best small group tour companies for seniors

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14 Best Senior-friendly Travel Groups

These senior-friendly travel companies offer tours and travel experiences as diverse as their clients.

The benefits of travel, whether it's a refreshing weekend getaway or a month-long trip to a new destination, are undeniable. And for retirees and seniors who have time and a travel budget, the opportunities are nearly endless — their own city, state, country, and even the whole world are all waiting to be explored.

It should be recognized that seniors are as diverse as any other generation, perhaps even more so as their years of experience have taken them in many directions. While their interests, abilities, values, and habits may vary, it can safely be said that for many, travel is in their plans.

Seniors travel to visit family, learn about the countries of their ancestors , or explore new destinations. Many seek immersive experiences, educational opportunities, or adventure. And travel companies are responding to their needs and wishes by offering tour options ranging from independent to fully guided, budget to luxury, and group to individual. The 14 organizations listed below are either aimed specifically at mature clients or feature experiences that are flexible enough to accommodate a variety of travelers.

Walking the World

Operating out of Grand Junction, Colorado, Walking the World offers walking and hiking tours mainly for travelers over the age of 50 who want to be immersed in the destinations they choose. Experienced hikers will enjoy its Rocky Mountain National Park tour , for example, with treks of up to 10 miles on some days during the eight-day itinerary. Meanwhile, the Ireland trip covers 11 days of exploring fishing villages, rolling green hills, the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. Daily walks range from four to eight miles and are described as gentle to moderate.

Road Scholar

Originally launched as Elderhostel in 1975, the company rebranded in 2010 as Road Scholar , recognizing the values and interests of lifelong learners who have participated in their lectures, tours, field trips, and educational experiences over the years. Participants are typically over the age of 50 and ready to learn from travel or focus on a specific interest. Trip themes such as grandparent adventures (special types of trips you can take with your grandchild), cruises, urban exploration, art and history, historical sites, and academic topics can be browsed by destination, activity level, and interest to help clients select their ideal tour experience.

Adventures Abroad

While Adventures Abroad largely caters to travelers over 50, tours are open to adults of all ages, and operate on every continent except for Antarctica. The company's "soft adventure" trips, which concentrate on the culture and history of a destination, don't include strenuous activities, though a reasonable degree of fitness and the ability to walk are required. Trips are rated from one to three based on physical activity, with the first level featuring only leisurely walks and level two meaning more time on your feet each day. Level-three trips might include walks or hikes on uneven ground for three to seven hours, though at a leisurely pace. Specific trips are suggested for each activity level for easy planning.

An adventure travel company designed for people ages 50 and over, ElderTreks offers small-group adventures — think wildlife safaris, hiking trips, cultural journeys, and other unique expeditions — in more than 100 countries. The tours are rated by activity level, ranging from one to five. At level one, travelers should be able to walk for one to two hours, whereas at level five, they'll need to be capable of hiking for eight to 10 hours.

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

Senior Cycling

Specializing in bicycle tours for active adults ages 50 and up, Senior Cycling limits groups to a maximum of 13 participants. And they are always accompanied by the "sag wagon" in case someone needs a break from riding. Trips are rated at two levels: intermediate (for the occasional rider who prefers bike paths and flat terrain for 20–40 miles per day) and advanced (for those who are at ease with up to 50 miles per day, hills, and traffic). Custom tours can also be arranged for families or groups of friends.

Firebird Tours

With a focus on clients ages 50 and over, Firebird Tours offers small group trips to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East that deliver value, comfort, and quality. Themes for guided tours include gastronomy, history, architecture, and the Northern Lights , as well as theater and opera. Private family tours are also available, with destinations and activities suitable for a wider age range depending on the group.

Seniors interested in active vacations should check out Backroads , based out of Berkeley, California. While tours are open to all ages, the majority of participants tend to be over 50. Guided biking, walking, and hiking tours to a variety of destinations are geared toward adults, but also include options for families traveling with "teens and kids," "older teens and 20s," and those in their "20s and beyond." The company's Dolce Tempo tours offer a more relaxed pace, and include trips such as the Easygoing E-bike Tour in California wine country and the Easygoing Multi-adventure Tour in New Zealand.

Overseas Adventure Travel

With a variety of trips available to destinations on every continent, Overseas Adventure Travel makes a great choice if you're interested in seeing the world via small-ship cruises. In addition to guided land tours for groups of eight to 16, OAT offers sailings through the Norwegian Fjords, along West Africa's coast, and throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Mature travelers are often attracted to the flexibility of the trips and the ability to personalize activities. Recognizing that many of their customers travel alone — including a whopping 85 percent of their female clients — the company has created its getaways with solo travelers in mind, whether they're first-timers or experienced adventurers.

EF Go Ahead Tours

Operating out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, EF Go Ahead Tours offers a selection of small group tours for 10 to 22 guests. The senior-friendly trips focus on interests such as food and wine, adventure, and safaris, as well as specific destinations and seasonal events (think Oktoberfest in Germany, annual holiday markets in Europe, or St. Patrick's Day in Ireland). Traveling alone? The company's solo tours provide private rooms and personalized experiences especially geared toward those traveling by themselves. Clients can also gather their own group and take advantage of the services of EF's professional coordinators.

Kensington Tours

If you're looking to create a fully customized, privately guided trip based on your group's specific needs and travel preferences, look no further than Kensington Tours . Their expertise in more than 100 destinations worldwide makes planning easy, whether the goal is a culturally immersive experience, enjoying fine wine and dining, discovering the history of a place, or relaxation. While these arrangements are ideal for mature travelers who appreciate ease and luxury, the company also provides experiences for multigenerational travel in countries like Thailand, Japan, Iceland, and South Africa, featuring kid-friendly trips that come with private vehicles, local guides, and dining options fit for the whole family.

Intrepid Travel

A leading adventure tour operator known for its efforts to make travel accessible to all, Intrepid Travel offers a good mix of bespoke and ready-made itinerary options that can be adapted to suit your group's comfort level. Intrepid's Accessible Tours are especially inclusive, with trips that are designed for every type of traveler. Whichever trip you decide to book, you'll have access to local destination specialists to help you choose the perfect places to stay as well as organize transportation, activities, and guided tours, depending on your needs. The company's Walking & Trekking trips, suitable for a range of fitness levels, are especially popular with seniors, though adults of all ages are free to join in.

YMT Vacations

In business since 1967, YMT Vacations designs all-inclusive trips with mature travelers in mind. Prices cover hotel accommodations, guided sightseeing tours, baggage handling, and the expertise of tour directors and driver guides. Destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, North America, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, and the company arranges travel for popular events such as the Rose Parade in California. A number of river cruise and transatlantic sailing options are also available.

Grand European Travel

Grand European Travel is an AARP-preferred travel provider (check the website for members-only discounts) that promotes itself as a one-stop shop to help clients plan their desired travel experiences. The company represents a collection of 30 travel brands — including the likes of Trafalgar and Insight Tours — which, altogether, cover seven continents. Offerings range from budget to luxury getaways, and everything from cruises to land tours. Thinking of taking a multigenerational trip? Browse the company's family experiences section, stocked with tours fit for all ages, whether you're into all-inclusive European river cruises or exploring U.S. national parks.

Country Walkers

Country Walkers aims to introduce travelers to new landscapes and cultures around the world by traveling on foot. Established in 1979, the Vermont-based operator offers walking tours in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Tour types include guided (in a small group of up to 18) and self-guided (in a private group of up to 12), providing a great option for independent exploration. Travelers can choose from five levels, starting at "easy walking," which includes a daily distance of two to six miles for up to four hours per day. "Moderate walking," the mid-range option, suggests four to 10 miles and up to six hours of walking per day. Trips at the "challenging walking" level might go up to seven hours a day on foot, covering anywhere from six to 14 miles. Guests of all ages should be able to find a destination and tour that's best suited for their interests and fitness level.

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The Best Tour Groups for Seniors

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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Group tours can be a great way to explore the world and meet new people, and if you’re looking to make friends who are your own age, finding an operator that caters to your peers can be helpful. These are the five best group tour companies for seniors. 

Trafalgar caters to the over 55-70 crowd and does it well, with over 50,000 5-star reviews to vouch for customer happiness. 

In 2021, Trafalgar implemented a three-step COVID-19 travel protocol. These new measures add a dedicated Wellbeing Director to trips of 21 or more, increase distancing and hygiene protocols, and feature well-thought out incident response plans.

All of Trafalgar’s tours can be booked with just a $200 deposit, and can be cancelled within 30 days of booking for a full refund. Trips can also be changed up to 30 days before your trip without penalty. 

Tours are offered across all seven continents, and there are themed tours to suit almost any interest—including national park tours, religious tours, and battlefield tours.

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Road Scholar

Formerly known as Elderhostel, Road Scholar offers over 5,500 “learning adventures” across 150 countries that are targeted for travelers aged 50 and up. Tours are grouped by interest (like birding, art history, or opera), destination, and activity level.

Activity levels range from “easy going” to “let’s go” to help you pick the tour that will best suit your needs.

All of Road Scholar’s trips focus on learning and value. As a not-for-profit organization, Road Scholar promises that their tours save an average of 20 percent per night to comparable commercial trips. 

Senior Cycling

Looking to explore by bike with your fellow seniors? Senior Cycling , whose motto is “fun folks on spokes” specializes in bicycle tours for seniors and active adults, defined by the company as “50 years of age or better.”

These small group tours around the United States and Canada are limited to just 13 participants, and include options for easy, intermediate, and advanced rides. Regular bikes or class one “pedal assist only” eBikes are permitted on the trips.

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Insight Vacations

Prefer to travel at your own pace? Insight Vacations offers “Easy Pace” group tours that feature 3-night minimum stays at each hotel, plenty of free time, and “relaxed starts” in the morning. 

Or, go the opposite direction with one of Insight Vacations’ Discovery Journeys , which showcase multiple countries in one itinerary—think: Italy, Paris, and Switzerland in nine days. 

Trips are easily sorted by activity levels (which range from “leisurely” to “dynamic”) to help you find the one that’s best for you.

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Luxury Gold

Luxury Gold’s tours live up to the company’s name, offering five-star accommodations, unique VIP Experiences (like an after-hours visit to the Temple of Luxor), and fine dining experiences at a Michelin star restaurant or equivalent. The average travelers on their tours are aged between 45-80.

