Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

Small Group Tours & Trips

5,199 Small Group trips. Tours from 569 tour companies. 25,045 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

5,199 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Pure Brazil
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Iguazu Falls, Manaus, Pantanal, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Sugar Loaf

Highlights

  • Feel samba beats in Rio and the pounding Iguazu Falls
  • Wildlife spotting in the nature-rich Pantanal
  • Explore the Amazon rainforest and colourful Salvador

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Coca Tour really enjoyed how they showed us how to make chocolate Our guide was excellent The bus driver was excellent We saw lots of wildlife"

Trip dates & details
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Barcelona to Rome
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4.8/5 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
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Arles, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Florence, La Spezia, Nice, Pisa, Rome, Siena, Tuscany, Vatican City

Highlights

  • Spend your free time in Barcelona visiting Gaudi's modern basilica, La Sagrada Familia – a Gothic masterpiece that embodies the city’s artistic and progressive heart.
  • Hike in the majestic Spanish Pyrenees mountains, revelling in the fresh air, panoramic views and an exhilarating sense of freedom.
  • Explore the idyllic Provencal landscapes of southern France and gain an understanding as to why this part of the world is so adored by artists.
  • The Leaning Tower may be Pisa’s most iconic image, but there’s so much more to discover – The Piazza dei Miracoli and Pisa Baptistry are masterpieces in Medieval-Italian architecture.
  • Enjoy plenty of free time in Rome to discover the ancient Colosseum, stroll through Vatican City and gaze up towards the gods inside St Peter's Basilica.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

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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Highlights of Argentina in 12 days
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By Qwerty Travel Argentina
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
27 reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They offer a unique way to connect with nature and locals through exciting voyages and expeditions that are sure to take your breath away.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Iguazu Falls, Iguazu National Park, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Explore Buenos Aires, cosmopolitan city of South America
  • Discover Iguazu Falls and Iguassu National Park
  • Visit El Calafate and Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia, End of the World
  • Be in touch with nature

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"QWERTY travel did an awesome job of planning our trip. After speaking with Constance she offered a couple of optional itineraries. We worked together to tweek them to our specific desires. Our trip was designed just for the two of us and was a total of 25 days. Constance was always available and easy to work with. She planned our trip perfectly and everything went flawlessly. All of the transports and optional excursions were prompt for pickup. The guides spoke good English and very knowledgeable. While on our trip we reached out to Constance to book an additional excursion for the following day which she promptly completed. I cannot say enough positive things about this tour operator and it’s agent."

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Imperial Cities & Desert Grand Tour - 10 Days
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Small locally based company with unparalleled knowledge and passion for Morocco.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ait Benhaddou, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Medina, Meknès, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, Sahara Desert, Todra Gorges

Highlights

  • Imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech
  • Navigate the streets of ancient medinas
  • Ride a camel over shifting sands in the Sahara
  • Explore mud-brick cities in desert towns
  • Cross the high rocky peaks of the Atlas mountains

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Trekking & Expeditions, Photography

What travelers are saying

"An Unforgettable Journey - From Start to Finish I can't express enough how amazing our experience was with DesertBrise Travel, especially with Khalil. Right from our initial conversation, he was consistently available, responsive, and focused on planning every aspect of our trip. While we had some ideas for stops, we didn't have a complete picture, and Khalil took the time to craft a detailed trip plan. She involved us in the decision-making process, addressing all our questions and even providing a comprehensive packing list before our departure, ensuring we were well-prepared. Khalil's meticulous planning and support gave us confidence in the trip's success even before we set off. The journey itself exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was perfectly timed, taking us beyond the cities into rural areas, diverse landscapes, and providing a glimpse of Morocco we wouldn't have discovered on our own. Our accommodations were stunning, and the tour guides at each location were exceptional – well-versed in their areas of expertise and excellent communicators. Special mention goes to our overall guide, Omar, who not only drove us across the entire country but also ensured our comfort, enjoyment, and shared valuable insights, including introducing us to Moroccan and Amazigh music. A resounding 10/10 recommendation for DesertBrise Travel, Khalil, and the entire team. They truly deliver an unforgettable experience!"

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Morocco: Sahara & Beyond
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4.8/5 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
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Casablanca, Essaouira, Fez, Marrakech, Medina, Meknès, Sahara Desert

Highlights

  • Visit a women's co-op and enjoy a local lunch
  • Watch storytellers and acrobats at djemaa el fna square
  • Learn about moroccan cuisine with a cooking class in a traditional amazigh house
  • Traverse the sahara desert by 4x4
  • Try to mimic a local expert's elegant sweeps in an islamic calligraphy class

Themes

Cultural

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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Best of Spain
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4.9/5 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
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Ronda, Seville, Sierra Nevada, Tangier, Valencia

Highlights

  • Experience the fiery passion and rhythm of a traditional flamenco dance performance in Seville.
  • It's a pretty special thing to chill out on a beach in Andalucian Spain, knowing North Africa is just across the water. Explore the scenic coastline, and kick back with some tapas and sangria in Tarifa.
  • The town of Ronda is split in two by a deep rocky chasm. Follow in the path of the Romans, as you cross from one side to the other along an ancient bridge.
  • Discover Cordoba's great mosque, the Mezquita, one of the most accomplished examples of Moorish architecture in the world. The lavish gardens and opulent rooms of Granada's spectacular Alhambra Palace aren't bad either.
  • Witness a spectacular Spanish sunset on a beach in Valencia, while feasting on a bowl of the world's best paella.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

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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Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
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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."

Trip dates & details
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13-Day Tour to Northern Spain and Portugal
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By Julia Travel
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bilbao, Coimbra, Fátima, Lisbon, Madrid, Oporto, Oviedo, Porto, San Sebastian, Santiago de Compostela, Zaragoza

Highlights

  • Panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto
  • Visit the World Pilgrimage Sanctuary of Fatima
  • Visit The Chapel of the Apparitions with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta (Fatima)
  • Entrance to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
  • Duoro cruise and wine tasting in Porto
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I live in Canada, we spent February in Malaga Spain and booked a full day tour to Tangier Morocco on Feb 27th through website HAPPYtoVISIT. Julia Travel happened to be the operator. I received email confirmation from both HAPPYtoVISIT and Julia Travel confirmed the date and pick up location. We were advised that we had to call Julia Travel within 48 hours of the tour date to reconfirm our tour date with pick up time and location which we did as instructed. From very beginning of the booking to the phone call confirmation we were told that we were going to be picked up at 5:30 am at a bus stop in central Malaga. We got to the spot at 5:15 am that morning and waited until 6:30am and no one showed up to pick us up! We called Julia Travel at 6 am and the person who picked up the phone doesn’t speak English. We finally with a woman name Marta after 9 am who could speak English and were told that the bus was there at 4:30 am. This is simply not believable given the previous confirmations of 5:30 am pick up time. Obviously she just lied to us to get off the phone. She replied my email said any complaints should send to HAPPYtoVISIT since I have booked the tour through them. HAPPYtoVISIT issued me the full refund within 24 hours after I filed complaint, however the experience left us with very bad taste.what a waste of time and energy! Since the tour was towards our last days in Malaga that we were not able to rebook the tour with another company. My husband and I travelled extensively, this was the worst experience we ever had! Avoid using Julia Travel would be the advice!!"

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Small Group Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
25,045  Reviews
See all Small Group tour reviews
Excellent
13,590
Great
3,623
Average
354
Disappointing
69
Terrible
43
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Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

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Pure Brazil

The time in the Pantanal was amazing. Did the day trip to see the jaguars which was a long day, but worth it. Lots of animals around the lodge too. If you are lucky,...

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Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Pure Brazil

Visit to the pantanal. Amazing lodge and wildlife.

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Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

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Pure Brazil

Covered the highlights of Brazil making sure the traveller saw the best of its highlights with sufficient enough time to take in the various areas and experience wha...

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Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Pure Brazil

Pure Brazil was one of the few tours that covered my personal highlights of the country, Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu falls and Rio. Accommodation overall was both comfo...

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Small Group Tour Selection Trips

  • ‘Small groups’ are loosely defined depending on which tour company you choose. Always read the details of the specific itinerary you are interested in or call the tour company to find out how many travelers will be in your group.
  • Be mindful of minimum number requirements, which means the minimum number of travelers that a tour must meet in order to depart. If it’s an option, look for ‘guaranteed departures’ which mean the tour will depart no matter how many (or few) travelers book on.
  • Small groups are a great way to see the world but usually also mean you have less variety regarding your fellow travelers. If you’re concerned about the group composition, ask your tour operator if they can tell you the general age range of people on your trip.
  • Find out how much flexibility there is in the itinerary. Are your days and nights fully booked with group activities and meals or are there opportunities to explore independently?
  • Make sure the pace of the tour is a good fit for your travel style. The best experiences happen when you don’t feel like you are being slowed down or slowing down others.

