What makes in-depth cultural tours different from regular sightseeing tours?

These tours let you really get to know a country and its people. Take the South Korea tour - you'll sleep in temples at Golgulsa, try Taekwondo, learn K-pop dance moves, and even meet North Korean defectors. In Portugal, you'll spend evenings listening to Fado singers in small Lisbon clubs and taste wines with local producers in Evora while staying at the comfortable Turim Avenida da Liberdade hotel. One TourRadar traveler put it well: "The cultural experiences and interactions with locals made this trip truly special."

What are the sleeping arrangements like on in-depth cultural tours?

You'll find a mix of regular hotels and unique local places to stay. In Japan, one night you might sleep on tatami mats in a Koyasan monastery, the next in the modern Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Tokyo. Portugal puts you in nice city-center hotels like the Turim Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. If you're visiting India's Golden Triangle, you'll stay in places like the Courtyard by Marriott in Agra, where some rooms look right out at the Taj Mahal. TourRadar travelers often mention how the hotels give you both comfort and a real local feel.

When's the best time to take an in-depth cultural tour?

It really depends on where you're going. Japan is great in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when it's 60-75°F (15-24°C) and there are lots of local festivals. Portugal is nicest in spring and fall too, with temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C). For South Korea, aim for spring to see cherry blossoms or fall for colorful leaves, when it's usually 60-70°F (15-21°C). TourRadar travelers say these seasons usually have the best mix of nice weather and fewer tourists.

How much time do I get to explore on my own during these tours?

These tours mix guided activities with plenty of free time. On the 9-day Japan tour, you'll have several afternoons free in Tokyo and Osaka. The 5-day Portugal trip leaves evenings open to check out Lisbon's neighborhoods and restaurants on your own. In South Korea, you'll have time to wander through Seoul's markets or relax in traditional bathhouses. One TourRadar traveler said: "I appreciated having structured cultural activities but also time to explore on my own."

What kinds of cultural activities are included in these tours?

You'll spend time with local families in places like Cambodia's Chambok Village, learn to cook in Jaipur's family kitchens, watch Fado musicians perform in Lisbon's old town, and visit amazing places like Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We got to know the local people over delicious home-cooked meals and were immersed in the community, experiencing their daily life and traditions firsthand."

What quality of hotels can I expect on these tours?

Hotels range from 3 to 5 stars, and many are locally owned places that feel authentic to where you are. In South Korea, you might stay at the Lahan Hotel Jeonju with its traditional Korean rooms, while in Bali you'll find yourself at The One Hotel Legian, a nice hotel near local cultural spots. As one TourRadar traveler said: "The hotels were well-located, comfortable and gave us a real taste of local hospitality."

How much walking do these tours involve?

Plan on walking 3-5 hours most days, sometimes on uneven ground like old cobblestone streets, temple stairs, or city sidewalks. At Angkor Wat, you'll spend several hours walking through temple grounds. In Tokyo, you might walk 5-6 miles in a day seeing different neighborhoods. One TourRadar traveler advised: "Be prepared for extensive walking through historic sites - comfortable shoes are essential!"

Cultural Tours & Trips

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10 best In-depth Cultural tour packages

