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ToursTransformative

Transformative Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trips

631 Transformative trips. Tours from 209 tour companies. 1,503 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Train & Rail Journeys

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Budapest to Istanbul

By G Adventures

preferred

5/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Bucharest, Budapest, Istanbul, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

Discover the rich and varied culture of eastern europe
Visit 'dracula's castle' and charming slavic villages
Explore the spectacular cities of budapest and istanbul

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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-35%$3,097

13 days From$1,999

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The Panama Canal Expansion Tour

By Project Expedition

none

4.7/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Vacation / Holiday Package

Why we love them

They offer something for every kind of traveler and their excellent customer service is available throughout the whole process.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Colon, Panama City

Highlights

Meet the Embera Indigenous People
Enjoy a Jungle Boat tour on the Panama Canal
Visit San Lorenzo National Park & Panama Railway

Themes

Birding, Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We completed the three day tour with the glacier hike today! It was awesome and the sub vendor, Troll Expeditions, is definitely worthy of staying on the vendor list. 3 Day Blue Ice Cave + Golden Circle + Northern Lights"

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-19%$2,829

8 days From$2,300

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Heart of Wales & England

By CIE Tours

none

4.5/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Caernarfon Castle, Cardiff, London, Snowdonia National Park, Stonehenge

Highlights

Explore Cardiff Castle Welsh Banquet, spend an unforgettable evening of Welsh hospitality in the historic surroundings of Cardiff Castle, which dates back centuries.
Enjoy the very best of Welsh food, with complimentary wine, entertainment and the warmest of welcomes from your hosts.
Visit St.Pauls Cathedral, London With its world-famous dome, this building by Sir Christopher Wren is an iconic feature of the London skyline.
Visit Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain.
See the Roman Baths & Pump Room Around Britain’s only hot springs, the Romans built the finest religious spa in northern Europe.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotland was horrendous. The tour guide for Scotland made sexual advances and inappropriate comments to me and I had to cautiously avoid him and stay with the group to not have any interaction with him. I also sustained an injury on the bus, caused by the driver, which I had to report to CIE myself. I filed a complaint with a CIE customer service manager when I returned and learned that another woman also filed a complaint regarding the tour guide (2 women from the same tour!) CIE has not responded from the initial report over a month ago and have DONE NOTHING!!! This sexual predator is still working as a tour guide for them which is a screaming indicator regarding the sexual harassment investigations and policy enforcement for this company. Beware if you are a single woman and are looking to book with CIE, there are better options and I strongly recommend you avoid this company!!"

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8 days From$1,692

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Highlights of Britain

By CIE Tours

none

4.5/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lake District, London, Stonehenge

Highlights

Visits and admissions to Windsor Castle
Travel through the glorious Lake District, associated with the children’s author
Explore central Edinburgh Castle
Explore Devon & Cornwall
Visit St Andrews, famously known as the “Home of Golf” and location of Scotland’s oldest university

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

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15 days From$3,296

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Moscow Ulan-Bator and Beijing Trans-Siberian Railway Tour

By Bravo Asia Tours

none

4.8/5 Excellent

24 reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Very Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Moscow, Ulaanbaatar

Highlights

The ultimate train journey that covers 2 continents, 7 time zones and countless views of mountain, lake and steppe scenery.
For travelers seeking for luxurious experience, there is option of the outstanding Golden Eagles services of the train.
Meet people of different cultures and countries in a train can be the most interesting things ever in a journey.
Visit Moscow for the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, extraordinary metro system and Bolshoi Ballet.
Visit Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, the oldest, deepest and one of the largest lakes in the world.

Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative, Photography

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

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23 days From$3,199

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Tailored tours to Nazca Lines, Rainbow Mountain, Machu Picchu

By Conde Travel

none

4.6/5 Excellent

10 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Cusco, Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley

Highlights

Explore Lima, a mix of modern and classical culture, tour to Paracas to fly over the incredible Nazca Lines and see the big variety of wildlife of the Ballastas Islands.
Tour around the typical Peruvian villages and Inca agriculture places in the Sacred Valley of the Inca’s
Discover ancient ruins and architecture in Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray
Hike to the Rainbow Mountain, famous for its marvelous colors and incredible views.
Enter the magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"As a solo traveller I did the 5 Day Salkantay trek on the 15th of April with Conde Travel, after I previously did the Rainbow Mountain Hike on the 14th and Sacred Valley tour on the 13th, all with Conde Travel. All activities turned out to be great experiences. Partly because I got so lucky with the weather as well as with the group and guides! Both hikes were extremely well arranged from the piking up at the hostels in Cusco, to the good breakfast for the necessary energy to climb the mountains as well as the delicious lunch. The Sacred Valley Tour is great if you want to have more of a chill day. I particularly enjoyed the energy of our guide Durian, during the Salkantay Trek. Personal highlights were the Rainbow Mountain, and the Zip-line and Hot Spring Activity on Day 3 and 4 of Salkantay Trek. Small note, is that I would advice people to take the train back, as it is more quick and convenient. Also it can be though at times, with the hike to the beautiful lake and to the top, however if you bring extra snacks, water and power bars you should be able to make it Machu Pichu on Day 5 without to much hassle. The sunrise over Machu Pichu on day 5 made it an unforgettable experience. Final tip for the Rainbow mountain, try to do this after you acclimatised for some days in Cusco, as it can be difficult at 5.000+ meters. Thanks Durian and Conde Travel for organising!"