Group sizes are limited to 28 guests on most trips, but small group departures of just 15 guests are also available. Or, if you already have your own group, Luxury Gold can make your own private group tour tailored to your interests. 

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8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies in 2024

These top tour companies are a particularly good fit for older travelers..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

With tours around the world and experiences that are hard to replicate as an independent traveler, senior-friendly tour companies are a great vacation option for anyone over the age of 50. The best senior travel tour companies offer a wide range of formats to fit the varied needs, preferences, and interests of older travelers, too. And if you’re a senior who’s traveling solo, some of these tour companies also offer discounts so you don’t have to pay full price for a double room.

2024’s Best Senior Travel Tour Companies

The best tour companies for seniors stand out for a variety of reasons. They all have robust plans and protocols in place for such things as cancellations, changes, and other unforeseen circumstances; are very clear about the psychical requirements for each tour; and offer seniors tours to meet the interests all kinds of older travelers. Most also offer flight reservations and optional travel insurance. Here are the highest-rated and most trusted senior travel tour companies in the world.

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1. Trafalgar Tours

One of the oldest and most respected names in group travel, Trafalgar Tours has logged more than 75 years in the travel business and offers a wide variety of destinations and travel styles: guided tours, river cruising, next-gen and family tours , luxury and customized private tours, and safari and adventure travel.

Trafalgar’s “Be My Guest” experiences allow you to visit and dine with local families in homes, farms, and restaurants. “Mini-stays” of three to five days appeal to the busy traveler or to those who want an “add-on” to a longer tour or stay. “At Leisure” trips have a relaxed pace, longer stays at each accommodation, and later starts in the mornings.

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Because Trafalgar’s customer base is international, tour participants are likely to be English-speaking citizens of a variety of countries—a plus for North Americans who would enjoy traveling with people from all over the globe. A travel director accompanies each tour group and coordinates with local tour guides at each destination. Many of the travel directors have five years’ experience or more.

Trafalgar has a “Very Important Traveler” program that offers 5% savings on selected trips. For solo travelers, the cost of a single supplement depends on the trip. Optional experiences on each tour cost extra but also offer the flexibility to create your own custom tour: You may opt out of the activity and choose to do something else—or just relax.

THE SCOOP: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours Before You Book

Trafalgar is the anchor brand of The Travel Corporation (TTC), which comprises 42 travel brands, including tour operations that specialize in different destinations, age groups, price range, and travel styles. For example, the CostSaver brand is very inexpensive, while  Insight Vacations  is a premium tour company, and  Luxury Gold  is TTC’s high-end tour company.

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Trafalgar

• Average group size: 22 to 29 people on small group tours; 40 to 50 on classic tours.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but “optional experiences” are not included and can be expensive.
• What’s included: All accommodations, meals as stated in itinerary, and most tips.
• What’s not included: Optional excursions, some meals and tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers from around the world; 60% of clients are ages 50 to 71.
• Destinations: 303 trips in 72 countries across six continents.
• How to book: Directly through Trafalgar ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist online travel agents (OTAs) that offer hundreds of Trafalgar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

2. Tauck Tours

Tauck Tours offers deluxe and highly inclusive tours to more than 100 destinations on all seven continents. With nearly 100 years in the tour business, Tauck prides itself on quality and on the experience of its Tour Directors, who come from 40 countries and average 10 years of experience. The hotels it selects are always excellent and well-located.

Tauck aims to appeal to people of all ages by offering land journeys, European river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, and multi-generational “Tauck Bridges” family travel. Each tour has ratings for activity level and pace (rated one through four), but, like many tour companies, Tauck warns that travelers with mobility issues must bring their own assistance.

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Seniors who prefer to have the majority of their experience planned for them will appreciate the full itineraries and the many included meals in fine hotels and restaurants. With individual excursions included rather than optional, Tauck travelers are encouraged to try experiences (e.g., a raft trip or a helicopter ride) they might not otherwise have considered.

Tauck promises to “manage the unexpected—big and small,” with its Global Response Team, a comprehensive support system that takes care of all details, including such exigencies as accidents and quarantines.  The company has a frequent traveler savings program and offers some savings for solo travelers on selected journeys.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Tauck Tours

• Average group size: 35 to 44 people for land trips; 24 for small group journeys; river boat and small ship group sizes depend on size of ship but shore excursions are in smaller groups.
• Price range: Upscale/Premium with many inclusions.
• What’s included: All accommodations (generally upscale), tips, most meals, luggage handling, airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, entertainment, local excursions and visits, any taxes or surcharges.
• What’s not included: Tips for Tour Director (and bus driver, where applicable), some meals (usually lunch).
• Primary audience: “People of all ages,” but the company caters to seniors.
• Destinations: More than 70 countries on seven continents (with land journeys on six); river cruises in Europe.
• How to book: Directly through Tauck ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers hundreds of Tauck trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

3. Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), part of the Grand Circle Corporation since 1978, focuses on active travelers over 50 who are looking for hands-on experiences in destinations around the world. The seniors-only company prides itself in taking travelers off the beaten track with immersive “Day in the Life” experiences such as shopping at local markets, visiting children at school, and taking part in home-hosted meals. OAT opts for accommodations that offer authentic local experiences—think smaller family-run hotels, paradores , and hotels close to city centers.

Both land and small-ship tours for seniors are available. Most trips last two weeks or more, with optional pre- and post-trip extensions, appealing to retirees and working people who have saved vacation time as well as travel funds. The physical requirements of each tour are described in detail, with an activity level rating system of one (easy) to five (strenuous). Each itinerary outlines the included meals and local tours; optional tours require an additional fee, but the itineraries also recommend many free or inexpensive options for your free time.

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OAT has made itself a leader in solo travel: More than a quarter of its senior citizen clients are solo travelers, and of those, 85% are women. Roughly 92% of its single spaces are free of any singles surcharge, others are heavily discounted, and the company also offers a roommate matching program. In 2019, OAT began offering some women-only departures.

While not a cut-rate tour company, OAT works hard to provide senior tours at low per diems—giving you more for your travel dollar. The Travel Channel recognized it as a top provider for budget-conscious travelers, and the Grand Circle Foundation received a Global Vision award for leadership in tourism and philanthropy.

Quick Facts about Over-50 Tours with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

• Average group size: Small-group land tours have no more than 16 travelers; small-ship adventures have no more than 25 participants.
• Price range: Moderate.
• What’s included: All accommodations (comfortable hotels), most meals, daily cultural activities, some tips, and airport transfers.
• What’s not included: Some optional tours, meals, and tips.
• Primary audience: “Curious lifelong learners” age 50+.
• Destinations: 76 countries on six continents; no tours in North America
• How to book: Directly through OAT

4. Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a senior travel tour company that emphasizes lifelong learning and educational travel for older travelers. Founded in 1975 as the nonprofit Elderhostel, the organization changed its name in 2010 and now provides study tours throughout the U.S., Canada, and in more than 100 other countries. All of its senior-focused tours include guidance and lectures by Road Scholar faculty who are experts on topics relevant to the destination. Lodgings are always comfortable and “sometimes even iconic.”

Road Scholar programs include theme-based travel (such as arts, philosophy and religion, and nature studies), outdoor adventures, service learning trips, adventures afloat, intergenerational tours, and independent city discoveries. The “Choose Your Pace” feature allows you to choose among multiple options of tour length, challenge, and pace. Extended-stay programs range from eight days in Florence to 45 days in southern Spain.

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Activity levels for tours range from “easy-going” to “outdoor: challenging,” with the physical demands of each tour described in its itinerary. An “easy” tour might cover a week of Chautauqua lectures in New York, while a “challenging” tour might include hiking and kayaking in Alaska.

Nearly 25% of Road Scholars are traveling solo; the senior tour company offers some discounts on single rooms, provides supportive advice to women traveling solo, and emphasizes “learning in the company of a small group of individual friends, rather than traveling with a collection of couples.”  Road Scholar travelers tend to be curious and open to new ideas and cultures. The travel company recently added a virtual Adventures Online series of in-depth lectures for those who wish to supplement an in-person journey or simply learn from home.

Quick Facts about Senior Travel Tours with Road Scholar

• Average group size: 13 to 24 people on “small group” tours; 12 or fewer on “micro group” tours; other group sizes vary by tour type and destination.
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks that other tour companies charge extra for.
• What’s included: All accommodations, most meals, tips, excursions, expert lectures (in addition to your tour director), and airport transfers if you book flights through Road Scholar.
• What’s not included: Porterage and airport transfers if you arrange your own flights.
• Primary audience: Lifelong learners over the age of 50.
• Destinations: Road Scholar’s senior tours cover all 50 U.S. states as well as 100 countries on all continents; the emphasis is on North America.
• How to Book: Directly through Road Scholar ; via Travelstride , a tour specialist OTA that offers more than 1,500 Road Scholar trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

5. Smithsonian Journeys

Like Road Scholar, Smithsonian Journeys is a group travel company for seniors that focuses on educational travel. It offers specialized land journeys, active outdoor journeys, small ship cruises, and cultural stays. At least one expert accompanies each tour or stay, providing lectures and local tours appropriate to the destination. Tours include culturally immersive experiences like visits to homes, meals with locals, and demonstrations of local crafts and cuisines. High-quality accommodations are included in the price and reflect the character of the local culture.

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Smithsonian also provides special interest tours for older travelers, including study at Oxford, cave art exploration, and observation of the total solar eclipse in 2024. Its Cultural Stays allow travelers to “unpack once” and spend from one to three weeks exploring and learning in and around a single destination.

A branch of the 175-year-old Smithsonian Institution, Smithsonian Journeys has operated tours for more than 50 years. Its wide range of travel options appeals to many age groups, but the average age of travelers with this company is 55+. (The typical age range on active tours is 45 to 70; on special interest tours, it’s 55 to 80.) Smithsonian’s five activity level ratings are somewhat more demanding than Road Scholar’s, ranging from “Easy” (easy walking and shorter travel days) to “Challenging” (e.g., climbing Kilimanjaro).

