BESPOKE CULTURAL TRAVEL
the experience
Experiencing life within foreign cultures and learning about age-old traditions first-hand whilst visiting a new country can be incredibly enriching. By delving into them, you will learn about the history of people and the rise of their civilization. Cultural travel lets you explore the world in a much deeper way and leaves you with more profound memories than a typical holiday – you can gain an intense knowledge of the world and get to experience life outside your comfort zone. It takes you into the heart of a country or a civilization; it is more than visiting museums and ancient sites: you mingle with the people, eat food in truly local places, or share a drink with the locals in a pub.
Cultural travel is ideal for couples and solitary travellers looking to gain a deeper understanding of foreign cultures, habits and people, whether it is visiting the Grand Mosque in Oman, learning about the apartheid era in South Africa, understanding the archaeological significance of the Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka, or comprehending the rich cultural heritage of Nepal with its diversity of ethnic, tribal and social groups. Whichever destination you choose, whichever activity you undertake, you will come home feeling inspired and enlightened. Our bespoke itineraries are created according to your exact wishes, will thoroughly expose you to local people and their customs, and will embrace a broad diversity of cultural aspects.
travel packages
All About Traditions
Peru
Chilean Patagonia
Patagonia
Jewels of Bhutan
Bhutan
Art, Gardens & Temples
Japan
your sample journey
Arrival in Lima, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel in Miraflores. Rest of the day at leisure.
Meet with your Lima Culinary Expert and head to one of Lima’s most famous markets, followed by a visit of the Historical Centre of Lima and the Plaza Mayor. You will then continue to the district of Pueblo Libre where you will go to the Larco Herrera Museum.
Transfer from Lima to Cusco, meet and greet with your guide, and head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On this tour, you will have the chance to learn more about the ancient traditions and the animals living in this region.
This morning, you will head to the circular terraces of Moray, a research laboratory for the Incas, where will also be able to observe the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba and Urubamba cordilleras in the background. After this, head to Maras where you will cross the extensive Maras pampas and learn about the architecture of this town.
In the afternoon, join in on a special ceremony of sound and traditional offering to Mother Earth and visit the impressive Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo.
During the morning, visit the town of Pisac, its Inca archaeological complex and market. For an immersion into the heart of the Andean culture, you will also visit the charming Amaru community and its wonderful people.
This morning, board the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will climb up a hillside to Machu Picchu, and visit this Sacred Inca citadel, exploring its main temples and hidden corners.
In the morning, you will have a second opportunity to visit Machu Picchu and climb its Mountain, and visit the Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, board a train and watch as the sun sets over the mountain peaks.
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, visit Cusco and its many architectural treasures.
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and fly to Lima.
Day at leisure. Check out from your hotel and transfer to the Airport.
your sample journey
Arrival in Puerto Natales, meet and greet with your guide and driver who will bring you to your hotel.
Embark on a once in a lifetime journey. Get a unique experience of viewing and exploring Glacier Felicia, located in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. After this, complete an ice hike in the Patagonia Southern Ice field (this activity is dependent on the weather, there is a chance it can be rescheduled to another day).
In the morning, join your private guide and transfer north out of Puerto Natales where you will hop on bikes and begin your journey towards Lago Sofia. In the afternoon, transfer to Pingo Salvaje Ranch and go horseback riding.
In the morning, transfer to Torres del Paine National Park, and trek to the Ascencio Valley.
After breakfast, head towards Lake Grey to enjoy a day of kayaking. You will paddle through glacial waters and around floating icebergs.
Head towards the National Park to Lake Pehoe and cross the lake. When reaching the other side, begin trekking up the French Valley. In the afternoon, climb up through the Valle del Frances.
Head to Puerto Natales, followed by Estancia Mercedez, located on the Patagonian Fjords. There, you will ride on horseback, at the foot of Almirante Montt Gulf. At mid-day, enjoy an authentic meal before heading back.
Make your way to Castro on Chiloe Island, meet and greet with your driver and begin your journey towards Tierra Chiloe. On the way, explore Castro, visit Yumbel and the historic Francisco Church.
Travel to the town of Dalcahue “the place of canoes”. You will board a ferry to the island of Quinchao and visit an organic farm. You will then visit the village of Curacao Velez: its streets, its museum, its waterfront and its delicious food. After lunch, you will visit Achao, the island’s capital, a world heritage site.
