Europe Small Group Tours
Step back in time at UNESCO-listed Delphi, and see the beautiful sunset over Meteora, where monasteries sit on top of big cliffs. Check out Berat's interesting history, and walk through its narrow streets. The calm waters of Lake Ohrid are surrounded by beautiful mountains, and they’re waiting for you. Your trip to the Balkans is about to start.
10 best Europe small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Small Group: Imperial Cities and Austrian Alps from Belgrade
- From Bucharest to Istanbul Balkan Discovery & Greece Tour 1 FLIGHT INCLUDED - Small Group Tour
- Sofia to Bucharest Grand Discovery Tour - Small Group Tour
- Imperial Circle: A Small Group Journey Through the Heart of Europe
- Grand Balkan Discovery: Small Group Tour
- Central European Explorer: Budapest, Transylvania & Sofia (Small Group)
- Small Group 11 Days Baltic Highlights Loop (Guaranteed Departure)
- Scandinavian Capitals & Fjords Small Group Tour
- All of Albania Group Tour- With Kosovo and Ohrid
- Grand Tour of Switzerland Explorer Panoramic: join-in group tour
Small Group: Imperial Cities and Austrian Alps from Belgrade
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Budapest is such a beautiful city and I would go back in a heartbeat. The food in Serbia is awesome and the prices are reasonable.”
Michelle, traveled in August
Intimate tours of 3-8 travelers wind through Central Europe's highlights. Suitable for ages 35+, allowing access to local venues like Belgrade's Question Mark Tavern and Zvonko Bogdan Winery. Expert guides provide personalized attention while visiting UNESCO sites like Prague Castle and Schönbrunn Palace.
Duration 13 days Destinations Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Slovenia Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 24 Group Type GroupPersonalized Operator Balkan and more From $6,083
30% Off- US$4,258You save $1,825
From Bucharest to Istanbul Balkan Discovery & Greece Tour 1 FLIGHT INCLUDED - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Duration 13 days Destinations Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Greece, Turkey Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Ajdinis From $4,339
20% Off- US$3,471You save $868
Sofia to Bucharest Grand Discovery Tour - Small Group Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was top-notch, from the knowledgeable guide to the well-planned itinerary.”
Austin, traveled in October
Small group tours average 6 travelers, so you'll have an intimate atmosphere that's ideal for personalized interactions while traveling through Europe's Balkans. The compact group size means easier navigation through Ohrid's UNESCO-listed Old Town, better access to the cliff-top Meteora Monasteries, and more engaging discussions with local guides at Sofia's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Bucharest's Revolution Square. Unlike larger tours, you'll have flexible dining at traditional restaurants in Skopje and Thessaloniki, with the guide tailoring what the group wants throughout the 11-day trip from Best Western Terminus Hotel in Sofia to Peakture Hotel in Bucharest.
Duration 11 days Destinations Bulgaria, Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Greece, Romania Age Range Ages 10+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Ajdinis From $2,806
20% Off- US$2,245You save $561
Your group stays small at just 15 travelers, so you'll get personalized attention from your English-speaking Tour Director and make deeper cultural connections at each stop. The smaller size means you can take the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle, walk through Prague's Golden Lane, and tour the Budweiser Brewery in České Budějovice without dealing with crowded tour bus situations. Travel by comfortable coach between places like Slovenia's Lake Bled, Budapest's Heroes' Square, and Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, and the flexible schedule allows for spontaneous photo stops and authentic local interactions that just aren't possible with larger groups.
Duration 10 days Destinations Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Omega Tours From
20% Off- US$3,127
This 15-day small group tour through seven Balkan countries stays comfortable with a maximum of 15 travelers, so you'll get personalized attention from your English-speaking guide. The smaller group size makes for better cultural exchanges in Sarajevo's Bascarsija bazaar and more authentic conversations with locals at traditional ćevapi restaurants. The coach can access narrow medieval streets in Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town and Mostar's historic center that bigger tour buses can't reach.
Duration 15 days Destinations Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator Omega Tours From
20% Off- US$4,291
Central European Explorer: Budapest, Transylvania & Sofia (Small Group)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Duration 9 days Destinations Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria Age Range Ages 6+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Eskapas From $2,640
3% Off- US$2,561You save $79
Small Group 11 Days Baltic Highlights Loop (Guaranteed Departure)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good value and excellent guides. Interesting locations.”
Jessica, traveled in June
Fifteen travelers at most share authentic moments through Europe's hidden corners. Relaxed pace suits the group while viewing Baltic architectural marvels. Cultural immersion flourishes as 60% solo travelers share perspectives during manor house visits and medieval town walks.