Quick Facts about Senior Tours with Smithsonian Journeys

• Average group size: 12 to 24 people for most land journeys; cruises from 36 people (river boat) to 264 (small ship cruise).
• Price range: Moderate to expensive, but with lots of included perks.
• What’s included: Excellent accommodations, most meals, most tips, excursions, experts and lectures, and airport transfers. Some itineraries also offer airfare-inclusive pricing
• What’s not included: Some meals and some tips.
• Primary audience: Travelers 45 to 80 years old who want to better understand the world.
• Destinations: 130 itineraries on seven continents (with an emphasis on Europe).
• How to Book: Directly through Smithsonian Journeys or through a travel agent such as AAA .

Established more than 90 years ago, Globus heads a family of travel brands that also includes Avalon Waterways (river tours) and Cosmos (budget tours). The company offers travel styles for a variety of fitness levels and interests, with an emphasis on freedom and flexibility that works especially well for seniors. It ranks among the best escorted tour companies for the 55+ age group because it recognizes that the one-size-fits-all mentality does not work for everyone, especially older travelers.

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Free time on every tour allows for “adventure a la carte.” A wide array of optional excursions and activities is offered on each itinerary: some are extra-cost activities provided by the company, while others are simply helpful suggestions for independent exploration. Globus provides tour directors and local guides from the region for every tour, as well as “skip the lines” access to sites, centrally located first-class hotels, opportunities to meet local families, and some “experiential dining” meals.

Globus tours come in many different formats. Globus Undiscovered tours take you off the beaten path where there are fewer crowds; this option is attractive to seasoned travelers who have already seen famous sights like the Tower of Pisa and the Mona Lisa. Escapes by Globus offers up to a 40% discount on tours taken between November and March. Choice Touring and Independence by Globus provide itineraries that allow you to choose excursions and have more “I-time” while the company provides lodging and the help of a tour director.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours for Older Travelers with Globus

• Average group size: 24 people (small-group discovery) to 36 people (average size of a coach tour).
• Price range: Inexpensive, but optional excursions cost extra.
• What’s included: All accommodations, some meals, airport transfers on published tour departure and return dates, and admission to sites included in tour.
• What’s not included: Optional experiences (may be $50 to $100 each), tips, and some meals.
• Primary audience: Adults who want a wide variety of travel options.
• Destinations: More than 50 countries on six continents.
• How to Book: Directly through Globus ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar , all which are tour specialist OTAs; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

7. Intrepid Travel

Founded in 1988 in Australia and now employee-owned, Intrepid Travel offers 1,100 escorted tours worldwide, with an average of 10 travelers per tour. The company focuses on small group active trips off the beaten track. Its tours often use public transportation and stay at locally owned accommodations.

Intrepid has an age-inclusive philosophy (“18 to 70”) and aims to provide tours for all interests and comfort levels. Tour styles include “ Basix ” for the budget travel crowd and “ Comfort ,” which tends to attract older travelers. The travel tour company also offers retreats and tours for women, solo travelers, and the 18-29 age group. Note that while Intrepid tours are active, its tours are “not a constant endurance test.” A general level of health and fitness is adequate for its trips.

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Examples of Intrepid tours include a winter journey to Iceland to view the Aurora Borealis, a hiking-cycling trip in Sri Lanka, snorkeling in Bali, kayaking in Alaska, and enjoying the Naadam Festival in Mongolia or Day of the Dead in Mexico. A “Comfort” trip to Jordan might include some moderate hiking to sites, floating in the Dead Sea, a stay in a desert camp, and snorkeling in the Red Sea. Intrepid also offers small ship adventure cruising to such places as the Galapagos Island, the Greek and Turkish Islands, Antarctica, and French Polynesia.  

Intrepid conducts safety assessments of all included and optional activities; experienced local leaders provide instruction and advice to travelers who are new to an activity or area. It also has an excellent record of corporate responsibility. Intrepid focuses on sustainable travel and has been carbon neutral since 2010.

Quick Facts about Guided Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average group size: 10 people.
• Price range: Moderately inexpensive but extra cost for premium upgrades.
• What’s included: On general tours, you get accommodations, breakfasts, and local experiences. On premium tours, you can expect additions like breakfast and some other meals, tips, and airport and luggage transfer.
• What’s not included: See above.
• Primary audience: Active adult travelers of all ages.
• Destinations: More than 100 countries on seven continents, including polar regions and more South Pacific destinations than most other senior tour companies.
• How to Book: Directly through Intrepid ; via Travelstride , Tourhub , or TourRadar all which are tour specialist OTAs (online travel agents) that offer hundreds of Intrepid trips; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

8. Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises specializes in European river touring, but it also offers small ship ocean cruises and expedition voyages. The company is more than 25 years old and is among the most awarded river cruise lines worldwide. Viking owns and operates its own ships; it also owns some dock locations.

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Viking does not try to be all things to all people. There are no casinos on its river boats, for example, nor are children under 18 allowed. Viking also has a “no nickel and diming and no umbrella drinks” policy. However, you can expect outside rooms, onboard enrichment lectures, destination performances, onshore excursions in every port, introductions to local life and people, and an experienced staff. (In fact, 90% of the company’s river cruise staff returns each year.) Optional pre- and post-tour land extensions are offered.

With a philosophy that travel “should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment,” Viking could be regarded as a waterborne version of Road Scholar or Smithsonian Journeys. The company owns a learning channel (Viking TV) and provides recommended readings and other materials before you depart.

Quick Facts about Cruises for Seniors with Viking

• Passenger limit on river boats: 190 people  (up to 930 on ocean ships)
• Price range: Moderately expensive but inclusive.
• What’s included: Onboard accommodations, meals, shore excursions, entertainment, tips; and transfers with air purchase through Viking. Some tours also include free international airfare.
• What’s not included: Transfers and porterage for those not using Viking for air reservations, some tips.
• Primary audience: Adults, but primarily older adults.
• Destinations: Mostly Europe for river tours, also cruises on the Nile, Mississippi, and Mekong Rivers; expedition cruises to Antarctica and the Great Lakes; ocean cruises to various destinations.
• How to Book: Directly through Viking ; via CruiseCritic ; or through a travel agent such as AAA .

More Senior Travel Tour Company Options for Older Travelers

If you can’t see yourself in any of the senior tour styles I’ve mentioned above—or maybe you just want even more options—I have a few more recommendations.

1) Those who loved travel experiences in their student days and prefer an inexpensive tour may want to look at EF Go Ahead Tours .

2) Those who are physically fit and want active travel like cycling tours and walking tours with a mixed age group have many good options, including Backroads and Country Walkers , which can be a good fit for senior cycling and walking enthusiasts.

College graduates should check to see if their alumni association sponsors any tours: AHI , Odysseys Unlimited , and other companies work with these associations to provide excellent tours at good prices.

Finally, seniors planning a multigenerational family vacation or skip-gen trip with the grandkids should consider a company like Adventures by Disney , which is a hit with all ages.

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6 Best Senior Travel Groups

Senior travel groups, designed exclusively for curious older globetrotters, offer an unparalleled opportunity to venture on unforgettable travels, forge new friendships, and unlock the magic of exploration.

• Road Scholar  – Road Scholar is a non-profit organization that offers educational travel adventures for seniors. They provide a wide range of trips, including cultural explorations, outdoor adventures, and learning experiences worldwide.
• ElderTreks – ElderTreks specializes in adventure travel exclusively for people over 50. They offer small group tours to exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations with a focus on cultural immersion and wildlife experiences.
• Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) – OAT is a travel company that caters to older travelers seeking immersive and active adventures. They offer small group tours to destinations globally.
• Saga Holidays – Saga is a British travel company that focuses on holidays for people over 50. They offer a variety of trips, including cruises, cultural tours, and beach vacations.
• Walking the World – Walking the World is a senior travel group that specializes in guided walking tours, offering enriching adventures for mature travelers seeking to explore the world’s natural wonders on foot.
• G Adventures – G Adventures is a globally recognized adventure travel company offering small group tours with a strong emphasis on sustainability and authentic experiences.

All these travel groups are tailored to cater to the diverse interests and desires of mature travelers.

What to Look for in a Senior Travel Group

When searching for a senior travel group, consider the following key factors to ensure an enjoyable and fulfilling travel experience.

Itinerary and Destinations

Look for a travel group that offers diverse and well-planned itineraries to destinations that align with your interests and preferences, whether it’s cultural exploration, nature-focused trips, or a mix of both.

Check the group size to ensure it is comfortable for you. Smaller groups often allow for more personalized experiences and flexibility during the trip.

Travel Pace and Physical Requirements

Assess the travel pace and physical demands of the trips offered to ensure they match your fitness level and mobility needs.

Tour Guides and Expertise

Review the credentials and experience of the tour guides leading the trips, as knowledgeable guides can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Accommodations

Check the quality and suitability of accommodations provided during the trip to ensure they meet your comfort standards.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Check the package details to understand what’s included (e.g., meals, activities, entrance fees) and what additional expenses you might need to budget for.

Group Dynamics and Social Activities

Consider the social aspect of the travel group, as meeting like-minded individuals can greatly enhance your journey, so look for groups that offer ample opportunities for group interactions and social activities.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Read reviews and testimonials from previous travelers to gauge their satisfaction and overall experience with the travel group.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a senior travel group that aligns with your interests, preferences, and requirements, making your journey a memorable and enjoyable one.

Best Senior Travel Groups

Whether you’re a culture enthusiast yearning to dive into the past, a nature lover seeking the embrace of untouched landscapes, or a curious soul eager to discover the world’s hidden gems, these groups promise interesting and purposeful travel experiences.

Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a non-profit educational travel organization catering to seniors and their families (grandchildren). They offer educative and immersive adventures in diverse destinations worldwide with programs in nearly 80 countries and 50 states, on land and by ship. Participants engage in small-group learning experiences, exploring cultures, history, nature, and more. Expert-led programs provide unique access to renowned sites, while fostering camaraderie among like-minded travelers.

Tailored for mature adults, Road Scholar journeys accommodate various activity levels and interests, allowing participants to discover new horizons, build lasting friendships, and embrace a lifelong love of learning through curated educational travel experiences.

Read WHAT IS SKIP-GEN TRAVEL AND WHY IS IT TRENDING?

ElderTreks is an adventure travel company dedicated to offering extraordinary and specialized trips for people over 50. As a pioneer in senior adventure travel, ElderTreks focuses on providing small group tours to off-the-beaten-path and exotic destinations worldwide.

