Small Group Education / Learning Tours & Trip Packages

Small Group Education / Learning Tours & Trips

5,230 Small Group trips. Tours from 569 tour companies. 25,109 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

263 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Education / Learning
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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Best of Turkey Small Group Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antalya, Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Strait, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Hippodrome: Step into the grandeur of ancient entertainment at this colossal arena, where iconic monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and the Bronze Serpentine Column stand as silent witnesses to centuries of spectacle.
  • Blue Mosque: Marvel at the timeless elegance of this architectural masterpiece, its azure tiles shimmering under the Istanbul sun, casting a spell of enchantment over the skyline.
  • Hagia Sophia: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring magnificence of Byzantine architecture at this timeless symbol of divine wisdom. Adorned with breathtaking mosaics, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of human craftsmanship.
  • Basilica Cistern: Descend into the depths of history at this subterranean marvel, where ancient whispers echo amidst ornate columns and tranquil waters, offering a glimpse into Byzantine engineering genius.
  • Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of this bustling marketplace, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the vibrant tapestry of goods, beckoning adventurers and treasure seekers alike.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

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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"

Trip dates & details
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Snowshoeing in Finland
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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

Highlights

  • Break new trails in an idyllic winter landscape
  • Explore two national parks
  • Stay in cosy accommodation with a sauna and outdoor hot tub
  • Try downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, 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
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Inca Trail, Titicaca & Nazca
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4.8/5 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

Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Puno

Highlights

  • Walk the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate
  • Experience two unique visits to Machu Picchu for photos and fully guided exploration
  • Rest and refresh after your trek with overnight in charming Aguas Calientes
  • Explore Cuzco, the old Inca capital
  • See the mysterious Nazca Lines
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, 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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Iceland Northern Lights
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4.8/5 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

Highlights

  • A chance to see the Northern Lights in amazing landscapes
  • Complete the Golden Triangle of Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park
  • Glacier walking and the amazing Glacial Lagoon

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, 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
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Japan Sapporo Snow Festival
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5/5 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
Strenuous

Visits

Fes, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Discover Japan in the heart of winter and visit the Sapporo Snow Festival
  • Visit Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido
  • Enjoy the highlights of modern Tokyo and iconic Kyoto in low season without the crowds

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Very good, the waiting time on the phone was a bit too long the first time ( 10 minutes)"

Trip dates & details
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Small Group Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
25,109  Reviews
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Excellent
13,590
Great
3,623
Average
354
Disappointing
69
Terrible
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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 5230 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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