Small Group Bulgaria Tours & Trip Packages

Small Group Bulgaria Tours & Trips

5,197 Small Group trips. Tours from 569 tour companies. 25,151 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Bulgaria
Western Balkans Uncovered
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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
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dubrovnik, Kotor, Kruja, Skopje, Tirana

Highlights

  • Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
  • Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
  • Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
  • Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
  • Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

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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London to Istanbul Rail Adventure + Cappadocia Extension
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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
Strenuous

Visits

Belgrade, Cappadocia, Croatia, Istanbul, Konya, Milan, Paris, Sofia, Venetian Lagoon, Venice, Zagreb

Highlights

  • An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
  • Stay in the iconic cities of Venice, Zagreb, and Belgrade
  • Visit one of Serbia's rural wineries and Croatia's baroque town, Varazdin

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Fantastic tour of Oman. Oman is absolutely stunning and people are very friendly. The camping part is quite basic and would recommend that you just camp in the desert and not on the beach. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took great pride in looking after us. This is my fourth trip with Explore now and would highly recommend them. Only eight people in my group and we were all single travellers. If you are on a budget then make sure you have around £60 to give for tips. This goes to all the drivers, chefs at both camps and the tour leader. One negative experience was going to see the turtles on the beach at night. When we arrived at the hotel who organise this event, we were met with a couple of other tourists expecting to see Turtles as well. The place was full of flashing neon lights and we asked our tour guide to take us back to hotel as it looked tacky, badly organised and unethical."

Trip dates & details
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Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Sofia

Highlights

  • Explore stunning mountain landscapes with deep gorges, ancient forests and flowering meadows
  • See unique flora, including many orchids and endemic species
  • Look out for brown bears, wallcreepers and a variety of rare butterflies
  • Experience daily life in a traditional Bulgarian village
  • Enjoy delicious home-produced local cuisine

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Bulgaria: Realm of the Brown Bear
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Sofia

Highlights

  • Engage in a vital brown bear conservation project
  • Join daily bear-tracking walks with a brown bear expert
  • Hunker down in a hide to observe wild brown bears
  • Spot other elusive mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and rare orchids
  • Explore remote landscapes in the Rodopi Mountains
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Themes

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
London to Istanbul Rail Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
2.6/5 Average
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
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Belgrade, Croatia, Istanbul, Milan, Paris, Sofia, Venetian Lagoon, Venice, Zagreb

Highlights

  • An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
  • Discover rural Serbia, from local wine producers to narrow gauge railway routes
  • Take a boat trip on Europe's largest wetlands in Croatia and explore the waterways of Venice

Themes

Around the World, Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Fantastic tour of Oman. Oman is absolutely stunning and people are very friendly. The camping part is quite basic and would recommend that you just camp in the desert and not on the beach. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took great pride in looking after us. This is my fourth trip with Explore now and would highly recommend them. Only eight people in my group and we were all single travellers. If you are on a budget then make sure you have around £60 to give for tips. This goes to all the drivers, chefs at both camps and the tour leader. One negative experience was going to see the turtles on the beach at night. When we arrived at the hotel who organise this event, we were met with a couple of other tourists expecting to see Turtles as well. The place was full of flashing neon lights and we asked our tour guide to take us back to hotel as it looked tacky, badly organised and unethical."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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Eastern Europe Express
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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

Bucharest, Istanbul, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
  • Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
  • Experience the romantic "time travel" back to the 20-th century by taking a trip on the last operational narrow gauge line in Bulgaria on route from Bansko to Plovdiv.
  • Explore the amphitheatre and Plovdiv's other significant sights on a guided walking tour.
  • Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
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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."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More

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Grand Tour of Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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
Strenuous

Visits

Belgrade, Brasov, Bucharest, Kazan, Romania, Sofia, Transylvania

Highlights

  • Experience fascinating Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria on a city and countryside adventure
  • Discover the Ottoman, Roman and Communist history in Belgrade, the old capital of Yugoslavia
  • Explore spectacular Rila Monastery, Transylvania's Bran Castle and opulent Peles Castle

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Fantastic tour of Oman. Oman is absolutely stunning and people are very friendly. The camping part is quite basic and would recommend that you just camp in the desert and not on the beach. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took great pride in looking after us. This is my fourth trip with Explore now and would highly recommend them. Only eight people in my group and we were all single travellers. If you are on a budget then make sure you have around £60 to give for tips. This goes to all the drivers, chefs at both camps and the tour leader. One negative experience was going to see the turtles on the beach at night. When we arrived at the hotel who organise this event, we were met with a couple of other tourists expecting to see Turtles as well. The place was full of flashing neon lights and we asked our tour guide to take us back to hotel as it looked tacky, badly organised and unethical."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Ancient Macedonia
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
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

Rome, Skopje, Sofia, Thessaloniki

Highlights

  • Exploring diverse histories and landscapes of Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia.
  • Marvel at UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery's unique architecture and vivid frescoes.
  • Discover charming Lake Ohrid and its stunning mountainous backdrop

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Fantastic tour of Oman. Oman is absolutely stunning and people are very friendly. The camping part is quite basic and would recommend that you just camp in the desert and not on the beach. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took great pride in looking after us. This is my fourth trip with Explore now and would highly recommend them. Only eight people in my group and we were all single travellers. If you are on a budget then make sure you have around £60 to give for tips. This goes to all the drivers, chefs at both camps and the tour leader. One negative experience was going to see the turtles on the beach at night. When we arrived at the hotel who organise this event, we were met with a couple of other tourists expecting to see Turtles as well. The place was full of flashing neon lights and we asked our tour guide to take us back to hotel as it looked tacky, badly organised and unethical."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
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20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Bulgaria

Small Group Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
25,151  Reviews
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Excellent
13,590
Great
3,623
Average
354
Disappointing
69
Terrible
43
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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

Written on

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.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 5197 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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