Their itineraries are designed to offer unique cultural encounters, wildlife experiences, and active adventures tailored to the interests and physical abilities of older adults. With a strong emphasis on cultural immersion and sustainable travel, ElderTreks provides an enriching and safe environment for mature travelers to explore the world, form lasting connections, and create treasured memories.

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is a travel company specializing in small-group adventures for seasoned travelers seeking immersive and active experiences.

With a focus on exploring lesser-known destinations worldwide, OAT offers journeys designed to connect participants with local cultures, traditions, and people. Their itineraries often include off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique activities, allowing travelers to engage deeply with the places they visit.

OAT emphasizes sustainable and responsible travel, striving to benefit local communities and the environment. Their experienced trip leaders and small group settings foster camaraderie among travelers, creating a sense of community and a shared passion for discovery and cultural understanding.

Saga Holidays

Saga Holidays is a British travel company that specializes in providing vacations and tours exclusively for people aged 50 and over. With over 65 years of experience, Saga Holidays offers a wide range of holiday options, including escorted tours, ocean and river cruises, stays at handpicked hotels, and more.

Their itineraries cover various destinations, catering to different interests and preferences, from cultural explorations to leisurely beach vacations.

Saga Holidays aims to provide exceptional service and unforgettable experiences tailored to the needs and desires of mature travelers, ensuring they can explore the world with like-minded peers in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

Walking the World

Walking the World, a close-knit team of avid explorers traverses the globe in search of life-enriching adventures, and their delight lies in crafting remarkable walking journeys.

Their tailored experiences intertwine active travel, cultural immersion, and savoring delectable global cuisines. Throughout these expeditions, trekkers encounter untold beauty, foster newfound friendships, rekindle the primal joy and wonder within, and rejuvenate muscles eager for the challenge.

G Adventures

G Adventures is a renowned adventure travel company that offers small group tours to various destinations worldwide. With a commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, G Adventures focuses on providing authentic and immersive travel experiences.

Their tours cater to a wide range of interests and ages, including adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers. Led by knowledgeable and passionate local guides, G Adventures tours allow travelers to connect with local communities and support local economies.

Whether it’s trekking through remote landscapes, experiencing unique cultures, or engaging in meaningful wildlife encounters, G Adventures is dedicated to creating unforgettable and socially responsible travel experiences for all.

Read 10 SAFEST CITIES TO TRAVEL AS A WOMAN OVER 50 .

Also read 5 SURPRISING PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2023 FOR SOLO WOMEN OVER 60 .

Remember to research each travel group carefully, read reviews, and consider your specific travel preferences and needs before choosing the best one for you.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you used senior travel groups in the past? Will you be booking your next travel adventure with a travel group? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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9 Best Senior Travel Groups in 2023

Are you retired and looking for an epic travel adventure ?

If so, look no further.

We’ve got the best senior travel groups for you to join.

And we’ve done the research to compile a list of the nine best senior travel groups out there with highlights about each, so you can have the time of your life. 

Instead of going solo , look into these groups that offer amazing itineraries and plenty of opportunities for exploration. 

What are you waiting for? Start planning your next group vacation today.

#1 Adventures Abroad

Adventures Abroad offers small group tours specifically designed for senior travelers. Their tour options include destinations all over the world, from Europe and Asia to Africa and South America. 

Some of the features that make Adventures Abroad stand out are their experienced guides, comprehensive itineraries, and focus on cultural immersion. And if you’re not interested in their Active Tours, Adventures Abroad also offers customized tour packages for those who have specific interests or needs.

If you’re looking for an epic adventure abroad, this is definitely a senior travel group worth checking out.

#2 ElderTreks

ElderTreks tours are typically educational in nature, with an emphasis on history, culture, and natural wonders. And their tours are designed exclusively for travelers who are 50 and over.

If you’re looking for an educational and culturally enriching travel experience, ElderTreks is a great senior tour company to consider. Their small group sizes make it easy to meet new friends and bond with your fellow travelers, and their knowledgeable guides will ensure that you have a truly memorable experience. 

ElderTreks also offers a variety of trip lengths, from one-week vacations to longer expeditions, so you can find the perfect adventure for your schedule and interests.

#3 Firebird Tours

If you’re looking for a senior travel group that specializes in international tours, Firebird Tours is a great option. They offer a variety of tour options, including themes like local cuisine, opera, history, architecture, theater, and much more. 

Apart from organized senior travel tours, Firebird also can also create a custom tour just for you and your family or friends. What sets them apart is their expert guides who craft tours and journeys off the beaten path. 

No matter what type of tour you’re looking for, Firebird Tours is sure to have something that will suit your needs. 

#4 Overseas Adventure Travel

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) offers small group adventures specifically for senior travelers. With an average group size of just 13 and a focus on authentic cultural experiences, OAT is a great option for seniors looking to explore the world with like-minded individuals. 

This is another great option if you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little more off the beaten path, as OAT also offers a number of “expedition” style trips that take you to less-visited destinations, like Antarctica and Svalbard.

Best of all? You can personalize the activities you participate in on each trip, so you can choose to do as much or as little as you like.

#5 ROW Adventures

ROW Adventures is a senior travel group that offers both international and domestic trip options, mainly in Idaho, Montana, and Oregon.

They offer a variety of trip options for seniors, including river rafting, kayaking, and hiking. ROW Adventures is a great option for older adults who are looking for an active, outdoorsy vacation.

But one thing that makes ROW stand out is their focus on sustainable and eco-friendly travel. So, if you’re looking for an exciting way to see the world and enjoy the wilderness and the outdoors, while also making a difference, ROW Adventures should be at the top of your list of senior travel groups.

#6 Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a senior travel group unlike the others on our list. Why? They’re a non-profit organization that values learning above all else. 

Their trips are designed for lifelong learners in mind — those who want to learn about the world and explore new cultures. Road Scholar also offers a variety of trip lengths, so you can find one that fits your calendar and unique interests. 

Plus, their prices are very reasonable, making them a great option for budget-minded travelers .

#7 Senior Cycling

Do you enjoy feeling the wind in your hair as you zip down country roads? If so, then Senior Cycling may be the perfect travel group for you.

With Senior Cycling, you can explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the US while getting a great workout. The group offers three different tour difficulties – from easy to advanced. 

What’s more, senior cyclists love the fact that all of the equipment can be provided for them. That means no worrying about lugging a bike on an airplane. All you need to do is show up and have fun. 

If you’re an avid cyclist looking for an active adventure, consider Senior Cycling — it may be right up your alley.

#8 Vacations By Rail

For older adults looking to explore by train, Vacations By Rail is an ideal option. With senior discounts and group tour packages, this company makes it easy and affordable to see the travel by rail. 

Plus, with expert tips and itineraries, you can be sure you’re making the most of your trip. You can choose from a variety of tour types, such as cultural, scenic, historical, and more. And, if you’re a member of AARP , you’ll get a discount on your tour in the US and Canada.

What’s great about traveling by rail is that you can sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery. You’ll also have plenty of time to socialize with your fellow travelers while onboard your train ride. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little bit slower-paced, then this is the group for you.

#9 Walking the World

Walking the World is a senior travel group that, as the name suggests, specializes in walking tours. They offer tours to more than 30 destinations worldwide, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. 

Their experienced guides have been taking adventurers like you on unforgettable trips for more than 30 years now, so you can rest assured knowing you’re in good hands. 

What’s more, Walking the World is a senior-owned and operated company of fellow travelers that specializes in offering the best experience for older adults. They offer a variety of tours to suit all fitness levels, so regardless of your step count, everyone can join in on the fun.

Better in a Group

Traveling in a guided tour gives access to experienced guides who will show you the best sites and make sure your trip is unforgettable. 

What’s more, group travel is a great way to meet new friends and explore new destinations with people who share your interest in exploring the world. 

To recap the nine best senior travel groups:

• #1 Adventures Abroad — prepare for an epic adventure with a comprehensive itinerary
• #2 ElderTreks — the perfect opportunity to make friends and deepen knowledge about local cultures 
• #3 Firebird Tours — enjoy themed tours and forge connections with like-minded older adults
• #4 Overseas Adventure Travel — tour even the most remote places on earth
• #5 ROW Adventures — action-packed adventures for nature-lovers
• #6 Road Scholar — perfect for lifelong learners who always want to know more
• #7 Senior Cycling — best for active cyclists who enjoy exploring nature with their bike
• #8 Vacations By Rail — explore your desired destination by train and enjoy the leisurely trip
• #9 Walking the World — gentle and immersive trips for those who love walking 

Now that you know about some of the best senior travel groups out there, it’s time to start planning your next epic adventure . 

Whether you’re looking for a group that focuses on cultural experiences or one that loves to explore the great outdoors, there’s sure to be a group that’s perfect for you. 

Don’t wait any longer – get started on planning your dream trip.

What's Your Retirement Purpose?

Retirement Life Coach

As a certified retirement life coach since 2018, Cyn has helped thousands of older adults turn their retirement years into remarkable years full of growth, purpose, and passion. Through her signature program Rewire My Retirement, she helps people achieve their best life across the 5 Rings of Retirement, which covers topics Growth, Community, Health, Giving Back, and Finance.

Cyn combines specific life coaching tools, neuroscience, and her extensive background in marketing (spanning 17 years) to make a powerful impact with Second Wind Movement – an organization dedicated to providing educational resources and coaching for seniors.

With meticulous research, insight, and passion, Cyn’s mission is to usher in a new wave of positive experiences for generations of retirees.

As a certified retirement life coach since 2018, Cyn has helped thousands of older adults turn their retirement years into remarkable years full of growth, purpose, and passion (beyond the stereotypical financial planning side of retirement). 

She combines specific life coaching tools, neuroscience, and her extensive background in marketing (spanning 17 years) to make a powerful impact with Second Wind Movement – an organization dedicated to providing educational resources and coaching for seniors.

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FEATURED TRIPS

Hiking in the british isles.

This incredible 14 day journey has been designed to offer the history, heritage, landscapes and cultures of the British Isles. By spending a few days in four different countries, we will understand the distinct characteristics of each nation, while enjoying the outdoor-themed highlights along the way.   In Ireland, we have the opportunity to explore Dublin by foot visiting the Book of Kells, enjoying a pint of Guinness, as well as experiencing the impressive beauty of Powerscourt House & Glendalough. A ferry takes us to Wales where we will enjoy more fantastic hikes, medieval castles and learn about Welsh history and their language. In the English Lake District, enjoy a traditional cream tea, a local market, and a creamery where we watch their famous cheese being made. A steamship takes us to the starting point of one of our scenic hikes. The Scottish Highlands offers wildlife, tasty treats and a hike to the summit of Ben Vrackie, where the 360 degree views over Pitlochry and the countryside are simply stunning. We end our trip in Edinburgh with a walking tour and a bit of storytelling.   Click here  for more information!

