Small group trips offer an intimate, personalized experience that larger tours can’t match. With groups capped at 8-10 people and led by up to two expert bilingual guides, these tours to Italy provide exclusive access to locations and authentic local experiences, along with personalized service that elevates your journey. Below, you can explore each of our curated small group tours for 2025 and discover why we prefer small group travel and the many benefits travelers enjoy from a more intimate and immersive experience.
1. Sicily: Wine, Wellness, and Volcanoes
Sicily’s striking landscapes, from the fiery slopes of Mt. Etna to its sun-soaked vineyards and pristine coastlines, make it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. Our Sicily Wine & Wellness Tour is designed to take you beyond the usual tourist trails, offering you exclusive boutique accommodations, private vineyard tours, and wellness experiences that highlight the island’s natural beauty.
Our carefully crafted journey to the island will have travelers participating in the grape harvest, sampling sommelier led wine pairings, and hiking along Mt. Etna, and much more.
Small Group Trips Benefit #1: Access to Exclusive Locations
Traveling with a small group also allows for access to unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures. One example on this trip is a private boat tour with dinner on board in front of the fiery Stromboli volcano, captained by a local sailor who knows the best hidden coves, caves, and snorkeling spots along Sicily’s coastline.
This experience gives you the opportunity to explore underwater caves and dive into crystal-clear waters where most tourists could never go, all guided by locals who are deeply connected to the area. These kinds of authentic, exclusive experiences are only possible with a small group, offering a level of detail and intimacy that larger tours simply can’t match.
2. Puglia: Small Group Trip of the Hidden Gems in Italy’s Heel
Puglia, located in the heel of Italy’s boot, offers a captivating blend of history, unique architecture, and unspoiled natural beauty. Our Puglia & Matera Tour reveals charming coastal towns, where you can explore picturesque fishing villages and relax on sunny beaches.
The local cuisine, characterized by fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and rich olive oils, invites travelers to savor authentic flavors in family-run masserias. You’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Matera, delve into local traditions, and experience the vibrant culture through guided tours that highlight the area’s rich heritage.
Each day is designed to immerse you in Puglia’s unique landscape, making it a truly enriching travel experience.
Small Group Trips Benefit #2: Discovering Less Familiar Regions
Visiting a region you’re not familiar with can feel daunting, especially when it’s as off-the-beaten-path as Puglia or Basilicata. That’s where small group travel truly shines. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the gems of this captivating region—from the baroque beauty of Lecce to the unique trulli houses of the Itria Valley, and the striking cliffs of Polignano a Mare. A small group tour allows for deeper exploration and access to places most visitors never see, making Puglia more approachable and revealing its true charm.
Venturing into unfamiliar areas like Puglia with a small, curated group helps you feel more confident, and you’ll quickly see how rewarding it is to go beyond the well-trodden paths. This region has so much to offer, from rich culinary traditions to historical towns with a quiet authenticity. With fewer travelers, you’ll have more personal interaction with locals, and the flexibility to explore at a more leisurely pace.
Puglia’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, and small group travel ensures you won’t miss out on any of the region’s beauty.
3. Tuscany & Umbria: A Small Group Trips Through Wine Country
Our Tuscany & Umbria Tour offers an immersive journey through world-renowned vineyards and wine cellars during the Annual Harvest, perfect for those eager to deepen their wine knowledge. Led by two expert Sommeliers, participants enjoy wine tastings, explore the winemaking process, and visit hilltop towns like Orvieto and Montefalco.
Alongside wine, the tour highlights the region’s rich culture and cuisine, embracing the “slow food” movement with local dishes and prized truffles. Accommodations are in historic properties nestled in wine country, and the itinerary aligns with the Montefalco Wine Festival for a deeper connection to the local wine scene.
Small Group Trips Benefit #3: Seeing the Secret Side of Well-Known Destinations
Traveling in a small group enables a more authentic experience, even in popular destinations. With fewer travelers, there’s greater flexibility to engage with local customs and traditions. This intimate approach allows for meaningful interactions with residents, enriching your understanding of the region. Whether it’s savoring traditional dishes or exploring hidden corners of Tuscany, small group travel enhances your connection to the culture, making a trip to a popular destination like Tuscany feel like a fully unique experience.
4. Sardinia: Flexibility in a Secret Island Paradise
Our Secret Sardegna Tour invites travelers to discover the hidden gems of Sardinia, where rugged coastlines, secluded beaches, and ancient history come together in a stunning Mediterranean setting. The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the island’s unique offerings, from hiking the breathtaking Supramonte Mountains and exploring mysterious Nuragic sites to unwinding on pristine, less-traveled beaches. This trip is designed for those who wish to experience the authentic charm of Sardinia and truly get to know the island.
Small Group Trips Benefit #4: Having More Customizable Adventures
Small group travel like this enhances your journey by providing personalized experiences tailored to individual preferences. With fewer travelers, our guides can easily adapt activities to suit your interests. If hiking isn’t your style, they can arrange a driven tour to explore the natural landscapes or replace an activity with something that resonates more with you, such as visiting charming inland villages or a relaxing afternoon by the pool.
This flexibility allows for spontaneity, ensuring that your adventure in Sardinia is as unique as you are, making it a truly special travel experience.
5. The Dolomites: Exploring Italy’s Alpine Wonderland
The Dolomites, with their dramatic peaks, beautiful valleys, and rich cultural heritage, are among the most stunning mountain ranges in Europe. Our Dolomites Tour offers an intimate, well-curated experience of this majestic region of Italy, designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Travelers will explore picturesque villages like Castelrotto, embark on scenic hikes, and cycle through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, all while immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the region.
Small Group Trips Benefit #5: We Are Experts in Our Destinations
What truly sets our small group tour to the Dolomites apart is the expertise of our travel designers and group leaders. We don’t just know where to go—we understand the best times to visit and how to maximize every moment of your trip. Our team is well-acquainted with the local culture, festivals, and seasonal highlights. Whether it’s planning a hike to catch the sunrise over the jagged peaks or timing your visit to coincide with traditional alpine festivals, our in-depth knowledge guarantees a truly immersive experience.
The flexibility of a small group also allows for a journey that highlights both popular landmarks and hidden gems, making your exploration of the Dolomites unforgettable.
~Trips Beyond Italy: Discover Our Other Small Group Trips Around Europe~
6. Azores, Portugal: Adventure in a Pristine Island Paradise
Our Azores Tour takes you on a captivating journey through the stunning archipelago, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and rich biodiversity. Explore the lush greenery of São Miguel, hike the dramatic cliffs of Pico, and unwind in natural hot springs.
You’ll also engage in exhilarating activities like whale watching and snorkeling in vibrant marine environments, all designed to showcase the Azores’ unique charm and pristine beauty. With a focus on sustainable practices, this tour not only highlights the region’s natural wonders but also immerses you in its local culture.
Small Group Trip Benefit #6: Meeting High Standards and Showcasing Sustainable Luxury
Small group travel ensures that every aspect of your experience meets high standards of quality and sustainable luxury. With fewer travelers, we can provide high-quality service and access to the finest local experiences. Indulge in meals at the carefully selected restaurants, where you’ll savor authentic Azorean cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Our expert guides curate exclusive activities that reflect both the luxury and authenticity of the region, ensuring that your journey is not just memorable, but also deeply enriching.
Whether it’s a private tour of a vineyard or a relaxing afternoon at a luxurious accommodation, our focus is on delivering a travel experience that meets the highest expectations.
7.France: Nature-Focused Yoga Retreat
Our France Tour and yoga retreat offers an immersive wellness experience set within a UNESCO natural gorge in the South of France. This retreat offers a peaceful escape, designed to help guests reconnect with themselves through yoga, nature, and a digital detox. Mornings begin with yoga sessions surrounded by the serene landscape, followed by sound baths and soothing wellness treatments.
In between, guests can unwind with nature walks, enjoy spa services, and take time for personal reflection. The stay is set in a restored farmhouse offering modern comforts in an authentic, calming environment, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Small Group Trip Benefit #7: Being Better for the Local People and Environment
We work hard to endure that our small group trips like this one contribute to preserving the local environment and community. By staying in a nature preserve with limited guest capacity, our trip minimizes environmental impact while supporting sustainable tourism practices. A smaller group allows for a quieter, more respectful presence, ensuring the pristine surroundings remain untouched for future visitors. Additionally, local guides and artisans benefit from the intimate size, enabling deeper connections and more meaningful exchanges.
This approach fosters a balance between experiencing the best of Provence while honoring the people and landscapes that make it so special.
Why Small Group Trips Are the Best Way to Travel
Every one of our small group tours is designed to provide the most authentic, personalized, and sustainable travel experiences possible. Whether you’re staying in exclusive accommodations, enjoying private tours, or gaining insider access to places that large groups simply can’t reach, you’ll benefit from the expertise and personal attention that only small group travel can provide.
Our expert facilitators ensure that every detail of your journey is taken care of, so you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the destination. If you’re looking for even more customization, we also offer fully personalized travel designs to suit your exact preferences. Either way, we can’t wait to help you explore Europe’s most beautiful regions in a way that’s intimate, flexible, and uniquely tailored to you.
