Travel the World in Small Groups. Feel Welcome from the Start.

Here is the latest review from one of our travel friends:

“Your Ireland trip exceeded my expectations tenfold! The places you chose were wonderful, and the hotels were comfortable, quiet and clean, with excellent breakfasts and beautiful views.

The 14 of us got along so well that, by the end of the trip, we considered each other friends. Our guide, Val O’Brien, made every day a magical experience with his sense of humor, knowledge of Irish history and folklore, and genuine love of Ireland.”

— Ireland Tour Traveler

Since 2009, Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor has brought together a welcoming community of active travelers age 50+. Our thoughtfully planned tours are designed for solo travelers, couples, and friends who want to see remarkable destinations without the impersonal feel of a large bus tour. Come for the destination—and discover how quickly fellow travelers become friends.

Europe Small Group Tours

Many of our travelers come to us looking for more than a place to go. They want a comfortable, friendly way to travel with people who enjoy good company, great destinations, and well-planned experiences. Some join us as solo travelers. Some come as couples. Others travel with a friend or family member. What they often find is the same thing: it is easy to fit in. Our groups are small enough for people to get to know one another, share meals, enjoy conversations, and experience each destination together without the impersonal feeling of a large bus tour. You can be social when you want to be, enjoy your own time when you need it, and feel part of a welcoming group from the very first day.

Venice and Northern Italy Small Group Tour

Venice, Florence & Northern Italy Tour

Venice, Florence, Padua, Verona, Vicenza, Tuscan wine tasting on a guided small group tour. April 2027.

Iceland small group tour with waterfalls glaciers and Northern Lights

Iceland & the Northern Lights

Waterfalls, glaciers, Blue Lagoon, and Northern Lights. October 2026 & March 2027.

Small group tour in Paris with travelers near Eiffel Tower and historic landmarks

Paris Once Again

Museums, landmarks, neighborhoods, cuisine, and flexible guided exploration in beautiful Paris. Various 2027 dates.

Ireland small group travelers exploring Dublin and countryside castles

Dublin & the Gems of Ireland Tour

Dublin, Belfast, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and Wild Atlantic Way on a scenic Ireland tour. July 2027.

Norway fjords small group tour with mountain and waterfall views

Norway & the Fjords by Scenic Rail Tour

Stunning fjords, scenic railways, Oslo, Flåm, and Bergen. June & August 2027.

Normandy Beaches guided small group history tour in France

Normandy Invasion Beaches

D-Day beaches, battlefields, cemeteries, and expert-guiding. September 2027.

Scotland small group tour through Highlands by scenic rail

A Friendly Small Group Journey Through Scotland

Inverness, Skye, and the Scottish Highlands by scenic rail and guided touring. August 2027.

Royal London Small Group Tour

Westminster, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Windsor Castle exploration. September 2027.

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North America and South America Small Group Tours

Experience the beauty and diversity of the Americas through thoughtfully designed journeys from Canada to Peru. See dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, wildlife, and local traditions while traveling at a comfortable pace.

Montreal and Quebec City Christmas Markets Tour

Montreal & Quebec Christmas Markets Tour

Festive Christmas markets, Old World charm, French Canadian culture, and holiday lights. December 2026.

Christmas Markets river cruise festive villages lights mulled wine and Europe

Quebec Christmas Markets for Ladies Only Tour

Christmastime in Quebec. Markets and women-only camaraderie. November–December 2027.

Newfoundland small group tour Gros Morne coast icebergs and Viking Trail

Newfoundland Icebergs & Viking Trail Tour

Icebergs, whales, Viking history, Gros Morne, and dramatic Atlantic coastal scenery. June 2027.

Santa Fe small group tour adobe architecture art galleries and Southwest culture

Santa Fe & Taos Small Group Tour

Taos, Ghost Ranch, Rio Grande Gorge, art, culture, and Southwest beauty. May 2027.

European River Cruises by AmaWaterways

Sail Europe’s great rivers in luxury with award-winning AmaWaterways. Enjoy elegant ships, fine dining, immersive excursions, and exceptional service while exploring castles, vineyards, and historic cities.

Tulip Time river cruise in Holland with colorful spring flowers

Amsterdam Tulip Time River Cruise

The Netherlands at peak tulip season with gardens, canals, and luxury river cruising. April 2027.

Christmas Markets river cruise with festive European village lights

Rhine Christmas Markets River Cruise

Swiss Alps, Rhine castles, festive markets, and charming villages on a luxury cruise. December 2027.

Douro River cruise Portugal vineyards Porto villages and scenic wine country

Blue Danube Discovery River Cruise

Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and more on Europe’s iconic Danube River cruise. May 2027.

Douro River cruise travelers enjoying Portugal vineyard scenery

Lisbon & Douro River Cruise

Lisbon, Salamanca, Porto, vineyards, and scenic Portugal river cruising. September 2028.

Professor Steve Solosky founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor

Iconic Christmas Markets of Europe River Cruise

Sail through Europe’s festive Christmas markets, historic cities, and holiday traditions. December 2028.

Paris & Normandy River Cruise

Cruise the Seine through Paris, Giverny, Rouen, and Honfleur with guided sightseeing and elegant river cruising. September 2028.

Why Travelers Trust Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor

For more than 17 years, travelers have trusted Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor for carefully planned, adults-only tours designed for active adults, solo travelers, couples, and women 50+. Our trips feature smaller groups, quality hotels, expert local guides, scenic rail journeys where possible, and personal service from experienced travel professionals — a more comfortable, thoughtful alternative to large bus tours.

Remaining 2026 Small Group Tours

Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City

Celebrate the season in Quebec City and Montreal on a festive small group Christmas markets tour filled with historic charm, beautiful decorations, and comfortable hotels in outstanding locations. Our previous departures sold strongly, and this tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed holiday experience without a large bus tour feel. Spaces available.

Who Our Small Group Tours Are Designed For

Who Travels With Us?

Our travelers are curious adults, many age 50+, who enjoy seeing great destinations without the rushed pace or impersonal feel of large group travel.

Some travel solo. Some come as couples. Some bring a friend. Many are experienced travelers, while others are returning to travel after a few years away. What they tend to have in common is a love of good destinations, thoughtful planning, comfortable hotels, and friendly people.

Solo travelers are especially welcome. You will not feel like an outsider simply because you arrived on your own. Our small group format makes it natural to meet others, join conversations, share meals, and enjoy the experience together.

Couples and friends also fit in easily. Our tours are social without being forced, structured without being rigid, and personal without being intrusive.