Small Group Sri Lanka Tours & Trip Packages

Small Group Sri Lanka Tours & Trips

4,793 Small Group trips. Tours from 569 tour companies. 24,645 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

62 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Sri Lanka
Essential Sri Lanka
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Ella, Kandy, Negombo, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Cruise around in a 4WD on a wildlife safari, searching for majestic elephants, lone leopards and aquatic birdlife in Yala National Park.
  • Learn the benefits of washing down a spicy curry with piping-hot Ceylon tea during lunch in a lush mountain village near Ella in a local home.
  • Kick back on the warm sands of paradisical palm-lined Unawatuna, with plenty of free time to soak up the sun at the beach and the opportunity for an optional whale-watching tour.
  • Leave the imprint of your face on the train window as you stare out wide-eyed on a journey from Kandy to Ella – this scenic rail ride is basically a six-hour nature documentary, there’s so much amazing scenery!
  • Enjoy super fun included activities mixed with plenty of free time to choose your own adventure – maybe use some of it to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya. These palace ruins sit atop a massive rock structure surrounded by gardens and are a must-see for any Sri Lanka visit.
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Themes

18 - 30's

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombo

Highlights

  • Take a look behind closed doors when you’re invited for a home-cooked Tamil lunch in Haputale and feast on a freshly caught meal with a fisherman’s family in Mirissa.
  • Learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine during a cooking class in a Sinhalese home in Kandy and a demonstration in a local home in Bandarawela.
  • Experience some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable sights, including Lion Rock, the Dambulla Cave Temples, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Yala National Park and Galle Fort.
  • Spoil your tastebuds with flavour-filled curries, seriously fresh seafood, sweet desserts, roti, hoppers, dosa, idli and more.
  • Discover Sri Lanka’s favourite beverage when you visit a tea plantation in Bandarawela, meeting local tea pickers, learning about their craft and tasting a freshly brewed cuppa.

Themes

Culinary & Wine

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Classic Sri Lanka
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Kandy, Minneriya National Park, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Head off on safari – Sri Lanka style! Look for elephants and leopards while you cruise the beautiful Minneriya National Park in a jeep with expert local guides.
  • See one of the world’s most revered relics at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, home to an earthly remain of the Lord Buddha, and discover the cave temple of Dambulla.
  • Travel through highlands so green they almost glow in Nuwara Eliya, and sample some of the acclaimed tea varieties that grow on the hillsides with your small group.
  • Learn about the varied cuisine and local customs of different regions around Sri Lanka and join local families to dine on traditional dishes like fragrant fish curry and rice.
  • Take a guided bike tour around Anuradhapura City, an impressive World-Heritage listed site, soaking up the splendour of the ruins which date back to the city’s heyday hundreds of years ago.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka: Hike, Bike & Kayak
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Mirissa, Sigiriya, Weligama

Highlights

  • Kayak down the Gin River on a half day paddle through Sri Lanka’s ever-changing landscape. Float past forests, sandbanks and plantations while keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
  • Come face with one of Sri Lanka’s most storied sites as you hike to the ancient carved rock fortress of UNESCO World Heritage site – Sigiriya, which rises dramatically from the surrounding plains.
  • Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Knuckles Mountain Range and encounter Sri Lanka's lush scenery and amazing biodiversity. Visit the observation point ‘Mini World’s End’ and see the sheer drop into the Thelgamuwa Valley and its forest floor below.
  • Cycle a mostly downhill route through the green heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country in ‘the Golden Valley of Ceylon’.
  • Get to know the layered history of Galle during a cycle and walking tour, uncovering the city’s maze of streets, historic buildings, lighthouse and the famed 17th-century fort.
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Themes

Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka: Spice Gardens & Seasides
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ella, Hikkaduwa, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Trek through luscious green hills
  • Journey amongst sri lanka's most breath-taking scenery
  • Sample local cuisine at a village meal
  • Inhale local flavours at a spice garden
  • Explore southern sri lankan beaches

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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Discover Sri Lanka
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe

Highlights

  • Explore ruins and archaeological sites with local experts
  • Take in a lecture on elephant conservation
  • Search out leopards at wilpattu national park
  • Enjoy a taste of tea at its source
  • Learn about local ingredients and flavours during a cooking demonstration

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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Sri Lanka Encompassed
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Colombo, Dambulla, Ella, Kandy, Mirissa, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Victoria, Yala, Yala National Park

Highlights

  • Explore the sigriya rock fortress
  • Enjoy a sri lankan cooking demo for dinner
  • Gain insight into the national heritage at a tea plantation
  • Relax on pristine beaches
  • Embark on a safari through yala national park
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Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alleppey, Ella, Hikkaduwa, Kandy, Kerala, Kochi, Negombo, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya

Highlights

  • Stay with a local family in alleppey for a real taste of the culture
  • Check out the catch of the day at kollam’s fishing docks
  • Visit the g adventures-supported sthree craft shop and café
  • Learn about local plants uses at a spice garden
  • Trek to little adam’s peak

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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62 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Sri Lanka

Small Group Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
24,645  Reviews
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Excellent
13,590
Great
3,623
Average
354
Disappointing
69
Terrible
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Pure Brazil

The time in the Pantanal was amazing. Did the day trip to see the jaguars which was a long day, but worth it. Lots of animals around the lodge too. If you are lucky,...

