Going on an overseas trip has become an increasingly coveted escape from today’s relentless pace of life. Apart from giving you respite from the hustle and bustle, it presents you with opportunities to witness the world’s wonders and embrace the unfamiliar. If you’re in pursuit of this ideal holiday experience, cultural tourism is something you should consider.
The act of travelling around to experience and appreciate a country’s food, architecture, lifestyle, and learn more about their history is known as cultural tourism. It’s all about immersing in the unique heritage of a region through a wide range of activities, such as visiting museums, historical sites, art galleries, and interacting with local communities, and deepening your understanding of different societies.
According to data from YouGov, 26% of surveyed individuals in Singapore expressed willingness to spend more in getting close to nature or exploring remote destinations, 20% of respondents would pay a higher price for gourmet experiences, and 18% said that they would invest on customised tours to connect with local cultures.
Given Singapore’s multicultural society with a rich tapestry of cultures, this comes as no surprise. The exposure to various ethnic groups, traditions, and practices has fostered an environment where people exhibit curiosity and receptivity to embracing another culture. For many Singaporeans, these experiences are opportunities for personal enrichment, allowing them to learn, grow, and broaden their perspectives.
If you fall into this category of Singaporeans and are in search of places that offer the ultimate cultural immersion, then look no further! We’ve compiled a list of destinations and activities you can consider.
Renowned for their stunning natural beauty, the Dolomites are not only a haven for the adventurous, but also an exceptional destination for cultural experiences.
Nature lovers can embark on Dolomites hiking tours in the pristine forests, along breathtaking valleys, and the Botè River to explore the botanical biodiversity that thrive in this alpine environment and rapid waterfalls. Amidst the majestic mountain views, you may also stumble upon historical sites, including remnants of World War I trenches and fortifications.
For the foodie on the lookout for gastronomic adventures, the Dolomites is also where you can savour some of the most delicious food through a farm-to-table experience. Indulge in dishes prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in local lodges and village homes, engage with the agricultural traditions of this area, and learn more about the sustainable practices that contribute to Italy’s unique culinary culture.
Tuscany is known for its agriturismos, which are charming farmsteads or rural accommodations that embrace sustainable practices and seamlessly blend modern comforts. City dwellers like you and I who want to experience the authentic countryside lifestyle will love staying in these residences.
Learn More: Experiencing Italy’s Timeless Beauty: Exploring Tuscany and Beyond
On a luxury Tuscany tour, you’ll get to visit farms and partake in hands-on activities, such as harvesting your own fresh produce, that teach you more about the region’s green agricultural practices, the cultivation of organic crops, and the principles of biodiversity. These ingredients will be transformed into delectable dishes for your indulgence through a delightful farm-to-table experience, allowing you to relish local, traditional recipes that capture the freshness and flavours of the country. If this is not enough, you can even enrol in culinary workshops where you’ll learn to prepare Tuscan specialties with freshly-picked crops.
Moreover, Tuscany, particularly Florence, is hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance. For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Accademia Gallery, Medici Chapels, and Basilica di San Lorenzo offers a chance to marvel at the masterpieces of Renaissance artists.
We all know just how amazing dinners can be when they’re prepared by grandmothers. What if we told you that you could go on a gourmet tour in Italy and experience the culinary prowess of Italian nonnas while indulging in some of the country’s traditional dishes?
With Intriq Journey’s luxury holidays in Italy, you can journey into the heart of South Italian traditions, revel in the rich heritage and picturesque landscape of Puglia, and savour regional specialties prepared especially for you. From learning the art of crafting pasta dough to making your own pasta in the cosy setting of a nonna’s kitchen, you can expect to pick up new recipes and gain a deeper appreciation for the local culinary identity.
Besides cooking workshops, Puglia also offers farm-to-table experiences where you can pick fresh produce and watch them be whipped up into yummy meals. There are also vineyards you can visit for wine tasting, as well as olive oil farms to see how some of the world’s best olive oils are produced. If you’re looking for a luxury family holiday that both the young and old can enjoy, a gourmet tour in Italy’s Puglia is not to be missed!
Think this is all Italy has to offer? You’re mistaken. There are several other activities and places to explore in Italy. Home to the most UNESCO World Heritage sites, Italy should be at the top of your list if you enjoy history and culture. Check out more of Intriq Journey’s Italy luxury tours here.
Situated in Mongolia, the Hunshandake Sandy Land boasts a landscape of vast sand dunes, unique rock formations, and expansive desert vistas, a drastic contrast from the views you’ll get in Singapore.
