Southern USA Small Group Tours
Picture exploring the American South with a small group focused on culture and history. Visit New Orleans' music and food scene, Memphis for blues and Elvis, Nashville's country scene, Charleston's charm, or Savannah's squares. Small groups mean better access to music venues, restaurants, and understanding complex southern history.
6 best Southern USA small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern USA travel expert at TourRadar
Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views were absolutely stunning, and the experience was incredibly enjoyable.”
Susan, traveled in August
Groups max out at 12 travelers on this music-focused trip through the Southern USA, with most participants between 40-70+. You'll record your own track at Nashville's legendary Studio B alongside fellow music enthusiasts, then head to Elvis' Graceland and Memphis' Stax Museum in a close-knit setting that allows for good conversations with your leader. The smaller group means personalized attention during the hands-on Creole cooking class in New Orleans and better access to prime spots during the jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters.
Duration 7 days Destinations Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,970
10% Off- US$3,573You save $397
Duration 7 days Destinations Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Adventures in Good Company From
10% Off- US$4,595
Groups cap at 12 people for a more personal Southern trip from Atlanta to Nashville. The smaller size creates better interactions during activities like the Bonaventure Cemetery tour in Savannah and the Black History walking tour through Charleston's historic landmarks. Your guide can adjust storytelling at Biltmore Estate in Asheville and create meaningful connections during the whiskey tasting at Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville.
Duration 8 days Destinations Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$3,565
This small group tour welcomes 7-13 travelers aged 16+, creating an intimate atmosphere for the Deep South. Smaller numbers mean personalized time at Nashville's Historic RCA Studio B and better conversations with your guide during the brewery walking tour through Asheville's craft beer scene. With manageable group dynamics, you'll get guided access to Memphis' Civil Rights Museum housed in the Lorraine Motel and authentic interactions at Clarksdale's intimate juke joints along the Blues Highway.
Duration 11 days Destinations Charlotte, Asheville, Nashville, Memphis, Clarksdale, New Orleans Age Range Ages 16+ Group Size Max Group Size 13 Group Type Group Operator Explore! From
10% Off- US$5,640
Georgia History Trail to Nashville
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is a good tour if you want to learn about different parts of southern American history. It's a good trip.”
David, traveled in September
A select group of 10-12 travelers uncovers the Deep South's hidden gems. The intimate size grants exclusive access to Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah and personal insights during Charleston's Black History tour. Share authentic Southern meals and stories with fellow travelers across four different states.
Duration 8 days Destinations Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,650
10% Off- US$4,185You save $465
Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was great!! Travis Hanks is the best!!!!”
JOEL, traveled in November
With a maximum of 12 travelers, this small group tour lets you form close connections as you walk through Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, record tracks at Nashville's historic Studio B, and pick up Cajun cooking techniques in New Orleans. The compact size means personalized attention during guided activities like the Black History walking tour in Charleston and the 3-hour food tour through Savannah's culinary scene. Your group gets easier access to landmarks like Graceland and the Stax Museum, plus the flexibility to share stories during scenic drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Duration 14 days Destinations Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Asheville, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- US$7,860
What our customers ask about Southern USA Small Group Tours
What is the best time to take a small group tour in Southern USA?
Spring and fall attract the most visitors for small group tours in the Southern USA. April and May see clear weather and blooming landscapes while September and October bring comfortable temperatures and fall colors. Booking data shows May and September are particularly busy for hiking in the Smokies. Cities like New Orleans and Charleston maintain steady visitor numbers throughout the year. The summer months work well for mountain destinations like Fontana Lake and the Blue Ridge range though temperatures climb higher.
What kind of unique accommodation experiences are available on small group tours in Southern USA?
The intimate size of small group tours opens up special lodging options across the South. Groups can book into places like Dancing Bear Cabins in Townsend Tennessee with its 38-acre private forest setting near the quieter side of the Smoky Mountains. Historic districts in Charleston and Savannah offer boutique hotels within easy walking distance to key sites. As one TourRadar traveler noted "Two nights in amazing super deluxe mountain cabins" made their experience exceptional. Properties like the Hyatt Place in Asheville serve as convenient bases for exploring both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the city's craft beer scene.
What unique experiences are possible with a small group tour in Southern USA?
The smaller group format allows access to experiences that larger tours can't match. This includes hands-on cooking classes in New Orleans personal brewery tours through Asheville and lesser-known hiking trails in the Smokies. Groups can visit the Sierra Nevada Brewing facility for tastings get expert-guided tours of Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery and enjoy dinner watching the sunset from Gregory Bald. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Being in a small group allowed us to have a more intimate experience at places like Shining Rock and the Highland Brewing Company."
How far in advance should I book a small group tour in Southern USA?
Booking records suggest reserving 3-6 months ahead especially for peak seasons like fall foliage viewing in the Smokies or springtime in New Orleans. Tours to areas like Shining Rock Wilderness show an average booking window of 109 days before departure. The typical lead time across the region runs about 160 days which helps secure preferred dates at popular spots like The Resort at Glade Springs.
How much hiking is involved in small group tours of Southern USA?
The physical demands vary widely based on the tour type. City tours involve easy walking while nature-focused trips typically cover 4-6 miles daily in areas like the Smokies. More active itineraries might include up to 9.5 miles per day reaching spots like Cold Mountain or Shining Rock. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The hikes were well-paced and our guide Amanda made sure everyone was comfortable especially on the more challenging sections like the climb to the Shuckstack fire tower."
What type of guides lead small group tours in Southern USA?
Local experts with deep knowledge of Southern culture history and natural environments lead these tours. The guides hold professional certifications including medical training and extensive wilderness experience particularly for treks along the Appalachian Trail and through the Great Smoky Mountains. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Amanda was an amazing guide so informative about the flora and fauna and made the trip really fun. She was also an excellent cook preparing delicious meals."