Escorted small group tours

Guided tours for seniors and mature travellers

Escorted Small Group Tour packages.

Odyssey Traveller has been providing guided educational small group packages for the over 60s since 1983. We are the escorted small group tours educational travel experts for mature and senior travellers exploring the world. An original small group touring co designing and building tour packages for travellers seeking an inclusive holiday package oftewn with extraordinary itineraries for peace of mind travel. Based in Australia we offer a diverse range of the best escorted group tours across the globe, not just an australia tour package, but offering exclusive small group touring to all corners of the world as well coach tours in Australia for seniors . These are typically a small group journey for travelers with a local tour guide to enjoy some of the best guided tour experiences from a rail journey through Siberia to a walking tour along the Camino or an inspiring journey into the Caucasus. Odyssey’s travel programs are with like minded people interested in a holiday package with authentic experiences, often off the beaten track to provide the perfect holiday tour packages for older travelers as couples or joining as a solo traveller. Odyssey however only offers vacation packages to those destiantions where it can provide a unique experience.

Our small group touring programs are offered all around the world. As a small group touring co we take pride in offering group travel for the British isles, Africa and the Middle East , central Asia and Asia, Australia , New Zealand and central and South America as well as a Europe tour. The company has always been about offering travel packages for smaller groups. We choose and continue to take you to an amazing destination in Morocco , Costa Rica or the South island of New Zealand it is always about a small group journey off the beaten track with like minded people packed with authentic experiences to give you a great holiday. For our collection of international programs our peace of mind policy may also be of interest when considering where you may next destination may be.

At Odyssey we listen to your post tour feedback and refresh our escorted programs to continual improve the travel experience offered on our escorted group tour range at great all-inclusive prices. Odyssey’s escorted small group tours remain conscious of the challenge of the solo traveler whether a man or a women and the single supplement .

We also remember to reward our frequent customers with our own loyalty program from your third small group tour package taken with Odyssey you qualify for holiday package deals with increasing levels of discounted pricing.

Travelling in a escorted group tour of typically between 6 to 12 people offers peace of mind, security, shared knowledge, unique access, with a tour leader as well as the camaraderie for the solo traveler and companionship of a small group of like minded people that welcomes the older person as couples or solo traveler who remain keen to learn and explore the world around them.

Riga Old Town - Capital of Latvia
Riga Old Town – Capital of Latvia

If you’re unimpressed by the concept of filing on to coaches en masse or following a guide with an umbrella – that’s definitely not what you’ll find on an Odyssey small group adventure tour! In fact, we think there are plenty of hidden benefits of small group tour packages for the mature traveler.

With less fellow travellers on an escorted small group tour , getting up close and personal to the famous sites is a senior travel benefit on your trip as part of a smaller group. One of the main advantages of small group travel on Europe tour and to the rest of the world is the fact that it is just that, a small nimble group who often get off the beaten track with their fellow traveller to enjoy a small group adventure with a extraordinary itineraries on their trip . You and your fellow travellers will usually be a group of no more than a dozen or so. Unlike other escorted tours, which often take up to 50 passengers per coach tour , your small group tour will offer you a much more personalised experience and more of a chance to get to know your tour leader and fellow passengers. Extended tours may be an option in some places for you and your fellow travellers, or simply pausing at morning tea to reflect on the stunning scenery in a national park whether in the outback of South Australia or England’s lake district. You have flexibility to start early to avoid crowds at famous sites, or to reach the heart of a place because you can use the public transport network or are in smaller coach that can access the areas close to where you wish to visit even in the most medieval of villages unlike a larger group on a big coach. We offer some 200 small group Australia tour package coach tours for seniors plus the vacation package to destinations all around the world each year for a unique travel date that reflects the best time to purchase a vacation package. We encourage you to explore our range of upcoming tour experiences for your next trip either direct or via your travel agent .

Panoramic view nature landscape in queen town remarkable and arrowtown south island New Zealand Walking tour
Queenstown, New Zealand

Odyssey Traveller ‘s escorted small group tours operate for a smaller group of 4 travelers to a typical maximum group size of 16 people, they maybe more expensive to purchase than a larger group tour catering for 25 to 50 people, as the larger group benefits from the economies of scale.

That small group travel option has a personal value that is exceedingly difficult to put a financial value on when considering risk around your health.

An Odyssey Traveller small group escorted tour also seeks to give you a holiday with a genuine authentic experience following the mantra of “small is beautiful”.

