best small group tours of europe

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Europe Small Group Tours

Tours come in all shapes and sizes, and a small group tour in Europe is just one of the many ways you can shape your own adventure with the help of trusted touring experts. Travel through Iceland , England , Germany and beyond and enjoy endless cultural experiences. Find here all the best small group tour companies .

250+ Europe small group tours with 13,513 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Best of Central Europe

The Central Europe tour I was on with my daughter went beyond my expectations. I was nervous about having all that free time in new places but Eliza our amazing tour guide, gave us the best orientations and knowledge of all the places we visited. Sharing her local knowledge and her mastery of all the languages to help us fully experience and enjoy the countries we were in, made it perfect. The group size was good and she looked after us at every turn, especially on busy train stations and on arrival at new places. She helped us experience the local culture and food in each location, so we had highlights all through the tour. Highly recommend

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

Excellent tour with fantastic tour guide (Noddy). It's a tour aimed at younger (under 40) travellers, so the accommodation is mainly hostels and the pace is pretty fast but we still managed to spend a reasonable amount of time in each place. There was a good balance of history/culture and activities, and there is a lot of flexibility with the optional activities and free time to spend more or less time at the beach, museums, etc. Highly recommended as an introduction to the Balkans!

Baltic Experience

We loved the whole itinerary except for the long Vilnius to Warsaw bus ride. No other way it seems ..at this point.

Rome to Berlin: Piazzas, Prague & the Past

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

we had a great trip so many places we saw in only 14 days even with the covid 19

• Sightseeing

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

We did the Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo & N. Macedonia tour. The itinerary was very good and we were lucky enough to get to Tivat which was on our wish list. We were very pleased with the whole tour.

10-Day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

This is the ultimate tour of the Atlantic coastline of Ireland. Our tour guide, Finn, is such a great ambassador for his country. He has a great personality and shared so much history and Irish culture with us. All accommodations and tours were great. I would highly recommend this tour I am missing Ireland already

The Balkan Adventure Tour -12 days/11 nights from Skopje

We loved the hikes; only wished they could have been longer. We wish we didn't have to spend so much time driving, but we understand that there is no other way to see so many things in so few days. We would have liked to spend more time in Sarajevo. Don't schedule Nis for a Monday since the best sites are closed on Monday. Overall, it was a great introduction to the history and natural beauty of the Balkans, but be prepared for a lot of driving.

• Coach / Bus

Magic Carpet Tour

First and foremost, our guide, Ilke Ceren Ses, was just outstanding. She was unbelievably knowledgeable about history, culture and politics; she was very friendly, kind, enthusiastic and helpful; and she bent over backwards to help each of us with any problems we encountered with food, communication and arrangements for special excursions. On the first day, I twisted my ankle and it could have ruined my trip - but she found some ice right away, and had me sit and rest the ankle, and by the next day it was fine. She is a gem. It was my first experience with a guided tour, and the experience has encouraged me to try a tour again. The one thing I didn't like was the amount of time we had to spend sitting in a van. I'm not sure how you could change the geography of the tour to avoid so much travel, though. It would also be nice to stay in one city for more days so we didn't have to pack up and reload the van every morning. Also: please consider giving tour participants a more thorough itinerary. There were a number of stops on the tour that weren't on the printed itinerary, and it would be extremely helpful to know what to expect (i.e. should we bring money along if we are going to shop at a jewelry store) and how long (approximately) we would be walking around in the hot sun at each site, so we could know if we should carry water, hat, etc or if we should leave them in the van. For an older person like myself, that info is really important. Thank you.

Anatolian Civilizations | 10 Days

My son and I had a great time during this tour. Everything was arranged very well. We had an English speaking guide who had so much knowledge, and made everything easy for us. The old historical sites we visited were very interesting and beautiful. Our group was small, 14 people, which was really nice. The hotels were all good, some were extra good with fitness or swimmingpools, which my son liked a lot.

Best of Turkey- 10 Days

Great tour , seen some awsome places and we had a great guide she was able to explain every thing and answer all your questions , it was a small group and the food and hotels were great .

Great Bike Tour of the Baltics (fully guided from Vilnius to Tallinn 2024)

The group was small and we all became friends and continue to communicate even after our trip. The biking was pleasant and mostly on bike paths. The area was very historically interesting and our guide was amazing: he taught us so much of the history and also interesting things about all the things we passed and stopped to see. Hotels were perfectly adequate, and the food was better than I expected (I pictured beets, cabbage and potatoes, and while there was plenty of that, there were also wonderful salads and other dishes). The tour whet my appetite for more!

Balkan Experience – seven countries in two weeks - SMALL GROUP

This is my third time in the area, but first time in this part of the Balkans. We are absolutely satisfied. We saw and experıenced so many beautıful places. I am still full of impressions. Perfect choice of the hotels, better than promised. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and a very safe driver. From day 1 we felt safe and peaceful. The communication with the office was also smooth. All in all - a faultless tour.

Premium Turkey in Depth

This trip has totally exceeded my expectations. This has been mainly due to Ugur our tour leader who was also our guide. His leadership and knowledge has been extraordinary and we had an absolute ball. We learned so much about Turkey, its history, its people and culture including its delicious cuisine. The ancient places we visited and and the history of them was passed on to us by Ugur in an easy to understand way that encouraged us to find out more and ask questions. The accommodation was mainly in the old town, close to the sights and of exceptional quality. Another highlight was our day boat trip to the Kekova Sunken City that provided us with the opportunity to relax and have a swim in the turquoise water. All in all a great trip that gives you an exceptional advertiser for going and see more of Turkey.

Turkish Breeze-10 Days

This tour was amazing and so well organized. My son and I had a great time, all transport and hotel accommodation was excellent. Food options could have been better.

Reviews of Small Group tours to Europe

To be honest, part of what made the trip fantastic was our group of 12- could not have had a better group to travel with- which is clearly luck, but a piece of our group being so cohesive was Nejca, our guide. She was perfect! Available but not pushy. Laid back, but willing to assert herself to make our experience the best. She made each person in the group feel special and appreciated. Thank you, Nejca! The itinerary was quite good as well. Although there were places I could have stayed for a day longer, I think it’s important to not stay too long and feel like time is wasted on a certain place on the tour. Transportation was efficient and Nejca did a great job getting us to our destinations easily and without rushing. Accommodations were very good- with the exception of Prague. Although our apartment was nice, it was clear that the residents of Prague feel that their space is being taken over by tourists- which is clearly true. I would have preferred to have stayed in a hotel in Prague-honestly, I would have paid more for it. Other than that, cannot day enough good things about the trip! Thank you!!