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, join your guide on a private horseback ride.
In the morning, you will make your way along the coastal route between the towns of Quemchi and Dalcahue. Along the way, you will stop at the Tocoihue waterfall. You will then continue to Tenaún to visit its historical sites. From Tenaún, board a private boat to sail to the Chauques Islands. Within the islands, you will arrive to Mechuque, where you will visit its town.
Embark on a full day of exploring and hiking. Start by visiting the Pier of Souls island, and make your way over the coastal mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
You will start the hike by passing through forgotten farmlands, and after lunch, you will arrive at a park called “Bosquepiedra”. After your time on the trail, you will make your way back.
Check out from your hotel and transfer to Castro Airport.
your sample journey
Arrival at Paro Airport, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. En-route, stop to visit the Tamchogg Lhakhang. In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dodernma, the Takin Preserve in Motithang and finally the Farmers’ market.
Start your day with a short hike to the Cheri / Tango Goenpa monastery. After lunch, visit the institute for Zorig Chusum followed by a visit of the Voluntary artist’s studio, the Textile Museum and the Jungshi paper making factory. Later, head past the Tashichho Dzong.
This morning, you will make your way to Gangtey. On your way, stop in Dochu La to visit the stupas, followed by a visit of the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. In the evening, head towards the Shedra, a monastic school where you can attend the prayers with about 300 monks.
After breakfast, visit the Gangtey Goemba monastery. From the Goemba, walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, and go visit the Crane Information Centre. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Today you will head to Punakha. En-route, hike up to Chimi Lhakhang. Later in the afternoon, stop and visit the Punakha Dzong.
Early this morning, head to the suspension bridge from where you will start your hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. In the afternoon, you will visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery.
After breakfast, head to Paro. In the afternoon, visit the Ta Dzong followed by a short walk down to Paro Rinpung Dzong. Afterwards, visit a local traditional farmhouse.
Head up north of Paro Valley to Ramthankha and start your hike to the renowned Taktsang monastery. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day at leisure. Check out from your hotel and transfer to Paro Airport.
your sample journey
Arrival at Narita International Airport. Meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
This morning you will visit the Tokyo National Museum and continue to Asakusa District. After lunch, you will get introduced to a Japanese cultural practice: tea ceremony. Later, enjoy a peaceful walk in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Today you will discover a very different side of Tokyo. Start with a stroll in the Yoyogi Park of Meiji Jingu Shrine. Move onto the busy streets of Omotesando and Aoyama followed by Shibuya. After lunch, visit the Ota Ukiyoe Art Museum.
Start your day by heading to Hakone, the volcanic national park near Mount Fuji, to visit the open-air museum. After lunch, take a cable car and ropeway ride to Owakudani Valley to experience the views.
Head to Odawara station to take the Shinkansen bullet train, change in Nagoya to Okayama, head to Uno Port and arrive in Naoshima, also known as “Museum Island”. Afternoon is at leisure.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to visit Naoshima’s numerous Museums and art installations.
Today you will discover the nearby island of Teshima. Visit the Teshima Art Museum, the Pipilotti Rist installation house, stroll around the area to see Particles in the AIR by Noe Aoki and Storm House. Continue your exploration at Ieurako port and visit the Teshima Yakoo House before heading back to Naoshima.
This morning, return to Kyoto with the Shinkansen Bullet Train. In the afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour of Kyoto.
Enjoy an excursion into Kyoto and visit Sanjusangendo, the Kodaiji Temple, the Yasakajinja shrine, the National Museum of Modern Art and enjoy a stroll in Teramachi. Finally, end your day with a visit to Nishiki Market.
This morning, you will transfer to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Start your visit with Nara Park where deers roam freely and continue to Kasugataisha Shrine. Move on to the gigantic Todaiji temple and finish your tour in Naramachi.
Today you will transfer to Kanazawa where you start with a visit to the Omicho Market. You then move on to the ancient Samurai district of Nagamachi, followed by nearby Kanazama 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. After your visit, transfer to Yamashiro Onsen.
After breakfast, you return to Kanazawa to continue your visits. Discover the Kenrokuen garden, then continue to the ancient district of Higashiyama Geisha District before transferring back to Tokyo.
Check out from your hotel and transfer to Narita International Airport.