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10 days From$2,798

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France, Switzerland and Italy Adventure Tour

By Discovery Nomads

none

1/5 Terrible

16 reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Doge’s Palace, Florence, Lucerne, Paris, Rome, St. Peter's Basilica, Venice

Highlights

Check out Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower
Visit to the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
Explore Florence on a walking tour and visit Uffizi Gallery
Discover Rome, see Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona
Visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I recently took the Best of Australia and New Zealand tour...added on Fiji and a day in Auckland...with Discovery Nomads. During the booking process they were attentive and helpful. However, the nightmare began after paying for the tour! They told us we would receive our itinerary 10 to 20 days before our trip. It was sent 4 days before departure. We booked a tour for the trans alpine train from Christchurch to Queensland which we were told after the fact, that it did not exist. Furthermore, they failed to make a transfer reservation from the airport to our hotel in Christchurch. It took a week of constant sending of emails to get credit. They never answered them! Credit was finally issued almost 25 days later. The nightmare continues...we had to call each shuttle ride to confirm as their confirmation numbers were wrong and the local company could never find our reservations. So now add the cost of all the phone calls! Furthermore, when we reached out to Discover Nomads to help us while traveling, they NEVER answered their phone or a request for refund by email. We were completely ignored and left on our own. The only saving grace was we were traveling in English speaking countries. Can you imagine this happening to you in a country that doesn't speak English? Nightmare!!!!! And no assist from this horrible company. The only communication from them was for flight delays which we found out first by checking into the airport and one response asking for how much I paid for my transfer and proof of payment. I explained that it was all electronic and requested a refund of my original payment...heard nothing again from them until seven days later they sent an email stating that a meeting point had changed. So they had my email, just refused to deal with refunds or help. In addition, they had us waiting 15 hours for a hotel room in two flights. We were not allowed to stay in hotel lobby for so long and we arrived at 1:00am. We ended up paying for an early check in. Also, all internal flights were booked with 7.5 kg cabin luggage only. We had to pay baggage fees of $45 per bag. The costs of this trip were way higher then we anticipated. We had quotes for private tours just $2,000 higher...we should have booked that as we probably spent close to that amount in other fees!! TAKE MY WARNING...DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!!"

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10 days From$1,890

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Touring Myanmar's Highlights

By Myths and Mountains

premier

5/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Private Guided

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Bagan, Lake Inle, Mandalay, Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Highlights

Explore Yangon
Visit Taunggyi
Explore the town and take a 4-hour boat trip to Kyauk Gu U Min
Visit Flying Tiger Ma Shwe Wa

Themes

Cultural, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, Train & Rail Journeys, Transformative, Photography

What travelers are saying

"It is a difficult job to make everybody happy all of the time, but you ladies do a superb job. We were definitely off the beaten path, and when following that path there are sometimes unexpected surprises, but every bump was handled beautifully."

Trip dates & details

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8 days From$3,595

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Highlights of Morocco

By G Adventures

preferred

1/5 Terrible

100+ reviews

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Atlas Mountains, Casablanca, Marrakech, Medina, Meknès, Sahara Desert

Highlights

Wander through ancient medinas and roman ruins
Ride a camel into the sahara
Spend a night in a mountain gîte
Enjoy traditional moroccan fare at a local home
Shop in seaside essaouira

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

Trip dates & details

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-26%$1,466

15 days From$1,087

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Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

By Intrepid Travel

premier

5/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Takayama, Tokyo

Highlights

Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra modernity of Japan’s bullet trains as you zip from place to place.
Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama and visit a folk village, tour a 600-year-old market and a enjoy a sake brewery tasting.
Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
Finish your tour with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and home to literally thousands of temples, the Gion District where Geisha entertain the wealthy elite and renowned Kyoto sushi.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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-26%$7,216

13 days From$5,345

Health Safety +

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Authentic Vietnam

By Exotic Voyages

Local Expert

Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.

4.9/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Private Guided

Why we love them

A luxury tour company that designs extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path journeys across Asia.

