atlanta , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Nashville for more package tour options.

How much do cultural tours in the USA cost?

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for cultural tours when planning a visit to the USA. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of cultural tours in the USA based on data from 114 options is an affordable $340 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in the USA .

And for more information on United States of America, see United States of America Travel Costs and United States of America Hotel Costs .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Budget Your Trip

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

SLIPKNOT Announce Here Comes The Pain North American Summer Tour

Celebrating 25 Years of ‘Slipknot’ with special guests Knocked Loose, Orbit Culture, and Vended

Knotfest artist presale tickets available today at 12pm et here, general public on sale friday, may 3 at 10 am local here.

Heavy titans and cultural phenomenon SLIPKNOT are pleased to announce the North American portion of their Here Comes The Pain Tour . This year the nine are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their seminal debut album, Slipknot , which catapulted the band back in 1999.

In addition to recently announced dates across the globe, the Here Comes The Pain Tour , produced by Live Nation, includes arena plays nationwide this Summer. Highlights include New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, Austin’s Moody Center and more with direct support from Kentucky’s young and vibrant hardcore/metal forerunners, Knocked Loose . Orbit Culture and Vended are confirmed as support on select dates.

Knotfest.com’s artist presale tickets are available  today at 12PM ET here . Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, May 3 at 10 AM Local here . See below for a full list of dates including Slipknot’s homecoming performance at Knotfest Iowa in which the band will play a unique set drawing heavily from their 1999 debut, celebrating 25 years of the self-titled album along with their fans.

There actually was a time when Slipknot and the maggots (the loving name for their fans) did not completely rule the world. 25 years ago, the Des Moines band were just some guys trying to get their new LP noticed– a record that would start their metamorphosis into the most crucial band of the 21st century. That record would change rock as we know it, measuring success with a yardstick bigger than music, one for the influence on youth culture writ large. But these faceless demons from middle America would not only capture the hearts of the youth, they would help guide their tastes, and challenge them and their kin towards a new future.

Released on June 29th, 1999, Slipknot’s self-titled debut was a smash hit with critics and an instant classic with fans. It was, and is, a molotov cocktail signaling a revolution– embracing a creative direction that eschewed metal traditions in favor of fresh ideas. While the jaw-clenching riffs coupled with Ross Robinson’s venomous production were crucial to the album’s success, it was the care and attention to detail in the songcraft that moved the needle from “great” to “benchmark.” Not too shabby for a bunch of guys that only hoped to be heard.

“We loved what we did with the first record but we didn’t even know if there was gonna be anything after that,” recalls guitarist Jim Root . “We just wanted people to hear it. Selling out of records and shows, having successful tours– those are goals for any band. But the dream scenario in some ways, came true for us.”

In the years following, Slipknot’s popularity nipped at the heels of elder statesmen and even the band’s heroes, eventually navigating this brave new world with unending drive, fresh ideas and a bloodlust for odometer clicks. Tens of billions of streams and tens of millions of subscribers and followers later, the accolades tell the story: 64 award nominations and 27 wins including a Grammy for “Before I Forget“ from Vol. 3 .  A seemingly endless number of tour dates. Headlining slots at some of the biggest festivals in the world such as Download, Rock In Rio, Hellfest, Wacken and many more. Not to mention RIAA certifications by the truckload– 14 platinum certifications and 40 gold across more than 30 million in record and video sales.

In addition, Slipknot positioned themselves for success with the creation of their own festival Knotfest in 2012, a traveling, multi-stage and experiential event that has appeared 28 times across several countries and locations. The festival has since spun off into a successful entertainment media hub – Knotfest.com , which became a juggernaut of its own making, giving a platform to young freethinkers and like-minded artists.

All of Slipknot’s achievements have helped them claim their rightful seat as pioneers and thought leaders, establishing them as a generational talent– loved by parents AND their children alike. And of course with all those incredible live performances, all that influence, and all that history of playing all those incredible SONGS, Slipknot has only attracted the most dedicated of fans, reaching all the way back to that fateful self-titled effort.

Slipknot is approaching this 25th anniversary by making the conscious decision to connect to fans as closely as possible, in a similar way to how they encountered Slipknot all those years ago. “Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people have been there because my culture, the maggots, always show up,” says founding member Shawn “clown” Crahan with a smile.

  “But as we’ve grown as a band, we have had fewer and fewer of those intimate, personal moments, trading them for massive ones. So we’re gonna make it more personal on the anniversary, but how remains to be seen. Just get ready to have your face kicked in. Because we just do what we do, spread that maggot culture – that disease. And you’ve been infected.”

