Travel the world with friends in a small group setting

Exploring cultures, witnessing majestic landscapes and tasting exotic foods – there’s so much to experience when traveling the world. And while a group tour is a great, hassle-free way to experience many of the world’s most desirable destinations, for some, the idea of traveling in a large group may be a bit daunting. Thankfully, many top tour operators are now offering trips with smaller group sizes, providing all the benefits of group travel (ease of planning, all-inclusiveness, high levels of service, guided sightseeing, value, etc.) with the more personalized feel of fewer traveling companions.

Whether you’re traveling with a spouse or significant other, alone, or among a group of friends, small group travel with 20 to 24 like-minded travelers takes a trip to a new level of delight. The world is full of myriad locations perfect for small group travel.

Traveling in a small group is an excellent way to expand your horizons. But trying to plan the entire trip with itinerary, meals, hotels and travel arrangements can be a nightmare. Instead, consider a small group tour where everything is already organized. Tauck has been helping small groups see the world for more than 80 years. When you travel with Tauck, everything is taken care of for you, all you need to do is pack the suitcases and charge the camera batteries.

For your next vacation, consider inviting friends to join you on one of these adventures:

* California’s Gold Coast – This 11-day tour offered by Tauck highlights the beautiful scenery where California and the Pacific Ocean meet, with a trip inland to also see the wonders of Yosemite National Park. Small groups of couples or friends will love this tour, sampling wines bottled in Sonoma Valley, discovering the history of the Gold Rush era, delighting in the sea life at Monterey Bay Aquarium and negotiating the stunning beauty of Highway 1.

* America’s Canyonlands – Small groups will love this eight-day tour by Tauck showcasing the amazing landscape sculptures found in Arizona, Utah and Nevada. This active small-group tour will have travelers setting their alarm clocks early to catch sunrise at the Grand Canyon, or participating in a little splashing fun while rafting down the Colorado River. This trip is a must for bringing the cameras – take your next holiday photo with Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park in the background.

* Tuscany and Cinque Terre – The robust flavors and earthy scenery of Tuscany led themselves to travel by smaller, intimate groups, where all members can savor the warmth and friendliness of the Tuscan people. This eight-day tour encompasses Florence, Cinque Terre, Lucca and Sienna. Along the way, guests learn about the rich culture of Florence, the flavors of Cinque Terre and even indulge in a cooking class in Lucca.

* Costa Rica – With so much adventure to experience in Costa Rica, you may feel you’ve only scratched the surface after eight days – but it will be a good start. Hike with a knowledgable guide through wildlife-rich jungle, dance barefoot on a pristine beach, marvel at an emerald-filled crater and savor the majesty of the cloud forests. This tour takes guests from the markets, restaurants and beaches of San Jose to a chocolate workshop in San Isidro, a zipline ride through the rainforest canopy above the Montezuma river and kayaking through the mangrove estuaries of the Curu Reserve.

With small group travel, you can return from your trip with stories to share among friends and family members for years to come. Start reliving the memories of your small group tour right away by trading photos of your experiences. Visit tauck.com for additional small group travel adventures available.