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.
Summer Sale
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$2226.15
Next available from 12th Oct 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
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$1699.15
Next available from 19th Oct 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
Summer 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$1795.59
Next available from 15th Sep 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
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