Duration 11 days Destinations Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German Group Size Max Group Size 21 Group Type Group Operator Travel Addicts Club From
3% Off- US$1,574
Duration 10 days Destinations Denmark, Norway, Sweden Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
3% Off- US$5,658
Duration 21 days Destinations Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia Age Range Ages 21+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Drive Albania Tours From
3% Off- US$3,968
Grand Tour of Switzerland Explorer Panoramic: join-in group tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The quality of the hotels and the train journeys were sensational. Highlights include the Matterhorn in Zermatt and Jungfrauhoch.”
Kathryn, traveled in July
With maximum 12 participants, enjoy personalized attention across Europe in a luxury cabrio mini-bus. Small group dynamics allow flexibility to explore Vaduz in Liechtenstein, take extended photo stops at Lago Bianco, and enjoy intimate wine tastings at Domaine Bovy, with daily breakfast included.
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator STC Switzerland Travel Centre From
3% Off- US$6,058
Reviews of Small Group tours to Europe
- Small Group: Imperial Cities and Austrian Alps from Belgrade
Great tour! I would recommend this tour to people who would like a taste of Eastern Europe. There are definitely countries that I would come back to and stay longer in. Budapest is such a beautiful city and I would go back in a heartbeat. I also loved Vienna and Prague. The nightlife in Prague is fun. The food in Serbia is awesome and the prices are reasonable. I would also go back to Serbia again!
- Sofia to Istanbul Grand Journey FLIGHT INCLUDED - Small Group Tour
Excellent, educational tour. My only criticism was that moving each night to a new hotel got tiring after awhile. Enos was an excellent guide and always looking for ways to adapt the tour to our interests.
- Small Group 11 Days Baltic Highlights Loop (Guaranteed Departure)
Our Baltic Tour opened a world of history, architecture,and culture we had never even dreamed about. Loved the cities and the country manors, the shore and the forests. Bravo, Baltic Tours!
What our customers ask about Europe Small Group Tours
What is the typical group size for small group tours in Europe?
European small group tours generally host 8-15 travelers per departure allowing easy movement through cities and sites. The Celtic Voyage and similar tours maintain these smaller numbers to facilitate genuine local interactions. The size proves practical for activities like dining at family establishments such as Magdas Hotel in Vienna or visiting private homes. The Budapest to Split route keeps numbers low so guests can stay at selected properties like Hotel Mark in Belgrade where larger groups cannot be accommodated.
What kind of accommodations do small group tours use in Europe?
Accommodations range from boutique hotels to family-run guesthouses selected for their local character and comfort. The Balkan Revealed tour features notable properties including the 4-star City Savoy Hotel in Belgrade and Hotel Lapad with its harbor views in Dubrovnik. A TourRadar guest remarked: "The intimate properties like the Twin Peaks B&B in Mostar offered authentic local hospitality you'd never get in large chain hotels."
What makes small group tours ideal for exploring Europe's historic sites?
The smaller size allows groups to navigate historic locations effectively and hear guides clearly at sites like Diocletian's Palace in Split or Mostar's Old Bridge. Groups of 8-15 can move through narrow streets and spend time understanding the history without creating congestion. A TourRadar traveler noted: "With just 12 people we could really appreciate places like Plitvice Lakes taking time for photos without rushing past with a massive group."
What unique benefits do small group tours offer compared to larger group tours in Europe?
The smaller format enables direct guide interaction flexible scheduling and access to local experiences. Tours by Choose Balkans can visit family vineyards in Kosovo's Rahovec Valley and arrange stays at select properties like Shelleven House in Bangor. A TourRadar traveler noted "Our guide Mandi made those days great with intimate local experiences we couldn't get in a big group like visiting small traditional restaurants and meeting local families."
How does dining work on small group tours in Europe?
The tours balance included meals with free time for personal exploration. The smaller group size means access to authentic local venues from Greek tavernas to family restaurants in Albania that larger tours must skip. One TourRadar reviewer shared "Our guide took us to hidden local gems that larger groups would never find especially in places like Tirana and Sarajevo."
What kind of transportation is used on European small group tours?
Transportation consists of minivans or mini-coaches sized for 8-12 passengers. The Eastern Europe tour uses Mercedes Viano vehicles which can navigate narrow roads and make impromptu stops at viewpoints such as the Kapija Podrinja overlook in Serbia. Reviews note "Having a nimble vehicle meant we could visit small villages and take spontaneous photo stops that big tour buses had to skip."