Additional details

How Many People Will I Be Traveling With?

Just how many new friends will you be making on your small group tour? That depends on the tour operator. We’ve found that there are group tours with intimate groups of 10 to 12 travelers, while some skew slightly larger with between 20 and 25 guests.

The sweet spot seems to be around 16 travelers and certainly no more than 25 if you want to maintain that small group ambience. The size of your group will depend on the popularity of the destination (hello, Europe tours!) and the time of the year in which you are traveling. 

These low numbers enable you to connect with other travelers, yet never feel like a face without a name in the group. There’s a great social vibe to that magic number of about 12 to 18 people that allows for a just-right level of camaraderie and energy.

It’s easier to delve deeper into your destination and spend more time in the places of interest to you when your tour size is manageable. Plus, smaller group sizes enable the tour operators to arrange for smaller-scale, boutique-style accommodations, meals in cozier, locally owned restaurants and off-hours visits to popular sightseeing attractions.

Are Departures Guaranteed?

Regrettably, not all small group tour departures are guaranteed. Perhaps there isn’t enough interest in a particular date. In some cases, the tour company will have to cancel that departure date.

This varies widely by tour operator, so read the fine print when researching and selecting your small group tour, even if you’re visiting a popular destination like Europe.

In some cases, the tour company won’t cancel the trip, but will instead collect a “small group fee” when the numbers drop significantly, say, to a group of just one couple. This is a helpful option, particularly in you are traveling a long distance to your destination, perhaps Australia or New Zealand, and are wary about putting down a deposit on an unguaranteed tour departure.

Benefits of a Small Group

  • A perfect blend of planned activities and independent exploration time
  • A great value, usually including admissions and fees (possibly discounted) that you would have to pay for individually if you planned your own tour
  • Just the right number of people to ensure a congenial ambience and enable you to stay in boutique hotels and dine in smaller, out-of-the-way restaurants
  • A tour operator specializing in small group tours that will take care of the itinerary, arrange your guides and plan your meals and accommodations
  • More time and independence to gain a deeper understanding of your destination with like-minded travelers
  • Passionate, local, expert guides eager to share the top experiences in their own countries
  • Spontaneous, off-the-beaten-path experiences 

Who Are Small Group Tours Good For?

If you have aspirations of traveling to the world’s top destination - from Europe to Asia to New Zealand - yet feel daunted by the planning and logistics, a small group tour is a great choice.

These thoughtfully curated escorted tours to some of the world’s most intriguing places - Europe, in particular - take the guesswork out of your planning. You’ll benefit from the knowledge and behind-the-scenes access a local guide can provide, while still maintaining a level of flexibility and independence that makes this feel like a trip you planned yourself.

When faced with a new destination, far from home, it can be overwhelming to determine how much you can fit into your schedule, which sights are not to be missed (and which ones can just as easily be skipped) and how to get from point A to points X, Y and Z. Don’t fret - just because you’re hearing the words “group tour,” doesn’t mean you’ll end up just another anonymous face on a giant tour bus.

Small group tour operators, from Egypt to Alaska to Italy, make it their mission to introduce you to real life in your chosen destination, taking you off the beaten path and with like-minded travelers with which to enjoy the journey. 

I’m Traveling Solo. Do I Need to Pay Extra?

If you have a thirst for adventure, what in the world are you waiting for? Get out there and explore on a small group tour. These days, more and more tour companies aren’t requiring a single supplement fee if you’re willing to room with another single traveler.

And, since you’ve chosen the same trip, it’s likely to be a fast friendship with your new roomie. Don’t balk at the opportunity to travel to a bucket list destination just because you might be going solo. Some of the world’s most intriguing destinations (think Iceland, Machu Picchu and Vietnam) are best explored with an esteemed guide leading the way and like-minded travelers at your side.

This way, you won’t fall into typical tourist traps or venture into an unsafe area. Your small group tour guide has your back! This being said, often the most high-end of small group tour operators still require a single supplement, so do your research in advance.

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On Travelstride you can find 5199 trips to Small Group 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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