A great fast-paced tour that was well led by our wonderful guide Ivan!

The Baltic Experience tour was a lot of fun! Our Tour Leader, Agata, was superb! The small tour size (we had six participants) meant we got to know each other well. The tour had a perfect mix of planned group activities and time to explore the sites on our own. The on-line tour description was accurate and extensive. Three cautions: Travel insurance is MANDATORY, somewhat expensive, and not included in the tour price. Many, like me, will commit to the tour not knowing this additional cost will be tacked on. Second, the tour sometimes involves significant walking (up to 30 minutes) from transportation facilities to hotels while carrying your own bags (two weeks of baggage), as well as walking tours that sometimes involve climbing as many as 800 steps. This is a tour for fairly young and fit participants. Finally, European hotels and home-stay facilities generally don't have air conditioning or screened windows, meaning sometimes in the summer you will have to choose between sleeping in hot, stuffy rooms or opening the windows for mosquitoes to enter. All that said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience and I would highly recommend it for fit, adventurous people with positive attitudes who can tolerate occasional less-than-luxurious accommodations.

• Best 3 Weeks Europe Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• 10 Best Luxury River Cruises & Lines 2022
• Hiking in Europe in February
• Hiking in Europe in January
• Hiking in Europe in March
• Hiking in Europe in April
• Hiking in Europe in May
• Hiking in Europe in June
• Hiking in Europe in July
• Hiking in Europe in August
• Hiking in Europe in September
• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

• Europe Tours
• Europe Small Group Tours

Europe Small Group Trips

Looking for a small group tour to Europe? We currently offer 938 small group tours in Europe having received 2141 customer reviews. Our tours have been handpicked to provide you with the finest selection of small group tours that Europe has to offer. If you are a solo traveler or a couple looking to meet other people, joining a small group tour is a great way to meet other like-minded travelers. Bon voyage.

957 Europe Small Group Tours with 2141 Reviews

• Starts Vienna, Austria
• Ends Budapest, Hungary

Best of Central Europe

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Mountains 'data-more-tripid='3044'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,775
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 566
• Total Price from: US$ 3,209
• May 11 Only 9 seats left
• May 18 Only 10 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Barcelona, Spain
• Ends Madrid, Spain

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Party and nightlife & Food tours 'data-more-tripid='4978'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hostel
• Transport Train, Bus & Coach
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,879
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 376
• Total Price from: US$ 1,503
• Jun 21 Only 1 seat left
• Jul 26 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Catania, Italy
• Ends Palermo, Italy

Small Group Food & Wine Tour of Sicily

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities Food tours & Wine tasting tours Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='22521'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 1-89 yrs

• Starts Vilnius, Lithuania
• Ends Tallinn, Estonia

Baltic Capital Cities

• Activities Active and outdoor & Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,470
• Special Deal (11%): - US$ 160
• Total Price from: US$ 1,310
• May 25 Only 7 seats left
• Jun 01 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Baku, Azerbaijan
• Ends Tbilisi, Georgia

Caucasus Countries (12 days)

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Sightseeing Tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & National parks 'data-more-tripid='18354'>+2 more
• Transport Coach & Minibus
• Age Range 12-75 yrs
• May 18 10+ seats left
• Jun 15 10+ seats left

• Starts Lisbon, Portugal
• Ends Porto, Portugal

Highlights of Portugal

• Activities Local culture & Art and architecture Local culture , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Shopping and Markets 'data-more-tripid='10596'>+2 more
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,649
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 1,319
• May 05 Only 2 seats left
• May 17 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Trebinje, Bosnia Herzegovina
• Ends Dubrovnik, Croatia

Walking in Bosnia & Herzegovina

• Activities Climbing & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Hotel & Hut
• Age Range 18-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,698
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 268
• Total Price from: US$ 2,430
• Jul 18 Only 5 seats left
• Aug 08 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Arenas De Cabrales, Spain
• Ends Arenas De Cabrales, Spain

Walking the Picos de Europa

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Walking tours
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,792
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 267
• Total Price from: US$ 1,525
• May 04 Only 2 seats left
• Jun 08 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Prague, Czech Republic

Prague to Budapest Ride

• Activities Bicycle tours
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,098
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 508
• Total Price from: US$ 4,590
• Jun 13 Only 7 seats left
• Sep 05 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Venice, Italy
• Ends Rome, Italy

Highlights of Italy

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Countryside and village visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3759'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Hostel & Guest House
• Transport Train, Boat & Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,965
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 295
• Total Price from: US$ 1,670
• May 11 Only 7 seats left
• May 18 Only 5 seats left

• Starts Col De La Forclaz, Switzerland
• Ends Chamonix, France

Tour du Mont Blanc Week

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Walking tours Trekking and Hiking , Walking tours & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='7936'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,998
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 298
• Total Price from: US$ 2,700
• Jun 22 Only 5 seats left
• Jul 20 Only 6 seats left

• Starts Les Bossons, France
• Ends Randa, Switzerland

Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Adventure Trekking and Hiking , Adventure & Walking tours 'data-more-tripid='7932'>+1 more
• Accommodation Camping, Hut, Resort & Hotel
• Transport Bus, Private Vehicle, Train, Minibus & Taxi
• Jul 06 Only 3 seats left
• Aug 03 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Tallinn, Estonia
• Ends Vilnius, Lithuania

Discover the Baltics

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Trekking and Hiking
• Transport Ferry & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,398
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 238
• Total Price from: US$ 2,160
• May 05 Only 8 seats left
• Jun 12 Only 4 seats left

• Starts Berlin, Germany

The Best of Eastern Europe

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits , Food tours , Beer and drinks tasting & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='4894'>+4 more
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,199
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 640
• Total Price from: US$ 2,559
• Jul 14 Only 7 seats left
• Jul 21 Only 6 seats left

Europe Small Group Tour Reviews

Best small group tour destinations.