If you’re wondering what you can do here, the answer is camping! Live and breathe the nomadic way of life here, interact with local communities, gain insights into their traditional practices, such as herding livestock, setting up gers (traditional Mongolian tents), and participating in daily chores. These activities facilitate a deeper appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of Mongolia’s people in you. After the sun sets, delight your eyes with the amazing night sky filled with dazzling stars that pull you away from your stresses. The remote location of Hunshandake Sandy Land offers a pristine condition free from light pollution for unparalleled stargazing.
Not a fan of camping? Then consider going horseback riding, engaging in traditional crafts, or joining in on local festivities!
Are you a wildlife lover or a cultural enthusiast? Churchill Wild, located in the heart of the subarctic region of Canada, offers a rare opportunity to take in breathtaking landscapes and go polar bear-viewing. Over here, you’ll get to observe polar bears in their natural habitat and learn all about how they live, hunt, and survive.
Beyond wildlife encounters, visitors will also have the chance to engage with indigenous communities including the Inuit and First Nations people. Whether you’re interested in listening to myths and stories or immersing in their traditional customs, this is where you can get a glimpse into the heritage of this region.
Spain is a traveller’s paradise, where one can get their fill of ancient history and culture, seamlessly blended together with modernity. On this land, some of the most interesting activities you can embark on include sampling the exquisite wines of Spain’s prestigious wine region, Ribera del Duero, marvelling at the maritime tradition and historical monuments at Asturias’ largest city, and bird watching at Monfrague National Park.
Portugal boasts a blend of bucolic landscapes with culture-rich cities, delectable food, and renowned wines while showcasing a legacy of former wealth and power through its historic cities and architecture.
The capital, Lison, is where you can explore iconic sites such as the historic Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery to delve into the city’s rich history. Music lovers can also immerse in the soul-stirring melodies of Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre that expresses deep emotions and narratives.
Up north, Portugal’s second city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto, offers a scenic backdrop of terraced vineyards and the opportunity to sample the diverse varieties of the country’s popular port wine. Discover old-fashioned countryside, charming villages, and the art of winemaking in this beautiful region.
A trip to Kangaroo Island gives you a great opportunity to discover ecology and nature; an experience different from what you’ll get at typical tourist destinations. Renowned for its diverse ecosystems, pristine beaches, native bushland, and abundant wildlife, Kangaroo Island is the perfect place for you to learn all about Earth’s natural environment. Whether it’s the behaviour of wild animals like kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions, or their conservation status and ecological roles, you’ll gain deeper insights into lifeforms that thrive in the region.
Japan offers more than just ramen, onsens, fresh sashimi and the Glico Man. And if you’re in search of experiences that’ll give you a glimpse of ancient Japan, the Sanmachi Historical Street is the place to be. Tucked away in Takayama, this street boasts well-preserved Edo-period buildings that showcase the traditional machiya architecture of Japan.
Intriq Journey’s luxury Japan holidays will bring you on a rickshaw ride down the charming lanes and alleys of this historic district. This low-impact mode of transportation lets you lower your carbon footprint while you go on an authentic, cultural experience, marvelling at the beauty of structures outfitted with wooden façades and lattice windows, aligned along narrow cobblestone streets.
Along the way, you may hop off the rickshaw tour to take a closer look at handmade crafts in traditional artisanal shops, absorb the serenity of the street and appreciate the historical facets of this region.
Sado Island, Japan’s fifth largest island, is rich in gold and silver mining history that dates back over a thousand years. Those keen on learning more about this part of Japan’s heritage can tour the area with an English guide, visiting places such as the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine.
Not interested in mining? You may choose to attend performances and visit training facilities to see more of Japan’s traditional performing arts, such as taiko drumming, kodo drumming, and Noh theatre. And if that’s not quite up your alley, go on nature adventures to take in the mesmerising natural scenery, including coastal cliffs, lush forests, and serene beaches such as the Sankakuwan and Mano Bay.
If learning about the mining history of Japan isn’t quite up your alley, perhaps visiting Kumano Kodo would be a better option!
Nestled in the Kii Mountains on the Kii Peninsula, Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage trails that have been traversed by monks, pilgrims, and travellers for over a millennium. This sacred land holds a special place in Japanese culture, where spirituality, nature, religion, and history converge.
At its heart lies three Grand Shrines known as the Kumano Sanzan. If you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification, these shrines are not to be missed.
Non-buddhists can also visit Kumano Kodo for its hot springs, regional cuisine, and serene environment. Rest and relax in traditional ryokans, step away from the busyness of modern life, and recharge yourself.
As one of the oldest nations in the world, Iran is home to a wealth of archaeological sites and historical cities. There’s a plethora of things to do and see, and you can expect to embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Persian history and culture.
Explore the archeological remnants of a 6th-century palace and the tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, to learn about his importance and contribution to Persian civilization. Wander through labyrinthine streets at the Historical City of Yazd, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, an ancient burial ground. Experience local traditions and ceremonies at the Fire Temple, a revered place of worship for Zoroastrians.
Don’t miss out on other notable sites such as the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Jameh Mosque, and Fahadan Old Quarter.
Bhutan is a South Asian country where you can experience Matsutake mushroom picking. These mushrooms, apart from being rare ingredients that are extremely difficult to cultivate, carry symbolic and spiritual significance in Bhutanese culture. They are often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and are used in various traditional ceremonies and rituals.
If you choose to embark on this journey of mushroom picking, you’ll expedition through Bhutan’s lush forests accompanied by local guides with generations of experience, and engage in the actual harvesting of these mushrooms. Post-adventure, participate in cooking demonstrations and enjoy a meal prepared by locals to appreciate the flavours of the Matsutake mushroom.
Located in central Africa, Rwanda is a country filled with mountainous terrain and a whopping number of 374 peaks. It is home to endangered mountain gorillas, and is a prime destination for those seeking gorilla sightings.
Before trekking into the forests and mountains, you’ll get the opportunity to connect with local communities surrounding the national park. These interactions include cultural performances of traditional dances, music, and rituals, conveying stories that deepen your understanding of the region’s heritage. Other activities that you can engage in include boat cruises along Lake Kivu and game drives through East Africa for close-up wildlife views.
Local guides and trackers who possess extensive knowledge of the terrain and gorilla behaviour will accompany trekking groups, bringing you through the national park to share more about the gorillas, the ecosystem, and the conservation efforts employed.
Choosing to go on a culturally immersive trip with a luxury tour agency like Intriq Journey offers a plethora of benefits that elevate the travel experience to unprecedented levels.
Luxury tour agencies like Intriq Journey pride themselves on crafting meticulous and distinctive itineraries that go beyond the typical tourist destinations. From hidden gems to off-the-beaten paths, you can explore the authentic culture, traditions and lifestyles of the places you visit.
One of the key features of a luxury tour package is the presence of highly knowledgeable guides who can provide insights not readily available in general guidebooks. Their expertise adds a layer of depth to your journey, enriching your overall experience.
Hate squeezing with crowds in popular tourist attractions? Luxury tours will bring you to private viewings of historical sites, give you behind-the-scenes access to cultural events, and offer opportunities for connection with local artisans and experts.
Instead of sourcing for an AirBnB yourself or booking a stay in a chain hotel, luxury tour agencies curate accommodations that reflect the essence of the destination and allow you to fully immerse in the region while providing unparalleled comfort. Whether it’s a boutique hotel with unique architecture or a high-class resort nestled in scenic landscapes, these stays will enhance your overall travel experience.
From private transportation to easy management of logistics, luxury travel agencies will handle every detail of your journey to ensure your enjoyment and well-being. Sit back, relax, and dive deep into the local culture without the stress of planning when you choose Intriq Journey.
1. Why is cultural tourism important?
Cultural tourism promotes cross-cultural understanding, supports local economies, and helps preserve and celebrate cultural heritage.
2. How can I plan a culturally immersive experience overseas?
Start by researching your destination and learning about local customs. Then, pick out traditional foods you may wish to try and cultural activities to participate in.
3. Is it essential to learn the local language when travelling?
It’s not mandatory to learn the local language, but knowing a few basic local phrases can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals more effectively.
4. How can I be a responsible traveller during my trip?
During your trip, actively choose to support local businesses to help them survive. You should also take steps to minimise your environmental impact, respect wildlife and the environment, and engage in responsible tourism practices.
5. What are the benefits of cultural immersion during travel?
Cultural immersion allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the world’s diversity, broaden your perspective, and create lasting memories and connections, which can be good for personal growth and development.
In a world where the boundaries between cultures are becoming increasingly blurred, cultural tourism offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with our roots, discover the richness of traditions, and embark on journeys of self-discovery. By venturing into these destinations that harmoniously blend nature and local culture, you’ll get to witness the diversity of our world and learn to appreciate the enduring beauty of human heritage.
Are you keen on exploring the world and the cultures that surround you? From Japan holiday packages to luxury gourmet tours in Italy, Intriq Journey offers a variety of curated itineraries to bring you places and help you immerse yourself in new experiences. Contact us today to embark on your next adventure!
