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Small Group Tours
Visit exclusive, tucked-away spots with local experts and new friends

Uncover More on Small Group Vacations

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

Why Choose a Small Group Tour With Us?

Sociable group sizes

Our small group vacations range from 16 to 25 travelers, 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 vacations

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 personalized experience. Whether with fellow travelers or local hosts, the connections formed on a small group tour last a lifetime.

Learn More About Small Group Vacations

What is a small group tour?

They are escorted tours that are limited to fewer guests than our regular escorted vacations. You still get the same travel expertise you expect from Vacations by Rail 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 pace or relax as you choose.

What's included in the price?

All our small group tours include:

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish.
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour.
  • Carefully chosen accommodations.
  • Expertly planned excursions and immersive experiences.
  • Other specific inclusions vary by itinerary - Check individual tour pages for details.

Are solo travelers welcome?

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

10 results matching: Small Group Tours

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Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026Sep
Escorted

A magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. This vacation features stays in the country's grandest hotels and is connected by spectacular journeys with private cabins on VIA Rail's Ocean and Canadian, and the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. From Quebec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac and on to Toronto,...

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New Season Savings
17 days from
$16,995 pp $16,495 pp
per person
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Interlaken In WinterInterlaken In WinterInterlaken In WinterInterlaken In WinterInterlaken In Winter
Escorted
2026MarDec
Escorted

This idyllic wintertime vacation is based in the heart of the Bernese Oberland in picturesque Interlaken, one of Switzerland's popular resort towns. Enjoy a privileged location nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz and overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and all the adventures this positioning puts...

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6 days from
$2,195 pp
per person
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Skellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, Ireland
New Season Savings
4.4 stars(8 reviews)
Escorted
2026MaySep
Escorted

Experience first-class amenities, luxury accommodations, and the fantastic traditions of the Emerald Isle on this luxurious tour of Ireland. Spend time uncovering the landmarks of Dublin and Belfast, visit the incredible Giant's Causeway, journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, and marvel at the Cliffs of Moher. Stay in castles, visit idyllic...

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New Season Savings
13 days from
$6,995 pp $6,495 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Eiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the Rhone
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026AprJunJulAugSep
Escorted

A discovery of world-famous cuisine, elegant cities and unbelievable landscapes beckons in France. Come along for a route filled with intrigue, which presents the many sides of this nation, beginning with its most famous city. Spend three days in Paris, wandering through its streets in search of beloved landmarks and visiting the Palace of...

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New Season Savings
11 days from
$3,795 pp $3,395 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026JulAug
Escorted

 From beautiful Bavaria to the glorious surroundings of the Wachau Valley and Europe's fantastic cities, this rail and cruise vacation is a showcase of diverse scenery. The adventure begins on land, with three days in Munich in the heart of Bavaria. Our time here takes us to Neuschwanstein Castle and introduces Munich's highlights and...

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New Season Savings
11 days from
$3,295 pp $2,995 pp
per person
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South African AdventureSouth African AdventureSouth African AdventureSouth African AdventureSouth African Adventure
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026MarOctNov
2027AprNov
Escorted

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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New Season Savings
17 days from
$12,295 pp $11,795 pp
per person
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Ring of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of Brodgar
New Season Savings
4.8 stars(14 reviews)
Escorted
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep
Escorted

Uncover atmospheric castles, fascinating archaeological sites and unforgettable wildlife experiences in Orkney and Shetland. This magnificent Northern Isles tour 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...

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New Season Savings
8 days from
$3,495 pp $3,145 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
MunichMunichMunichMunichMunich
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026JunJulAug
Escorted

A symphony of flavors, landscapes and architecture awaits along the Danube River on this enticing rail and cruise vacation. Begin in Munich, getting acquainted with the region's romantic scenery at Neuschwanstein Castle, touring the highlights of Munich and tasting Bavaria's traditional flavors. We then travel to Passau, where our cruise...

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New Season Savings
11 days from
$2,995 pp $2,695 pp
per person
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Victoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria Falls
New Season Savings
Escorted
2026JanMarAprSepNov
2027JanFebAug
Escorted

Join us on this sensational tour of Southern Africa, from Zimbabwe's glorious Victoria Falls to South Africa's 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...

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New Season Savings
14 days from
$8,795 pp $8,295 pp
per person
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Rio de JanerioRio de JanerioRio de JanerioRio de JanerioRio de Janerio
New Season Savings
2026Feb

Discover the sensational sights of South America on an unforgettable tour from vibrant Rio de Janeiro to sophisticated Buenos Aires. Our adventure starts at the Rio Carnival, the party of a lifetime, as we take grandstand seats in the Sambadrome for the Winner's Parade. Our tour continues into the dramatic landscapes of Brazil, Argentina,...

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New Season Savings
15 days from
$10,495 pp $9,995 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Small Group Tours tours
Signature Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle
14 Nov 2025
Anne L
5 stars
“The tour showed us the iconic landscapes of Ireland, organized experiences to understand the history and culture of the country and provided unique experiences we probably would not enjoyed on our own. Highly recommend this itinerary to others.
Collected by Trustpilot
Orkney & The Shetland Islands
14 Sep 2025
Marty Shadel
5 stars
“This was the best VBR holiday with this company that I have ever had. It hit all of my expectations! Maggie our tour guide was fantastic, so enthusiastic, energetic, and able to "roll with the punches" in cases of glitches in the system. Our Shetland guide Jim was so knowledgeable...
Collected by Trustpilot