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Experience a small group adventure
Opening the door to more immersive travel

Uncover More on Small Group Holidays

Our escorted small group tours are designed for those who want a more personal and immersive way to explore. On these tours, there's an average of 22 travellers and a maximum of 25, with some even lower at just 16 travellers, so you'll enjoy travel experiences, accommodation and transport which would be off-limits to larger groups. Whether you're a solo traveller, 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. From reaching the 'Top of Europe' in the Swiss Alps or standing amidst the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones on the Scottish Isles to celebrating at Rio's famous carnival or spotting the elusive 'Big Five' in South Africa - we have a guided small group adventure for every traveller. 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 immersive travel

We understand the importance of making every moment count. Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. We 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.

26 results matching: Exclusive Small Group Tours

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ClassicClassic
Tresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey Gardens
Save up to £100pp
4.5 stars(144 reviews)
2025AprMayJunJulAugSep

Escape to the picturesque Isles of Scilly and enter a serene world with a relaxed pace of life. Based on the main island of St Mary's, spend your days discovering local treasures, the sub-tropical gardens of Tresco Abbey, and the islands of St Agnes and St Martin's. With plenty of time to unwind and soak up the peace and beauty, you are free to...

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Save up to £100pp
9 days from
£2,649 pp £2,549 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Glacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier ExpressGlacier Express
4.7 stars(139 reviews)
2025Dec
2026JanFebMar

Snow-bound views and enchanting seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the glistening peaks and sugar-frosted forests of the Swiss Alps provides picture-postcard backdrops. On this memorable holiday, pass icy lakes and the ethereal Palü Glacier on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express. Later,...

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9 days from
£2,699 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Scottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish Highlands
Save up to £100pp
4.4 stars(700 reviews)
2025MarAprMayJunJul...
2026MarAprMayJunJul...

Majestic lochs and glens await on this Scottish escape as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Travelling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle railway lines, we discover historic castles, sail along glistening lochs, and stay in vibrant cities. Wander the rainbow streets of delightful Tobermory, stand at the foot of Neptune's Staircase,...

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Save up to £100pp
9 days from
£2,249 pp £2,149 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Lake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake Iseo
Save £100pp
3.8 stars(17 reviews)
2025AprMayOct

Explore the glorious area of undiscovered Lake Iseo, Lombardy's fourth largest lake, dappled with charming medieval villages and boasting world-class food and drink. Taste the exquisite flavours of the region on a gourmet train journey, and during a sumptuous dinner and wine-tasting of Italy's acclaimed sparkling wine at a Franciacorta winery. ...

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Save £100pp
10 days from
£2,099 pp £1,999 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 up to £100pp
4.3 stars(66 reviews)
2025MayJunAugSep

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 up to £100pp
8 days from
£2,179 pp £2,079 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 up to £500pp
4.7 stars(27 reviews)
2025OctNovDec
2026JanFebMarOctNov

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 up to £500pp
15 days from
£3,199 pp £2,899 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
San SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan SebastianSan Sebastian
4.5 stars(64 reviews)
2025AprMayJunSepOct
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Uncover the gems of Spain and France's Basque Country from our grand base, a fortified castle in medieval Hondarribia, a picturesque town with a global reputation for great food. This gastronomy-packed tour includes visits to the cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, with tastings of local specialities, wines and ciders along our way. Trains also...

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8 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Darjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan KingdomDarjeeling & the Last Himalayan Kingdom
Save up to £500pp
4.8 stars(32 reviews)
2025OctNov
2026FebMarOctNov

Experience the majesty of the Himalayas on this remarkable holiday that reveals the wonders of northern Bengal and the hidden treasures of Bhutan. Explore colonial Kolkata and embrace the beauty of the world's mightiest mountain range, travelling on the charming 'Toy Train' to the famed tea region of Darjeeling. Witness sunrise over the mountains...

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Save up to £500pp
16 days from
£4,999 pp £4,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Budapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament Building
Save £200pp
4.1 stars(26 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
2026JunJulAugSep

Bavaria's enchanting landscapes of wonderful castles, mysterious forests and magical mountains create a stunning backdrop to this majestic holiday. With three nights in Füssen, we uncover hidden gems and soak up the natural beauty of the region, including a visit to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and a journey on the Zugspitze Railway, ascending...