SLIPKNOT LIVE DATES 2024:

May 12: Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville

May 19: Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Festival

Aug 06: Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center *

Aug 07: Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake *

Aug 09: Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena *

Aug 10: Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion *

Aug 12: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden *

Aug 14: Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion *

Aug 15: Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center *

Aug 17: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena *

Sep 01: Pryor, OK – ROCKLAHOMA

Sep 07: Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre #

Sep 08: Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Styles Resorts Amphitheater #

Sep 09: Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life

Sep 11: Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater #

Sep 13: Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome #

Sep 15: Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre #

Sep 17: Austin, TX – Moody Center #

Sep 18: Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion #

Sep 21: Des Moines, IA – Knotfest Iowa at Waterworks Park #

Oct 11: Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival

Oct 19: São Paulo, BR – Knotfest Brasil

Nov 08: Guadalajara, MX – Calle 2

Nov 09: Mexico City, MX – Parque Bicentenario

Dec 05: Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome

Dec 06: Dortmund, DE – Westfalehallen

Dec 08: Stuttgart, DE – Schleyerhalle

Dec 09: Leipzig, DE – Quarterback Immobilien Arena

Dec 11: Zürich, CH – Hallenstadion

Dec 12: Paris, FR – Accor Arena

Dec 14: Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena

Dec 15: Glasgow, UK – Ovo Hydro

Dec 17: Manchester, UK – Co-op Live

Dec 18: Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena

Dec 20: London, UK – The O2

Dec 21: London, UK – The O2

* w/ Special Guests Knocked Loose and Orbit Culture

# w/ Special Guests Knocked Loose and Vended

SLIPKNOT | INSTAGRAM | X | FACEBOOK | TOUR DATES

  For More Info on Slipknot and Knotfest Iowa, Contact:

Bailey Sattler | another side

About Live Nation Entertainment: Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com .

Contact Live Nation Concerts:

Monique Sowinski + Valeska Thomas

Read more about

Results and Highlights from the 2024 Giro d’Italia

Check out stage-by-stage recaps and overall standings of the Italian Grand Tour.

Stage 3: Novara - Fossano, 166 km

Stage 2: san francesco al campo - santuario di oropa, 161 km, stage 1: venaria reale - torino, 140 km.

Check out stage-by-stage recaps of the action below.

Stage 4: Acqui Terme - Andora, 190 km

Jonathan milan wins sprint finish.

Stage Winner: Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek)

Race Leader: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)

May 7, 2024—For the second straight day, the Giro d’Italia ended with a flat sprint that was almost nabbed with a daring and unexpected last-minute attack.

The 190-kilometer route from Acqui Terme to Andora started with a gradual ride into the day’s only categorized climb, the category 3 Colle del Melogno, where the KOM points were taken by Intermarché-Wanty’s Lilian Calmejane. After that, it was an almost wholly downsloping back half of the stage, ending with a straight, flat shot into the seaside town of Andora.

If the peloton felt a bit jumpy heading into Andora, it no doubt had to do with Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and Geraint Thomas’s (INEOS Grenadiers) almost successful late break in yesterday’s sprint stage.

And then, just like yesterday, a solo attack was launched with plenty of racing left. Today, it was Ineos-Grenadiers’ Filippo Ganna, one of the fastest solo bike racers that’s ever lived, who attacked at the foot of the day’s final pitch, the Capo Mele, with 4 km to go. However, the long-distance attack was once again in vain, as he was caught and swallowed up with just a few hundred meters to go.

Moments later, another Italian, Lidl-Trek’s Jonathan Milan, launched a furious and commanding 300-meter sprint that would net him his second Giro stage win, exactly one year to the day from his first.

Meanwhile, Dani Martínez, who entered the day in third place in the GC standings, suffered a late-stage mechanical. Lucky for the BORA-hansgrohe racer, it was within the final 3 kilometers, meaning he was awarded the same time as the bunch ahead and lost no extra time to Pogačar and Thomas.

In sad news, Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) slid out on a slick descent with about 62 kilometers left, crashing out of the race with an injury. It was a brutal reminder of the Eritrean’s luck, who, moments after becoming the first Black African rider to win a Grand Tour stage in 2022’s Giro, suffered a freak injury when the cork from his celebratory champagne bottle shot him in the eye, causing him to abandon the race with a hemorrhage in his eye.

“We saw Ganna going full gas in the last climb, and we just had to catch him,” said Milan of his Italian track teammate. “Today, the guys did such an amazing job. This experience was special because my parents were here today. I’m really happy about it,” Milan, who won last year’s maglia ciclamino, added.

After the race, second-place finisher Kaden Groves said the day’s blisteringly high speeds made the stage “quite scary at times.” And when asked about how his Alpecin-Deceuninck team was shaping up over the Giro’s first week, Groves said, “We’re getting there.”

Soudal Quick-Step’s Tim Merlier Takes Sprint Victory Amidst GC Favorites’ Late Attack

Stage Winner: Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)

May 6, 2024 – The sprinters had their first chance to shine, as the race’s third stage from Novara to Fassano featured just 750 meters of elevation over 166 kilometers.

However, it wasn’t without a bit of drama, as the race’s biggest GC favorites launched a thrilling attack over the last four kilometers, throwing a wrench into what was expected to be a straightforward day. After an early move from EF-Education EasyPost’s Mikkel Honore, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) followed, forming a small, three-man breakaway that, for a moment, looked as though it might stay away from the group.

Honoré was swallowed up by the group with about 1 kilometer to go, and given the day’s high pace and series of breakaways, there was some thought that Pogačar and Thomas’s attack might just stick. However, the two GC men were caught with about 400 meters to go, setting up the bunch sprint everyone expected the day to end with.

