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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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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Eiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the RhoneEiffel Tower on the Rhone
Save $300pp
4.4 stars(5 reviews)
Escorted
2027AprMayJunJulAugOct
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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Save $300pp
11 days from
$3,899 pp $3,599 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
Rocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky MountaineerRocky Mountaineer
Escorted
2027AprMayJunAugSep
Escorted

Ever-changing landscapes and remarkable cities beckon this small-group tour across Canada. Enjoy overnight rail travel on VIA Rail's Ocean and VIA Rail's Canadian, as well as the luxury of GoldLeaf Service on Rocky Mountaineer, admiring the scenery from glass-dome train cars and an exclusive outdoor viewing area. Stay in five iconic Fairmont...

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17 days from
$10,999 pp
per person
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Ring of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of BrodgarRing of Brodgar
4.8 stars(14 reviews)
Escorted
2026JulAugSepOct
2027MayJunJulAugSep
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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8 days from
$3,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Save $300pp
Escorted
2026Aug
2027JunJulAugSep
Escorted

From breathtaking Bavaria to the UNESCO-listed scenery of the Wachau Valley and some of Europe's finest cities, this tour and cruise vacation showcases the enchanting diversity of five countries. Explorations begin on land, with three days in Munich in the heart of Bavaria. Enjoy a guided tour, including a German beer-tasting, and marvel...

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Save $300pp
11 days from
$3,295 pp $2,995 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
MunichMunichMunichMunichMunich
Save $300pp
Escorted
2026JulAug
2027JulAug
Escorted

A symphony of flavors, landscapes and architecture awaits along the Danube River on this enticing tour and cruise vacation. Beginning in Bavaria, get acquainted with the region's romantic scenery at Neuschwanstein Castle, and tour the major landmarks of Munich before savoring a tasting of traditional beers. From Passau, embark on a...

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Save $300pp
11 days from
$3,299 pp $2,999 pp
per person
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Skellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, IrelandSkellig Michael, Ireland
4.4 stars(9 reviews)
Escorted
2026Sep
2027MayJunAugSep
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, explore the...

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13 days from
$7,399 pp
per person
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Victoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria FallsVictoria Falls
Escorted
2026Sep
2027JanAug
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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14 days from
$7,899 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
South African AdventureSouth African AdventureSouth African AdventureSouth African AdventureSouth African Adventure
Escorted
2026Nov
2027AprNov
Escorted

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

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17 days from
$13,999 pp
per person
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Interlaken In WinterInterlaken In WinterInterlaken In WinterInterlaken In WinterInterlaken In Winter
Escorted
2027JanFebMar
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 within...

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6 days from
$1,999 pp
per person
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Rio de JanerioRio de JanerioRio de JanerioRio de JanerioRio de Janerio

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, and...

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Our customers love our Small Group Tours tours
Paris, Provence & the Elegant Rhône
21/Jun
PEWITT, POLLY
5 stars
“My fifth trip with VBR and maybe the best!
Collected by Trustpilot
Signature Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle
30/May
LINDA Davidson
5 stars
“The tour guide and bus driver were friendly and knowledgeable. They gave us amazing adventures in Ireland!
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