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Save £200pp
13 days from
£3,699 pp £3,499 pp
per person
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LandmarkLandmark
The Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas Express
Save up to £500pp
4.8 stars(12 reviews)
2026JanFebMar

Retrace the steps of Indian princes aboard the Maharajas' Express - one of the world's most luxurious trains. Starting and ending in Delhi, this incredible voyage of discovery visits the former colonial summer capital of Shimla before showcasing spellbinding Amritsar as we witness the Wagah Border Ceremony and the Palki procession at the Golden...

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Save up to £500pp
16 days from
£10,299 pp £9,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
The Outer HebridesThe Outer HebridesThe Outer HebridesThe Outer HebridesThe Outer Hebrides
Save up to £100pp
3.9 stars(235 reviews)
2025MayJunJulAugSep

Wild beauty and ancient wonders await on this holiday to Scotland's Outer Hebrides - also known as the Western Isles - and the dramatic Scottish Highlands. From the dynamic city of Glasgow, we travel on the world-renowned West Highland Line to Fort William, as a moving picture of mountains, lochs and heather-clad moors unfolds. Set sail on a sea...

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Save up to £100pp
8 days from
£2,299 pp £2,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Fontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau PalaceFontainebleau Palace
Save £200pp
4.4 stars(32 reviews)
2025MayJunSepOct

Glide along the Seine and its tributaries - the Yonne and Loing Rivers - taking in picturesque villages, medieval churches, and lichen-draped forests on this barge cruise. We start by admiring the beauty of Paris by night, cruising along canals and below bridges that larger ships cannot navigate. Heading downstream from here, delightful river...

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Save £200pp
7 days from
£2,649 pp £2,449 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Small Groups tours
Classic Glacier Express in Winter
6/Mar
Paul Rance
5 stars
“Was amazing Food was really good and the whole experience what we expected
Collected by Trustpilot
Darjeeling and the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
6/Mar
Sarah Teshome
5 stars
“The whole experience was incredible. I didn’t think I would enjoy being on a tour (and had never been on one previously) but it was thoroughly enjoyable. Bhutan was a pleasure and a privilege to visit. The balance of activity was just right and partly the experience...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of India, Nepal and the Himalayas
6/Mar
Bev
5 stars
“This was a really expensive itinerary and we truly experienced India and Nepal in all their glory. We maybe should have gone in Oct/Nov as the skies over the Himalayas are more likely to be clear but that’s not a fault of the tour itself.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
3/Mar
Matt
5 stars
“A wonderful experience. Everything ran smoothly thanks to an excellent Tour Manager (Gordon Barr) and local guide (Ravi). The hotels were all excellent with superb facilities and a wide choice of food. This tour was a great way to see the beautiful country of Sri Lanka and...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Maharajas’ Express, Golden Temple & Shimla
28/Feb
E West
5 stars
“It was a fantastic experience. Good service, excellent food, and a welcome bonus of inclusive alcoholic drinks, which we were not aware of when we booked. The inclusive drinks were mainly locally brands but their quality was comparable to the better known international brands. There were some...
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
30 Oct 2024
NEWHART, KENT
5 stars
“The trip and scenery and food were fantastic. As well as the accommodations! Our guide, Rosie is what really pulled the trip together...she was wonderful!! Improvements: The roads are very winding and too much time on the coaches, sometimes made us out of sorts. Drivers were excellent...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Sensational Isles of Scilly
19 Oct 2024
Denise
5 stars
“Very interesting tour great to have a local guide, excellent local knowledge. Weather was variable and Neil could work around that. Seamless organisaton, loved the overnight train
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Alsace and Lorraine
11 Oct 2024
Peter Hughes
5 stars
“Excellent!!
Collected by Trustpilot
Orkney & the Shetland Isles
07 Oct 2024
MICHAEL WILSON
5 stars
“This was a well organised and enjoyable trip. Everything worked and the local guides and buses were all on time. I loved the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick. My cabin was great, there were two bars and two restaurants on the ferry and all staff were helpful and kind....
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.

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