• Balkans small group tours
• Baltic small group tours
• Eastern Europe small group tours
• Mediterranean small group tours
• Northern Europe small group tours
• Scandinavia small group tours
• Uk And Britain small group tours
• Italy small group tours
• France small group tours
• Spain small group tours
• Greece small group tours
• Turkey small group tours

Best Group Tour Destinations

• Balkans group tours
• Baltic group tours
• Eastern Europe group tours
• Mediterranean group tours
• Northern Europe group tours
• Scandinavia group tours
• Uk And Britain group tours
• Italy group tours
• France group tours
• Spain group tours
• Greece group tours
• Turkey group tours

Other Europe Tour Types

• Europe trips
• Europe budget tours
• Eco tours in Europe
• Europe guided tours
• Europe family tour packages
• Europe honeymoon packages
• Europe luxury tours
• Europe private tours
• Europe romantic holidays
• Europe self-guided tours
• Europe solo trips
• Europe tours for senior citizens
• Europe tours for young adults
• Europe group tours
• Europe last minute deals
• Europe travel deals

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Say Yes to Greece

Explore all the places we go in Europe

THIS IS WHAT AWAITS IN EUROPE

Towering castles. Untamed natural beauty. Captivating history. Can’t-miss cuisine. This is your time, your moment, your chance to discover Europe.

Destination Must-Sees

One of the most well-known tourist destinations in Greece, Olympia is located in the western Peloponnese, known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Surrounded by beautiful scenery from the Arcadian Mountains, it is home of the first Olympic Games that were held in 776 B. Step into history when you walk through the ruins of the ancient Olympic stadium or witness amazing sculptures at the museum.

France’s romantic capital is a must-see destination, and a gorgeous gateway to the wonders the rest of this country has to offer. Whether your ideal Parisian getaway has you spending some free time sipping coffee at a café and watching the bustling city life, roaming the halls of art at the Louvre, or exploring the bohemian artist’s haven — the Montmartre neighborhood, there’s rich history and culture abound in every corner of the City of Light.

Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

Destination Must-Dos

Meteora Monastery:

Over 600 years ago Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community atop limestone rock “towers” that extend nearly 900 feet into the air, making them virtually inaccessible. It is one of the greatest monuments in the world, and is the most important monastic center in Greece. You can climb these rocks and travel the paths hidden behind the massive rocks.

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

Expert Advice

Featured Tours to Europe

Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring Barcelona

Treasures of Turkey Istanbul, Ancient Ephesus & Cappadocia

A Taste of the Balkans featuring Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina & Slovenia

Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions

Exploring Greece and Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

See Our Travelers On Tour

Brochures that feature our europe tours, destinations in europe.

Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

Find a Travel Agency

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

• Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
• Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
• I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

View or Download

JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Please enable JavaScript on your browser to best view this site.

European Experiences

Small group tours in beautiful places.

• Kathy & Charley
• Meet our Team!
• Rent our Bonnieux Apartment
• European Travel articles
• Our Approach
• Itinerary – Alsace Experience
• Inside Bath
• Photos – Chianti
• Itinerary – The Chianti Experience
• Photos – Cornwall
• Itinerary – The Cornwall Experience
• Photos – The Cotswolds
• Itinerary – Cotswolds Experience
• Cotswolds Gardens Experience
• The Cotswolds Walking Week
• Return to the Cotswolds
• Photos – European Christmas Experience
• Photos – Luberon
• Itinerary – Luberon Experience
• Return to the Luberon
• The Luberon Christmas Experience
• The Luberon Walking Week
• Inside Lyon (France)
• Itinerary – Mediterranean Provence Experience
• Morocco (Northern Africa)
• Normandy (France)
• Itinerary – Paris Experience
• Itinerary – Inside Paris
• Photos – The Périgord
• Itinerary – Périgord Experience
• Photos – Puglia
• Itinerary – Puglia Experience
• Itinerary – Riviera Hillsides Experience
• European Experiences Trips for Women
• Virtual European Experience videos
• Prices and Our Booking Process
• Policies and Travel Logistics
• Payments to European Experiences
• Travelers Circle
• Traveler Reviews
• 2023 Photo Contest
• 2022 Photo Contest

Award-winning Small Group Tours in Europe’s Most Beautiful Places

If this type of vacation appeals to you, you’ll enjoy our European Experiences trips! We offer small group tours in the most beautiful areas of Europe, special places that have captured our hearts in 30 years of European travel.

Each year we offer several weeks of The Luberon Experience in Provence, France, based in the village of Bonnieux (shown below) . Our other trips vary each year, as we share other wonderful places in Europe that we love with travelers looking for an in-depth experience. We’re beginning our 2024 season and just announced our 2025 schedule.

Now booking for 2024 AND 2025!

We’re offering 24 trips in 2024 and 28 trips in 2025. Most of our trips are led by European Experiences owner and co-founder Kathy Wood or our partner in Provence, Jennifer Dugdale. Our new Inside Lyon trip will debut in 2025, led by our third team member, Drew Fedorka. We’re joined by an excellent team of co-leaders, including Kathy’s husband and co-founder Charley (now mostly retired). Learn about our team here .

Seven-night “Experience” trips

Kathy Wood leads seven-night Experience trips in the Luberon , the Chianti region of Tuscany, the Cotswolds , the Périgord (Dordogne) in southwest France, Normandy in northern France, Alsace in eastern France, and Puglia in southern Italy.

Jennifer Dugdale leads seven-night Experience trips in Paris , Mediterranean Provence , the Riviera Hillsides , and a new 2025 trip in northern Portugal .

Some Experience trips are now offered every other year.

Shorter “Inside” trips

We also offer four-night “Inside” trips based in cities, with a focus on special experiences and discoveries– not the typical tourist sites. These groups are smaller, about eight people. “Inside” trips are hosted by Jennifer Dugdale or Drew Fedorka and are intended to be combined with one of our week-long trips, but can be booked as a standalone trip. When an Inside trip is combined with an adjacent Experience, we’ll provide transportation between the two locations.

In France we offer Inside Paris and Inside Lyon , which can be combined with other trips in France. In England we offer Inside Bath before or after one our Cotswolds Experience weeks.

