Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Welcome to the Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor travel blog, featuring expert travel tips, destination guides, cruise advice, airfare strategies, packing suggestions, and first-hand insights from more than 17 years of planning small group tours.

Since 2009, we have helped solo travelers, couples, and friends enjoy adults-only small group tours and luxury river cruises with quality hotels, expert local guides, thoughtful pacing, and personal service.

Explore articles on Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Peru, Newfoundland, Paris, Normandy, Santa Fe, Canada, Italy, and AmaWaterways river cruises — then view our current Small Group Tours and River Cruises.

Archive by author: Professor Steve SoloskyReturn

07Oct

4 Must-Do Scenic Norway Rail Journeys

Professor Steve Solosky | Norway, train travel, Rauma, Flamsbana, Dovre Railway | Norway and Iceland Destination Guide |

See Norway like never before on scenic train journeys with The Traveling Professor. From the iconic Bergen Line to the thrilling Flåmsbana Railway, our small group tours take you through majestic mountains, fjords, and valleys—offering breathtaking views and unforgettable adventures far from the tourist crowds.

06Oct

The Best Pasta Dishes in Rome Italy

Professor Steve Solosky | Rome, Italy, Pasta, Dining | Italy Travel Destination Guide |

On Traveling Professor small group tours, savoring Rome’s iconic pasta is a highlight. From creamy cacio e pepe and rich carbonara to hearty amatriciana and savory gricia, discover the best restaurants serving authentic Roman flavors in the city.

05Oct

5 Foods to Try in Paris

Professor Steve Solosky | Paris, Dinner | Paris and France Travel Guide |

On a Traveling Professor Small Group Tour to Paris, savor the city’s culinary treasures. From French onion soup and steak frites to escargot and Ile Flottante, Professor Solosky shares five must-try Parisian dishes for an unforgettable foodie experience.

04Oct

Offbeat Paris Itinerary: Offbeat Tours and Hidden Gems

Professor Steve Solosky | Paris, Pere Lachaise, Paris Sewers, Catacombs | Paris and France Travel Guide |

Reveal offbeat Paris with our small group tours. Explore the Sewers of Paris, royal tombs at Basilique Saint-Denis, Père Lachaise Cemetery, and the eerie Catacombs for a truly unusual Paris itinerary beyond the Eiffel Tower.

03Oct

The Veneto Region of Italy: Authentic Culture, Food & Hidden Gems with The Traveling Professor’s Insider Travel Guide and Tips

Professor Steve Solosky | Veneto, Venice, Padua, Verona, Vicenza | Italy Travel Destination Guide |

Discover the charm of Italy’s Veneto region—Venice, Padua, Verona, and more—with fewer crowds, rich culture, authentic food, and affordable lodging. Explore insider tips from The Traveling Professor for an unforgettable Italian experience.

02Oct

5 Travel Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

Professor Steve Solosky | packing, travel mistakes | General Travel Tips & Advice |

Avoid common international travel mistakes with expert tips from The Traveling Professor. Learn why booking directly, packing light, staying flexible, and having insurance make all the difference on your next small group tour or overseas adventure.

01Oct

Favorite Restaurant Picks by The Traveling Professor

Professor Steve Solosky | Paris, Paris Restaurants | Paris and France Travel Guide |

Paris offers unforgettable dining, from historic brasseries and romantic bistros to hidden cafés and budget-friendly eats. On our small group tours, we savor iconic spots like Brasserie Bofinger, Chartier, and Le Coupe Chou for authentic Parisian flavors.

30Sep

Best Paris Markets

Professor Steve Solosky | Paris, Markets | Paris and France Travel Guide |

Find out about the best Paris markets. From vibrant food stalls and historic flea markets to specialty flower and book vendors, explore authentic Parisian life while tasting, shopping, and experiencing local culture.

29Sep

The Best Places to Eat in Florence Italy

Professor Steve Solosky | Italy, Florence, Restaurants | Italy Travel Destination Guide |

Here are The Traveling Professor’s favorite authentic Tuscan restaurants in Florence, Italy. From the famous Steak Florentine at Buca Mario to lively trattorias and vibrant food markets, explore the best places to enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine.

28Sep

Dates to Avoid When Planning a European Trip

Professor Steve Solosky | Public Holidays | Austria & Bavaria Travel Guide, Ireland Travel Guide, Norway and Iceland Destination Guide, Scotland Travel Guide, Paris and France Travel Guide, Italy Travel Destination Guide |

Plan your 2026 Europe trip smarter by avoiding major public holidays in Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Austria, Italy, France, and Ireland. Skip crowds, closures, and high prices with our complete holiday calendar and travel tips.

Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.

Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.

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Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

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Who Writes the Small Group Tour Blog?

Receive destination ideas, travel tips, early tour announcements, and special offers from Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor.