Small Group Escorted Tours
Have you ever stayed in a traditional Moroccon riad; learnt the secrets of kung fu from a Vietnamese Grand Master; visited a Massai village; spent a day on a traditional Indian kettuvallam houseboat or learnt the fascinating craft of pasta-making at an Italian family-run osteria?
In partnership with the award-winning Newmarket Holidays and Riviera Travel, we have a new selection of small group guided tours designed to give you the ultimate travel experience. It’s a chance to go one step further than the well-trodden tourist spots to see the hidden treasures in Central America, Asia, Africa and Europe.
On small group tours you’ll travel with no more than 25 fellow holidaymakers, meaning you have access to experiences and accommodation largely unavailable to bigger groups.
Led by friendly tour managers and expert local guides with many years’ experience, you can explore at a more relaxed pace. It’s a chance to discover less-travelled corners of the world and make memories with your fellow travellers on a holiday you’ll never forget.
Best Places to Stay
India
Where better to visit than India? It’s fascinating and vibrant in equal measures, with its incredible culture, historical forts, world-beating temples, natural wonders and food that’s always packed with flavour.
Whether you visit Jodhpur, Delhi, Jaipur, Rajasthan or any of its incredible cities, you’ll never be short of spellbinding moments and an array of sights, sounds and smells to satisfy your senses. To really lift the lid of India during our tours, you’ll be whisked off on a jeep safari to meet a tribe of ‘eco warriors’ and eat an unforgettable dinner in the desert under the stars.
Italy
Delicious food, stunning architecture, scenic lakes and coastlines, countless iconic landmarks and wonderful people make Italy the special place it is. In fact, Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world.
The likes of Milan, Rome, Venice, Florence and Naples are well trodden paths, but there are plenty of less well-known gems. Visit the likes of Trieste, Puglia, Siena and Udine for an authentic taste of this great nation.
Kenya
One of Africa’s most beautiful nations, Kenya combines soaring mountains, vast forested highlands, wonderful natives and, of course, the chance to see some of the most incredible animals and birds on earth, close up.
Bird watchers can admire hundreds of species at Lake Nakuru or Lake Naivasha. Stylish animal spotters can overlook a natural watering hole and elephant migratory route from the comfort of Treetops Lodge. Adrenaline seekers can head to Massai Mara to admire the great migration of wildebeests and zebras, possibly the most dramatic and wonderful wildlife show on the planet.
Vietnam
The array of sites you will see in Vietnam are simply incredible. In major cities ilke Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there’s an exhilarating collision of things to see. For every whizzing scooter there’s a local playing a leisurely game of chess, every traditional market there’s a shiny shopping mall, every Buddhist landmark there’s an architectural glimpse into former French and Chinese occupations.
Ensure you visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay, a huge array of limestone pillars, forest-topped cone shaped islands and turquoise waters. The remarkable Cu Chi Tunnel complex in Ho Chi Minh City and partially ruined temples of My Son are other awe-inspiring parts of Vietnam not to be missed.
Things to do
Safari in the Massai Mara
The Massai Mara national park boasts an unforgettable safari experience. Within its huge ecosystem, look out for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, waterbucks, hyenas, jackals and the world’s highest density of lions. Safari in July is particularly special, as millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebras go in search of fresh grass, much to the glee of predators. Cap off a trip here with a visit to a Massai village, where you can speak to tribe members about their incredible lives and see it firsthand.
Palace-spotting in Jaipur City
Among the remarkable cities in India, the most eye-catching of them all must be Jaipur, the pink city. Amber Fort, which dates back hundreds of years to 1592, is a must-see with its incredible views, royal halls, gardens and courtyards. Hawa Mahal, the palace of the winds, as well as the City Palace Complex bring with them equal splendour, while you can admire the city’s ancient astronomical observatory, Janta Mantar.
A taste of vintage Vietnam in Hoi An
Away from the madness of Vietnamese city life, you’ll find an entrancing place that has remained very much detached from modern times. Situated in a beautiful river side setting, Hoi An is scattered with ancient Japanese merchant houses, tea-warehouses and the freshest air away from the pollution in metropolitan places. Hoi An also offers easy access to some of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural scenery. From Cam Nam Island to idyllic beaches and rural cycle routes for that quintessentially Vietnamese view of lush green landscapes and rice paddies.
Enjoy the creative brilliance of Florence
One of Europe’s long-standing artistic, architectural and historical hubs, Florence really has so much to offer. Marvel at the spectacular cathedral, Santa Maria Del Fiore, the world’s third largest church, the centre of Tuscan life and an elaborate piece of architecture with its white, green and pink marble exterior. Other must-sees include historical Piazza Della Signoria, the iconic Michelangelo’s David and the Uffizi Gallery – the world’s most impressive collection of renaissance art.
Best Ways to Get Around
The i Travel Experience
Extraordinary travel and memories of a lifetime.
Book with a trusted brand where your holiday is protected.
Book with a trusted brand where your holiday is protected.
60+ Holiday Types
500+ Destinations
364,000+ Customers
Frequently Asked Questions
For tours operated by Newmarket Holidays, groups are normally around 15-20 people, but no more than 24. For tours operated by Riviera Travel, the maximum group size is 25 people.
Currently, we have small group escorted tours in Morocco, Italy, Sri Lanka, India, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Singapore and Kenya.
All of our escorted tours are ABTA and ATOL protected, which provides you with complete peace of mind when booking. COVID Cover Travel Insurance policy is also available and highly recommended.
On a small group escorted tour, you have a chance to delve into what makes each country special that little bit more.
You’ll have longer to explore places, discover the gems off the beaten track, immerse yourself into your surroundings by chatting to locals, or stay in hand-picked hotels where you can hear the stories of hoteliers who often have many years’ experience living in that particular area.
Everything is more convenient. You’ll have less time to wait for your coach, enjoy speedy check-in at hotels and have more time to explore at your own place. Rest assured safety is also paramount, with plenty of space on board your coach.