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Experience a small group adventure
Opening the door to even more immersive travel
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Uncover More on Small Group Holidays

We understand the importance of making the most of every moment of your holiday. As a leading operator of small group tours, we have used our expertise and knowledge to design holidays for those who want a more personal and immersive way to explore.

On our escorted small group tours, there's an average of 22 travellers, so you'll enjoy premium travel experiences, plus accommodation and transport that would be off-limits to larger groups. Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple or coming with family or friends, these holidays create a welcoming environment for all.

Our small group travel packages are available to destinations all around the world. Whether it's celebrating at Rio's famous carnival or spotting the elusive 'Big Five' in South Africa - we have a guided small group adventure for everyone. 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 small group travel

When you holiday with us, you can be assured you are travelling with the experts - after all, we have been doing this for more than 50 years. As an award-winning operator rated Excellent on TrustPilot, you can trust us to deliver the best possible experience for you. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and 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.

19 results matching: Exclusive Small Group Tours

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ClassicClassic
Tresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey Gardens
4.5 stars(175 reviews)
2025Sep
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
San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
Save £100pp
4.5 stars(82 reviews)
2025Oct
2026AprMayJunSepOct

From our grand base, the fabulous Parador of Hondarribia, a fortified castle in the medieval town of Hondarribia - which has a global reputation for great food - we uncover the gems of the beautiful Spanish and French Basque country. This gastronomy-packed tour includes visits to the cosmopolitan cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, with tastings...

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Save £100pp
8 days from
£2,699 pp £2,599 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Ring of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of Brodgar
4.1 stars(81 reviews)
2025Oct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Uncover atmospheric castles, ancient archaeological sites and captivating wildlife in Orkney and Shetland. This magnificent Northern Isles holiday takes us from Edinburgh to the Granite City of Aberdeen and by ferry to Shetland and Orkney, before visiting Inverness. Encounters with Shetland ponies, seals and otters introduce us to the islands'...

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8 days from
£2,599 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Lake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake Iseo
4.0 stars(36 reviews)
2025Oct
2026MarAprMayJunAug...

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 while sampling seasonal produce during a scenic journey aboard the 'Train of Flavours'. Savour...

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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
Save £300pp
4.7 stars(31 reviews)
2025OctNovDec
2026JanFebMarOctNov
2027JanFebMarOctNov

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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Save £300pp
15 days from
£3,999 pp £3,699 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
Fairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château FrontenacFairmont Le Château Frontenac
2026MayAugSep

A magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. This holiday features stays in the country's grandest hotels and is connected by journeys on the Ocean, VIA Rail's Canadian and the Rocky Mountaineer. From Québec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac and on to Toronto, Jasper and Banff then on to Vancouver and its...

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

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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16 days from
£7,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
DijonDijonDijonDijonDijon
4.2 stars(31 reviews)
2026Aug

Sail along its picturesque waterways of Burgundy, soaking up the views and savouring the local produce this famed French wine region. Embrace the joys of slow travel aboard a comfortable barge, enjoying visits to attractive riverside towns and exploring with expert guides. Journey along the Grand Crus Wine Circuit whose vineyards produce the...

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7 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Fontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau Palace
4.3 stars(36 reviews)
2025Oct
2026MayJunSep

Glide along the Seine and its tributaries, taking in picturesque villages, medieval churches and verdant forests on this barge cruise holiday. The experience begins by admiring Paris by night during a dinner cruise. Heading downstream, sail along canals and below bridges that larger ships cannot navigate, while serene river scenery passes by. ...

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7 days from
£2,599 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Brazil, Argentina and PatagoniaBrazil, Argentina and PatagoniaBrazil, Argentina and PatagoniaBrazil, Argentina and PatagoniaBrazil, Argentina and Patagonia
2026Feb

Embrace the magnificent sights of South America on this extraordinary tour, from dazzling Rio de Janeiro to sophisticated Buenos Aires. Starting in style at the incomparable Rio Carnival, we watch the Winner's Parade extravaganza from grandstand seats in the Sambadrome. But the show doesn't stop there. Witness the breathtaking landscapes of...

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17 days from
£9,499 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
Pride of Africa, Rovos RailPride of Africa, Rovos RailPride of Africa, Rovos RailPride of Africa, Rovos RailPride of Africa, Rovos Rail
3.8 stars(13 reviews)
2026MarOctNov

Embark on an exceptional voyage of discovery, encountering South Africa's abundant wildlife and epic scenery, aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa, one of the world's greatest luxury trains. This extraordinary journey includes safaris into three of South Africa's top wildlife reserves - the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe Park,...

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19 days from
£8,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Skye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild North
Save £100pp
4.4 stars(79 reviews)
2025Sep

From Glasgow, journey through stunning landscapes and historic sites to Scotland's mystic North. An island tour of the Orkney Islands reveals ancient Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar. Explore the capital, Kirkwall, before we discover the great houses and gardens of the Northern...

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Save £100pp
Our customers love our Small Groups tours
Skye, Orkney & the Wild North
29/Jun
Alan Cleghorn
5 stars
“Very well organised and the tour guide was brilliant
Collected by Trustpilot
Beautiful Basque Country: San Sebastian & Bilbao
24/Jun
M Llewellyn
5 stars
“Excellent tour. Good size group, very congenial, well paced events, (we particularly enjoyed wine tasting and lunch), lovely base in Hondarribia parador. Very capable tour manager.
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
Waterways of Burgundy
02 Oct 2024
Mr richard garrard
5 stars
“Actual Barge trip was brilliant - good food, excellent service & staff. Gelled well as a group of passengers & had a really good time. Originally the outward Eurostar was for 9.31 so we booked an overnight stay in a hotel on a non-refundable basis. Train time was changed to...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of South Africa
05 Dec 2022
Mr Chris Payne
5 stars
“Superb service from day one
Collected by Trustpilot
The Sensational Isles of Scilly
15/Aug
Peter
4 stars
“Good trip with excellent tour manager. Good hotel with reasonable food. Islands are very quiet with unspoilt beaches and lots of walks.
Collected by Trustpilot
Orkney & the Shetland Isles
4/Aug
Kate New
4 stars
“Fast paced tour. Excellent tour guide Denise and local guides to Shetland and Okney
Collected by Trustpilot
First-Class Lake Iseo: Italy's Secret Lake
6/Jun
Linda
4 stars
“Wonderful trip all round. Great hotel, tour manager and excursions.
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.

Award-winning rail journeys and luxury cruise experiences

Telegraph Travel Awards

Telegraph Travel Awards

British Travel Awards

British Travel Awards

Times Travel Awards

Times Travel Awards