Longer “Experience” trips

We also offer several longer Experience trips, which include stays in several bases. Kathy and Charley Wood lead The Cornwall Experience (10 nights) and The European Christmas Experience (12 nights; four nights each in Salzburg, Munich, and Colmar).

Jennifer leads our new 11-night Morocco Experience trip, which was launched in March 2024. We’re especially excited about this new destination.

Trips Just for Women

We have a special commitment to help women travel. We’re delighted to offer six trips for groups of women only in 2024 and four women’s trips in 2025: our Women’s trips often include trips in the Luberon, the Riviera Hillsides, Mediterranean Provence, Paris (our four-night “Inside” experience), and the Cotswolds. Learn more about our special European Experiences for Women .

  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Explore our website to learn more about our approach to travel and a typical week on one of our “Experience” trips. Join our mailing list to stay in touch with us through our newsletter (four or five times a year), including our annual schedule announcement. Facebook and Instagram are other great ways to learn more about us, follow our travels, and connect with other European Experiences travelers.

Traveler Reviews on Google and Facebook

JAVASCRIPT IS DISABLED. Please enable JavaScript on your browser to best view this site.

Slow Travel Tours

Small group tours in europe.

• Tour Schedule
• Tales, Trips & Tips Blog

• Smell lavender in full bloom in Provence or c ruise on a barge through France • Walk through charming landscapes in England and s avor delicious local cuisine and uplifting music • Meet welcoming and interesting locals and immerse yourself in European culture and history • Learn exciting new skills (photography, painting, cooking, and more) • Sleep in relaxing comfort and travel with like-minded companions and experienced guides in small groups

We will take you there, for your very own trip of a lifetime, you can choose from the following small group tours in europe:, culinary, wine & cooking tours | cultural immersion tours | photography tours | painting tours | history tours |  music tours | arts & crafts tours | barge tours | walking tours | spa & wellness tours, travel is easy, fun, and comfortable when you join our small group tours in europe, tour operators affiliated with slow travel tours, european experiences   •   music and markets tours   •  photography travel tours   •   edge charte r   •  poland culinary vacations   •   adventures in italy   •  french country adventures   •   cotswold walk s   •   village vacations in italy   •  bold spirit travel llc   •  knee deep into history   •   en plein air with virginia fergus.

Click the links above to contact individual tour operators or click here to email general questions to the Slow Travel Tours group.

Spectacular Journeys

The journey matters...let us make it spectacular!

[email protected]

Take your next trip to Europe with Spectacular Journeys

Call-text-whatsapp +1-845-558-7949.

Tour Europe — and Make it Spectacular!

At spectacular journeys, we organize european vacation packages that create a lifetime of memories. let us take you on an unforgettable tour of europe, or let us curate a private tour just for you. or join us on one of our spectacular journeys small group tours. all you need is a dream and your passport.

Visit our 2024  Itinerary  Tab for Tour Dates and Details   or click on one of the tours below

Perfect Portugal

Ultimate tuscany food & wine, rome/sorrento/amalfi, spectacular sicily, gorgeous greece, spectacular spain, charming croatia, how to book  a spectacular journey, benefits of small group travel.

Spectacular Journeys is designed for groups of 10 travelers or less. This allows you to be among like-minded travelers and experience less touristy, more authentic vacations. There is no herding you around on large buses, nor are any megaphones needed. Even if you typically travel as a couple or with a few friends, choosing small group travel will enhance your trip. Everything is bespoke and private for our group. We will have fun together, form new, lasting friendships, and create memories that will endure long after your journey ends.

Get in Touch

Direct or Whatsapp

Email: ourspectacularjo [email protected]

Privately Curated  Spectacular Journeys

If you prefer private travel or can't make one of our Spectacular Journeys,  we have the perfect solution. We will curate every detail of a personal Spectacular Journey. This allows you to customize the entire trip, to suit your needs.

Friends, couples, families, groups, you share your dreams,  and we will make them a reality!

Perfect solution for 2 -12 travelers.

Contact us today for details 

845-558-7949

Email:  [email protected]

201-238-2560

Get a Quote For A Private Spectacular Journey

Looking for a private curated trip? We are the solution! Let us take the stress and planning out of the equation and create a Private Spectacular Journey for you. Tell us where you want to go, when and how many people.

Thanks for submitting! You will always receive a response, to avoid it going to spam please add 

Subscribe To Stay Up To Date

Thanks for submitting!

Destination: Europe

European Tours for seniors

Odyssey Traveller’s European tour packages are an inclusive Europe holiday package offered by this tour company as part of their small group tour global educational program. With a knowledgeable tour guide our small group tours Europe for senior or mature couples & the solo traveller spend time exploring and learning about the destinations of Europe . For the traveler these Europe trip packages 2023 are for groups of up to sixteen senior travelers, represent the best of the grand tour of Northern Europe, Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Southern Europe, classic journeys to be enjoyed from one of the best European tour companies. An organized escorted tour offered to satisfy your requirements for a European vacation package as a solo traveler/single traveller maybe a European walking tour , coach tour or one of our European train tours complete with Eurail pass.

Odyssey’s tours of Europe are inclusive travel packages by this small group tour company offering small group tours around the world . With a knowledgeable tour guide our small group tours Europe for senior or mature couples & the solo traveller spend time exploring and learning about the destinations of Europe . For the traveler these Europe trip packages 2022 for groups of up to sixteen senior travelers, represent the best of the grand tour of Northern Europe, Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Southern Europe, classic journeys to be enjoyed from one of the best European tour companies. The organized tour offered to satisfy your requirements for a European vacation package as a solo traveler/single traveller maybe a European walking tour , coach tour or one of our European train tours complete with Eurail pass.

Destinations

Albania 2 tours.