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Flexible schedule

Visits

Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Mekong Delta, Mekong River

Highlights

Visit ethnic minority communities in the north of Vietnam
Experience the culture, history and beautiful natural settings in combination.
Relax among the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An old town...
Discover the vibrant, lively, and colorful Mekong Delta
Luxuriate at the finest hotels, accompanied by the finest of service quality within the region.

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"It was such a pleasure to work with Annie from start to finish. Annie worked patiently with my very particular husband for a good month to plan a 19 day trip. (I think they bonded) We visited Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. EVERY luxury hotel was just over the top beautiful. We took airplanes, 2 cruise boats, and a sea airplane to visit each country. There was always a knowledgeable and interesting English speaking guide to pick us up. She planned interesting tours and gave us plenty of leisure time. She also texted us everyday to see how we were doing! At one stop we wanted to change a tour planned for another and she managed to do that as well......Annie actually met us in Hanoi and we enjoyed a dinner together at one of her favorite restaurants, then took me shopping for a silk dress....really! Thank you Annie for the best trip ever. I will highly recommend you and Exotic Voyages."

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-12%$5,672

14 days From$4,975

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Arenal Volcano Package: 4 Nights

By Project Expedition

none

4.7/5 Excellent

100+ reviews

Vacation / Holiday Package

Why we love them

They offer something for every kind of traveler and their excellent customer service is available throughout the whole process.

Lodging level

Basic - 2 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Arenal Volcano

Highlights

Experience some of the highlights of the Arenal Volcano
Choose from a list of great tours that include everything from caving to nocturnal eco tours
Hike along the lava trails of Arenal Volcano
Try the natural volcanic hot springs

Themes

Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Relaxing Retreats, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

Trip dates & details

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-29%$1,107

5 days From$791

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Cinque Terre Magnifica Hiking Tour

By Tourissimo

none

5/5 Excellent

75 reviews

Group Tour

Why we love them

They offer a unique way to enjoy a classic destination by combining active travel with authentic cultural experiences.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Strenuous

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre

Highlights

Portofino, with its tall colored houses and exclusive small harbor
Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino: Villas and Flowers
Abbey of San Fruttuoso
Oil, pesto, and many other Ligurian delicacies
Panoramic wine tasting

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great routes, guides, hotels and bikes!"

Trip dates & details

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-26%$5,393

7 days From$3,995

10 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.

My selections:

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Transformative Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5 Excellent

1,503 Reviews

Write a review

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Excellent

1,188

Great

316

Average

Disappointing

Terrible

Tour-the COVID tour

May 2020

Written on

How to not go tour Morocco

I booked with G Adventures over a year prior to the tour. The primary reason was the 100% guaranteed departures and 24 hour communication. 1 week before I was to lea...

Tour: Highlights of Morocco

Selfish and Lacking Integrity

Apr 2020

Written on

Its my money not yours. No service means no pay!

I am so fully disheartened and disgusted by the handling of G Adventures with this crisis. We paid over 7,000 for our honeymoon tour in Morocco. It was fully paid fo...

Tour: Highlights of Morocco

Emma

Oct 2015

Written on

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised and free time. Great travelling by train

Tour: Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

John

Oct 2015

Written on

The format of the trip enabled two

The format of the trip enabled two significant factors to coincide to make the entire experience overwhelmingly positive. 1. Our trip guide - Yuri Awanohara, made th...

Tour: Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Fenella

Oct 2015

Written on

Great introduction to the country. Variety of

Great introduction to the country. Variety of activities and all well planned by guide Yuri

Tour: Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

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Transformative Tour Selection Trips

Transformative travel may sound like a lofty term, but it really is one of the best ways to describe certain tours. Keep an open mind!
These kinds of tours are often challenging emotionally. You may find yourself in the midst of poverty, or learn about some devastating effects on local wildlife due to human activity.
Discovering and learning about different cultural perspectives is a key component of transformative travel. Ask a lot of questions and listen closely - you may be surprised as your perspective begins to shift.
Being out in nature is another key component on transformative tours. Reconnect with your soul on a fundamental level through outdoor meditation and invigorating activity.
The world today is very individual focused. Particularly younger people are used to maintaining their own world from their palm - across social media platforms and other apps. Transformative travel will present you with the unique opportunity to challenge this way of life and participate in a community atmosphere off the internet - both with your tour companions and with the people you meet.

Additional details

Top Transformative Travel Companies

G Adventures Reviews

Intrepid Travel Reviews

Trafalgar Reviews

Exodus Travels Reviews

Insight Vacations Reviews

Explore! Reviews

Say Hueque Reviews

Brendan Vacations Reviews

Exotic Voyages Reviews

Project Expedition Reviews

Contiki Reviews

China Highlights Reviews

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 631 trips to Transformative and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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