Overview
- Small group tours are sustainable: here’s why
- Free time to enjoy your destination
- Unique dining experiences
- Supporting small businesses
- Choosing sustainable travel practices
Small group tours are sustainable: here’s why
Our group tours have a maximum of 20 passengers or less. Small groups are low-impact and don't ruin the place you've come to see. Big tour groups are limited by large hotels and restaurants, however with our small groups, we’re able to stay in boutique hotels and visit small joints, better helping the local communities we visit!
We truly believe that tourism can be an incredible force for good in this beautiful world we live in – tthis is why the principles of sustainable and responsible travel are at the heart of everything we do.
Images by Marion and Dennis Bunnik
Free time to enjoy your destination
Our group tour packages have many built-in inclusions, such as lots of breathtaking sightseeing. In saying that, we’re also big fans of including free time on holiday. This helps to spread the economic benefits across a destination, particularly in smaller towns or cities. Our Product Specialists carefully craft our small group holiday itineraries to avoid over-tourism and overcrowding where possible.
On our Turkey in Depth small group tour, we enjoy a full or half day at leisure in Istanbul, Beyşehir, Antalya, Kaş and Kuşadasi. Along with plenty of included sightseeing in these locations, this extra free time gives you the opportunity to venture far and wide at your own will.
Image by Marion Bunnik
Unique dining experiences
Small groups allow us the opportunity to dine at unique, authentic locations. Travel is all about exploring the world and discovering its diversity of people and culture – and we believe this can be done through food. Connecting with locals can bridge gaps between cultures, and allows the locals to share their traditions and cultures authentically and proudly.
On our Southern Italy, Sicily & Malta small group tour, we have the privilege of experiencing a brief, hands-on demonstration by Nonna herself as she skilfully crafts traditional orecchiette at the restaurant.
We’re also welcomed into the home of a Sri Lankan family, in the local village near Sigiriya. On our 17 day Sri Lankan Discovery small group tour, we enjoy a home-cooked lunch and bask in the rich, delicious food and flavours.
All images by Dennis Bunnik
Supporting small businesses
Small boutique hotels are perfect for small groups – it’s really a match made in heaven. We like to stay in accommodation that blends seamlessly into its surrounding environment; accommodation that doesn’t spoil the very thing we are seeking to experience.
Wherever possible, we stay at local hotels and special accommodation. Not only is this more personal and creates a better holiday experience, but it also helps us be more responsible tourists. Rather than always staying at the bigger chain hotels, we spread the economic benefits of tourism further throughout the community.
Image by Dennis Bunnik
On our 17 day Kenya & Tanzania small group tour, we stay in beautiful African lodges in the heart of the regions we visit. From two nights in Amboseli National Park with uninterrupted views of Mt Kilimanjaro to staying in the heart of Maasai Mara in a luxury tent; these unique stays employ locals, contributing to the benefit of the communities we visit!
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Image by Adam Dickson
On our South America In-Style small group tour, we’ll stay at one of Argentina’s oldest estancias. A melting pot of elegance and colonial excellence, being welcomed into this private home rich with history, is an unforgettable experience.
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Image by Marion Bunnik
Choosing sustainable travel practices
We’re also dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint.
We are implementing initiatives across some of our most popular destinations in Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. We’ve begun trialling the use of reusable bottles on holiday, with the ultimate goal of having 80% of our small group tours using these by 2025.
Passengers can also take these home, further reducing the impact of single use plastic water bottles over the life of the reusable bottle. It's a win-win for everyone!
On tour, sometimes we’ll ditch the transport all together and just explore by foot! Not only can this bring you closer to the action and help you gain a better appreciation for the destination, but it also helps us to reduce our environmental footprint.
Image by Dennis Bunnik
Frequently asked questions
What is tourism philosophy?
A tourism philosophy is made of the principles that a tour company uses to select destinations, create itineraries and decide on the size of the tour groups. Following a sustainable tourism philosophy means the tour company considers the impact that the travelling groups will have on the environment and local community.
What is travel philosophy?
Travel is an extension of life’s journey: an opportunity to expand your world by visiting new places and seeking out new experiences. Connecting with cultures and places worldwide can enrich your life in unique and memorable ways.
What are the concepts of tourism?
Tourism is when people visit another country or place for personal or professional reasons — often this includes a holiday! This cultural and social experience can expand the perspective of the visitors, and provides an opportunity for tourists to contribute to the local economy of the destinations they visit..