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In-depth Cultural Family Sightseeing Christmas & New Year +2
Bestseller Tour India with Nepal, flight included
4.8 (104 traveler reviews)
"fantastic experience, god organisation"
Gabor, traveled in March
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi,Lumbini,Chitwan National Park,Pokhara,Kathmandu+4 more
Age Range
5 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Payless tours india
50% Off
Duration
15 days
From $5,712
NZ$2,856
$714 now + easy payments of $153
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14 easy payments$153
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In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1
10 Days Golden Triangle Tour with Mumbai, From New Delhi Airport
5.0 (123 traveler reviews)
"Book with team and you won't be disappointed."
Enrique, traveled in November
Destinations
New Delhi, Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri,Ranthambore National Park,Jaipur,Jodhpur,Mumbai+4 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,French,Spanish,Russian+5 more
Operator
Taj tour trips
50% Off
Duration
10 days
From $3,186
NZ$1,593
$319 now + easy payments of $71
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18 easy payments$71
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In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +1
6 Days Best of Morocco
4.9 (43 traveler reviews)
"The 6 day tour surpassed our expectations! All of the accommodations were amazing, we really enjoyed the riads, so beautiful!"
Gina, traveled in September
Destinations
Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Ifrane, Erg Chebbi,Boumalne Dades,Ouarzazate,Ait Benhaddou,Marrakesh+4 more
Age Range
3 to 80 year olds
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Morocco Joy Travel
50% Off
Duration
6 days
From
NZ$1,808
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In-depth Cultural Family Temples Sightseeing Historical Christmas & New Year +4
Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Return Flights Included
4.6 (854 traveler reviews) award winner
"The Nile cruise was great and the buffet was average. The staff on the riverboat was beyond excellent, friendly and excellent service!"
Scott, traveled in April
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu,Kom Ombo,Aswan,Philae+3 more
Age Range
10 to 80 year olds
Country Region
Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Beyond The Nile Tours
65% Off
Duration
8 days
From $3,001
NZ$1,051
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In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +1
Best of Lisbon and The Azores: City and Nature Wonders
4.8 (20 traveler reviews)
"Tour Radar and Portugal Travel Center have been nothing short of first class and we haven't even taken the trip yet!!!"
Kelsi, traveled in September
Destinations
Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, Evora, Ponta Delgada,Sao Miguel Island,Sete Cidades,Ribeira Grande,Furnas+4 more
Age Range
1 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English, Portuguese
Operator
Portugal Travel Center
65% Off
Duration
9 days
From
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In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1
Grand Tour of South India
4.9 (18 traveler reviews)
"I loved South India temples and palaces, the scenic beauty of Ooty, and the vibrant culture of India."
Douglas, traveled in December
Destinations
Bangalore, Mysuru, Ooty, Coonoor, Coimbatore,Kochi (Cochin),Alleppey,Kumarakom,Kottayam,Thekkady,Periyar National Park,Madurai,Trichy,Tiruchirapalli,Thanjavur,Darasuram,Chennai (Madras)+12 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Country Region
Southern India
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
65% Off
Duration
15 days
From $6,538
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In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +1
Sri Lanka All island Classic Tour
4.5 (49 traveler reviews)
"The hotels he booked were very good as was the included meals at selected hotels. We would highly recommend using Mango Vacations when considering an adventure in Sri Lanka."
Gayle, traveled in March
Destinations
Colombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa,Anuradhapura,Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Tissamaharama,Tangalle,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota+9 more
Age Range
3 to 80 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,French,Spanish+4 more
Operator
Mango Vacations
20% Off
Duration
14 days
From $1,660
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In-depth Cultural Historical Christmas & New Year +1
Golden Cairo
4.6 (60 traveler reviews)
"The people are friendly and the the company really cares. I would recommend them to all that would love to visit."
LaShawn, traveled in March
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Alexandria
Age Range
up to 75 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Timeless Tours
20% Off
Duration
5 days
From $1,100
NZ$880
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In-depth Cultural Historical Christmas & New Year +1
Golden Egypt
4.3 (47 traveler reviews)
"The package tour was generally amazing especially with the help and support of our tour guide."
Marivic, traveled in April
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Luxor
Age Range
up to 75 year olds
Country Region
Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Timeless Tours
20% Off
Duration
6 days
From $1,251
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural Safari Local Living Explorer Historical Christmas & New Year +4
Taj Mahal & Rajasthan with Royal Stay at Castles
4.8 (132 traveler reviews)
"It was very well planned tour. Loved every minute of it."
Dave, traveled in April
Destinations
New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Sardargarh, Udaipur, Pushkar,Ranthambore National Park,Agra,Taj Mahal+3 more
Age Range
up to 85 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Swastik India Journeys
53% Off
Duration
14 days
From $2,481
NZ$1,167
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Best Seller
In-depth Cultural Family
12-Day South Korea Adventure: From Seoul to Jeju Island
4.6 (163 traveler reviews)
"Amazing experience, would highly recommend. Met 15 amazing people ❤️❤️"
Catherine, traveled in April
Destinations
Seoul, Sokcho, Gyeongju, Busan, Jeju-do
Age Range
18 to 55 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
The Dragon Trip
15% Off
Duration
12 days
From $3,776
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +2
Lifetime Experience In Sri Lanka
4.8 (180 traveler reviews)
"I am so glad I went to see this beautiful country with deeply rooted history and lush greenery."
Janet, traveled in February
Destinations
Negombo, Pinnawala, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Yala National Park,Hambantota,Mirissa,Galle,Bentota,Colombo+8 more
Age Range
1 to 75 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Spanish,Dutch+4 more
Operator
BH Lanka Tours
22% Off
Duration
8 days
From $1,911
NZ$1,491
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In-depth Cultural Family Train & Rail Sightseeing Historical +3
13-Day Japan Tour: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Beyond
4.3 (117 traveler reviews)
"Amazing itinerary. Very busy but super fun."
Michael, traveled in February
Destinations
Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara,Hiroshima,Osaka+2 more
Age Range
18 to 55 year olds
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
The Dragon Trip
15% Off
Duration
13 days
From $4,621
NZ$3,928
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In-depth Cultural Family Historical Christmas & New Year +2
5 Days Private Golden Triangle India tour from New Delhi
4.9 (171 traveler reviews)
"I was really surprised in a positive way and fell in love with the country! The cities we visited were amazing."
Lea, traveled in March
Destinations
New Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Delhi
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Country Region
Golden Triangle
Operated in
English,German,French,Spanish,Russian+4 more
Operator
Taj tour trips
50% Off
Duration
5 days
From $1,006
NZ$503
$201 now + easy payments of $45
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In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1
Golden Triangle Tour - 3 Days
4.8 (255 traveler reviews)
"Sunil was amazingly knowledgeable, kind, joyful, compassionate and protective."
Kerry, traveled in January
Destinations
New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
Age Range
1 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Golden Triangle
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Taj Destination Tours
50% Off
Duration
3 days
From
NZ$319
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