Soudal Quick-Step’s Tim Merlier nipped a group at the line that included Lidl-Trek’s Jonathan Milan and Intermarche Wanty’s Biniam Girmay, who rounded out the day’s podium, along with Arkea’s Jenthe Biermans and dsm-Firmeninch PostNL’s Tobias Lund Andersen.

After a masterful recovery from a late crash to win Sunday’s second stage, Pogačar started the day in the maglia rosa , forty-five seconds clear of Dani Martínez of BORA-hansgrohe and Geraint Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers. By the time stage 3 was over, those standings remained exactly the same.

“It wasn’t the plan,” Thomas said of the two-man attack over the closing kilometers. “We just wanted to stay out of trouble.”

He added that, over the final few hundred meters, it took everything he had to keep contact with Pogačar. “I was just trying to hold his wheel,” Thomas said, admitting that the attack was never part of the day’s plan.

“It was the hardest victory so far,” stage winner Merlier said of the unexpected chase he and his group of sprinters found themselves in as Thomas and Pogačar rode away. Merlier said he hesitated, causing him to miss out on his leadout man, and eventually forcing him to attack directly into the wind without any support.

Tadej Pogačar Wins Stage 2 and Takes the Maglia Rosa

Stage Winner: Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)

May 5, 2024 - Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates wins Stage 2 of the Giro d’Italia 2024 and takes the Maglia Rosa. Twenty-seven seconds behind, Dani Martínez (Bora-hansgrohe) takes second, and Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) is third.

It was a masterful performance by UAE Team Emirates once Pogačar made it back to the front of the peloton after a small crash due to a front flat tire. The Slovenian leads Thomas and Martinez by 45" in the General Classification.

In the post-race interview, Pogačar was asked if he panicked after crashing in the lead-up to the last climb. “Not really. I was quite calm. I hit a hole in the city and had a super fast flat tire. There was a bit of confusion. I wanted to stop before the corner, but the DS said, ‘No, no, after the corner.’ I was feeling good. The team was super good today. And then we set the pace that we like and it was perfect,” said the race leader.

“I didn’t know the climb well. Everybody was maybe doing this climb for the first time, and it was hard to guess where to do the [hard] pacing, but I think we did a really good job today. And it was super good the last pull of Rafał Majka in the hard part so that I could attack,” Pogačar added.

“I just wanted a stage win today and some gap. Test the legs a little bit. And the [goal] was to take the pink jersey. Now I can relax a little bit in the next few days with the team and we stay safe in the sprints.”

Watch the final kilometer of Stage 2 on the Giro d’Italia’s YouTube Channel

Geraint Thomas of INEOS Grenadiers found himself meeting his limit in today’s stage. “It was so hard to follow, but I knew if I tried to keep going I would completely blow up. I felt bad for sitting on Ben [O’Connor], but I was on the limit for a while there,” said Thomas in the post-race interview.

Regarding Pogačar’s crash, Thomas said, “Honestly, I didn’t know until I was on the climb, and someone said Tadej was back. The plan was to go to the front, not to attack, but to stay safe on the front.”

Narváez Upstages Pogačar to Secure Stage 1 Victory and Maglia Rosa

Stage Winner: Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers)

Race Leader: Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers)

May 4, 2024 - The opening stage of the Giro d’Italia produced plenty of fireworks and a surprise winner on the line. Team UAE Emirates set it up perfectly for Tadej Pogačar on the opening stage. After some long-lasting breakaways were caught, Pogačar broke free in the last four kilometers with Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers) and Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe). The Slovenian just couldn’t gap those two rivals, and it set it up for a sprint finish. In a bit of a surprise, it was Narváez, the 27-year-old Ecuadorian national champion, outsprinting Schachmann (second on the stage) and Pogačar (third). Narváez earns the first Maglia Rosa of the 2024 Tour of Italy.

Though he didn’t win the stage, Pogačar will head into Stage 2 with an advantage over many of his top GC rivals. Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers) was 10 seconds behind Pogačar on the stage and, after factoring in time bonuses, 14 seconds behind Pogačar in the GC standings.

Watch Stage 1 Highlights on the Giro d’Italia’s YouTube Channel

“It was a great feeling. We knew it was going to be a stage for me, and I worked a lot on it,” Narváez said in the post-race interview. “Following the best guy in the world on the climb was really hard, so it’s a special victory today. It’s still hurting me now. It was really hard—really, really hard. But in the end, I made it.”

“I think [Pogačar] went too long in the sprint, 200 meters after a really hard stage, and I did a short sprint, and in the end, I took the victory. For me, it’s amazing. There aren’t many opportunities in a Grand Tour to get the maglia rosa on the first day because you have a bunch sprint, a TT, or a different stage. Today was a good opportunity. I worked really, really hard for it,” added Narváez.

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} 2024 Giro d'Italia

Tadej Pogačar Hits the Deck, But Still Wins

2024 Giro d’Italia Riders to Watch

6 Must-Watch Stages of the 2024 Giro d’Italia

A Comprehensive Guide to the 2024 Giro d’Italia

Is the Giro d’Italia the Tougher Grand Tour?