Amsterdam tour
Amsterdam tour

Guaranteed escorted small group tours

An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983

14 Total Tours
Guaranteed
Egypt tour valley of the kings

18 days

Nov, Jan

Egypt tour: escorted small group history & cultural tour of Egypt

Visiting Egypt

Our small-group program, designed for senior couples and solo travellers, offers a rich journey through Egypt's past and present. You'll explore modern marvels like the Aswan Dam and immerse yourself in pivotal sites such as Tahrir Square, both key to understanding Egypt’s enduring influence on civilization. This tour is proof that Egypt remains a vital crossroads of history and culture. We explore Egypt's fairy-tale natural beauty, its ancient history, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. For those seeking an even deeper experience, we also offer opportunities to extend your travels with our tours in Morocco, Jordan, or Tunisia before beginning your Egyptian adventure.

From $14,563 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Mizdakhan Cemetery, Nukus, Uzbekistan

28 days

May, Aug

The Stans Small Group Tour: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan

Visiting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

This journey is crafted for the adventurous traveller—whether solo or as a couple—seeking a small group tour through Central Asia. Be prepared for a variety of accommodations, scenic walking excursions, and a few full travel days. The itinerary blends stunning landscapes, a mix of ancient and modern history, as well as authentic encounters with local families and dramatically different ways of life.

From $19,111 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Island of Sicily

12 days

Apr, Oct, Sep

Malta & Sicily - Mediterranean Islands small group tour

Visiting Italy, Malta

For centuries Malta and Sicily held the key to the Mediterranean. We explore ’s the Mediterranean natural beauty, its ancient Roman, and Imperial heritage, its World Heritage Sites, and world famous cities, all with some truly spectacular scenery along the way. This and more is all waiting to be explored on one of Odyssey’s small group tours of the Islands of Mediterranean, designed for the senior traveller, and led by experienced, and enthusiastic like-minded people. This escorted tour of western Mediterranean explores the geography, history, culture and peoples of these 2 islands.

From $11,532 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Taktshang Goemba, Tiger nest monastery, Bhutan

14 days

Nov, Apr

Tour of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan

Visiting Bhutan, India

Join Odyssey Traveller on this small group tour in the Indian subcontinent, taking us from the verdant tea gardens of Darjeeling nestled in the Himalayan mountain range, to the hilltop monasteries of the former independent kingdom of Sikkim, and finally to the pristine and beautifully isolated mountain landscape of Bhutan.

From $13,995 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

20 days

May, Jul, Aug, Sep

Scottish Islands and Shetland small group tours for seniors

Visiting Scotland

Experience an escorted small-group tour of the Scottish Isles, designed for both couples and solo travellers. Led by local guides who bring deep knowledge of this unique region, you’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, take in breathtaking scenery, and enjoy authentic experiences. This guided journey through remote Scotland offers the chance to connect with like-minded travelers while discovering the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Scottish Isles.

From $19,192 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Lanterns in Taiwan

11 days

Feb

Taiwan Lantern Festival small group tour

Visiting Taiwan

A small group tour for senior couples and solo travellers to Taiwan. Held annually on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, the Lantern Festival is one of the most fascinating festivities around the globe. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is part of this spectacular Festival. Our Taiwan Lantern Festival program includes Taipei and its Sky Lantern Festival and its impressive Taipei 101 Tower.

From $9,907 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Pre-guaranteed
mount of Mont Saint Michel, France

22 days

Apr, May, Sep

Anglo French Tour | Normandy, Brittany, Channel Islands tour

Visiting Channel Islands, England

Our 21 night program has daily itineraries with plenty of authentic experiences provided by passionate local guides in the key destinations in France, Channel Islands and England for this small group of like minded people. For Solo travellers minimal single supplement applies for this European tour.

From $20,567 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Southern Africa Mature travelers affordable escorted small group tours

19 days

Aug

Southern Africa Tour | Fully Escorted Africa Tour for Seniors

Visiting Botswana, South Africa

Join us for an unforgettable small group tour designed for couples and solo travelers, where you’ll explore the stunning landscapes of the Garden Route and encounter the unique wildlife of renowned destinations like Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Chobe Game Reserve. Throughout the program, participants will delve into the rich cultural tapestry, political landscape, and social challenges faced by the people of South Africa, particularly in Soweto. Additionally, you'll gain insights into how natural resource managers are dedicated to protecting wildlife reserves amid the pressing issues of land enclosure, climate change, and poaching.

From $16,236 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Tajikstan small group cultural tour

7 days

Jun, Sep

Tajikistan Tour | Central Asian Small Group Tour

Visiting Tajikistan

We explore the country’s astonishing scenery and monuments. Tajikistan is the smallest of the 5 ‘Stans and is also the most mountainous. On our small group tour for couples and solo travelers we encounter many ranges and mountain chains where we reach well over 3,000 metres above sea level while crossing passes.

From $5,360 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Pre-guaranteed
Specialist Escorted Small Group cultural Tours exploring Japan

12 days

Sep, Mar

Japan Odyssey - Small Group Tours for Mature Travellers

Visiting Japan

Through this small group program, we explore Japan's rich history, from ancient times to the development of religions like Buddhism and Shintoism. We delve into the philosophy of its people by visiting world-renowned temples, shrines, and old towns steeped in ancient legends of Samurai and more. Together we, as mature and senior couples or solo travellers, will share some traditions which the Japanese have inherited. A variety of sites including UNESCO World Heritage sites, has been chosen for this tour, all filled with clues such as Hanami or forest bathing to understand the essence of Japan.

From $16,729 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Baltics Small Group escorted Tour Latvia Estonia Lithuania

21 days

May, Oct, Apr

Baltics: Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Helsinki, Stockholm and Copenhagen

Visiting Denmark, Estonia

An escorted small group tour to the Baltic States of Europe that explores the key destinations of this region starting in Warsaw, then making its way through Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Stockholm and concluding in Copenhagen. Each day has scheduled itineraries supported by local guides who share knowledge and authentic experiences of the places visited. This is small group travelling to the Baltics for like minded people.

From $18,380 NZD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Ancient Turkey

21 days

Apr, Aug

Small group tour of Ancient Turkey

Visiting Turkey

As a travel company we seek to keep guests off the beaten path. Trips that are remembered for authentic experiences. Our small group journeys in Turkey are fully escorted by an experienced local guide and an Odyssey guide to give this type of experience whether at one of the many UNESCO World heritage sites explored or local bazaars. It is always about the adventure and memories that we will create.

From $18,727 NZD

View Tour

Odyssey tour types for small group touring

Odyssey offers a variety of small group touring types to suit every traveller. Click on the headings below for a complete list of tours offered for each category.

Discovery

Escorted small group tour typically 8 to 12 fellow traveller (s) and are typically like- minded people , who with a tour leader discover cities, landscapes, culture & people. They are a group tour typically a journey of of 10 to 23 days, led by a tour guide who is supported by a cast of local knowledgeable guides. The perfect small group adventure tour, with a planned itinerary that stays 2-3 nights in each selected location to explore and learn.

Specialised

A collection of guided small group tours that are focused on spending more time, often in single locations. This type of escorted tour is about exploring and learning about particular subjects or period in history. With the support of the tour leader, and a specialist local guide they share their learnings with the smaller group of travelers . A specialist guided tour from Odyssey include, Dinosaurs, arts and literature, architecture and archaeology.

Long Stays

Odyssey Traveller ’s long stay escorted tour in major cities are a holiday, where this group of fellow traveller stay in one place enjoying for at least a week and up to 21 days of accommodation without the need to repack. This type of group travel give us a chance to create meaningful connections with like- minded people in our chosen destination, and ample time to enjoy and contemplate our shared travel experience. Instead of rushing from one destination to another, in thrall to the timed itinerary. An extended stay small group tour gives the traveller a chance to truly immerse themselves in a city, enjoying a deeper understanding of its history and culture. Coupled with our small group approach in adventure travel, this also minimises our impact on the environment and local infrastructure, allowing us to use public transport and/or a small coach or shuttle, or go on a walking tour without subjecting locals to visual pollution.

Hiking & Walking

An Odyssey walking tour is built around a journey through landscapes to places of cultural and historical significance. This escorted group tour is typically a group size of 6 to 14 like minded people. Learning is provided by an Odyssey tour Leader and a knowledgeable local tour guide with stories to share. You will explore popular walking trails and enjoy views usually not seen by regular travelers passing through on big groups. You also have the flexibility on a Odyssey group tour of joining all walks or taking time off to explore on your own as well.

Gardens

This is an escorted small group tour about the history of garden and planting design. Gardens of influence are visited and explored supported by day tours with a knowledgeable tour guide with a awareness of the history of design and plants to share. Small groups of 6 to 12 like- minded people explore the gardens of Europe and beyond for couples or the single traveller.

Music & Performing Arts

Small groups with a maximum group size of 12 like- minded people with a specialist tour Leader and relevant expert tour guide (s) enjoy a diverse range of music and performing arts programs typically across Europe. Odyssey seeks out programs that reflects historic performances of significance or the new up and coming performers for the future for your listening pleasure. Immerse yourself in Music and the best of performing arts with our selection of specialised tours.

Rail Journeys

A different way to explore a new destination. Take a rail journey across unique landscapes and historical settings travelling in a small groups of 6 to 12 like- minded people . Odyssey’s rail programs, take regular multi-night stay in places of significance to be explored with knowledgeable guides with stories to share.