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Oct 2023

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Pure Brazil

Visit to the pantanal. Amazing lodge and wildlife.

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Oct 2023

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Pure Brazil

Covered the highlights of Brazil making sure the traveller saw the best of its highlights with sufficient enough time to take in the various areas and experience wha...

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Oct 2023

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Pure Brazil

Pure Brazil was one of the few tours that covered my personal highlights of the country, Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu falls and Rio. Accommodation overall was both comfo...

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Small Group Tour Selection Trips

  • ‘Small groups’ are loosely defined depending on which tour company you choose. Always read the details of the specific itinerary you are interested in or call the tour company to find out how many travelers will be in your group.
  • Be mindful of minimum number requirements, which means the minimum number of travelers that a tour must meet in order to depart. If it’s an option, look for ‘guaranteed departures’ which mean the tour will depart no matter how many (or few) travelers book on.
  • Small groups are a great way to see the world but usually also mean you have less variety regarding your fellow travelers. If you’re concerned about the group composition, ask your tour operator if they can tell you the general age range of people on your trip.
  • Find out how much flexibility there is in the itinerary. Are your days and nights fully booked with group activities and meals or are there opportunities to explore independently?
  • Make sure the pace of the tour is a good fit for your travel style. The best experiences happen when you don’t feel like you are being slowed down or slowing down others.

Additional details

How Many People Will I Be Traveling With?

Just how many new friends will you be making on your small group tour? That depends on the tour operator. We’ve found that there are group tours with intimate groups of 10 to 12 travelers, while some skew slightly larger with between 20 and 25 guests.

The sweet spot seems to be around 16 travelers and certainly no more than 25 if you want to maintain that small group ambience. The size of your group will depend on the popularity of the destination (hello, Europe tours!) and the time of the year in which you are traveling. 

These low numbers enable you to connect with other travelers, yet never feel like a face without a name in the group. There’s a great social vibe to that magic number of about 12 to 18 people that allows for a just-right level of camaraderie and energy.

It’s easier to delve deeper into your destination and spend more time in the places of interest to you when your tour size is manageable. Plus, smaller group sizes enable the tour operators to arrange for smaller-scale, boutique-style accommodations, meals in cozier, locally owned restaurants and off-hours visits to popular sightseeing attractions.

Are Departures Guaranteed?

Regrettably, not all small group tour departures are guaranteed. Perhaps there isn’t enough interest in a particular date. In some cases, the tour company will have to cancel that departure date.

This varies widely by tour operator, so read the fine print when researching and selecting your small group tour, even if you’re visiting a popular destination like Europe.

In some cases, the tour company won’t cancel the trip, but will instead collect a “small group fee” when the numbers drop significantly, say, to a group of just one couple. This is a helpful option, particularly in you are traveling a long distance to your destination, perhaps Australia or New Zealand, and are wary about putting down a deposit on an unguaranteed tour departure.

Benefits of a Small Group

  • A perfect blend of planned activities and independent exploration time
  • A great value, usually including admissions and fees (possibly discounted) that you would have to pay for individually if you planned your own tour
  • Just the right number of people to ensure a congenial ambience and enable you to stay in boutique hotels and dine in smaller, out-of-the-way restaurants
  • A tour operator specializing in small group tours that will take care of the itinerary, arrange your guides and plan your meals and accommodations
  • More time and independence to gain a deeper understanding of your destination with like-minded travelers
  • Passionate, local, expert guides eager to share the top experiences in their own countries
  • Spontaneous, off-the-beaten-path experiences 

Who Are Small Group Tours Good For?

If you have aspirations of traveling to the world’s top destination - from Europe to Asia to New Zealand - yet feel daunted by the planning and logistics, a small group tour is a great choice.

These thoughtfully curated escorted tours to some of the world’s most intriguing places - Europe, in particular - take the guesswork out of your planning. You’ll benefit from the knowledge and behind-the-scenes access a local guide can provide, while still maintaining a level of flexibility and independence that makes this feel like a trip you planned yourself.

When faced with a new destination, far from home, it can be overwhelming to determine how much you can fit into your schedule, which sights are not to be missed (and which ones can just as easily be skipped) and how to get from point A to points X, Y and Z. Don’t fret - just because you’re hearing the words “group tour,” doesn’t mean you’ll end up just another anonymous face on a giant tour bus.

Small group tour operators, from Egypt to Alaska to Italy, make it their mission to introduce you to real life in your chosen destination, taking you off the beaten path and with like-minded travelers with which to enjoy the journey. 

I’m Traveling Solo. Do I Need to Pay Extra?

If you have a thirst for adventure, what in the world are you waiting for? Get out there and explore on a small group tour. These days, more and more tour companies aren’t requiring a single supplement fee if you’re willing to room with another single traveler.

And, since you’ve chosen the same trip, it’s likely to be a fast friendship with your new roomie. Don’t balk at the opportunity to travel to a bucket list destination just because you might be going solo. Some of the world’s most intriguing destinations (think Iceland, Machu Picchu and Vietnam) are best explored with an esteemed guide leading the way and like-minded travelers at your side.

This way, you won’t fall into typical tourist traps or venture into an unsafe area. Your small group tour guide has your back! This being said, often the most high-end of small group tour operators still require a single supplement, so do your research in advance.

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