Looking for the best adventure travel destinations and wondering where to go? If you’re after an adrenaline-filled, totally AWESOME holiday, and wondering where some of the best adventure destinations are for culture lovers – you’re in the right place!
On this page we’ll take you through our pick of the 8 best adventure trips for culture lovers in the world right now. Keep reading and start drooling.
Now there’s no exact science to selecting the perfect trip. Anywhere you go will have its own perks, novelties and charm.
That being said, here at The Bucket List Company we’ve been sending adventurers on trips of a lifetime for a while now, so we know a thing or two about setting travellers up with their dream destination.
So here’s our 8 best adventure travel destinations for culture lovers… there really is something for everyone.
Great Wall of China
We’re starting off big, or should I say long – 21,196km long to be precise (not that you’ll be walking the whole way because that would take 18 months!).
The longest ever man-made structure attracts over 10 million people every year, and for good reason. It runs through mountains, deserts and plains, providing some of the most stunning views anywhere in Asia.
Our Bucket List Company trip will take you on a 10km hike of the Jiankou section of the wall. Lush jagged green mountains slope down on either side of the trail, providing an experience that’s truly staggering (hopefully just the views and not your legs as you reach the end of the hike).
You’re also able to visit temples and try your hand at dumpling making (and tasting of course), as well the opportunity to explore Beijing and all it has to offer.
See why the Great Wall of China has earned its place in the New Seven Wonders of the World – click here for the full itinerary.
Morocco
If you’ve ever watched Casablanca, there’s probably a part of you that’s always wanted to visit it. And while Morocco’s biggest city is definitely worth a look around, there’s soooo much more to the country as well.
Like the blue-washed walls of Chefchaoun, the heat of the Sahara, and the sublime waterfalls of Akchour. And that’s before getting to the iconic Marrakech, where you’ll wander this amazing city and try your hand at cooking authentic Moroccan cuisine.
Amazing architecture and electric atmospheres await you on our Best of Morocco trip – find out more about it here.
And if you’re after a little more exhilaration from your Moroccan adventure, check out our white water rafting trip or perhaps consider climbing Mount Toubkal.
Thailand
Thailand is always a firm favourite amongst travellers, and when you’re able to get hands-on with some majestic elephants, can you blame them?
As well as getting up close to those big old things, you’ll feel everything else nature has to offer when trekking through the jungle, and floating down rivers in a handmade bamboo raft.
The ever-impressive Bangkok also awaits you, ready to sweep you of your feet with its palaces, temples and markets.
You can even take a 3-day open water diving course and get familiar with the marine life of the traditional Koh Lanta island.
The Land of Smiles will certainly leave you feeling good about yourself – click here for more on our Best of Thailand trip.
Everest
Of course, no list of the best adventure travel destinations would be complete without a nod to the mighty Mount Everest in Nepal.
There are lots of different options when it comes to hiking in her foothills and reaching Base Camp and beyond – but you’ll bag oodles of culture simply by breathing in Nepal, too.
Whether you’re trekking to the Gokyo Lakes, Island Peak, or sticking with the iconic Everest Base Camp, you’ll likely be bookending your adventure with some time in Kathmandu.
Nepal’s capital city is bursting with life, colour and celebration at every turn; a city where ancient traditions meet modern hustle. Stroll through the vibrant alleys of Asan Bazaar, surrounding yourself with stalls overflowing with spices, textiles and sizzling street food.
Breathe in scents of momos and incense and enjoy festivals like Dashian and Tihar, when the whole city lights up with oil lamps, music and, well, laughter. With kaleidoscopes of prayer flags fluttering above you and the rhythmic beat of drums echoing within you, you’ll just LOVE the culture feast this incredible place has to offer.
Want to do Nepal WITHOUT hiking mountains? Some might call it sacrilege – we call it a breath of fresh air. Click here to find out more about our Best of Nepal adventure.
Vietnam & Cambodia
If it’s culture you’re after, visiting two of Asia’s most fascinating countries is a pretty good way to get your fill.
You’ll see the sensational scenery on offer via foot, rowboat and bike. From flower farms to warm crystal clear waters (which you’ll obviously get to swim in), Vietnam and Cambodia’s beauty cannot be overstated.
You’re sure to learn a thing or two about the histories of these countries, while witnessing amazing temples and meeting the friendly locals to see how they live.
The food isn’t bad either!
Click here to find out more about our Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure.
The Maldives
We can all admit this: the Maldives is stunning. With its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and lush green trees, you’d struggle to find a more picturesque place on earth.
And that’s before you go under the surface, where colourful, tropical fish and turtles are waiting to say hello as you snorkel in these amazing waters. You may even encounter a reef shark during your underwater expedition but don’t worry, they’re generally pretty shy.
The scenery is what makes the Maldives so special, and what better way to experience the relaxed lifestyle and culture of this place than by laying on the beach with a cocktail in hand? Life doesn’t get much more blissful than that!
If all this talk about beaches and snorkelling has you in the mood for the Maldives, check out all the details on our trip page here.
India
When you’re the country with the world’s biggest population, you’d expect to have a fascinating and vibrant culture to accompany, and India certainly fits the bill.
With plenty of temples, markets, and the striking Red Fort, Delhi is packed full of things to see, and that’s before you taste the food. You’ve probably had curry in the UK before but trust me, it isn’t a patch on the real thing.
And what better way to get a feel for Indian street life than on the back of a notoriously fast-paced rickshaw?
India has some incredibly scenic hikes as well, offering views across the Ganges and picture opportunities in front of a waterfall. And if animals are your thing, you’ll no doubt be satisfied with the elephants, leopards and the elusive (but sadly endangered) Bengal tiger.
This and so much more – including a visit to the Taj Mahal and a 400-metre long zipline over the Ganges River – on our India Himalayan Adventure trip. Click here for more info.
Machu Picchu
And finally… another Wonder of the World, anyone?
If you’re an adventurer who loves culture, it doesn’t get much better than a trek to Machu Picchu. Jaw-dropping scenery and sublime waterfalls, with the reward of an ancient Incan city standing 7,970 feet high at the end of it.
Make sure you pack your walking boots and your camera because these are some views you’ll definitely want to capture.
We offer 3 trips to Machu Picchu at The Bucket List Company: the easier Inca Trail Trek and Lares Trek, and then the more challenging Salkantay Trek.
These are just some of the many trips we offer – but click here to see them all for yourself. Have a browse and start getting excited; your next big adventure is just round the corner.
And with the option to pay in monthly instalments, the trip of a lifetime doesn’t have to cost a huge amount up-front either.
If you don’t book it now… will you ever?
