Best Tour Companies Small Group Tours & Trips

Highlights

• Hike between the preserved post towns of the Nakasendo Way and reconnect with the Edo history on this ancient trail connecting Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto.
• Discover one of Japan's best cycling routes – the Shimanami Kaido, which links Honshu with Shikoku across the scenic Inland Sea – and enjoy a cycling and kayaking experience through lush seaside landscapes.
• Temple-hop through the historic city of Kyoto with a guided bike ride past some of the major religious sites in the city – on two wheels is the perfect way to explore this ancient capital.
• Hike a section of the Kumano Kodo – one of only two UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage trails in the world. Along the ancient route, you’ll see the spectacular Nachi Falls and Nachi Taisha Shrine.
• Relax your muscles in Toba’s hot spring onsens and maybe even one of Kyoto’s sentos (traditional bath houses) - a must-do experience while in Japan!

Highlights

• Take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys as you travel to the Highlands on the world-famous West Highland Railway, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame. Then explore the birthplace of the novels in Edinburgh.
• Nothing beats getting to know a place on your own two feet, so get your walking shoes on for explorations of Portree Bay, Creag Bheag and Fort William with views of the UK’s highest peak – Ben Nevis – in all its glory.   
• Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, soak up the fresh sea air and mountain views and taste your way through the local whisky. Then, take a day trip through the stunning landscapes and medieval castles of Skye.    
• Discover cities Cardiff in Wales and Liverpool in England with leader-led walking tours, the best way to discover the city! In Cardiff, explore Dr Who filming locations and in Liverpool, tune in to everything The Beatles.   
• From the gorgeous Cotswolds, walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Snowdonia National Park, and explore the rolling hills, woodlands and picturesque villages. Then, travel to the mountainous landscape of Lake District National Park, taking a relaxing walk along Windermere Lake.  

Highlights

• Explore Reims and Epernay, capitals of Champagne
• Discover this worldwide known vineyard and its quaint wine villages
• Relax in a 4-star hotels in Reims and Epernay

Highlights

• Embrace the local rituals and customs at our homestay in Varanasi. Upon arrival, be treated to a home-cooked meal, sharing food and interacting with your warm and welcoming hosts.
• Spend sunrise cruising along the Ganges, watching Varanasi emerge into a new day, passing the many ghats and temples along the river banks while pilgrims wash themselves in the holy waters.
• Head out of town to Sarnath and visit the place where Gautama Buddha first began his teachings of the sacred Dharma.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.

Highlights

• Join an experienced local leader as you stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, uncover the secrets of Sagalassos, explore the legendary ruins of Troy and discover Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and the Million.
• Enjoy a cruise around the hidden coves and islets of Turkey’s southern coast during an Exclusive Experience guided by a local couple who have been navigating the waters for years.
• Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey's otherworldly sights, from the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale to the psychedelic rock-scapes of Cappadocia.
• Step into a fairy tale during your Feature Stay at a unique cave hotel in Cappadocia, where you’ll enjoy elegantly decorated rooms carved from stone. Then, if you like, take a hot air balloon over the otherworldly landscape at sunrise.
• Get to know the real Turkey on Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with an expert chef, a visit to an empowering carpet weaving cooperative and a traditional dinner at a local's home in Cappadocia.

Highlights

• Cycle the spectacular Otago Central Rail Trail, the oldest rail trail in the country and voted 'New Zealand's Favourite Ride' for the past two years.
• Ride along flat, traffic-free paths alongside some of the South Island's most stunning scenery.
• Begin your journey in Queenstown, an outdoor paradise set among the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand.
• Experience firsthand the famous hospitality of New Zealanders on a trail built specifically to cater to cyclists.
• Cycle in the company of an experienced guide as they share their unique perspective of this fascinating region.

Highlights

• Enter the fantastical underground world of the Postojna Caves – one of the longest karst caverns in the world – home to strange rock formations and creatures like the eye-less salamander.
• Ride the cable car up Mt Vogel for exceptional views over Lake Bohinj and the foothills of the Alps.
• Treat yourself to a truffle tasting in Motovun during an Exclusive Experience. Truffles are combined with local specialty dishes and a sommelier will pair your tasting with suitable Istrian wines.
• Spend a night in Rovinj at the stunning Hotel Istra, which sits on its own private island. Then, head to your Feature Stay that pairs centuries of history with the perfect location right on the most gorgeous square in Split.
• Explore scenic Croatian towns like the resort town of Opatija and seaside Sibenik, where you'll explore the 15th century stone Cathedral of St. James, decorated with 71 sculpted faces.

Highlights

• Contrast the chaos and bustle of city life in Manila with the relaxed way of life in Palawan. With an option to extend your trip on either end, you can focus on the stuff you want.
• Take an evening adventure to the Iwahig River where you’ll see swarms of fireflies dancing at dusk. The natural beauty of the Philippines continues to shine, whatever time of day.
• Enjoy a full day of island hopping and snorkelling off the coast of El Nido. Look to the bottom of these clear waters and glide among the coral and tropical fish.
• Have plenty of free time beachside to choose your own adventure – daytrip to the pristine Nacpan Beach, self-guided kayaking adventure or a spot of shopping? You choose!
• Experience a unique meeting with one of Palawan's great indigenous groups – the Batak tribe. Interact with the locals of the village and witness daily life as it is today.