Small Group Only ground transport Tours & Trip Packages

Small Group Only ground transport Tours & Trips

5,214 Small Group trips. Tours from 569 tour companies. 24,752 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

2983 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Only ground transport
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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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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Sightseeing and Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
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5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Rio de Janeiro

Highlights

  • Take in the breathtaking view as your plane descends upon Rio de Janeiro – the 'Marvelous City' where
  • rolling green hills, turquoise ocean,
  • sandy beaches and high-rise urban development is all packed together in a unique blend of life and humanity.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays, Photography, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

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Explore Israel & Jordan
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4.7/5 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
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amman, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Galilee, Haifa, Israel Museum, Jerash, Jerusalem, Jordan Valley, Madaba, Nazareth, Petra, Sea of Galilee, Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Wadi Rum

Highlights

  • Wander the quarters of jerusalem's old city
  • Taste your way through a local market
  • Learn about israeli
  • Palestinian and jordanian cooking
  • Ride through the wadi rum desert on a 4x4
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Themes

Hiking & Walking, Holy Land

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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Egypt: See & Experience the Ancient Sites in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
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
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Abu Simbel, Abydos, Aswan, Cairo, Dendera, Kom Ombo, Luxor Temple, Memphis, Pyramid of Giza, Saqqarah

Highlights

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride over Ancient Luxor
  • Nile Tour with Delicious Food & Open Buffets Provided on a 5-Star Deluxe Cruise Ship
  • Lots of Archaeological Sites, such as the World Famous Pyramids
  • Evening Sound & Light Show in Giza
  • Sightseeing Tour of Capital City Cairo
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Themes

Family Friendly, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our trip to Iceland was absolutely stunning and Charlie the Traveler curated an amazing and adventurous trip for us that kept in mind all of the attractions that were on our list and many other gems this beautiful country has to offer. We hit a few roadblocks with our tours due to weather conditions and volcanic activity in the area, but Charlie The Traveler and his team were on it at every moment and were able to provide us with alternative tours that did not take away from the overall experience. His team is led by individuals that truly cares about your experience. If you need a perfect trip planned then Charlie the Traveler is the way to go. This trip has been absolutely perfect and can’t wait to come back and explore it again."

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Heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia 10 Days
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By PrestiGo Asia
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
60 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake

Highlights

  • Visit the world's largest religious monument complex, Angkor Wat, in Cambodia
  • Explore the historical significance in Cu Chi tunnel and cultural diversity of the Mekong Delta
  • Fall in love with the beauty of Ha Long Bay and its thousands of islands

Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We tried many special foods, and visited many beautiful temples. The traffic was so bad, but we also did other fun things to explore Thailand and had a great time every day of our trip. Thanks to Alex and Prestigo Asia for making it all happen!"

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Essential Brazil 7 Days/ 6 Nights
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5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Foz Do Iguacu, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf

Highlights

  • Our tour to Brazil offers rich and fulfilling sightseeing with adventure, relaxation and romance mixed together.
  • The alluring nature in the Amazon jungle and its tributaries (like the Rio Negro), elusive native tribes!
  • The massive, raging Foz de Iguazu, the biggest waterfall system in the world,

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The brilliant excursions! Dear Richele! I am writing you with gratitude for organizing the brilliant excursions for our group of 16 people! They came back from Brazil very happy and really satisfied! So, many-many thanks to you and your wonderful team! Looking forward to our next cooperation) Kind Regards, Anna Zboranska Exotic Department TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL GROUP"

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Small Group Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
24,752  Reviews
See all Small Group tour reviews
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,...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2023

Written on

Pure Brazil

Visit to the pantanal. Amazing lodge and wildlife.

T

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...

T

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 5214 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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