Giro d’Italia’s Jersey Colors: What They Mean

Luke Lamperti Gears Up for Giro d’Italia Debut

2024 Giro d’Italia | Geraint Thomas to Lead Ineos

Nairo Quintana Will Focus on Stage Wins at Giro

The Fastest Men and Women of the Grand Tours

2024 Giro d’Italia | 6 Reasons to Be Psyched

Download Your Guide!

(05/09/24) – 10am-5pm – Spring / Mother’s Day Art Market , NN Museum, Window Rock, AZ

(05/10/24) – Navajo Nation Police Officer Day

(05/12/24) – Mother’s Day

(05/27/24) – HOLIDAY – Memorial Day

(05/31/24) – HOLIDAY – Navajo Nation Memorial Day (Observed)

(06/01/24) – HOLIDAY – Navajo Nation Memorial Day / Treaty Day ‘Treaty of 1868’

(928) 810-8501

Window Rock, AZ

Mon.-Fri. 8am.-5pm.

Navajo Cultural Tour

Walk in beauty, experience beauty with meaning.

Reminder:   The Navajo Nation observes Daylight Savings Time (DST-Mountain/Denver), it begins in March and ends November. In the spring and summer seasons, when it’s 2pm in Flagstaff, it is 3pm in Monument Valley.

• Protocols While Visiting
• Suggested 3-Day Tour Route
• Distances to Destinations

Responsible Tourism & Protocols

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE NAVAJO NATION, REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE ON A SOVEREIGN, SELF-GOVERNING NATION, AND JUST AS YOU WOULD TRAVEL ABROAD, PLEASE OBEY ALL TRIBAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

• You do not need a passport to travel on Navajo Nation land.
• Do not rely on your vehicle and/or cell “GPS” when traveling on the reservation roads. It is not a reliable source for road navigation. Before heading out to your destination, ask for directions and stay on the paved roads. Paved roads lead to all places of interest on the Navajo Nation.
• The Navajo Nation Police Department has law enforcement jurisdiction within the boundaries of Navajo land and roads, but also have jurisdiction on certain areas off-reservation in the State of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah on county highways & roads. In turn, State & County Law Enforcement also have cross jurisdiction in certain areas of the Navajo Nation.
• Please observe and follow the appropriate state traffic laws on all roadways on the reservation in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.
• Please properly dispose of cigarette butts. Our climate and limited resources cannot handle a wildfire.

Prohibited on the Navajo Nation

• Alcoholic beverages and firearms.
• Dumping of cremains or human ashes on any areas on the Navajo Nation. No exceptions. This is considered a SACRILEGIOUS ACT in our culture.
• Areas that are marked off-limits, or that have been told are off-limits.
• Rock climbing and off-trail hiking.
• Off-road travel by all 4x4s, dune buggies, ATVs and motorcycles on back country roads.
• Removal of any animals, plants, rocks, or artifacts.
• Any defacing of rock structures, ruins, etc.
• Burning of debris, or burying trash. Please place discarded trash in marked trash containers.
• Campfires, charcoal, wood, & gas grills in undesignated areas.
• Includes discarding of burnt cigarette butts, matches, and lighters in outdoor areas.
• § 2501. Permits
• A) No person, firm, association or corporation shall, either directly or indirectly, furnish, provide or conduct tour and guide services for hire, for the purposes of touring, visiting, sightseeing or like-activities within the Navajo Nation, unless said person, firm, association or corporation shall first obtain a permit from the Parks and Recreation Department of the Navajo Nation to perform such activities within the Navajo Nation.
• B) Any person, firm, association or corporation desiring to obtain such permit shall deliver to the Parks and Recreation Department of the Navajo Nation a true copy of the articles of association, partnership, incorporation or organization, whichever the case may be, or similar legal instrument, together with a verified statement showing the rates to be charged for the activity involved, and the basis therefor; and a proposed schedule of routes, distances, and times to be covered by such activity and a valid and original certification of insurance in minimum amount required for the service to be provided.
• C) At the time of filing an application for a permit under Subsection (B) of this Section, each person, firm, association or corporation shall pay the Parks and Recreation Department of the Navajo Nation a fee in accordance with a schedule approved by the Resources Committee of the Navajo Nation Council:
• D) Nothing in this Section shall relieve any applicant from any other requirements of this Chapter.
• History: CJA-06-05, January 28, 2005. CN-82-72, Exhibit A, § 1-3, 5. November 2, 1972.

Common courtesy

• Please do not enter a home uninvited.
• Please do not knock on a door and asked to be shown around.
• Please do not yell or throw objects, especially in or near Navajo sacred sites.
• Please observe quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all public areas.
• Be respectful of your photography. Cameras are not always welcomed, obtain permission prior to photographing, videotaping, audio recording, and even sketching people.
• Stay off residential properties and land boundaries.
• Please leave the wildlife alone. This applies to livestock, sheep, horses, and other residential animals.
• For fishing, and camping on the Navajo Nation, please obtain a permit from the Navajo Fish & Wildlife Department .
• For hiking and/or camping within a Navajo Tribal Park, please obtain a permit from the Navajo Parks & Recreation Department.

