Small Group Touring & Expedition 2026: Take the Road-Less Travelled

There is something deeply rewarding about travelling beyond the obvious. Beyond the landmarks seen a thousand times before. Beyond the well-worn routes. The Road Less Travelled is where culture feels more authentic, landscapes feel more expansive, and each experience carries a stronger sense of connection.

Designed for travellers who value depth over distance, small group touring along the road less travelled opens the door to hidden villages, lesser-known regions and meaningful encounters that rarely feature in traditional itineraries. With expert local guides, thoughtfully paced journeys and intimate group sizes, these experiences balance comfort with discovery, allowing travellers to explore further while remaining fully immersed in destination.

Below, discover four leading touring partners redefining small group travel, along with a hand-picked journey designed to showcase the richness and diversity found beyond the mainstream.
 

Intrepid has been redefining small group adventure travel for more than 35 years, connecting travellers from all walks of life through immersive, locally led journeys designed to go deeper. With perfectly sized groups typically 12 to 14 travellers every trip balances camaraderie with independence, guided by expert local leaders who bring each destination to life through insight, storytelling and authentic connection.

Rather than simply visiting the highlights, Intrepid’s journeys are designed to uncover the hard-to-find places and everyday moments that reveal a destination’s true character. From exploring ancient ruins with knowledgeable guides to sharing home-cooked meals with local families, each experience is grounded in meaningful cultural exchange. As a certified B Corp and purpose-led travel company, Intrepid is also committed to creating positive impact ensuring travel supports local communities and protects the places explored.

Best Suited For:
Travellers seeking culturally immersive, small group adventures with like-minded explorers particularly those who value local leadership, responsible travel practices and experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Premium Turkey in Depth
A 15-day Premium small group journey with Intrepid begins and ends in Istanbul, offering a richly layered exploration of Turkey’s diverse landscapes, history and culture. With a maximum of 12 travellers and led by one of Intrepid’s most experienced local leaders, the journey blends iconic highlights with authentic, locally curated experiences.

From guided visits to Gallipoli, Troy and Ephesus to sailing along the Mediterranean coast and wandering the surreal rock formations of Cappadocia, each day offers depth and variety. Exclusive experiences — including a hands-on cooking class, a visit to a local carpet weaving cooperative and a traditional home-hosted dinner provide genuine cultural connection, while premium accommodation, including a unique cave hotel stay, adds comfort without compromising authenticity.

Balancing structured exploration with free time to discover independently, Premium Turkey in Depth captures the essence of Intrepid travel immersive, responsible and deeply connected to place.
 

Family-owned and proudly Australian, Bunnik Tours has been crafting meaningful small group journeys for 30 years. What began as a passion project in 1995 has grown into one of Australia’s most respected small group touring specialists, built on the belief that travel should be immersive, well-paced and deeply rewarding.

With groups capped at no more than 20 travellers (and often fewer), Bunnik’s thoughtfully designed itineraries balance iconic highlights with hidden gems, ensuring each journey feels both comprehensive and personal. Carefully curated inclusions, experienced tour guides and seamless logistics allow travellers to explore with confidence, while still enjoying the freedom to connect with destination. From special cultural encounters to exclusive deluxe experiences, Bunnik journeys are designed to make every moment count particularly for travellers visiting a destination for the first time.

Best Suited For:
Travellers seeking a well-rounded, all-inclusive small group experience with like-minded explorers particularly those who value expert guidance, seamless organisation and thoughtfully curated cultural experiences without hidden extras.

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Egypt & Jordan In-Style
This 24-day luxury small group journey through Egypt and Jordan blends world-famous wonders with intimate local moments, offering a richly layered exploration of two of the world’s most captivating destinations. With a maximum of 16 guests and airfares included, the experience is carefully curated to balance comfort, culture and depth.