Summer Schools

Our collection of week-long learning programs offered each January in Hobart, Tasmania. Courses are refreshed for each year’s programs. Classes are limited to 15 people. Over the last twenty-five years, Odyssey’s small group Summer School Program has given countless travellers an unforgettable educational and travel experience. Each summer, we prepare and offer fun and challenging special interest courses and programs designed to give travellers the options and opportunity to learn about history, religion, Australian culture, and the arts, among many other topics.

Odyssey Traveller Articles

Explore further with us

Overtourism

Benefits of a small group tour for the mature and senior traveller

Article details the benefits of a small group tour for mature and senior travellers, whether travelling as a couple or solo, in your 60's or beyond in your 80's. Advice on choosing a responsible touring company and things to consider post pandemic.

29 Jan 21 · 8 mins read
Read Article
Mature Female traveller

Being Travel fit: The Definitive Guide

Being travel fit, in mind and body. In this article, we will discuss ways in which to treat your mind and body, ensuring you remain travel fit and enjoy your time as a mature-aged or…

14 Jan 21 · 7 mins read
Read Article
Rome at Sunset with San Pietro basilica, Sant'Angelo bridge and Tevere river in Roma, Italy

How to choose your next small group tour

Deciding on which tour company to choose maybe difficult, personal recommendation is a good start. At Odyssey Traveller we have been providing small group tours to mature and senior travellers couples and solo travellers since 1983 to places all around the world.

8 Nov 19 · 7 mins read
Read Article
Practicing Responsible Travel

Practising Responsible Travel

Practising Responsible Travel In January 2018 we reported on a growing problem: the overcrowding that affects tourist cities across the world. Time Magazine recently called it “The Tourist Trap”, because it is not as simple as…

2 Aug 18 · 10 mins read
Read Article
Crowds and Queues on holiday Milan

Problem of Overtourism

Problem of Overtourism The night crowd at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy Tourism is a double-edged sword: it brings economic prosperity to a community, but can also be a burden on its resources. Cities…

23 Jul 21 · 8 mins read
Read Article
Scotland history - Urquhart Castle

Solo travel – enjoying small group tours for seniors

Solo travel can be daunting as apart of a life change process. This article shares some the benefits of travel groups for solo travellers. We have been looking after mature and senior travellers since 1983 we offer a range of tour types from Discovery tours to long stay and walking tours.

20 Sep 21 · 10 mins read
Read Article
Women's walking shoes

Women's Walking Shoes: The Definitive Guide

Choosing the Right Walking Shoes: Advice for Women For women, especially older adults, choosing the right walking shoes has repercussions beyond fashion. A study in 2005 showed that “incorrectly fitting footwear is common in older…

20 Nov 19 · 6 mins read
Read Article
Pilgrimage

Pilgrimages of the World- Advice for Seniors & Mature travellers

Pilgrimage routes and walking tours Several pilgrimage tracks remain intact and active centuries after they were first established. Many Odyssey tours trace their routes, walking in the footsteps of people who sought religious or spiritual…

14 Aug 17 · 9 mins read
Read Article

Things to know

Joining a small group

Getting Around

Odyssey travels on its escorted small group tours typically by coach of a suitable configuration for the group size in a post pandemic environment. When appropriate and occasion the group uses local transport and trains to make rail journeys, ferries and planes to enable you to reach your destination as per the itinerary.

For the traveler, you make your own way to the start of the small group tour picking your domestic of international flights, then from the first day Odyssey manages the travel logistics for you small group journey all the way to the final day. Meaning that from the begining to the end of the tour, Odyssey manages the tour itinerary. Travel specifics are always outlined in your tour itinerary for your escorted group tour.

Accommodation

In major cities our Odyssey group stays in centrally located well appointed hotels, with easy access to public transport. In smaller towns or rural areas, we seek to choose accommodation that is family-run hotels or guesthouses with some appeal. On our long stay tours, during which we spend the length of the tour in a single location, we use serviced apartments for accommodation where available. For the single traveller a single supplement is charged to cover the cost of solo occupancy in a typically twin bedded room. There are no other charges made for the solo traveller on a small group tour.

Tour Guides

Odyssey always engage a good local guide with regional knowledge to ensure authentic experiences as part of your small group travel itinerary. With like minded people we seek to bring in guide who deliver authentic experiences with some passion about the subject and learning for the day. Enabling you and your fellow traveller to learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit for the perfect holiday.

Reading Lists

For every tour we also list recommended books related to the destination or theme of the tour for you to enjoy before departing on your guided small group tour.

We also provide detailed preparatory material with information about local history, geography, currency and weather.

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Special offers and promotions
$541 NZD first trip travel voucher
The latest tours and articles