Special Media Permits

• Important Note: Drones are STRICTLY prohibited within a Navajo Tribal Park.
• Additionally, a unique permit is required to film & photograph commercially within all Navajo Nation Tribal Parks and recreational areas: Little Colorado River Gorge Navajo Tribal Park, Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Four Corners Monument Navajo Tribal Park, Tseyi Heritage Cottonwood Campground near Canyon de Chelly, Camp Asaayi at Bowl Canyon, San Juan River and the Navajo Veterans Memorial Park at Window Rock, AZ.

Ceremonial & Cultural Activities

• While at a pow-wow, please do not touch or move items belonging to traditional dancers. These items are sacred, very sentimental and specially created for its individual dancer.
• Be respectful while attending a pow-wow. Do not mock tribal members by wearing headdresses, costumes, yell obscenities, use offensive gestures, or claim unfounded heritage to excuse certain negative behaviors.
• There are certain ceremonies and dances prohibited to the general public, therefore are not available for public viewing. Please respect our traditions, if you are asked to leave, please do so respectfully – quickly and quietly.
• Additionally, certain ceremonies are only for tribal members and cannot be purchased.
• Do not applaud – unless it is absolutely apparent that it is okay.
• Religious matters are very private and personal; probing questions are not appropriate.

You will quickly notice how many people speak Navajo/Diné. But English is also spoken by majority of Navajo/Diné, do not hesitate to communicate.

• If you encounter a Navajo who does not speak English, you should have no problem finding someone to interpret.

‘Leave No Trace’ principles

There are 7 general priciples of ‘Leave No Trace’:

• Plan Ahead & Prepare
• Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Others

For more information on the ‘Leave no trace’ principles, please visit: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/

*This is provided merely as a suggestion with travel starting in Tuba City, Arizona and ending in Window Rock, Arizona. Actual travel time may vary.

Suggested 3-Day Excursion Across the Navajo Nation

DAY ONE: TUBA CITY, ARIZONA – the starting point of the Navajo Cultural Tour, is easily accessible to travelers, at no more than a two hour drive from Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, or Flagstaff. It is a great tour to learn and experience the Navajo (Diné) Culture.

Visit the   Explore Navajo Interactive Museum in Tuba City, Arizona. First exhibited at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the Explore Navajo Museum has been called the “Western Gateway” to Navajo country. Situated in the hub of Northern Arizona, this museum is over 7,000 sq. feet, and features Navajo rugs, pottery, stories of creation, and a traditional Navajo Hogan (home).

Along with Explore Navajo, the anticipated and respectfully dedicated Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit  features

machinery and tools used in battle, victory stories, transcript of a Code Talker and exceptionally detailed photos.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Quality Inn Navajo Nation in Tuba City. Enjoy southwestern comfort and a convenient base to explore the richness of Navajoland and its people. After a dinner of your choice of traditional Navajo cuisine, southwestern or American food at the  Hogan Restaurant , schedule some time to take in the beautiful Navajo sunset on a warm summer’s eve. www.explorenavajo.com

DAY TWO: TUBA CITY to MONUMENT VALLEY, AZ – Begin your day with a light breakfast or a hearty meal at the Hogan Restaurant. Visit the historic Tuba City Trading Post  – part of the Indian Country landscape since 1870. It contains authentic Indian arts and crafts, such as Indian jewelry, pottery, rugs, sand paintings, Kachina dolls, and clothing; each reflecting the superb craftsmanship and cultural traditions of the artist.

A scenic 72 mile drive northeast on US highway 160 will take you to  Kayenta, AZ  and one of the satellite stores of  Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise . Get out and stretch your legs while looking at some of the authentic fine art and collectibles available there. Once you’re back on the road, you’ll want to head north on US Highway 163 for 24 miles to Indian Route 42 to the entrance to  Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park .

Monument Valley is one of America’s most recognized natural monuments. The Navajo name for Monument Valley is  Tsé Bii’ Ndzisgaii  – which translates to “light around the mittens”. No other place on earth has the colors of an icy blue-sky contrasting so prominently against a crimson earth. Piercing from the valley floor are towering pillar-like spires reddened over the years by a southwestern sun. The ground is barren except for a peppering of cedar trees, sagebrushes and yucca plants. With such an awe-inspiring panorama, it is the Wild West epitomized. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary in 2008.  https://navajonationparks.org/tribal-parks/monument-valley/

MONUMENT VALLEY to CANYON DE CHELLY, AZ – Leave Monument Valley by 2 PM and head south. You’ll want to have plenty of time to see Canyon de Chelly National Monument . Drive back to Kayenta. Then drive a short distance northeast on US 160 to Indian Rt. 59. Turn south and travel 60 miles to Many Farms and US Highway 191. Turn South again on 191 and drive 15 miles to  Chinle, AZ . Turn left at the stoplight/junction, go about 2 miles, follow the signs to the Canyon de Chelly Visitor Center. At the Visitor Center, you’ll find valuable information about the canyon, a gift shop, restrooms and demonstrations. You’ll want to drive to some of the canyon overlooks. The afternoon shadows should provide awesome photo opportunities. If you brought your hiking shoes and a good-sized water bottle, you might be ready for a hike of the  White House Ruins Trail . Make it a point to come back next year to spend more time inside the canyon. www.nps.gov/cach