The Caucasus'

Situated between Russia in the north and Iran and Turkey in the southwest, lies the region best known as the Caucasus. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia were all former Soviet Republics, each with their own rich and unique history, language and culture.

The Caucasus is famous for its hospitality, sumptuous foods, fine wines and stunning mountain scenery. Join us on this fascinating journey into a lesser-known region of the world.   Click here  for more information!

Explore the rugged beauty of this North Atlantic island nation. For most people, the name Iceland conjures up little more than snow and ice. But it is much more than ice - in its sagas, puffins, glaciers, fjords, active volcanoes, lava fields and hot springs, you'll find the perfect blend of nature, culture and history.  

We begin in the capital city of Reykjavik and continue south along the scenic coast, taking in lava fields, hot springs and bird cliffs enroute. See the remarkable Geysir, the geyser from which all geysers derive their name, and Hveravellir Hot Springs - an oasis of warmth amidst two interior glaciers. Experience the hospitality of Icelanders in the quaint coastal towns of Akureyri and Höfn, and enjoy an exciting whale watching trip from Husavik.   Click here  for more information!

Malta & Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily’s incredible natural wonders, mild climate and rich culture offers an unparalleled feast for the senses. The island beckons travelers with lush mountains, simmering volcanoes, picture perfect seaside villages, and crystal colored waters. Settled by diverse ancient civilizations for over 3,000 years, this history is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and treasured archaeological sites.  Malta is truly one of Southern Europe’s travel gems, boasting an impressive 7,000 years of history. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, the islands have three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Baroque city of Valletta, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, and several prehistoric Megalithic Temples.  Experience the untouched and rugged life on the islands of Malta, where time seems to stand still. The history, architecture, landscape, and people connect past and present, making Malta a rich cultural and historic destination for all who step foot on this magical Mediterranean nation.  Click here  for more information!

Kenya & Tanzania

The great parks of East Africa - the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater offer a unique and overwhelming wildlife safari experience that is simply unequaled. The Maasai Mara and Serengeti are arguably the most famous game parks in the world and home to the greatest wildlife migration on earth. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross crocodile-infested rivers and are hunted by lions, leopards, and cheetahs in a spectacle of survival to reach greener pastures. Our views of Ngorongoro Crater are unforgettable. The crater is home to over 20,000 large animals including some of Tanzania's last remaining black rhinos. Tarangire's open savannah with its primeval baobab trees is filled with roaming herds of elephants and an impressive array of predators.  Enjoy tribal encounters with the Maasai and the nomadic Bushman, which are truly unforgettable experiences. Our safari concludes in historic Stone Town, Zanzibar.  Click here  for more information!

Guaranteed Departures

Click  here  to view our    online Cat alogue  

Please note:, eldertreks will not be printing a 2023/2024 catalogue. we will only have an online version..

Senior Citizen Trips: Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 4,019 most popular senior travel trips. compare tour itineraries from 190 tour companies. 13,239 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating., popular senior travel tours.

Rome to Venice Italy Tour for Seniors

• Discover the splendors of Rome
• Immerse yourself in ancient Roman times
• Admire the Vatican treasures
• Enjoy the walled hilltop town of Orvieto
• Journey to the Renaissance & meet Michelangelo’s David

Greek Island Cruise

• Cruise aboard our exclusively chartered traditional Greek caique
• Sample traditional Greek food and dine at authentic waterside taverns
• Swim and snorkel in the warm, azure waters of the Aegean

Classic Antarctica - M/V Sylvia Earle

• A classic expedition voyage - exploring the Antarctic Peninsula
• Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins
• Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
• Travel on a small, friendly expedition ship - capped at just over 100 passengers
• Enjoy on-board lectures and presentations - from expert naturalists and guides

Best of Alaska

• Head out on an Alaskan safari for a unique chance to see moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves in their natural habitat in Denali National Park.
• Take a boat cruise on Resurrection Bay to Kenai Fjords and look out for orca whales, porpoises and puffins before enjoying some free time to hike or relax.
• Discover Seward, one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities, then take a short hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Sit back and take in stunning views along the dramatic coastlines of the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Homer, then from Seward to Denali National Park, while someone else does the driving.
• On the way to charming Talkeetna, take a breath in Girdwood, where you’ll hop on the Alyeska Aerial Tram to the top of Mt Alyeska and see some incredible views of seven glaciers and the valley below.

Tour of Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

• Explore the vibrant Bangkok and historic Ayutthaya
• Visit the time-honored Angkor temples in Siem Reap
• Tour Vietnam's top destinations from south to north

Costa Rica's Coastal Secrets

• Spend three nights in Drake Bay, the remote gateway to some of the premier wildlife destinations in Costa Rica
• Explore Corcovado National Park, one of the biologically rich areas on the planet
• Discover the wildlife and waterways of Tortuguero, an important nesting site for green turtles
• Enjoy unrivalled wildlife viewing, including monkeys, sloths, dolphins and whales (in season)
• Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines

Paris to Bordeaux, a private wine tour in France

• A culinary and gourmet trip to Paris, the Loire-Valley and Bordeaux
• Expert local guides in all three regions
• Several wine tastings of the some of the best French wines

Great Migration Safari - Mid - Dec - Feb - Luxury - 9 Days

• If you are looking to travel from Mid-December to February this is a perfect Safari for you as we anticipate migration to be in Northern Serengeti crossing Mara River.

All Senior Travel , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Senior Travel

Small Group Senior Travel Tours

Pharaohs and Pyramids Tour Package

• Enjoy the best Egypt excursions. Tombs looming from a sandy expanse, monumental statues carved from desert rock, and sites open for you alone - experience these fascinating wonders and more during our comprehensive Egypt luxury tours.
• Take a seven-night cruise aboard YET's lauded Egypt Nile Cruises visiting off-the-beaten-path Abydos and Denderah, and experience a rare exploration of Nefertari's final resting place. Check out our amazing Egypt tours and book now the best Egypt tour packages.

Peru Children of the Andes

• Discover remnants of a well-preserved historic civilization
• Experience a thriving modern culture and Relish in the beauty of local hand-woven textiles
• Breath-taking mountain peaks, and artifacts from one the most powerful empires in human history.
• Meet local artisans, musicians, and grassroots leaders who’ll share their contributions to Andean society
• Enjoy the magical ancient city of Machu Picchu, as well as other archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley

South Africa – Wildlife Conservation Experience

• Going behind the scenes of the conservation efforts to protect endangered species
• Visiting an elephant sanctuary to learn about South Africa's gentle giants
• Tracking the “Big 5” throughout Kruger National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Learning firsthand about wildlife conservation from experts at the country’s largest reserve
• Reading and playing with disadvantaged children who want to learn English

Tanzania: Safari & Service

• Volunteering with local children at a village primary school
• Meeting local families and learning about Tanzanian society firsthand
• Seeing zebras, elephants, lions, rhinos and more on an African safari
• Hiking to a waterfall on the side of Mount Kilimanjaro
• Seeing firsthand the nomadic lifestyle of the Masai

Best Senior Travel Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Senior Travel Tours by Price

Top Senior Travel Attractions & Experiences

Top Senior Travel Experiences

Diverse experiences on senior citizen trips.

• Walking alongside exotic birds and giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands
• Marveling at the sheer force and power of Victoria Falls in Africa
• Birding in Costa Rica and capturing the perfect photo of bright feathers against the lush green rainforest
• Sipping wine on the balcony of your river cruise stateroom sailing through Europe
• Checking the seventh continent off your list on an expedition-style cruise to Antarctica  
• Visiting Machu Picchu with a stay at the luxury lodge just outside the Sun Gate
• Watching the sunset from the veranda of your luxury suite in Tanzania  
• Embarking on a scenic drive along California's Pacific Coast Highway
• Exploring the serene gardens and historic tea houses of Japan
• Taking a leisurely stroll through the picturesque vineyards of Napa Valley
• Enjoying a captivating performance at the Sydney Opera House in Australia
• Participating in a guided walking tour of the charming neighborhoods of Barcelona, Spain
• Cruising along the stunning Amalfi Coastline aboard a luxury yacht
• Discovering the ancient wonders of Petra on a guided tour
• Exploring the colorful markets and bustling streets of Marrakech
• Indulging in a relaxing hot springs bath in the Icelandic countryside
• Taking a scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps, admiring breathtaking mountain views

Senior Travel Tours & Travel Guide

Senior Travel Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Traveling in your golden years can be very rewarding. Unique and active educational and cultural experiences are waiting to be discovered at your own pace. Destinations that may have once seemed too remote or exotic are now accessible via multiple options.

A wide variety of tours are available to older travelers — from relaxing river cruises through the heart of Europe to coach tours around Australia and more active pursuits like going on an African safari .

Senior Vacation Packages are Tailored for Older Travelers 

With more time and resources, senior travelers can fully indulge their passions and curiosities by enjoying memorable travel experiences. Responding to the growing demand from older adventurers , tour operators, including small ship and river cruise lines, are tailoring their offerings to cater to senior needs and interests. 

Today, tour companies are evolving rapidly to provide sophisticated and enriching experiences, offering amenities such as accessible accommodations, leisurely-paced itineraries, knowledgeable guides, and on-board medical assistance. 

They ensure that senior citizen group tours are no longer synonymous with crowded buses but rather personalized journeys for discerning seniors.

Senior Citizen Tours Offer Authentic Experiences

Tours for senior citizens offer authentic experiences that create lasting memories, sparing travelers the hassle of planning every detail themselves. With a focus on providing expert guidance, these travel providers offer a diverse range of adventures. 

Whether it’s an adventure like an African safari or a visit to Machu Picchu or a small ship expedition to the Galapagos , trips catering to seniors usually feature less physically demanding itineraries and accessible accommodations, with a greater emphasis on authentic cultural and culinary experiences. 

