The Most Beautiful Caves to Discover With Culture Trip
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The gentle echo of dripping water drops, the atmospheric outline of stalactites and stalagmites, and the cerulean reflections of gentle pools of water make caves some of the most awe-inspiring spots on the planet. Here are five incredible coves you can explore on one of our Culture Trips.
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Pak Ou Caves – Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train
Usually it’s the geological furnishings of a cave that make it special, but in Pak Ou there are some human creations that add an extra touch of spirituality. These two caves are carved directly into a cliff face overlooking the Mekong River, just a couple hours upstream from Luang Prabang. They’re most notable for the hundreds upon hundreds of miniature Buddha statues that have made the caves home. This has been a place of worship for potentially thousands of years, and remains an important pilgrimage site for many Laotian people today. You’ll get to visit the caves on our two-week Thailand and Laos Rail Trip, which includes a Mekong river cruise that we’ll use to get there.
From US$1686
Next available from 8th Jun 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bangkok, Thailand
ENDS AT
Bangkok, Thailand
DURATION
14
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Blue Cave of Bisevo – Coastal Croatia
Coastlines, and especially islands, naturally tend to be a bit of a sweet spot for magical cave systems. Croatia is practically all coastline, with around 600 islands and islets, so you can expect to find a fair few hidden chambers amid the golden beaches and charming old towns of this ancient European nation. The most spectacular in the whole country can be found near the island of Vis, a former Yugoslavian military base turned travel gem. Our eight-day Croatia tour spends some time on Vis, including the three caves boat tour on day four. You’ll be whizzed around on a speedboat to explore a collection of stunning coastal caverns in nearby islets, the most famous of which is the Blue Cave of Biševo Island, one of Croatia’s most beautiful sights thanks to the otherworldly blue glow caused by the Dalmatian Coast’s vibrant waters.
From US$2231
Next available from 26th May 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Split, Croatia
ENDS AT
Dubrovnik, Croatia
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Dambulla cave temple – Secrets of Sri Lanka by Train
There is something inherently spiritual about a cave – just ask the people of Laos. Maybe it’s the feeling of being hidden from the world, or perhaps there’s something divine about an apparently ‘naturally formed’ room, with better acoustics than the oldest theatres in London’s West End. Well, Pak Ou aren’t the only caves that have been given a deeper purpose. In the wilds of central Sri Lanka, not far from the remarkable Sigiriya rock fortress, is Dambulla cave temple. This remarkable complex would have been a home to prehistoric people – skeletons have been found nearby dating back 2,700 years – but since the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, it was converted into a holy site. Today, the five main caves are full of stunning Buddha statues and paintings, as well as sculptures of kings and gods like Vishnu and the Ganesha. You’ll visit the cave on day four of our Rail Trip around the country.
From US$1700
Next available from 24th Aug 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Colombo, Sri Lanka
ENDS AT
Colombo, Sri Lanka
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
12
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Spring Sale
Sikia Cave – Greek Island Odyssey
Greece is not short of coastal coves and caverns ripe for exploring on foot or by boat. However, you’ll struggle to find a more impressive one across the archipelago than Sikia Cave in Milos. The island is bordered by a series of hidden ocean alleys, old pirate hideouts and secret golden beaches, which you’ll explore with a boat cruise on day four of our island-hopping extravaganza in the Cyclades, including a stop at Sikia. The roof of the cave collapsed long ago, leaving an almost surreal circular skylight that illuminates the inside. It’s only accessible via small boats that can fit through the 5m-tall (16ft) entrance, but once inside there’s a gorgeous little pebble beach and a crystal clear pool that you can swim in. It’s a truly dreamy spot to go for a dip, as the Mediterranean sunlight bursts through from above.
From US$2092
Next available from 26th May 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Athens, Greece
ENDS AT
Athens, Greece
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Culture Trips 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. 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 places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
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