CANYON DE CHELLY to WINDOW ROCK, AZ – It will take you about an hour and 15 minutes to get from Chinle to Window Rock, AZ . By the time you get to the  Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital  you’ll be glad to call it your “Hogan” away from home. Recipient of the Platinum and “Best of Brand” award for 2006 from Choice Hotels International, the Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital anticipates your arrival. With beautiful, clean southwestern rooms featuring HBO, free in-room coffee, free local calls, the Quality Inn in Window Rock is the hotel you have been looking for. The Diné Restaurant, located on-site, features local native cuisine such as Navajo tacos, mutton stew and the Navajo buffet, in addition to Mexican and American cuisine. www.explorenavajo.com

Curious to learn about and see our Navajo handmade silver jewelry? Peruse our Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise store – it is conveniently located next door to the hotel. A Navajo Nation-owned retailer, they have represented the Navajo artisan since 1941. Stroll on over to shop for authentic Navajo fine art & collectibles. www.gonavajo.com

DAY THREE: WINDOW ROCK, AZ – After breakfast at the Diné Restaurant in the Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital the next morning, take a walking tour of the Navajo Nation Council Chambers National Historic Landmark  and  Window Rock Monument & Veterans Memorial Park , located just a few minutes from the hotel. The Council Chambers is the meeting place for the Navajo Government to discuss critical issues determining the future of the Navajo people. Incidentally, the interior of the Council Chambers is decorated with beautiful murals depicting Navajo life, culture and history.

At the Window Rock Monument & Veterans Memorial Park , just a few steps from the Council Chambers, you will see the symbolic statue created to honor the well known Navajo Code Talkers sitting at the base of the sacred sandstone monument “Window Rock” for which the town is named. Website.

The  Navajo Nation Zoological & Botanical Park  in Window Rock is the only tribally owned zoo in the country. Admission is FREE every day of the week, except when the zoo is closed on Sunday and holidays (Federal and Tribal holidays). You’ll see indigenous wild animals from the 4-corners region, including the Gunnison Prairie Dog. He is not on the official roster, but makes himself at home nonetheless!

Upon completion of your self-guided tours; take one last picture and thought-image, as you begin your descending journey back to your home.

Bruce Springsteen in Belfast: can I still buy tickets, how to get to Boucher Fields, set lists, weather forecast and more

Everything you need to know about the american singer’s concert in belfast on may 9th.

Bruce Springsteen kicks off his Irish tour in Belfast on Thursday. Photograph: Mike Lewis Photography/Redferns

Bruce Springsteen is stopping off at Boucher Playing Fields in Belfast for the first date of his Irish tour – and second date of the European leg of his tour – on Thursday, May 9th.

Next up will be Kilkenny (May 12th), Cork (May 16th) and Dublin (May 19th). Some 40,000 are expected at the Belfast concert. In the past calendar year, Springsteen will have sold 350,000 tickets in Ireland, a million in total since his first concert in Ireland back in 1985.

Can I still buy tickets for the show?

Although the concert is officially sold out, promoter Aiken says some tickets are being made available on Ticketmaster . The promoters advise to only buy tickets from authorised sellers.

Where are Boucher Playing Fields?

The venue is off Boucher Road in south Belfast, backing on to the Westlink. Nearby is Windsor Park, Lisburn Road and Stockman’s Lane.

Bruce Springsteen’s Irish tour: can I still buy tickets, what songs will The Boss play, and more

Passion, booze, madness and comradeship: Bruce Springsteen’s special relationship with Ireland

What time does the gig start?

The venue opens at 5pm, and Springsteen and his band will be on stage at 7pm sharp. There is no support act and he’s expected to play for three hours.

Bruce Springsteen & The East Street Band on stage in Cardiff. Photograph: Mike Lewis Photography/Redferns

[  A million reasons why Bruce Springsteen keeps coming back to Ireland  ]

What songs will he play?

His setlists are inherently unpredictable as he can pick a song from placards held up by fans and play it. It certainly keeps the E Street Band on their toes. Here is what The Boss played on Sunday, May 5th, at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium:

• So Young and in Love
• Lonesome Day
• No Surrender
• Prove It All Night
• Darlington County
• Better Days
• The Promised Land
• Spirit in the Night
• Hungry Heart
• If I Was the Priest
• My City of Ruins
• Last Man Standing
• Backstreets
• Because the Night
• She’s the One
• Wrecking Ball
• Thunder Road
• Born in the USA
• Born to Run
• Dancing in the Dark
• Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
• Twist and Shout
• I’ll See You in My Dreams

Bruce Springsteen is expected to draw some 40,000 fans to his Belfast concert. Photograph: Rob DeMartin

How do I get to the venue?

Concertgoers can avail of special bus and rail services running on the day which will bring them to Belfast and the Boucher Road.

