Visit the Most Highly-Populated Cities in the...

Want to be wowed by the sheer scale of a megalopolis? Join Culture Trip on these tours of some of the biggest cities in the world.

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Tokyo and Osaka – Japan by Train

The most populous city in the world, by a long shot, is Tokyo. The capital of Japan is home to an estimated 37m people, just short of the entire population of Canada. This comprehensive 12-day Rail Trip ends with three days in the world’s largest city, as you get to watch sumo wrestlers train, learn how to roll sushi and master the art of taiko drumming. You’ll visit ancient temples, shrines, parks and markets, as well as trendy neon-lit districts and the city’s finest karaoke bars. The trip takes in a whole host of incredible cities, including Kyoto and Hiroshima, and begins with a tour of Osaka, which actually sneaks into 10th place on the population charts (19m).

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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The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, commonly known as the Jama Masjid, in Delhi, India

Delhi – Regal Rajasthan

In at number two is Delhi, estimated to have just under 30m people living within the city. It’s the starting point of our 10-day Rajasthan itinerary, which includes an incredible cycling tour of the city’s oldest streets. From there we’ll explore some of India’s most famous landmarks, including the Taj Mahal and Amber Palace. You’ll also get guided tours of Jaipur and Jodhpur, another two examples of giant, urban India at its bustling best.

From US$

Next available from 1st Jan 1970

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Delhi, India

ENDS AT

Udaipur, India

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Shanghais iconic skyline lit up during sunset

Shanghai and Beijing – Icons of China by Train

Shanghai might not be the capital of China, but it is the most populous city in the world’s most populous country (26m). It’s hard to choose whether the iconic skyline looks better during the day or the night, so we decided to split hairs by taking you on a sunset cruise down Huangpu River, right past the city’s epic skyscrapers, on the final night of our 10-day exploration of China’s most famous sights. You’ll also get to ascend to the top of Jinmao Tower for incredible views of the city on a skywalk around the building. The trip starts with a few days in Beijing, which comes in at number nine on the population charts (20m). You’ll get guided tours of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven Park, where you’ll get to take a soul-soothing morning tai-chi class.

From US$2137

Next available from 9th Dec 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Beijing, China

ENDS AT

Shanghai, China

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Above the towers in the southern Morumbi, neighbourhood in São Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo – Dazzling Brazil

The fourth most populous city in the world is thought to be in Brazil. While Rio de Janeiro takes the tourist headlines, and Brasilia acts as the nation’s capital, it’s actually the almost 22m-strong Sao Paulo that takes the population prize in the samba state. Our lively nine-day trip across the country’s dazzling east coast starts in this megalopolis, with a guided tour courtesy of our Local Insider. You’ll explore the bohemian neighbourhood of Vila Madalena, full of trendy art galleries, fashion stores and the street-art adorned Batman’s Alley. We’ll stroll through leafy Jardins en route to Ibirapuera Park, a truly epic urban landscape, home to several architectural masterpieces and the Museum of Modern Art. In the historic centre you’ll see the cathedral, old theatres and university buildings, as well as Paulista Avenue. After a few days enjoying the crystalline waters and luscious forests of Paraty Bay, we’ll end the trip with four days in Rio, which just about sneaks into the top 20 population list (13m).

From US$2099

Next available from 8th Dec 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Sao Paulo, Brazil

ENDS AT

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Aerial shot of large buildings in Mexico City

Mexico City – Express Mexico City

Boasting estimated population numbers that are practically indistinguishable from Sao Paulo is the capital of Mexico. With well over 21m people spread across the city, we decided that CDMX was worthy of a trip entirely set within the city walls. You’ll get to explore the grand historical monuments, unique cultural quirks and world-renowned street food scene across five energetic days in Mexico City. We’ll start with the big stuff, visiting the National History Museum, Monumento a la Revolución and Torre Latinoamericana, one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. You’ll also go for a food tasting in Mercado de San Juan, explore the unique waterways of Xochimilco by kayak and visit an artisan crafts market. We’ll cap off our trip in this Latin American metropolis with a lively night spent watching a lucha libre wrestling match, accompanied by plenty of tequila, mezcal and cerveza.

From US$802

Next available from 9th Nov 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Mexico City, Mexico

ENDS AT

Mexico City, Mexico

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Easy

STYLE

Discovery

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The Mosque of Rifai and Sultan Hassan is truly an architectural miracle in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo – Ultimate Egypt

Rounding off our list is the sixth most populous city on the planet, and also one of the oldest. Cairo has had countless inhabitants over thousands of years, but today it homes just over 20m. Our completist nine-day Egypt tour could only start here, and you’ll get a guided tour of the city’s historic centre with a local expert. They’ll show you the incredible Islamic architecture on Moez Street, the chaotic wonder of Khan Al-Khalili bazaar and the colourful sights of spice and gold markets. You’ll have tea in the iconic Feshawi cafe and a traditional Koshari lunch in an authentic city centre restaurant. We’ll also visit a gorgeous old bookbinding store, where you’ll get the chance to treat yourself to a personalised leather notebook. We’ll leave Cairo behind to visit the ancient wonders of Giza, temples and souks in Luxor, and embark on a luxurious cruise down the Nile, all the way to Aswan.

From US$2116

Next available from 11th Jan 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cairo, Egypt

ENDS AT

Aswan, Egypt

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

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.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

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.