The Best Private Trips to Book in East Asia
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Whether you’re looking to book a private trip with family, friends or a social group, these are the best Culture Trip itineraries you can book in East Asia.
There’s plenty of pros for going private. Obviously it means you can keep the guest-list locked down, but it also allows for far greater flexibility on travel dates, group sizes (minimum of 4) and even age requirements. Simply get in touch with our Travel Experts to organise your personalised Culture Trip adventure.
Japan by Train: The Grand Tour
There’s so much to see in Japan, from modern metropolises to ancient communities, epic mountains to scenic islands and spiritual bamboo forests. Thanks to the speed and efficiency of the country’s famed rail network, we were able to put together this comprehensive Japan itinerary, which starts in Osaka and ends in Tokyo. City stops along the way include Hiroshima, Kyoto and Hakone, but you’ll also get to discover a Miyajima Island, a Arashiyama bamboo forest and Lake Ashia, with views of Mount Fuji. Authentic experiences include a stay at a traditional ryokan inn, a visit to Hida Folk Village and an expert sushi-rolling class in the capital. By the time you’re belting out karaoke songs in a neon-lit Tokyo bar on the eleventh night, you’ll have sampled both the old and the new Japan, as well as getting a taste for authentic Japanese cuisine and more photo opportunities than you can fit in an Instagram post.
From US$4119
Next available from 28th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Osaka, Japan
ENDS AT
Tokyo, Japan
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
A Taste of Taiwan by Train
East Asia’s most lesser-known gem is without doubt the island nation of Taiwan, off the coast of China. This place is full of natural beauty and a collection of modern cities, each with their own distinct sense of identity. Taiwanese culture is a fascinating blend, with lots of influences from China, Korea and Japan, but also an unmistakable sense of independence. Our nine-day Rail Trip loops around the whole island, starting and ending in the capital, Taipei. You’ll explore night markets here and in Taichung, discover the culinary capital of Tainan and the striking artworks and temples of Kaohsiung. Rural detours include a cycle around and boat cruise across the serene Sun Moon Lake, plus a tea tasting at a nearby factory, and a guided exploration of the cave systems, unique rock formations and suspension bridges of Taroko Gorge. Highlight include a Taiwanese cooking masterclass, a responsible sky lantern experience and a remarkably scenic train journey along the island’s eastern coastline.
From US$2029
Next available from 30th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Taipei, Taiwan
ENDS AT
Taipei, Taiwan
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Soulful South Korea
South Korea is a real treasure of a destination, which can take you from luscious national parks to neon-lit cities and ancient Buddhist temples in just over a week. Our 10-day itinerary offers the ultimate Korean experience, starting and ending in Seoul. In the capital you’ll get a guided tour, visit a traditional Hanok village and sing karaoke, before heading out to the Demilitarised Zone. The DMZ is a fascinating place, on the border with North Korea, where you can learn about the nations’ complex relationship, explore military tunnels and catch a glimpse at South Korea’s mysterious neighbour. Next up are the luscious peaks of Seoraksan National Park and the ancient city of Gyeongju, followed by a traditional Korean temple stay at Golgulsa, a sixth-century Buddhist cave temple. Learn how to meditate and martial art like a monk before returning to modernity in coastal Busan, where you’ll get a cooking class, a tea tasting, a soju sampling and a visit to the city’s famous fish market. En route back to Seoul, we’ll stop off in Jeonju, where you’ll visit another Hanok village and sample bibimbap –Korea’s most iconic dish – in the city of its birth.
From US$3499
Next available from 10th Mar 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Seoul, South Korea
ENDS AT
Seoul, South Korea
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Icons of China by Train
How do you begin to tick off all of the bucket-list sights a country the size of China boasts? Well, much like Japan, this country has a spectacularly speedy train network, which we’ll utilise to visit all of China’s must-see attractions in just 10 days. You’ll start in Beijing, where you’ll get to see Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City & Jingshan Park, as well as take a tai-chi class inside the Temple of Heaven Park. You’ll hop on the train to Badaling, from where you’ll embark on two walks along the Great Wall of China – one at sunset, the next at sunrise. Then it’s onto the ancient cities of Pingyao and Xi’an and, in the latter, you’ll get to meet the iconic Army of Terracotta Warriors up close. Our final destination is the country’s largest city, Shanghai, where you’ll ascend Jin Mao Tower, take an optional cooking class and enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise on Huangpu river, floating right past the city’s famous skyline.
From US$2849
Next available from 24th Feb 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Beijing, China
ENDS AT
Shanghai, China
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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