Translink has put on a special bus that departs from Foyleside bus centre in Derry at 4.30pm. The bus pick ups in Drumahoe, Claudy, Dungiven, Maghera and Toome before arriving at Boucher Playing Fields. After the concert, the bus will depart from Boucher Road at 11.30pm and return to Derry. Passengers need to be back to the coach at least 15 minutes before it leaves. Tickets for the bus service are now sold out.

For those planning to travel by train, they can use any Bangor, Coleraine, Larne or Portadown line service to Balmoral Train Station. There are shuttle services to get home after the concert, operating between 10:30pm and 11:45pm from Balmoral Train Station to Belfast’s Great Victoria Street Station. There will also be trains stopping at selected stops on the Portadown line. Train tickets are still available and can be purchased here .

Concertgoers are encouraged to use public transport to get to the venues. Plan your journey online from anywhere in Ireland to a venue via transportforireland.ie and the Translink journey planner . With traffic diversions due to be in place in the areas surrounding the venue, parking, drop off or collections will not be possible.

[  Passion, booze, madness and comradeship: Bruce Springsteen’s special relationship with Ireland  ]

What are the entry requirements to the venue?

Download your tickets from your Ticketmaster account to your iPhone wallet/Google Pay wallet in advance of show day. Screenshots or printouts of digital tickets will not be accepted.

No under-14s will be allowed entry to the standing/pitch area and will only be permitted in seating areas.

All under-16s must be accompanied by a person 18-plus. All under-14s must have seated tickets as they will not be permitted on the pitch/standing area.

Children under six will not be admitted. All persons entering the stadium must have a valid ticket.

Can I queue early at the venue?

Early queuing is not permitted. Ticket holders are requested to please respect the privacy of the residents and businesses in the local community.

What can I bring or not bring to the concert?

Prohibited items include flag poles, selfie sticks and sticks for banners. Umbrellas, professional cameras and recording devices (this will apply to cameras that have detachable lenses), bottles, glass vessels, cans, flasks, flares, laser devices, prams/push chairs, inflatable and folding chairs are also prohibited. Concertgoers are advised not bring a bag unless it is totally necessary. People without bags will be fast-tracked.

Can I leave and re-enter the venue throughout the day?

No. Once you leave the venue on the show day, re-entry will not be possible.

Will roads be closed in the area around the venue?

Temporary road closures will be put in place as required before and after the show on Boucher Road and Stockman’s Lane. The PSNI said it would try to keep traffic disruption to a minimum.

What’s the weather going to be like?

Although we can’t make any promises, the outlook appears favourable, with dry, sunny conditions and temperatures of about 19 degrees, accompanied by light winds, expected.

People are advised to dressing sensibly and to bring something waterproof just in case.

Will there be a designated area for wheelchair users at the concert?

Yes. Please note space within this area is limited. Please check availability through ticketmaster.ie .

• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Our In The News podcast is now published daily - Find the latest episode here

IN THIS SECTION

Eurovision 2024: bambie thug goes through to saturday’s final, ireland’s first since 2018, eurovision semi-final: euphoria for ireland as bambie thug qualifies for saturday’s final, eurovision 2024: ireland’s entry bambie thug performs tonight in first semi-final – can they win and who are the favourites, faye webster: ‘i want people to feel understood and related to’, man shot dead in drimnagh gang-related violence was facing cocaine-dealing charges, ‘that was the day the world stopped turning’: andy cash given three life terms for murder of his siblings, rival gang clash on dublin street suspected after gun murder of josh itseli (20), man charged after woman rescued from river in co carlow, latest stories, martyn turner.

E-gate technical problems cause chaos at Heathrow and five other UK airports

Fall in support in Ireland for direction in which European Union is going

Nationality overtakes sexual orientation as factor in hate-based crimes in Republic

Judge in Trump’s classified documents case cancels May trial date

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Information
• Cookie Settings
• Community Standards

Everything you need to know about the 2024 Met Gala: Date, time, guest list and more

The Party of the Year. The Oscars of the East. Fashion's Biggest Night.

The Met Gala has a lot of names, and even more lore. The annual event reliably draws the biggest stars, showcases the most daring looks and spurs the internet's most iconic memes .

Here is everything you need to know about this year's Met Gala.

What is the Met Gala?

The Met Gala, officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is an annual fundraiser held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

The event is traditionally held on the first Monday in May and is considered to be the highest-profile fashion event of the year. This year, the Met Gala will be held May 6.

The Costume Institute is now called the Anna Wintour Costume Center, honoring the editor-in-chief of Vogue who has helmed the event for nearly three decades.

What time does the Met Gala start?

The red carpet arrivals typically begin around 5 p.m. ET and end around 8 p.m. ET. Most red carpet livestreams, including Vogue's , will begin at 6 p.m.

But some of the most well-known guests tend to show up on the later side: Last year, Rihanna made her red carpet appearance at about 10 p.m.

What is this year's Met Gala theme?

Monday's inevitable social media discourse will not only evaluate celebrities' looks in isolation, but their adherence to the ever-elusive "theme."

