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Experience a small group adventure
Opening the door to more immersive travel

Uncover More on Small Group Holidays

Our escorted small group tours are designed for those who want a more personal and immersive way to explore. On these tours, there's an average of 22 travellers and a maximum of 25, with some even lower at just 16 travellers, so you'll enjoy travel experiences, accommodation and transport which would be off-limits to larger groups. Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple or coming with family or a friend, a small group holiday creates a welcoming environment for all.

Our small group travel packages are available to destinations all around the world. From reaching the 'Top of Europe' in the Swiss Alps or standing amidst the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones on the Scottish Isles to celebrating at Rio's famous carnival or spotting the elusive 'Big Five' in South Africa - we have a guided small group adventure for every traveller. Browse our full range to find your perfect small group holiday.

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Leading the way in immersive travel

We understand the importance of making every moment count. Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. We have also recently reduced the numbers on our Classic range tours to a maximum of 30 travellers to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.

Why choose a small group tour with us?

Sociable group sizes

Our small group holidays range from 16 to 25 travellers, and on average run with 22. This means you can enjoy an engaging atmosphere with a group of like-minded people.

Exclusive access

Keeping things small allows for off-the-beaten-track activities that aren't possible for bigger groups - from family-run vineyards to tucked-away temples without the crowds.

Deeper connections

There's no better way to explore than with a local guide. We partner with those who know all the best stories about their hometown and will share secret spots and hidden gems.

Customer approved

Our small group tours consistently receive top ratings for their unique experiences, one-on-one time with the Tour Manager and friendly groups.

What our experts love about small group holidays

Smaller groups allow for unique encounters with locals, off-the-beaten-path discoveries, and deeper cultural immersion. With fewer people, guides can tailor activities and answer questions to create a more personalised experience. Whether with fellow travellers or local hosts, the connections formed on a small group tour last a lifetime.

25 results matching: Exclusive Small Group Tours

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ClassicClassic
San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
4.5 stars(70 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Uncover the gems of Spain and France's Basque Country from our grand base, a fortified castle in medieval Hondarribia, a picturesque town with a global reputation for great food. This gastronomy-packed tour includes visits to the cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, with tastings of local specialities, wines and ciders along our way. Trains also...

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8 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Darjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan Kingdom
4.8 stars(33 reviews)
2025OctNov
2026FebMarOctNov

Experience the majesty of the Himalayas on this remarkable holiday that reveals the wonders of northern Bengal and the hidden treasures of Bhutan. Explore colonial Kolkata and embrace the beauty of the world's mightiest mountain range, travelling on the charming 'Toy Train' to the famed tea region of Darjeeling. Witness sunrise over the mountains...

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16 days from
£4,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Scottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish Highlands
Save £100pp
4.3 stars(529 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
2026MarAprMayJunJul...

Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Travelling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle railway lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities. Wander the rainbow streets of delightful Tobermory, stand at the foot of Neptune's Staircase,...

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Save £100pp
9 days from
£2,599 pp £2,499 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Lake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake Iseo
4.1 stars(33 reviews)
2025Oct
2026MarAprJunAugOct

Dappled with charming medieval villages, undiscovered Lake Iseo boasts world-class food and drink. Taste the exquisite flavours of the region during a sumptuous dinner and wine-tasting of Italy's acclaimed sparkling wine at a Franciacorta winery and aboard the 'Train of Flavours'. Savour views of this serene lake from an elegant hotel in Sulzano...

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10 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Sri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and TeaSri Lanka, Temples and Tea
4.7 stars(31 reviews)
2025OctNovDec
2026JanFebMarOctNov

Explore the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' on a small-group tour of beautiful Sri Lanka. Uncover ancient monuments and captivating temples such as Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, and an ornate temple said to contain one of Buddha's teeth on this unspoilt island of tropical forests and golden beaches. While enjoying...

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15 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Tresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey Gardens
4.5 stars(149 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSep
2026AprMayJunJulAugSep

Escape to the picturesque Isles of Scilly and enter an unspoilt world with a gentle climate, heavenly beaches and a relaxed pace of life. Based on the main island of St Mary's, spend your days uncovering local treasures, admiring Tresco Abbey's sub-tropical gardens, and visiting the beautiful islands of St Agnes and St Martin's. While exploring...

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9 days from
£2,699 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Grand Tour of India & NepalGrand Tour of India & NepalGrand Tour of India & NepalGrand Tour of India & NepalGrand Tour of India & Nepal
Save £300pp
4.4 stars(44 reviews)
2025OctNov

Embark on an incredible holiday of dazzling temples, emblematic animals and awe-inspiring experiences during a wonderful exploration of India and Nepal. Delight at the glistening Golden Temple in distinguished Amritsar, before uncovering the history of India's capital. After marvelling at the revered Taj Mahal, continue east to the important...