Highlights include standing before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, exploring Petra’s rose-red façades, spending a night beneath the stars in a unique bubble tent in Wadi Rum, and cruising the tranquil waters of the Nile for four unforgettable nights. Special experiences from farm-to-table dining in Madaba to hands-on cooking classes and visits with local families provide meaningful cultural insight, while deluxe stays, including the iconic Old Cataract Hotel, elevate the journey.

Combining seamless organisation, premium inclusions and authentic local encounters, Egypt & Jordan In-Style captures the essence of Bunnik Tours comprehensive, immersive and designed to be experienced fully, not rushed.
 

For almost 40 years, Back-Roads Touring has specialised exclusively in immersive small group journeys through the UK and Europe, crafted for travellers who prefer the quiet charm of hidden villages over crowded city squares. Designed for the curious, these tours step beyond the well-worn tourist trail to uncover the stories, flavours and traditions that define local life.

With a maximum of 18 guests travelling by luxury mini coach, journeys unfold at a relaxed pace, allowing time to truly connect with each destination. Passionate Tour Leaders with deep local knowledge transform every stop into something memorable, whether revealing regional culinary secrets, guiding guests through medieval towns or sharing cultural insights that bring history to life. Each itinerary balances iconic highlights with unexpected discoveries found only along the back roads.

Best Suited For:

Travellers seeking intimate European small group journeys that prioritise local connection, regional culture and relaxed pacing, particularly those who value storytelling, characterful stays and exploring beyond the mainstream.

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Highlights of Northern Spain
This 10 day small group journey through Northern Spain offers a richly layered exploration of rugged landscapes, medieval towns and celebrated gastronomy. Travelling with no more than 18 guests and led by an expert Tour Leader, the itinerary blends cultural depth with relaxed discovery.

From sampling pintxos in San Sebastián and mastering traditional Spanish cuisine in Pamplona to exploring the dramatic Salt Mines of Cardona and wandering the medieval streets of Laguardia, each day reveals a different side of Spain. Unique stays, including time in a former 17th century monastery in the Pyrenees, add authenticity and charm, while luxury mini coach travel ensures comfort throughout.

Combining thoughtful pacing, immersive local experiences and the appeal of Europe’s quieter corners, Highlights of Northern Spain captures the essence of 
Back-Roads Touring intimate, characterful and designed for travellers who prefer the scenic route.
 

With nearly a century of touring heritage, Globus blends tradition, expertise and innovation to deliver thoughtfully crafted small group journeys around the world. As a Swiss family-owned company founded in 1928, Globus has built a reputation for seamless organisation, trusted leadership and immersive travel experiences designed to go beyond the guidebooks.

Globus Small Group Discovery tours are designed for a maximum of 18 guests across Europe, allowing for more space, deeper exploration and exclusive experiences not possible on larger tours. Expert Tour Directors, many with decades of experience, provide meaningful context and storytelling, while carefully curated inclusions such as Local Favorites offer authentic encounters that connect travellers to destination. From cultural highlights to hidden gems, each itinerary balances iconic sights with unexpected moments that elevate the journey.

Best Suited For:
Travellers seeking a well-paced, expertly guided small group tour that blends must-see highlights with immersive local experiences, particularly those who value heritage, seamless planning and experienced Tour Directors.

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Enchanting Italy
This 9 day Small Group Discovery journey from Rome to Venice offers an intimate exploration of Italy’s most captivating regions, designed for a maximum of 18 guests. With more space to roam and exclusive experiences built into the itinerary, travellers enjoy a deeper connection to culture, cuisine and history.

Highlights include guided explorations of Rome’s legendary landmarks, walking tours through Narni and Perugia, a visit to a local olive oil farm for tasting and lunch, pecorino cheese sampling in Pienza, a private cooking class in Monteriggioni and an exclusive chocolate tasting experience. In Florence, guests enjoy a guided walking tour and aperitivo, before travelling by high speed train to Venice for a private gondola ride along its iconic canals.

Combining iconic destinations with immersive small group experiences, Enchanting Italy captures the essence of Globus touring refined, enriching and designed to reveal more than the ordinary.