Europe , mainly the UK and Central Europe, is a popular destination for seniors, offering a mix of ancient history, food, views, and architecture. River cruises provide a luxurious yet active way to explore Europe's iconic cities. At the same time, walking tours in places like Vienna appeal to those interested in classical music. 

In North America , US and Canadian national parks and Mexican and Central American archaeological and natural treasures beckon. In the northeastern US, seniors can enjoy the spectacular fall colors and explore museums dedicated to the revolutionary history of the region. 

Birding tours are also gaining popularity among seniors, offering opportunities to spot elusive species in destinations like British Columbia, Costa Rica, the Amazon, and Britain, guided by professional photographers and fellow enthusiasts.

Best Senior Travel Destinations

US National Parks present an excellent opportunity for multi-generational travel. They are easy to visit on a budget while still being comfortable.

Alaska is ideal for small-ship cruising. This is a great way to visit an adventurous, rugged land while enjoying a certain level of comfort. The wildlife viewing in Alaska is unmatched. Photographers and whale-watching enthusiasts will love this destination.

See Alaska small ship cruises »

The Caribbean is another popular cruise destination for senior travelers. The warm weather is a great appeal, and many different cruise lines offer trips in the Caribbean, so there's a lot of choice.

European River Cruises are great for seniors who want an easy way to see many countries in one trip. River cruises can dock at smaller ports, giving travelers a glimpse of more hidden gems of Europe.

The United Kingdom attracts many senior travelers for its history and charm. Senior travelers enjoy everything from English country gardens to the rugged landscapes of Ireland on guided tours through the UK .

Southeast Asia beckons budget travelers interested in a trip where relaxing beaches and ancient temples can be enjoyed on the same day. 

Kenya is perfect for senior travelers after a luxury safari. It is often called the "oldest" safari destination, and this region's safari operators take that to heart. 

South Africa is another fantastic place for safari goers after something more budget-friendly. South Africa is also great for history buffs.

Senior Travel Reviews & Ratings

Although the trip is not luxury by any means, it is most enjoyable, peaceful and relaxing. If you don't mind simple accomodations and like camping you will enjoy th...

Wonderful food cooked by Georgio. Thanos was very pass...

Trusted Customer

This was an amazing trip. Our guide Thanos was very knowledgable and took us to some lovely tavernas in the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and highly recomm...

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The best tour companies for seniors

We talked to them about popular destinations in 2024 and their tips for seeing the world..

“When you’re traveling, opportunities are offered to step out of your comfort zone. You might think you’re too old. But you’re not!” says Matt Berna, a president at Intrepid Travel, a world leader in global travel. “We discovered that the things that seemed initially the scariest turned out to be the most thrilling, the most exciting, the most enlivening. So go for it.”

We heard a slew of variations on the Nike JDI slogan when we spoke with travel industry experts about senior travel: Just do it!

In some ways, traveling can become easier with age. Seniors, often retired or semi-retired, have more flexibility. They can travel off-season when prices are lower and popular destinations are less busy. They can travel longer, as there’s no need to cram it into a one- or two-week vacation. And often, they have more money to spend on travel.

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So, what are you waiting for? Here are three top companies, specializing in small-group travel. We talked to them about popular destinations in 2024, and their tips for traveling seniors.

This longstanding company offers some 1,150 tours, focusing on local culture, and led by local experts. Globally, 51 percent of their bookings in September 2023 were from the over-50 crowd, and they see their senior bookings trending up. The average group size is 10.

“Smaller groups provide the ideal balance of being able to travel independently, while also having ready-made travel companions to share the experience with,” says Berna. “We’ve found that it’s not only about the sights you see but the people you meet along the way, the friendships you make.”

The company is also seeing a rise in solo travel. “We’ve seen a shift within the travel industry where solo vacations are experiencing unprecedented growth, and it’s the senior set leading the charge,” says Berna. “Many seniors are not waiting around for friends and family and are choosing to go on their own.”

In North America, 75 percent of Intrepid solo travelers are women, and 64 percent are over age 50.

You can feel good about booking an Intrepid trip, too. Globally recognized for its commitment to ethical and sustainable travel, they became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B-Corp certification in 2018, given to businesses that meet certain social and environmental standards. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation , has raised more than $13 million for more than 135 partners.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Africa, Australia, and Asia. US seniors traveling solo are heading to Southeast Asia, Central America, Turkey, India, and Nepal.

Here’s a tip: Consider more frequent, closer-to-home trips. “You might want to budget for several cheaper long weekend excursions versus one longer expensive vacation,” says Berna. Also check out their Best Tours for Seniors and 7 of the Best Destinations for Solo Travellers Over 50 .

Overseas Adventure Travel

This company is part of the Grand Circle Corporation, established in 1958 to exclusively serve members of the American Association of Retired Persons. They’ve been dedicated to senior and solo travelers, specializing in small group trips, with no more than 16 people on land trips and 25 on their small boat cruises. Active Americans ages 50 and over are their primary market, but all its tours have an activity rating that ranks tours from one (easy) to five (strenuous) to help travelers find the right fit.

More than 65 “soft adventure” trips are offered on all continents, conducted by local English-speaking experts, and designed to showcase local culture and make connections with local people. For example, you might share a meal on a hosted visit with a local family or visit a local school.

OAT is a leader in solo travel; more than half of their customers are solo travelers, and they offer some of the best rates in the industry, with free or low-cost single supplements. In fact, 92 percent of their single spaces are available without an additional single supplement cost, and the remaining eight percent have some of the lowest single supplement costs in the industry.

Popular destinations for seniors in 2024: Egypt and the Nile, Sicily, Japan, Morocco, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean fjords, and the Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe safari.

Here’s a tip: Learn a bit of the local language. “Making friends (and just getting around) will be much easier,” says Harriet Lewis, chair. “Even if you mangle every word, it’s a great icebreaker and most people will genuinely appreciate your effort.” Also, check out their 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers , which are applicable to all traveling seniors.

Road Scholar

Love to learn? Road Scholar, a nonprofit organization, is arguably the world leader in educational travel for seniors. Founded as Elderhostel in 1975, the organization offers learning adventures, hosted by expert faculty, in nearly 100 countries abroad and throughout the United States. In 2024, the organization will offer 683 program itineraries.

Group size is small, an average of 21 people, encouraging social connections. “Every day, we hear how much our participants enjoy taking part in lively discussions and getting to know their fellow travelers,” says Matt Faucher, senior director of participant experience. “Countless Road Scholar participants have walked away with new lifelong friends, many of whom also become travel companions on future trips.”

Road Scholar offers programs for all levels of mobility. You can filter the thousands of programs they offer by activity level to find the right fit for you.

Between 25 to 30 percent of Road Scholar travelers are solo travelers, and 85 percent of those solos are women. “Solo travel is on the rise among seniors,” says Faucher. “Road Scholar offers ample opportunities for traveling solo, but with a group, which can be particularly valuable for seniors.” Faucher says, more than half of their solo travelers are married but travel without their spouse.

Most popular destinations for 2024: In North America, Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Georgia, lead the list. Popular international destinations include Italy, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, and Egypt.

Here’s a tip: “Be honest with yourself about your physical abilities and familiarize yourself with the physical demands of the destination you’re visiting,” says Faucher. “We remind our participants at various points before and after enrolling to familiarize themselves with the physical demands of their programs so that they can be sure it’s a good fit for them and they can prepare accordingly. It’s no fun for you or the group if you’re on a program that feels too difficult or not challenging enough.”

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]

Small Group Tours? The Definitive Guide

The trend is to small group tours , we have offered this style of package tour since 1983. For mature and senior travellers who are active and like to explore and learn when travelling. There is a great range of guaranteed tours offered to couples and single travellers.

18 Jun 19 · 10 mins read

Why Join A Small Group Tour?

Odyssey Traveller specialises in crafting unforgettable experiences for senior or mature-aged travellers, couples and singles providing adventure and educational programs to small groups since 1983. A “small group” for Odyssey is typically up to 12 travellers, after the pandemic and the introduction of our peace of mind travel program, but we’ve experienced running a tour with as few as four people. This is a comfortable alternative to big-bus tours for a large tour group offered by many a tour company.

When you are asked about tourism nightmares, the big-bus tours usually come to mind: 40 to 50 people descending upon a place and by their very presence wiping out the adjectives that the tourism brochures may have used to describe it: “charming”, “cozy”, “idyllic”.

In search for more “authentic” experiences, where one can feel more like a person travelling with friends than a sheep in a herd, more and more people are gravitating towards smaller groups-and the smaller, the better.

In this article, we will look at the advantages of joining a small group tour, with discussions regarding travelling, “authenticity” in tourism, and Odyssey Traveller’s own experiences of when you join a tour, and for us, running organised tours with tour leader (group leader) and tour guide when required what the experience should be like.

Why even travel?

In order to answer the question “Why join a small group tour?”, we need to take a step back and consider, “Why travel at all?” In 2018, Forbes Magazine shared “a significant amount of scientific research” showing evidence that travel is good not only for your physical health, but for your mental and emotional health as well.

Travelling with an open, receptive mind somewhere new, especially a foreign country with a culture different from yours, broadens your perspective and helps you re-evaluate your values, and perhaps even make you rethink your own biases regarding the place visited.

Professor Adam Galinsky of Columbia Business School has been studying the link between international travel and creativity for years, and shares that travel increases “cognitive flexibility” or “the mind’s ability to jump between different ideas” which is key for creativity. However, Galinsky stresses that this will only happen if there is genuine engagement with the local culture.

Here at Odyssey Traveller, we see travel as a form of education. The focus is on history and culture, allowing participants to more fully appreciate a destination in the context of the past events that have shaped it.

Education is not a short-term effect–you can reap the benefits long after a trip has concluded, making you a happier person who is more compassionate and more engaged with the world.

On the flip side, travel has a lot of moving parts and anything can go wrong, turning what should have been a calming experience into a horror show. This brings us to the first reason for going on a small group tour.

1. Hassle-Free Travel

Wouldn’t it be great to simply have someone take care of every logistical concern on your trip, while you sit back and relax? There are people who still prefer DIY (do it yourself) tours over packaged tours, but for some, just thinking about putting together a travel itinerary and coordinating flights and meals and hotels is already overwhelming–not a good start for planning a holiday! This is why people go to tour companies, so they can reserve their energy and brain space for the actual travel, instead of putting out fires.