Armenia 1 tours

Austria 2 tours

Azerbaijan 1 tours

Belgium 4 tours

Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 tours

Bulgaria 2 tours

Corsica 1 tours

Croatia 4 tours

Cyprus 1 tours

Czech Republic 2 tours

Denmark 6 tours

Estonia 1 tours

Finland 6 tours

France 22 tours

Georgia 1 tours

Germany 13 tours

Greece 6 tours

Greenland 2 tours

Hungary 3 tours

Iceland 2 tours

Italy 22 tours

Latvia 1 tours

Lithuania 1 tours

Macedonia 2 tours

Malta 3 tours

Montenegro 1 tours

Norway 3 tours

Poland 4 tours

Portugal 6 tours

Romania 4 tours

Russia 6 tours

Sardinia 1 tours

Serbia 3 tours

Spain 11 tours

Sweden 5 tours

Switzerland 3 tours

The Netherlands 5 tours

Turkey 1 tours

Related Tours

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

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$16,495 AUD

Tour of Northern Italy's Lakes and Alps

Visiting Italy

A European tour to the stunning Lakes Region of Italy. Your travel experience begins in Milan , daily itineraries include two of the region’s lakes - Garda and Maggiore, plus the Roman villa Desenzona and a day in Cinque Terre. Local guides share experience and knowledge with you on this escorted small group tour for couples and solo travelers.

From A$14,895 AUD

Contemporary Germany small group tour

Visiting Germany

Join us on this this comprehensive small group journey in Germany that begins in Heidelberg and ventures south to the romantic Black Forest to Munich . Spend 21 nights in Germany, featuring Berlin , Munich, the Black Forest, Bavaria, the Alps, and the Rhine.

From A$17,295 AUD

Rural France | Small Group Tour for Seniors

Visiting France

On this small group Rural France tour, we spend 24 days exploring France beyond its bustling cities, travelling off the beaten track. We will explore the pastoral and provincial splendour of French rural towns which have resisted the dual siege of the automobile and the property developer. Our small group will visit many of France’s beautiful towns where within their walls the villagers conduct their daily lives much as they have done since Napoleonic times.

From A$18,995 AUD

Small Group tours exploring the Treasures of Ireland

Visiting Ireland

An escorted small group tour to Northern Ireland & Ireland , with local guides and itineraries that give authentic experiences Ireland 's capital, Dublin , including 1/2 day tour of St Patricks cathedral and Trinity college. Destinations also Aran islands , Kerry plus the world heritage site, the giant's causeway. Ireland tours for singles over 50 and couples.

From A$12,615 AUD

Discover Spain

Visiting Spain

Join this small group travel, 21-day tour of Spain . For couples or solo traveler with minimal single supplement has daily itineraries with local guides that provide authentic experiences for those who seek small group journeys . Escorted tour begins in Madrid , finishes in Barcelona .

From A$14,250 AUD

Discover Portugal

Visiting Portugal

Join Odyssey Traveller small group journeys with like minded people on this immersive 18-day escorted tour of Portugal . This travel experience takes us from the capital of Lisbon , through Portugal's many historic cities and key UNESCO World heritage sites.

From A$11,275 AUD

Greece small group escorted history tour

Visiting Greece

Our 21 day s mall group tour explores the land of great philosophers , myths, and legends. We will learn about the culture and heritage of modern Greece whilst exploring and learning Athens, which only found independence in its uprising from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.

From A$13,475 AUD

Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour (The Camino)- Spain

Visiting Portugal, Spain

Experience pleasant sections of the Way of Saint James , crossing some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. Not since the middle ages has this adventure for body and mind been more popular. We also get to discover the artistic highlights and rich history of Northern Spain and Portugal , as well as enjoying local wines and exquisite food.

From A$14,135 AUD

Baltics Small Group Escorted Tour: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Stockholm

Visiting Denmark, Estonia

An escorted small group tour to the Baltic States of Europe that explores the key destinations of this region starting in Warsaw , then making its way through Poland , Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , Finland , Stockholm and concluding in Copenhagen . Each day has scheduled itineraries supported by local guides who share knowledge and authentic experiences of the places visited. This is small group travelling to the Baltics for like minded people.

From A$16,975 AUD

Richard Wagner Ring Cycle, Leipzig | Small Group Tours Germany

The small group tour will see the opera performed in the city of Richard Wagner’s birth, Leipzig . Our tour starts in Dresden and we also visit Bayrouth and Munich . We will not only experience his music in these 4 operas, but also be shown the influences of culture and family on the extraordinary composer’s life.

Florence: Living in a Renaissance City

A small group tour with like minded people, couples or solo traveller s, that is based in Florence . An authentic experience of living in this Renaissance city The daily itineraries draw on local guides to share their knowledge on this unique European tour. Trips to Vinci, Sienna and San Gimignano are included.

From A$13,695 AUD

Short Spain Tour for senior and mature travellers

Join our small group guided tour of Spain , exploring this fascinating country over 10 nights with like minded people . We start in Barcelona and make our way slowly towards Madrid . Enjoy the food and culture while learning about the history of each location from our expert local guides and Odyssey Program Leader.

From A$7,610 AUD

Barcelona Small Group Tour | The city explored in-depth

Small group journeys from one of the best small group tour companies Europe that delve into Barcelona 's history, culture, and cuisine. Daily itineraries for couples and solo travellers with like minded people. An escorted tour of Barcelona based in an apartment with local guides sharing authentic experiences and knowledge.

From A$12,925 AUD

Arctic circle tour

Visiting Denmark, Finland

A 40 day small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers interested in exploring the Arctic circle . The group with a program leader explores Greenland , Iceland , Faroe Islands of Denmark, Norway , Sweden and Finland . The tour makes use of the long summer night light for your enjoyment learning about viking history and trade and the Sami.

From A$42,895 AUD

Singapore to Lisbon by train

Visiting China

A small group railway journey from Singapore to Lisbon . The longest in the world for senior couples and mature solo travellers . Explore over some 56 days, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China , Mongolia , Russia, France , Spain and Portugal . Limited to 10 travelers on this escorted program.

From A$41,145 AUD

Mediterranean Islands Small Group Tour | Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica

Visiting Corsica, Italy

For centuries Malta , Sicily , Sardinia and Corsica held the key to the Mediterranean . Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys . This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 4 islands. Small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers . A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$19,750 AUD

Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour

Visiting Channel Islands, England

Our 21 night program has daily itineraries with plenty of authentic experiences provided by passionate local guides in the key destinations in France , Channel Islands and England for this small group of like minded people. For Solo travellers minimal single supplement applies for this European tour.

From A$17,995 AUD

Scandinavia tours for mature travellers

Visiting Denmark, Norway

Uncover on a small group tour for couples and solo travellers , a Viking past and view of the world’s biggest fjords on this journey through Scandinavia . In low-lying Denmark our small group journey takes us to visit the Zeeland, the sea land, and our program includes the vibrant capital of Copenhagen . In Norway we travel through endless forests, skirting great fjords to Bergen.

From A$14,295 AUD

Villages of Italy | small group tours Italy

Explore Italy in a small group tour. Italy is the most Mediterranean of nations and as mature and aged as many of its red wines. In terms of being a nation, it is even younger than New Zealand . This is often hard to believe, bearing in mind that Italy gave rise to Europe’s first global empire , which endured for approximately 2,000 years, the Romans. The new constantly brushes with the old and in doing so generates sparks that makes any sojourn in Italy a deeply textured experience.

From A$16,775 AUD

Secret France | Small group tours France | Places of cultural interest for seniors

Our small group tour d esigned with the mature traveller in mind, gives you the chance to see eight different locations over 25 days while experiencing local culture, t rying regional cuisine , exploring breathtaking architecture and admiring beautiful scenery. From Zurich the tour will move south towards Sare before returning north to Paris where the tour finishes, for a significant part of our journey we will be following old pilgrim pathways , taking the group deep into the villages, valleys, shrines and ski resorts.

World of Shakespeare | Small Group Tour

Visiting England

This small group tour for mature couples and solo travellers visits Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford upon Avon and Anne Hathaway's cottage all form part of this small group tour escorted by a tour director and local guides sharing their knowledge on this guided tour. Included are performances in London at the Globe & RSC in Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon.

From A$7,950 AUD

Bach Classical European Music Festival small group tours

Enjoy the best of Bach travelling with mature couples or solo travellers in a small group tour . We take time to appreciate not just the music but also to explore Bach's history and influences in Germany. The program spends 16 days visiting the locations that where influences on his life as well as attending the Bach Music festival in Leipzig .

From A$13,340 AUD

European Ballet escorted small groups tour for senior travellers

Visiting France, Germany

For couples and solo travellers who enjoy the ballet and the arts this 16 day program from Amsterdam to Hamburg and finishing in Paris is a dance delight. Programs and actual performances will vary, but the structure and fabric of the experiences to be enjoyed within a small group remains the cornerstone of your experience on this program.

From A$12,695 AUD

Normandy and Brittany escorted history tours for small mature grups

This small group tour for couples and solo travellers is centred on the North West corner of France: Normandy , where the peaceful landscape belies a turbulent past ; Brittany , where a strongly separate Celtic culture is still evident; Poitou, famous for its rich farmlands and historic ports; and the Loire Valley , replete with royal châteaux.

From A$15,895 AUD

Villages of Italy - short small group tours

Roam the villages of the northern Dolomites, in Italy , home to more than 40 glaciers. A small group tour is a great way to get to know Italy, or reacquaint yourself with its beauty and hidden gems . Travel with like minded mature couples or solo travellers .

From A$10,895 AUD

Lakes and Landscapes of Northern Italy | Short Small Group Tour for Seniors

Our small group tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Milan and ventures to 2 of the region's lakes - Garda and Maggiore. Our tour uncovers a wealth of natural beauty, castles, serene waters, snow-capped mountains, and breathtaking scenery.

From A$9,225 AUD

Italy and France, history of gardens small group escorted tour

Visiting France, Italy

Odyssey's small group tour explores some of the classic gardens of Italy and France that reflect changing fashions and garden designs throughout the ages. This fully escorted tour features an Odyssey Program Leader and a handful of local guides who will examine, discuss, compare and contrast the cultural and temporal similarities and diversities between the gardens of Italy and France and the historical influences on their design.

From A$17,595 AUD

History of the Hanseatic League

Visiting Germany, Poland

Merchants generated much of the wealth of Europe, from Venice to Genoa , Lisbon and London. On the Baltic coast building on the Vikings , the Hanseatic league become the traders influence trade from the middle ages across Europe. This small group tour for senior couple and mature solo travellers explores the history.

From A$15,995 AUD

Small Group Tour to the Caucasus | Armenia Azerbaijan Georgia

Visiting Armenia, Azerbaijan

This small group program is designed to give people an opportunity to explore Tbilisi , Baku , Yerevan as well as important monuments, historical and religious sites, diverse landscapes and ancient architecture by visiting the Caucasus Mountains and the lowlands of Armenia , Georgia and Azerbaijan. Led by local English speaking guides, there will be the opportunity to meet local people.

From A$11,835 AUD

Malta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour

Visiting Italy, Malta

For centuries Malta & Sicily , held the key to the Mediterranean. Unlike other European tour companies, Odyssey provides a tour leader and local guides to share detailed itineraries about the destinations on these small group journeys. For mature couples and solo travellers. A reasonable single supplement is charged.

From A$10,150 AUD

Scandinavian Design Small Group Tour: Denmark, Sweden and Finland

Denmark , Sweden and Finland realised that the only way to remain competitive on the world stage was through the value of superior design . Travelling with like-minded people on our small group tour you will explore the cities and towns where those high quality products, appreciated around the world, are created including hygge.

From A$16,685 AUD

La Belle France small group escorted history tours for seniors

Travelling with like minded people on this small group we visit several culturally significant and picturesque regions of France , including Provence, Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux regions, where we sample wine and learn more about the tradition of wine-making. We also visit the Loire Valley to see its many castles. Finally, we travel to Bayeux, from where we we visit Mont St Michel and spend time up on the Normandy landing beaches with local guides.

From A$19,965 AUD

La Belle France Small Group Short Tour

On this small group tour of France , we visit several culturally significant and picturesque regions of France , including Provence, Champagne, Burgundy. We learn about each region's history from expert local guides with a chance to experience the local culture, and taste the regional cuisine.

From A$11,875 AUD

Belgium, Netherlands, France, Germany Art Tour | Western Europe Art Tour

Visiting Belgium, France

Most of us have already experienced the grandeur of classic galleries such as the Louvre and the National Gallery . Travel with like-minded people in a small group tour and be surprised by the lesser-known but equally wonderful smaller art galleries across Northwest Europe .

Discover Rome | Cultural and History Small Group Tour for Seniors

Rome is arguably the most fascinating city in Italy , the capital city, once the centre of a vast, ancient empire and still today a cultural focus within Europe . Explore the city in-depth as part of a small group program spending 14 days exploring, just Rome and Roman History .

From A$9,235 AUD

Discovering the Life of Beethoven | Small Group Tour

Travellers on this small group tour will have the chance to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Beethoven’s life and music . Beginning in the city of Bonn , where Beethoven was born, we visit the city precincts and buildings where Beethoven’s unique artistic sensibility was formed. In Vienna , we explore many of the concert halls and churches where his work was performed. In each city visited we attend performances of his work.

Journey through Mongolia and Russia small group tour

Visiting Mongolia, Russia

This escorted small group tour traverses this expanse, from Ulaanbaatar to St Petersburg ; from the Mongolian Steppes to Siberian taiga and tundra; over the Ural Mountains that divide Asia and Europe to the waterways of Golden Ring . Our program for couples and solo travellers uses two of the great rail journeys of the world; the Trans Mongolian Express and the Trans Siberian Express.

From A$17,850 AUD

Romans in France small group specialist history tours for seniors

Visiting France, Switzerland

Join our small group tour to explore what remains of the Roman Gaul . France , Belgium, Luxembourg and South-west Germany were occupied by Roman Gaul some 2,000 years ago. To this region the Romans brought roads , bridges, education, cities and, perhaps, above all the Peace of Rome .

From A$16,995 AUD

History of Croatia small group tours for senior travellers

Visiting Croatia

Spend 19 days touring Croatia , starting in Zagreb then travel south following the coast, where trade and the influences of the outside world made its mark. Travelling with like minded people in our small group we will explore the country in depth with great local guides and stay in key historical area such as Porec, Zagreb and Dubrovnik.

A travel experience as part of a European tours program that provides small group touring that will explore the culture and history of the place in a relaxed environment. Our guided European bus tour program represent some of the best European tours packages for seniors exploring on a multi country tour, some of the great European cities that made up the grand tour of the last century, such as, Amsterdam, Athens , Paris , Prague, Venice, Budapest , Dubrovnik , Istanbul or Vienna, in Central Europe or Lisbon , ancient Rome , or perhaps the quaint villages or old town(s) of the Dalmatian coast or the Amalfi coast.

You can also join Odyssey on some of the best European tours for seniors on a range of travel dates for walking including the Camino de Santiago or other European pilgrims trails, but we do not offer a river cruise anywhere. Each European tour focuses on particular parts of Europe with small group tours to Spain and Portugal, Czech Republic or Southern Italy allowing you time to view the beautiful scenery such as Iceland or the Norwegian fjords or take in the heritage sites such as the colosseum in Rome.

A tour of Europe, the grand tour to St Peter’s basilica , Prague, Budapest anywhere in Eastern Europe or just the Czech republic or many a UNESCO world heritage site are destinations many travelers aspire to visit and are included in the itinerary of each of our European package tours offered. To be one of the best European package tours for seniors, means we have to listen to you, our travelers, to offer travel for seniors in a tour package that goes beyond spectacular scenery, with an itinerary of merit on any of our escorted tours offered as part of our Europe tour package program.

Travel to France, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the islands of the Mediterranean sea , Croatia, Central Europe, Greece or Turkey. Typically Odyssey offers extraordinary itineraries for a 21 day fully escorted tour with a tour director in a European destination with a good tour director and local guides, to allow you to explore and learn about the ancient ruins of Rome or Greece, understand the importance of the Doge’s palace in Venice or piracy along the Dalmatian coast and Dubrovnik dating back to the Greeks . A selected Odyssey tour of Europe provides such tour packages to allow you enjoy a trip to remember on one of Odyssey’s small group tours.

Odyssey’s small group tours Europe are typically for 21 days fully escorted with local guides with typically up to 12 travellers, a blend of solo traveller (s) and couples booked on a European tour package. Maximum would be 16 travellers on the small group tours Europe.

For relevant articles follow these links on Europe and Travel tips.

Venice and the History of Maps

Venetian Maps and How they Ruled the World ‘Venice was always a frontier,’ Peter Ackroyd (2009) declares in Venice: Pure City. ‘When the empire was divided in the time of Charlemagne, the lagoons of Venice…

Dawn of Greek Civilization: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

The Beginning of Human Civilisation Ancient Greece stands out as a pivotal civilization that significantly influenced human progress. The period between 800 B.C. and 500 B.C., considered Ancient Greece, marked a flourishing era in various…

Pillars of Hercules

Article about the history of where the Mediterranean sea meets the Atlantic ocean for the explorers from Crete, Italy, Spain , including the Phoenicians and the Romans. For senior couples and mature solo travelers interested in small group educational tour.

Caesar and Cleopatra in Egypt

Learn about the Roman Emperor Caesar exploring Egypt and the historians interpretation of the relationship with Cleopatra. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina

Around the World in Six Coffees: Italy, France, Japan, China, Morocco & Argentina Order a cappuccino in Italy after 11am and expect to receive strange looks. In Argentina, don’t be surprised when your coffee order…

Searching for Caravaggio's 'Nativity': Where is it today?

Searching for Caravaggio’s Nativity The hunt for Caravaggio’s stolen painting of the nativity scene may just be the most high-profile art crime of the 20th century. One stormy night in October 1969, an altarpiece painted…

What are the top Europe travel experiences?

There is no lack of destinations to experience in Europe. Odyssey has listed some of the most unique destinations in Europe, which you should try to visit at least once in your lifetime:

• Visit Iceland and discover some stunning natural wonders including the impressive waterfalls Seljalandfoss and Skogafoss.
• The Lofoten Islands, above the Arctic Circle , Northern Norway.
• From the never-ending daylight of midnight sun in summer to winter’s northern lights over snowy peaks, Lofoten charms visitors in every season.
• Visit Provence from mid-June to mid-Aug to see the Lavender in Bloom in Provence , France.
• The magical island of Crete, Greece . As epicenter of the Minoan culture in its early days, Crete was also part of The Roman Empire , Byzantium, The Arabs, The Ottoman Empire and Venetia.
• The Cotswold region, England, to experience the gently rolling countryside, romantic thatched cottages with roses trailing from windows and cream teas, with beautiful Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Roman and Georgian history.
• Transylvania, Romania, off the beaten path with incredible beauty and rich in culture, but with fewer tourists. Also, with its famous Dracula castle – Bran Castle.
• Yerevan , Armenia’s capital city and most populous city, it’s home to jaw-dropping scenery, mouth-watering food, and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
• Budapest, the capital of Hungary should definitely be on your bucket list if you’re fond of castles, hills and culture. The Danube river divides this eastern European city into Buda and Pest.
• The Outer Hebrides, Scotland , offers unspoiled strips of immaculate golden beaches that are rarely touched by human footprints. And yet, the water really is Caribbean blue.