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Save £300pp
18 days from
£4,099 pp £3,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Charles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, Prague
Save up to £500pp
4.4 stars(40 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
2026JunJulAugSep

Embrace the storied past of grand empires on a captivating rail-and-cruise holiday. Starting in the German capital of Berlin, uncover the magic of Prague from its sprawling capital and enchanting Charles Bridge. Absorb panoramic views of Budapest's grand architecture on an illuminated evening cruise before setting sail for the fascinating cities...

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Save up to £500pp
13 days from
£3,899 pp £3,799 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
The Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas Express
4.8 stars(12 reviews)
2026JanFebMarOct
2027JanFebMar

Retrace the steps of Indian princes aboard the Maharajas' Express - one of the world's most luxurious trains. Starting and ending in Delhi, this incredible voyage of discovery visits the former colonial summer capital of Shimla before showcasing spellbinding Amritsar as we witness the Wagah Border Ceremony and the Palki procession at the Golden...

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16 days from
£10,499 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Victoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria Falls
Rail Upgrades
4.6 stars(18 reviews)
2025Sep
2026JanFebAprSep

Join us on this sensational tour of Southern Africa, from the glorious Victoria Falls to the multicultural city of Cape Town, with fantastic wildlife viewing in Botswana's Chobe National Park and Nambiti Reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Added to these superb experiences, a rail journey from the city of Pretoria to the coastal metropolis of Durban on...

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Rail Upgrades
16 days from
£6,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
StrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourg
Save £400pp
4.6 stars(58 reviews)
2025JunSep
2026MayJunSep

On this all-inclusive barge cruise, explore the hidden gems of Alsace and Lorraine, discovering many sights that lie off the beaten path. With visits to the medieval towns of Saverne and Sarrebourg, we sail along these scenic waterways. Starting in the charming city of Strasbourg, we set sail on a panoramic boat tour by historic districts draped...

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Save £400pp
7 days from
£2,299 pp £1,899 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Fontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau Palace
Save £400pp
4.3 stars(35 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MayJunSep

Glide along the Seine and its tributaries - the Yonne and Loing Rivers - taking in picturesque villages, medieval churches, and lichen-draped forests on this barge cruise. We start by admiring the beauty of Paris by night, cruising along canals and below bridges that larger ships cannot navigate. Heading downstream from here, delightful river...

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Save £400pp
7 days from
£2,499 pp £2,099 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Small Groups tours
Waterways of The Yonne, Paris & The Petite Seine by Barge
29/May
Sue Ganley
5 stars
“We had a wonderful holiday on board the hotel barge. The staff were excellent as were the local guides. Jonathon, the chef, should also be complimented on the meals that he produced. I would fully recommend this type of holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
Skye, Orkney & the Wild North
27/May
Andre Evans
5 stars
“This was a most enjoyable trip. It was very well organised.
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
27/May
Jeremy Ross
5 stars
“Great trip with Great Rail Journeys made even better by beautiful views and fantastic weather. Size of group was perfect and hotels were excellent. Would be happy to recommend.
Collected by Trustpilot
First Class Lake Iseo: Italy's Secret Lake
26/May
Mrs Hill
5 stars
“Stunning location & views. Hotel on the lakeside idyllic.
Collected by Trustpilot
Orkney & the Shetland Isles
15/May
Gloucester Customer
5 stars
“A well organised trip. One the down side a little more free time would be good. The average of our group was in the mid seventies.
Collected by Trustpilot
Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Botswana Safari
6/May
Janet
5 stars
“A well planned, exciting trip where we experienced many different activities and places.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
25/Mar
Gillian Hopkins
5 stars
“This holiday excelled all expectations. The itinerary was full, exciting and varied with lots of unexpected extras thrown in which enhanced the whole experience. Too many special moments, but my highlights were tea picking, releasing turtles into the ocean , watching the sun set over Colombo from a sky lounge,...
Collected by Trustpilot
Darjeeling & the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
14/Mar
Frequent traveller
5 stars
“Excellent tour
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of India, Nepal and the Himalayas
6/Mar
Bev
5 stars
“This was a really expensive itinerary and we truly experienced India and Nepal in all their glory. We maybe should have gone in Oct/Nov as the skies over the Himalayas are more likely to be clear but that’s not a fault of the tour itself.
Collected by Trustpilot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a small group tour?

They are escorted tours that are limited to fewer guests than our regular escorted holidays. You still get the same travel expertise you expect from Great Rail Journeys with the added benefits of small group travel.

What's the accommodation like on a small group tour?

We offer different levels of accommodation on our tours. They range from 3 to 5-star and we use small, locally-run accommodations where possible, in the best locations for you to see the must-see highlights.

How much free time will I have?

Our itineraries balance guided activities with personal time, allowing you to explore at your own pace or relax as you choose.

What’s included in the price?

All our small group tours include:

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Carefully chosen accommodation
  • Expertly planned excursions and immersive experiences

Other specific inclusions vary by itinerary-check individual tour pages for details.

Are solo travellers welcome?

Absolutely! Many of our travellers join solo, and our small group size creates a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Single supplements may apply.

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Order your free brochure today

Start planning your next holiday bursting with special moments. Choose and select the brochures you'd like to order and you'll receive your selection by post within a few days.

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