Here at Odyssey Traveller, we take care of (almost) everything. We say “almost” because there are certain aspects of travel that we leave up to you: items of a personal nature (such as telephone calls, laundry, some meals), as well as the cost of international air fare, travel insurance, and visas. But we can definitely help you every step of the way, giving you advice and making arrangements to satisfy your requirements.

For example, on our popular Spain and Portugal tour , we take care of the following:

• 23 nights of hotel accommodation
• 23 breakfasts and 12 dinners
• Applicable entry fees and services of local guides
• Touring by comfortable and modern coach
• Field trips as indicated
• Gratuities and necessary tips
• Services of an Odyssey program leader
• Detailed tour information booklet

It is always helpful to look at the Inclusions/Exclusions tab on our tours to assist you in planning your trip.

One of our participants who joined Odyssey Traveller’s May 2019 Spain and Portugal tour had kind things to say regarding this hassle-free arrangement:

Well organised, great hotels, lovely food, local knowledgeable guides showed us around their towns. With entry included to the majority of sites. A comfortable small coach so the fourteen of us had plenty of room but we weren’t in a massive coach. It wasn’t really like the other tours following someone with a flag. We were more like a group of friends out exploring. (Spain & Portugal participant, May 2019 — Read more Odyssey Traveller tour reviews here .)

The need for hassle-free travel goes beyond making travel arrangements. A big concern is security. As Tiffany Misrahi (2014) of the World Economic Forum says, “Security is one of the primary criteria for the selection of a holiday destination. Most people want to feel that they are in a safe and stable environment.”

Our links to local guides and suppliers give us regular updates on what’s happening on the ground. This is particularly valuable in certain tours–such as our tour to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, the Silk Road tour , and Iran Culture & History– which we’ve been running for many years without incident but which may understandably worry certain travellers due to geopolitical concerns.

The safety of our travellers, local guides, and Odyssey Program Leader is our paramount concern. We receive advice from our local supplier, and prudent conservative action is taken at all times to ensure the safety of any of our groups. Odyssey Traveller is based in Australia, and we also monitor travel advisories released by the Australian government. The last time we had to cancel a tour was immediately after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, on Government advice.

Our Program Leaders are also trained in First Aid, and travel with a first aid kit.

Travelling with a small group also gives you admission to certain places and activities that may be inaccessible to large groups or to members of the public who are not escorted by a guide.

For example, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, originally built as a secret missile testing site for the Soviet space program, is definitely no longer a secretive place but can only be visited by special guided tour. Following NASA’s retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, the Baikonur Cosmodrome remains the only operational launch complex left for flights used to re-man and re-supply the International Space Station. It is not a destination you can simply walk into. Odyssey’s tour to the Baikonur Cosmodrome gives travellers a chance to visit the launch site and watch a rocket launch into space.

A large tour group will also not be able to gain access to a dig site with palaeontologists, but with Odyssey Traveller, a small group can do just that. The Mongolia Dinosaur Dig tour is arranged with the Institute of Palaeontology and Geology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences. On this tour, a maximum of twelve participants have the opportunity to spend several days accompanying palaeontologists, recovering specimens of various dinosaur and mammal species side by side with them in the fossil-rich Tugrigiin Shiree. The Tugrigiin Shiree is best known for the impressive “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil, unearthed in 1971, showing a protoceratops and a velociraptor locked in combat. Following each day’s adventurous prospecting, the group expert field-chef will serve a hearty meal. We offer the same kind of tour in Argentina .

In addition to access to the place, Odyssey tours also give access to knowledge, with our local guides and interpreters who make sure language will not be a barrier on your learning journey.

3. Flexibility

Travelling with a small group also ensures that you travel with flexibility and are given adequate attention. A large tour group will have to stick to a more rigid schedule in order to move efficiently from one spot to the next, and the larger the group, the greater the risk of being overlooked or left behind.

At Odyssey, since you’ll be travelling with at most typically 12 people, your Program Leader can be more flexible on the tour, allowing you to admire a painting a little bit longer in a museum, or make that all-important rest stop without being hurried by a timed itinerary. The Program Leader will know all of the participants by name, as well as their individual concerns from health conditions to dietary restrictions.

Sometimes, changing the itinerary may be required for the group’s safety. The Program Leader is in constant touch with our local guides and suppliers and monitors all aspects–for example, a sudden change in the weather–that could impact planned activities. If required, the tour is amended on the spot, and the group is briefed on the options and reasons for any changes.

Itineraries are also designed with free time, to allow you to explore a place on your own or to simply recharge in your hotel room.

4. Respect for the Locals

The tourism industry has acknowledged the modern travellers’ growing need to seek out the “authentic”. But “authenticity” is such a complex concept. In relation to culture and history, what does it even mean? Olivia Ruggles-Brise, WTTC ’s Director of Policy & Research, discusses this “challenge of definition”:

For some people authenticity is inclusive — it brings travellers closer to the people and places they are visiting. For others it’s divisive — predicated on a perception of the ‘other’ and highlighting only the differences between visitor and visited. And it also depends on who is doing the defining. Safari operators have been selling ‘authentic’ Africa for decades, but for how many Africans are the Big 5 the realities of day-to-day life? ( Source )

David Sze (2015) also points out that “[e]ach country, state, and city, down to the smallest village, is constantly changing with unceasing interaction with regional and global influences.” This is not just modern-day globalisation; this interaction dates back to ancient times, to the days of the Silk Road.

With this in mind, Adam Dennett and Hanqun Song (2016) argue that instead of searching for “authenticity”, we can think about “ co-creation “, which has respect at its core. “Under this strategy, value is created as tourists help to construct their own experience by engaging with each other, the tourism provider and also local people.”

Ruggles-Brise calls this “ a moment of shared experience “. This is easier to achieve with a small group, as there is less invasion of the locals’ shared spaces, and a greater chance of having meaningful conversations.

One participant who joined us in Iran for a 2019 tour has this to say:

Of our many travels, our trip to Iran was among the most memorable. The people, the country, the scenery were all wonderful, we felt very safe at all times. The people welcomed us to their country and wanted to engage in discussion every day. They were very friendly. Our guide and driver were excellent, so much history to absorb. Well worth the experience.

As we’ve written before in our article on overtourism , our small-group approach minimises our impact on the environment and local infrastructure, allowing us to use public transportation and/or small vehicles, or go on long hiking and walking trips without subjecting locals to visual pollution. We seek out local craftspeople and smaller shops to ensure that the money we spend truly goes to the community we are visiting.

Our local guides help us understand the customs and etiquette of the place visited, and ensure that we enter and leave as thoughtful guests. We also regularly publish articles to give prospective and loyal Odyssey clients backgrounders about the places we visit.

5. A Chance to Meet People

Of course, joining a group tour, no matter the size, is a chance for you to meet new people. The advantage of joining a small group is that the conversations can be longer and the connections deeper. Just imagine the kind of connection you can make during a welcome dinner for a group of 30–versus a group of 10 people sitting around a small table and sharing a meal.

Odyssey Traveller also specialises in organising tours for people over 50 years of age. As Anthony Peregrine charmingly puts it in his article for The Telegraph, older travellers are more interesting, because “[t]hey have more to recount and less to prove.”

When Things Go Wrong

Here at Odyssey Traveller, we do our best to provide the best tours to our participants. However, things can and do go wrong despite the kindest of intentions and efforts, leading to a less than stellar experience for our participants.

Among the problems we’ve encountered in the past include hotels or local suppliers that fail to deliver services as advertised, an Odyssey Program Leader unable to join a tour at short notice, the aforementioned cancellation of a tour due to the tsunami in Japan, and a participant neglecting to tell us health issues that negatively impacted the group and her enjoyment of the program. (Rest assured that these problems are anomalies and not the norm, occurring in less than 1 percent of the 100+ tours we’ve run since 1983.)

We are human and so are the people we work with in delivering each tour, but we pride ourselves on our transparency and accountability. You can contact us and ask to hear about our customer service concerns and the action we took to refine our tours and prevent errors from happening again.

This in turn will give you a sense of the service we provide, our service recovery efforts, and the pitfalls we all need to avoid as travellers and customers. (For example: unsure if your level of fitness will enable you to enjoy the program? Contact us first so we can have a chat prior to booking.)

After each tour, we ask participants to respond to a survey. Reading and taking note of the responses in the questionnaire is part of a program of continuous improvement. Participants’ feedback collectively provide guidance as to which areas we need to improve, both in the office and in the field on the tour itself.

Travel with Odyssey Traveller

Are you ready to join your first small group tour? All of our Guaranteed departures are listed here . Odyssey Traveller will in good faith guarantee a tour to proceed when it reaches the minimum number of participants required to operate the tour. See our Terms and Conditions , and visit our FAQ page if you have any questions. We also have several articles you can read to prepare:

• Practising Responsible Travel
• EU Introduces New Authorisation System for Visa-Free Travellers
• Trans-Siberian Railway Travel Advice
• Problem of “Overtourism”
• Women’s Walking Shoes
• Selecting Shoes and Socks

Odyssey Traveller has a Loyalty Program for regular travellers. Membership of the alumni starts when you choose to take your first international small group tour with us. To see the discounts and benefits of being a Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond alumni member, please see this page .

We are also pleased to announce that since 2012, Odyssey has been awarding $10,000 Equity & Merit Cash Scholarships each year. We award scholarships on the basis of academic performance and demonstrated financial need. We award at least one scholarship per year. We’re supported through our educational travel programs, and your participation helps us award this scholarship.

For more information on Odyssey Traveller and our educational small group tours, visit and explore our website. Alternatively, please call or send an email. We’d love to hear from you!

Some small group package tours to consider

Small Group Guided Tours of Spain and Portugal

Visiting Portugal, Spain

Our program explores the lands of Spain and Portugal , two countries bound by many centuries of history reflected in their modern cultures. Divided by history and language, contiguous neighbours Spain and Portugal were once host to gigantic empires that still bear their languages and lifestyles. A small group tour for couple and solo travellers.

From A$14,750 AUD

Ancient Turkey escorted small group history tour

Visiting Turkey

As a travel company we seek to keep guests off the beaten path. Trips that are remembered for authentic experiences. Our small group journeys in Turkey are fully escorted by an experienced local guide and an Odyssey guide to give this type of experience whether at one of the many UNESCO World heritage sites explored or local bazaars. It is always about the adventure and memories that we will create.