The theme is simply the title of the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion." In addition to the theme, which describes the overall concept of the event, the Met Gala also has a "dress code." This year's dress code is "The Garden of Time."

The dress code is derived from a 1962 short story of the same name, written by J.G. Ballard. Vogue has suggested the dress code might evoke many floral and botanical looks on this year's carpet.

The exhibit will feature around 250 rare items from the Costume Institute’s collection, including designs by Schiaparelli, Dior and more. It will comprise three main “zones” — Land, Sea and Sky — to represent natural resources and sustainable design.

While the theme is, of course, open to interpretation, expect to see plenty of vintage and archival revivals on the red carpet.

Who are the Met Gala chairs?

This year's Met Gala hosts are Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth and, of course, Wintour.

Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Loewe, and Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, serve as honorary chairs.

Zendaya, who is fresh off the media tour for her movie "Challengers," will likely be wearing one of the most highly anticipated looks of the night.

The 27-year-old actor has attended five times, frequently collaborating with celebrity stylist Law Roach. Zendaya's Joan of Arc-inspired look from 2018 and her light-up Cinderella ballgown from 2019 are among the Gala's most iconic fashion moments.

Who is on the guest list?

Technically, the Met Gala guest list is a secret.

We won't know for certain who will be in attendance until the evening before the event. However, a few of the Gala's regulars have given some indication of whether they plan to attend.

The event always brings together A-listers across industries, from Oscar winners to Grand Slam champions. For the rich but not famous, tickets can be purchased for $75,000. Final approval of the guest list and the seating chart must go through Wintour.

Taylor Swift, who will embark on the European leg of her Eras Tour on Thursday in Paris, is reportedly not expected to attend . Rihanna, Gisele Bundchen and Kendall Jenner are likely to grace the Met steps on Monday, according to Page Six .

How do you watch the Met Gala? What channel is the Met Gala on?

Vogue will livestream the red carpet arrivals on its website. Content creator Emma Chamberlain is slated to return as the magazine's special correspondent. Actor Gwendoline Christie, producer and actor La La Anthony and model Ashley Graham are serving as carpet hosts for the publication's official stream.

The event will also be broadcast on “Live From E!” on the E! network.

Social media platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram are typically bastions of memes, hot takes and outfit reviews on Met Monday.

We will be live blogging the festivities here at NBC News.

Why Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Chose to Skip the 2024 Met Gala After-Parties

Swift is resuming her Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9 in Paris, meaning she is deep in rehearsals if not already preparing to travel to France. People and Entertainment Tonight confirmed ahead of the Met Gala that Swift wouldn’t be going after Page Six ran a report claiming she could make an appearance.

Entertainment Tonight learned that she decided to skip the gala so she “can continue preparing for her Eras Tour.” People also reported that Swift would be “focusing on rehearsals and tour prep” rather than attending fashion’s big night and its after-parties.

Swift last attended the Met Gala in 2016. She was a co-chair of the event that year and wore a silver snakeskin Louis Vuitton minidress with her platinum bob.

Go Even Deeper on Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s Full Relationship Timeline

How their whirlwind romance took off, from podcast shoutout to Super Bowl kiss.

Taylor Swift’s 30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30

Read Swift’s candid essay for ELLE about the life lessons she learned before hitting that milestone year.

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s Complete Relationship Timeline

Swift spent six years dating Alwyn. Revisit the history that Tortured Poets is expected to explore.

As for Kelce, TMZ reported that the Kansas City tight end had been invited to the gala, but chose not to attend. He was most recently seen in Miami on Sunday, May 5 . Kelce went to Carbone Beach’s event that evening, where he posed with chef Mario Carbone and his girlfriend, celebrity publicist Cait Bailey.

The day before, Kelce dressed to stand out at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky:

Kelce told Entertainment Tonight in early April that he would travel to Europe to support Swift during his off-season. “She’ll be all over Europe,” Kelce said of her tour. “There won’t be a bad show, I promise you that.” Regarding his plans to see her, he added, “Oh, you know I gotta go support. You know it.”

Your Primer for the 2024 Met Gala

Every Celebrity Look From the 2024 Met Gala Red Carpet

See how the stars interpreted this year’s “The Garden of Time“ dress code.

Everything We Know About the 2024 Met Gala’s Theme, Dress Code, and Guests

The dress code is a little more complicated than previous years’.

55 of the Best Met Gala Dresses of All Time

Flip through the most iconic outfits in Met Gala history.

Met Gala 2024 Guide

How Rachel Zegler Got Ready for the 2024 Met Gala

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Duet at the Met

Kim K Explains Why She Wore a Cardigan to the Met

All the Best Tweets About the 2024 Met Gala

Why Jenna Ortega Skipped the 2024 Met Gala

Emrata Wore a Sheer Met Gala After-Party Dress

All the Looks from the 2024 Met Gala After-Parties

Tom Holland Thirsts Over Zendaya at the Met

Kendall Jenner Wore Two Minidresses to Met Parties

See Zendaya‘s Surprise Third Met Gala Dress

Kendall and Bad Bunny Reunited at Met Gala Party