What is different on a small group tour?

Odyssey Traveller is based in Sydney, Australia, however, we have many travellers from USA, Canada, UK and Europe who travel with us every year.

We specialise in educational small group tours for seniors , typically groups sizes are between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs since 1983. We offer a wide range of fully escorted, cultural and heritage journeys that expand horizons and broaden the mind. Our tours are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small group environment.

What's the accommodation like on a group tour?

In major cities, Odyssey stays in centrally located 3–4-star hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we usually stay in family-run hotels or guesthouses. On our long-stay tours, during which you spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments where available.

What are the best Europe travel destinations for history?

Europe has a rich and distinctive history with a patchwork of cultures and traditions that span thousands of years. There is so much history to discover when visiting Europe and below are the top 10 places that Odyssey recommends visiting at least once in your lifetime:

• Acropolis of Athens, Greece
• The Berlin Wall, Berlin, Germany
• Pompeii, Naples, Italy
• Auschwitz, Poland
• Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
• Colosseum, Rome, Italy
• Stonehenge, Britain
• Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
• Louvre Museum, Paris

Why choose us for a small group adventure holiday?

Odyssey specialises in educational small group tours for solo traveller or those travelling with their partner, exclusively for senior or mature travellers, typically for groups of between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 18 travellers. Odyssey’s package holidays are tailored for the reasonably active senior or mature traveller, be you seeking over 50 travel groups, over 60, or over 70 and seeking to travel as a couple or looking for solo travel tours. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs since 1983, not just as small group escorted tours of Australia but all around the world.

Odyssey was originally developed by a collection of member Universities across Australia, New Zealand and Asia to lead the way in providing escorted, an educational small group tour for mature aged and senior travellers, to unique and intriguing parts of the world with a tour director and tour guide. Today, Odyssey still has an association with universities through the profile of the tour director for each tour group. It seeks out like-minded organisations and individuals committed to our philanthropic objectives by providing academic-based merit scholarships to university students studying in Australia and New Zealand.

Odyssey offers a wide range of educational, cultural and heritage journeys as an organised tour that expands horizons and broadens the mind with some 300 tours listed on the website, from Dinosaurs in Mongolia to a Walking Tour of the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain or the Australian outback. Designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small tour group environment with a set itinerary. Tour attendees typically number between 6 to 12 and are a couple or solo travellers. This emphasis on small group travel with a tour leader ensures a friendly and personal tour environment for you and your fellow traveller, which is at the heart of our philosophy. Simply put, Odyssey Traveller provides holidays with an itinerary for couples and holidays for solo travellers over 50.

What are the best Europe travel destinations national parks and nature?

National parks are the perfect way to experience and appreciate the unique landscapes found throughout Europe. As you plan your next European getaway, be sure to make a stop or two at one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe, below are a few that Odyssey recommends:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
• Jutunheiomen National Park, Norway
• Lake District National Park, England
• Saxon Switzerland National Park
• Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria

What is the best time of year to visit Europe?

If you prefer a warmer holiday, the best time to visit Europe is during the summer months of June to September. This is the time when the sun is high, the beaches are warm and the weather is sunny.

If you are a traveller who prefers when the crowds are smaller, the best months to visit Europe is during Spring (March-May) or Autumn (Sep-Nov).

If you are a keen skier or lover of Christmas markets, you should definitely go over December and January.

What ages are the group holidays suitable for?

Odyssey Traveller specialises in educational small group tours for seniors, and average ages are between 56-75 years of ages, however, we welcome any ages over 50. We are based in Sydney, Australia, however, we have many travellers from USA, Canada, UK and Europe who travel with us every year.

Our group sizes are between 6 to 12 people, and no more than 16 travellers. Odyssey has been offering this style of adventure and educational programs to since 1983. We offer a wide range of fully escorted, cultural and heritage journeys that expand horizons and broaden the mind. Our tours are designed for active, inquisitive travellers in a small group environment.

How will i stay well on a trip?

Being Travel fit for mature and senior travellers remains an important element of enjoying a small group tour. This page shares tips about diet, solo trave l, packing tips and footwear to help you plan your vacation to Europe , United Kingdom , Australia or New Zealand for example.

How does the member savings program save me money?

Read about Odyssey’s frequent traveller Alumni Program here.

Planning your first trekking holiday?

Odyssey’s active tours are designed for those mature travellers who enjoy an active lifestyle and would like to keep the same pace during their holidays. The activity level can usually be tailored to the group’s fitness level ensuring all travellers are looked after. Small groups of like-minded people, typically a maximum of 12 people.

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

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

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

A Taste of the Sweet Life in Slovenia

Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

8 Trending Destinations to Visit in 2023

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

The 10 Best Sites to Book a Cruise

Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Program These Numbers Into Your Phones Before Traveling Internationally

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

For independent explorers who don’t want to miss out on these amazing destinations, book your hotel stay for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels .

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Southern Italy: 8-Night Tour, Incl. Naples,...

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Shop and Save with Country Inns...

Patricia Magaña

Trending on SmarterTravel

Best Small Group Tour Companies

Search 569 Small Group tour operators and travel companies, with 25,526 reviews.

Exodus Travels

Health Safety +

Featured Small Group Trips

G Adventures

Intrepid Travel

Insight Vacations

Luxury Gold

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Health Safety

50 Degrees North

Charlie The Traveler

Realistic Asia

Qwerty Travel Argentina

Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure

Outfitter Nepal

Paris-Toujours

Responsible Travel

Iberian Escapes

569 match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

View Small Group trips

Plan your Small Group trip

Small Group Reviews & Ratings

Trusted Customer

Pure Brazil

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

Visit to the pantanal. Amazing lodge and wildlife.

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

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

See all Small Group reviews

Related Trips and Tours

Trip planning.