From A$14,995 AUD

Iran Culture and History Escorted Small Group Tour for seniors

Visiting Iran

Unlike its neighbours to the west and northwest, Iran had not adopted Christianity and it was the explosive spread of Islam and its ready adoption, without the Arabic language or customs, which helped unite the culture and greatly enrich Persian heritage. This small group tour program includes the great cities of Iran, historic sites, mosques, gardens, bazaars and teahouses for couples and solo travellers.

From A$10,750 AUD

Argentina Dinosaur dig including Titanosaur small group tours

Visiting Argentina

Small group tour for senior and mature couples and solo travellers to explore the Titanosaurs the largest Dinosaurs to walk the planet. Their skeletons have recently been discovered in Argentina. This program spends 20 days travelling to visit and experience the dig sites where much of Argentina’s paleontological history has been found, Patagonia. With local paleontologists and guides providing an insight into this remote part of the country you get a unique opportunity to learn first hand about the research on the Argentinian Dinosaur collection.

From A$16,750 AUD

China Dinosaurs small group escorted palaeontology tours

Visiting China

During our small group Dinosaur Odyssey study program for couples and solo travellers , we will visit two of the most exciting dinosaur sites in China - Zigong Dinosaur Museum. Your program leader will take us to behind-the-scenes places, field studies in the Sichuan Province and Dinosaur Valley, and in the Yunnan Province. Go behind-the-scenes places, field studies at the dig sites, with first-hand experience at palaeontological dinosaur digs.

From A$9,750 AUD

Mongolia Dinosaur Dig Tour | Small group tour in the Gobi Desert

Visiting Mongolia

The first dinosaur nest of eggs was discovered in Mongolia during 1928.Following an introduction to Mongolian history, culture and desert landscapes, participants will Experience eight days on a paleontological dig. Small group tour for couples and solo mature travellers interested in Mongolia and Dinosaurs.

From A$14,250 AUD

Articles for small group package tours

Advice for Mature-Aged Solo Travellers

Advice for solo travellers seeking advice on holidays for solo travellers over 50. Odyssey has been offering small group tours for mature and senior travellers all around the world since 1983.

Affordable small group tours with Odyssey Alumni

Affordable small group tours with Odyssey Alumni For Odyssey Travellers who regularly travel with us over a number of years, the organisation offers a three level Alumni loyalty program. This […]

Avoiding the crowds and queues on holiday

Avoiding the crowds and queues on holiday For Odyssey Travellers we frequently look at the logistics of avoiding the crowds and queues on holiday. Fortunately, offering a diversity of small […]

Being Travel fit: The Definitive Guide

Being travel fit, in mind and body. In this article, we will discuss ways in which to treat your mind and body, ensuring you remain travel fit and enjoy your time as a mature-aged or…

Benefits of a small group tour for the mature and senior traveller

Article details the benefits of a small group tour for mature and senior travellers , whether travelling as a couple or solo, in your 60's or beyond in your 80's . Advice on choosing a responsible touring company and things to consider post pandemic.

Graceful Ageing: Tips to Counter Age-Related Muscle Loss

Graceful Ageing: Tips to Counter Age-Related Muscle Loss We experience a lot of physical and mental changes as we grow older, but one of the most insidious of these changes is a common condition called…

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Vacations for singles over 50s & 60s

• Tours for seniors
• Holidays for singles over 50s & 60s

Traveling single? Small group travel could be just the ticket 

Is a Japanese onsen calling you? Or maybe a flavor-packed taco in the streets of Mexico City has your name on it? Whether you’re traveling solo, single or simply can’t be labeled, our small group tours are the perfect way to explore a destination and meet like-minded people. While our tours aren’t exclusively for single travelers in their 50s or 60s , you'll be part of a small group of intergenerational, adventure-hungry individuals who are just as keen to explore as you are. From swapping anecdotes over Aperols on the Amalfi Coast to late-night chats under the desert skies of Wadi Rum, it’s often those moments of connection – big and small – that are most memorable. 

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Experience the best of Jordan on this 8-day adventure. From Amman, 4WD through Wadi Rum...

Okavango Experience

10 days from 1647.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls on a ten...

Best of Italy

14 days from 4125.

Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...

Premium Uzbekistan

10 days from 2408.

Explore the mysteries of Uzbekistan on an in-depth Premium adventure, where remnants of...

Cambodian Traveller

9 days from 1008.

Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...

North Morocco Adventure

8 days from 829.

This tour of North Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech will capture your heart....

Premium Egypt

9 days from 3498.

From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak and the bustling Khan al-Khalili...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 3249.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Inca Trail Express from Lima

8 days from 1535.

Travel to Peru and retrace the steps of the Inca. Follow traditions from Lima to Cusco,...

Classic Hikes of Patagonia

15 days from 7565.

Embark on all the classic hikes of Patagonia – including the Torres del Paine base hike...

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

14 days from 9990.

Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...

Explore Egypt & Jordan

19 days from 4420.

This 19-day tour explores the best of Egypt and Jordan in Comfort, from Cairo to...

Canadian Rockies

15 days from 2759.

Discover the Canadian Rockies on this 15-day adventure tour with Intrepid that hits...

Thailand & Laos Adventure

13 days from 1940.

Travel from Bangkok to Vientiane on a tour through Thailand and Laos. Visit Thailand's...

Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

13 days from 4811.

Discover Japanese culture on this 13-day tour. Travel with a local from Tokyo to Kyoto...

Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

8 days from 1834.

Explore Croatia's beautiful Adriatic coast on this aquatic adventure from Dubrovnik to...

Cycle Vietnam

15 days from 2403.

Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...

Morocco Encompassed

17 days from 1615.

Explore Morocco on this in-depth tour with Intrepid. Spend 17 days exploring Marrakech,...

Uluru & Kings Canyon Express

4 days from 1125.

Premium Jordan

8 days from 2682.

Jordan is a paradise for the curious, so discover Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra and Jerash on...

Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure

12 days from 2529.

Travel from the heights of the Andes to the exotic Amazon rainforest on this best of...

South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers

12 days from 2214.

Enjoy this Teenage Family Adventure, while hiking, canoeing, snorkeling, rafting,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Perks of traveling single with Intrepid

Single and keen to mingle?

Our trips can be great for singles over 50 and 60 as we take care of safety, logistics and transport so you can focus your time on the joy of travel. We don’t offer the classic ‘singles-only’ tours, but we do provide the perfect base for people looking to get to know others, usually a varied mix of ages, nationalities, cultures and more. Since our tours are so diverse, this could mean you’re on a trip with couples in their 40s, singles in their 20s, family groups or people traveling on their own in their fifties and beyond. Our tours aren’t specifically designed for making perfect matches, but hey, if it happens, it  happens .

Small numbers, big sites

The best part of traveling in a small group is the friends you can make in the most unlikely of places – we’re talking while hiking the Inca Trail or cooking dhal in  Sri Lanka . It also means a bunch of new faces to share the world’s most epic experiences with and a few people around to watch your back (especially when walking through a traffic crossing in Vietnam ). No matter who you’re sharing your tour with, you’ll be docking at unbelievable sites, meeting local people and getting a one-of-a-kind journey - single or not, we think that's pretty epic.

Safety and logistics

Traveling solo at any age can feel like a big deal, especially when venturing to far-off places. That’s why small group tours are the perfect fit, no matter if you’re traveling alone at 25 or 65. We’ll do the planning, manage the itinerary, handle the transport and keep safety in mind - all so you can immerse yourself to the max. Not to mention, your guide will be able to support you with potential language barriers, give recommendations, show you the best spots for photos and so much more. Don’t just take our word for it, find out for yourself.

Local knowledge and unique perspectives

Maybe you’ve already seen the big sites and now looking for a different experience or new perspective. That’s where we come in. Our tours are led by our Local Leaders, all of whom are experts in their corner of the world and are out there showing it to others right now. Their knowledge of their country’s attractions, delicacies, cultures and communities is something you probably won’t get to experience elsewhere. Find yourself ducking into unknown hotspots and learning more than just the basics when you’re on one of our tours.

Recent tour reviews

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip as a senior.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Who are Intrepid travelers?

Intrepid adventures are for travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you're traveling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is an Intrepid adventure to suit your interests and comfort level. Each Intrepid adventure has a physical and cultural grading to help you decide if the trip is right for you. No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world. Even on our camping adventures no previous experience is required; our tents are easy to set up, even for first-time campers. 

Are there age restrictions on your trips?

For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children can join us on our Family trips and Short Break Adventures, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over. 

How many people will be on my trip?

Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you’ll be part of an intimate group of 12-16 people, though our group sizes are on average 10 people. Our Overland trips are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travelers. Group sizes are displayed on each trip’s overview page on our website. 

I’m traveling alone – is that OK?

This is the beauty of the Intrepid style of travel: many of our travelers join because they are traveling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

Learn more about solo travel

I have a disability – can I join an Intrepid trip?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We ask that you carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognizing that on many trips you will be required to carry your own bags and use public transport. 

Where we can we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travelers – such as booking ground floor accommodation, or having our leaders communicate important directions in writing as well as verbally. Many travelers with disabilities have been able to enjoy our trips by traveling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs. If joining a group trip is not practical we may be able to provide you with a private departure. Please contact our sales team for further information on any of our itineraries. 

Learn more about accessible travel with Intrepid

Do I need to buy travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re traveling internationally. Minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number – it’s really important there are no barriers to getting emergency assistance for you. 

Will I have my own room?

It's your call. Rooming on our trips is organized on a twin-share basis, but most of our trips also have the option to pay an extra fee for your own room. Just let us know at the time of booking and we'll arrange it for you. 

For twin-share rooms, we pair up solo travelers with another traveler of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what's indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. 

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis. In those instances it will clearly be stated in your Essential Trip Information. 

How does group time work?

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, our trips have a set itinerary. But within that there’s time set aside for your own exploration (if you want to – no pressure). Depending on how you're feeling, you may want to have some downtime, ask your guide for a few tips then head out alone, or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you. 

What makes a small group tour better than a coach tour?

The main difference between a small group tour and a coach tour is the size of the group; our tours have 10 travelers each (on average) while coaches can hold up to 60 people. This means that you'll never have to vie for your leader's attention on a small group tour because you'll automatically have it.

Learn more about the differences between a small group tour and a coach tour

Read more about solo travel with Intrepid