The Most Beautiful Lakes in the World You Can...

Whether you love wild swimming, boat trips or simply lounging with a waterside view, there’s something inherently serene about the peaceful beauty of a lake. From Northern Italy to East Asia and even an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, these are the world’s most beautiful lakes that you can visit with Culture Trip.

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Sete Cidades crater lakes, the Azores

The volcanic geology of this Portuguese archipelago is to thank for countless extraordinary landscapes, from epic coastlines to luscious forests, but none are quite as memorable as the crater lakes of Sete Cidades, on São Miguel Island. These twin lakes – Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul, or Green Lake and Blue Lake – are situated within the actual craters of a dormant volcano. Seeing them from a good vantage point is the best way to appreciate the striking hues of green and blue that shimmer on a sunny day, the incredibly abundant surrounding flora, and the almost otherworldly shapes of the lakes themselves. Day two of our Atlantic Azores trip focuses on this area alone, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area by Jeep, before cycling around and kayaking on the lakes with the guidance of our expert Local Insider.

From US$1386

Next available from 29th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

ENDS AT

Ponta Delgada, Portugal

DURATION

6

GROUP SIZE

8

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

The largest body of water in Taiwan is as ethereal as the name suggests. The area is designated as one of the country’s National Scenic Areas and, while the lake’s majestic alpine vistas are to be treasured, it’s also what surrounds that makes this place so special. It’s an area rich in indigenous culture and local agriculture, as well as verdant hiking and cycling trails. Day three of our Taste of Taiwan trip is dedicated entirely to Sun Moon Lake. We’ll start with a refreshing two-hour cycle around the lake’s turquoise waters, followed by a visit to Xiangshan Visitor Centre and lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we’ll embark on a gentle hourlong boat cruise, before visiting the hilltop temple of Wenwu, which boasts stunning views of the lake. Finally, this region is also famous for producing black tea, so it would be rude not to make a late afternoon visit to Ho Ho Cha Tea Factory for a hand-rolling and tasting session.

From US$1522

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

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Buffalo lying in the water on the background of big flocks of flamingos in Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Lake Nakuru, Kenya

The beauty of this Rift Valley lake is elevated by the local populous that call Lake Nakuru home. The lake is famously embellished with a sprinkling of pink, courtesy of thousands upon thousands of flamingos, wading throughout the lake’s shallow waters. The birdlife comes in other shades, too, with around 450 different species, including eagles, herons and kingfishers. On the wingless front there are also white and black rhinos patrolling the area, as well as hippos, lions and leopards. Day four of our Immersive Kenya is spent in Lake Nakuru National Park, including a visit to Nyahururu Waterfalls and an afternoon game drive. You’ll then spend the night at Lake Nakuru Lodge, which boasts unobstructed views of both the lake and its surrounding wildlife – morning views don’t get more serene than that.

From US$2811

Next available from 11th Feb 2024

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STARTS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

ENDS AT

Nairobi, Kenya

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Expansive panoramic of the Dead Sea, on the borders of Israel and Jordan

Dead Sea, Jordan

Despite the name, this surreal body of salty water is actually a lake along the Jordan Rift Valley, with Israel on one side and Jordan on the other. It’s a fascinating natural phenomenon, almost ten times saltier than the ocean – less swimming, more floating – and 430m (1,412ft) below sea level, so the shores of the Dead Sea are literally the lowest points of land on the planet. It’s just as unique to look at, with the water’s vibrant pop of colour clashing against the vastness of desert surrounding it, not to mention the occasional clumps of pure white salt popping above the surface. The Dead Sea is the last stop on our Discover Jordan itinerary, so you’ll have the chance to go for a float, a sunbathe and a Wadi Mujib Canyon hike, before settling in for a night at a hotel on the world’s lowest nature reserve.

From US$2379

Next available from 6th Jan 2024

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STARTS AT

Amman, Jordan

ENDS AT

Amman, Jordan

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Picture of Villa del Balbianello from a boat in Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

It’s no surprise that this famous Lombardy lake is a favourite holiday resort among the mega-rich. The region itself has a luxurious sophistication that pre-dates the grand villas built around it, or the fancy yachts cruising along it. It’s hard to find something to look at here that isn’t extremely picturesque, from quaint, colourful little Italian towns to spectacular hotels, towering limestone mountains and shimmering, crystal clear waters lapping up against luscious forest boundaries. Our Classic Northern Italy Rail Trip includes a day trip to Lake Como, as we take a scenic regional train from Milan to Como. You’ll get to explore the town with a Local Insider before taking the ferry to Bellagio, where indulgent gelaterias and tasty lunch spots await.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

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STARTS AT

Rome, Lazio

ENDS AT

Milan, Lombardia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Flash Sale

View of Hakone Shrine and Mt Fuji from Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi, Japan

This is another volcanic crater lake, formed by an eruption on Mount Hakone 3,000 years ago. Today it’s one of the main attractions in the Hakone region, which is full of traditional accommodations, historic sights and muscle-soothing hot springs. It’s popularity is mostly derived from the views of Mount Fuji that can be enjoyed both on and around the lake. The ultimate photo frame shot includes Mount Fuji in the background and the Hakone Shrine torii gate in the foreground, separated by dense forestry and a few thousand feet. Having already spent the night soaking in hot springs at our traditional ryokan inn in Hakone, the ninth day of our Japan by Train: The Grand Tour trip will start with a serene boat cruise across Lake Ashi, so you can start your day with spectacular views of Japan’s tallest peak.

From US$2774

Next available from 12th Oct 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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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.