Education &amp; Learning Small Group Tours &amp; Trips

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Inca Trail, Lima, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Puno

Highlights

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

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

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-23%$6,075

15 days From$4,650

Iceland Northern Lights

By Exodus Travels

premier

4.8/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

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

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

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-26%$3,746

5 days From$2,775

Snowshoeing in Finland

By Exodus Travels

premier

4.9/5 Excellent

Small Group Tour

Why we love them

With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Highlights

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

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

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-22%$4,253

8 days From$3,300

A Portrait of India 2023

By Tauck

none

4.2/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Amber Fort, Delhi, India Gate, Jaipur, Kerala, Kochi, Mumbai, Qutab Minar, Taj Mahal, Udaipur, Varanasi

Highlights

Live like a maharajah at some of the world's top-rated hotels – including a two-night stay at the award-winning The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra
featuring views of the Taj Mahal
and three nights in Udaipur at The Oberoi Udaivilas...You'll be amazed by all that's included onA Portrait of India... Our popular India tours give you a complete look at this complex country from north to south. Cruise by houseboat in southern India through Kerala's beautiful canals. A boat ride witnesses spiritual ceremonies along the River Ganges in Varanasi
and a cooking demonstration features a taste of hospitality on an exclusive insider visit to a chef's private home in Kerala. Enjoy a special Maharajah evening with dinner and entertainment... a traditional dance performance... with special insights from Tauck's local experts and much more...

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour.   5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for.   Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

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18 days From$9,390

Sweden: Dogsledding to the Ice Hotel

preferred

3.5/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

Drive your own team of Alaskan huskies on a sledding expedition through the Lapland wilderness.
Relax in cozy cabins ideally situated for viewing one of nature’s most dazzling displays: the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
Spend time with Sami herders and try your hand at driving a traditional reindeer sled.
Stay at the famed Icehotel, with the option of sleeping in one of its sculpted ice rooms.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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9 days From$8,795

Human Origins: Southwest France and Northern Spain

preferred

3.5/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Basque Country, Santillana del Mar, Vézère Valley

Highlights

Examine the Paleolithic art of two UNESCO World Heritage–listed cave regions: France’s Vézère Valley and the northern coast of Spain.
Meet leading archaeologists and anthropologists for talks and private tours of cave sites.
Visit Castel-Merle with Isabelle Castanet, whose family has excavated the site for generations.
Explore Sarlat, France, and Santillana del Mar, Spain, two of Europe's best-preserved medieval villages.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

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10 days From$6,995

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Vietnam Family Adventure

preferred

3.5/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An

Highlights

In Hanoi meet a water-puppet-maker to put on a show and learn to make traditional rice dough figurines.
Go on a lively treasure hunt in the charming, beautifully preserved trading town of Hoi An.
Explore the flavors of Vietnam with a chef during a trip to Hoi An’s picturesque market and a cooking lesson.
Extend your adventure in Cambodia with a visit to the exotic temples and palaces of Angkor, home to Khmer kings a thousand years ago.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

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11 days From$5,590

China Family Adventure

preferred

3.5/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai, Terra Cotta Warriors, Tiananmen Square, Xian

Highlights

Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and create your own Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local expert.
Take a bicycle ride along Xi’an’s old city walls.
Climb watchtowers on a less-visited part of the Great Wall and have lunch on the observation deck of Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Join local masters to learn Chinese cooking or tai chi, kung fu, or traditional kite-making.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

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10 days From$5,540

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Design custom trip

Other trips you may like [sponsored]

Best of Switzerland

preferred

5/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

1 Welcome Reception (WR)
8 Breakfast (B)
1 Be My Guest (BMG)
1 Dinner (D)
1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"I was very, very pleased with this tour. My wife and I elected to take all the optional experiences, and we were very glad we did. The tour reflected a great deal of well-informed planning and coordination. Collectively, the locations and associated experiences provided a rich mixture of exposure to satisfy many interests - including historical, geographic, cultural, architectural, artistic, and culinary pursuits. This was enhanced by information provided by both our Tour Director and select local guides with expertise in the topics relevant to our site. In reasonable proportion to any given location, we were also given time to explore on our own. From morning to evening, each day of the tour was filled with activity of one kind or another. The end result is that I felt there was no time wasted, and that I received great value for the time and expense I invested in this tour. I should also add that our bus driver (Ben) demonstrated great skill – driving smoothly, efficiently, and inspiring confidence that we were in safe hands. Yes, the success of this tour was the result of careful, well-informed planning. However, the success of great plans ultimately rests on the shoulders of the person who leads its implementation. This is where the talent, experience, dedication, and personality of our Tour Director (Ilja) really made this Best of Benelux Tour such a great success in my opinion. Whether travelling on the bus or walking at a location of interest, she had a great skill for developing a sort of “esprit de corps” within our tour group. Consequently, our group became increasingly cohesive, allowing for fluid and efficient movement to each day’s planned travel experiences. This was enhanced by her genuine interest in the needs and travel aspirations of each tour member as an individual. I, for one, was deeply moved by her taking the time and effort to facilitate my visit to a travel site (within the tour) that was of great importance to me. My wife and I will never forget that experience – it was a priority aspiration we hoped to fulfill as part of this tour. In summary, Ilja’s leadership and skills made the tour a joyful, satisfying success from the first to last day. I can’t ask for more than that!"

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-19%$4,483

9 days From$3,645

European Traveller

preferred

5/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

9 Breakfast (B)
1 Welcome Reception (WR)
1 Dinner (D)
1 Be My Guest (BMG)
Rome: Travel to Isola Tiberina for an evening with Fabio and his family. Enjoy a drinks reception at their apartment before our Be My Guest dinner in a unique setting amongst Roman excavations.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

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-19%$3,413

10 days From$2,775

Great Italian Cities (Winter)

preferred

5/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

Florence: Enjoy a local Tuscan Be My Guest dinner with Count Miari Fulcis on his 15th-century organic olive oil estate in the Tuscan hills, used as a location for many famous films like 'Room with a View' and 'Tea with Mussolini'.
Rome: Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and da Vinci at the Vatican Museums and enjoy an exclusive visit up the spiral staircase designed by the famous architect Donato Bramante in a part of the Vatican not open to the public.
Venice: Savour the vibrant atmosphere of Venice during a visit to a traditional food market in the shadow of the famous Rialto Bridge.
Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

By VBT Bicycling Vacations

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-19%$3,260

10 days From$2,650

Italy: Piedmont, Langhe & the Italian Riviera

premier

4.9/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Extreme

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Langhe, Nice, Turin

Highlights

Join a farmer and his trusty dog on a hunt for precious truffles on the trails of one of the last unspoiled woods in the area.
Enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Tenuta di Fontanafredda, whose winery was founded by a king.
Sip Barolo where it was born when you head into a majestic underground cellar, named one of the 100 most beautiful in the world.
Learn to prepare pesto as the locals do during a fun and informative cooking class.
Relax at the private beach at your Riviera hotel, where you spend three nights.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery and food were amazing. We stayed in beautiful hotels. Most of the riding was on paved bike paths so we hardly ever had to deal with car traffic. Our leaders, Andrea and Martin, were funny, informative , and so helpful. We are already planning to go back to Italy with VBT this summer."

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7 days From$3,645

Northern Italy Including Cinque Terre

preferred

5/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Why we love them

Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Highlights

1 Welcome Reception (WR)
7 Breakfast (B)
1 Regional Dinner (RD)
1 Be My Guest (BMG)
Baveno: Join the Cinque family and enjoy a deliciousBe My Guest dinner.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying