A small group of travellers sharing lunch and red wine at a long outdoor table

Small Group Journeys

Intimate Journeys with Like-Minded Travellers

Fully planned tours with set departure dates, designed for a maximum of 12 guests.

Days have structure but are never rushed, with guided experiences, local insight and time to explore on your own. Your boutique 4 and 5-star hotels, transport and key arrangements are taken care of, while your Tour Director and local guides keep every day running seamlessly.

Featured Small Group Journeys

13 Small Group Journeys

  • 2027 Departures Now OpenNew Tour
    Route map of Northern Ireland: Belfast & the Causeway Coastal Route

    Northern Ireland: Belfast & the Causeway Coastal Route

    6 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    May to Sep (departure)
    $8,790 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    Northern Ireland’s rugged beauty and turbulent past come to life on this immersive journey along the legendary Causeway Coastal Route....

    Learn More about Northern Ireland: Belfast & the Causeway Coastal Route
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenNew Tour
    Route map of Southern Spain: Andalusian Delights

    Southern Spain: Andalusian Delights

    8 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    Apr to Oct (departure)
    $9,290 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    This 8-day journey through Southern Spain’s storied heartland explores a region shaped by centuries of Moorish, Christian, and Jewish heritage,...

    Learn More about Southern Spain: Andalusian Delights
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenNew Tour
    Route map of Northern Spain: Basque Country, Rioja and Madrid

    Northern Spain: Basque Country, Rioja and Madrid

    9 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    Apr to Oct (departure)
    $10,390 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    Welcome to Northern Spain – a land of timeless charm, world-class wines and vibrant heritage. From the elegance of San...

    Learn More about Northern Spain: Basque Country, Rioja and Madrid
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenNew Tour
    Route map of Sardinia Treasures

    Sardinia Treasures

    11 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    May to Sep (departure)
    $11,490 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    Discover Sardinia, where ancient civilisations, rugged landscapes, and turquoise seas converge. The seclusion of the Mediterranean’s second largest island has...

    Learn More about Sardinia Treasures
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenNew Tour
    Route map of Piedmont & the Italian Riviera

    Piedmont & the Italian Riviera

    8 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    May to Oct (departure)
    $7,890 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    From rolling hills of vineyards and truffles to sun-kissed shores of the glittering Ligurian coast, this immersive tour blends the...

    Learn More about Piedmont & the Italian Riviera
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenNew TourPort Series
    Route map of Northern Italy with Lake Como & the Dolomites

    Northern Italy with Lake Como & the Dolomites

    10 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    Mar to Dec (departure)
    $12,490 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    This extraordinary journey through Northern Italy unveils the region’s striking contrasts.

    Learn More about Northern Italy with Lake Como & the Dolomites
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenPort Series
    Route map of Slovenia Discovery

    Slovenia Discovery

    7 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    May to Sep (departure)
    $7,390 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    A tiny country nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia is a charming little-known paradise that offers the pristine...

    Learn More about Slovenia Discovery
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenBest Seller
    Route map of Sicily Bella

    Sicily Bella

    10 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    Mar to Oct (departure)
    $10,990 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    Beautiful Sicily – historic, bountiful and diverse. Discover the Mediterranean’s largest island with its stunning coastline, rugged mountains, ancient ruins,...

    Learn More about Sicily Bella
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenPort Series
    Route map of Naples & The Amalfi Coast

    Naples & The Amalfi Coast

    7 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    May to Oct (departure)
    $6,990 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    Experience the breath-taking beauty of the Amalfi Coast and its seaside towns, the vibrant and colourful Naples, and the ancient...

    Learn More about Naples & The Amalfi Coast
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenBest Seller
    Route map of Italian Lakes & Swiss Mountains

    Italian Lakes & Swiss Mountains

    10 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    May to Oct 2027 (departure)
    $15,290 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    A scenic, nature-inspired journey delivering the best of Italy and Switzerland’s stunning lakes, intimate lakeside villages and beautiful mountains.

    Learn More about Italian Lakes & Swiss Mountains
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenPort Series
    Route map of Best of Portugal

    Best of Portugal

    8 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    May to Oct 2027 (departure)
    $10,390 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    Discover Portugal’s greatest attractions including Lisbon, Porto and the charming villages of Sintra, Cascais, Óbidos and Aveiro across 8 leisurely...

    Learn More about Best of Portugal
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenPort Series
    Route map of Beautiful Croatia

    Beautiful Croatia

    11 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    Apr to Oct 2027 (departure)
    $11,490 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    Experience Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, from Dubrovnik to Istria, with island escapes, historic towns, Plitvice Lakes, and immersive culinary experiences.

    Learn More about Beautiful Croatia
  • 2027 Departures Now OpenBest Seller
    Route map of Enchanting Puglia

    Enchanting Puglia

    9 days
    (Small Group Journey)
    Apr to Dec 2027 (departure)
    $7,990 AUDFrom Price PP
    12 People Max Per Tour

    At the heel of Italy’s boot, discover beautiful whitewashed villages, stunning coastlines with turquoise coloured waters, ancient ruins and gastronomical...

    Learn More about Enchanting Puglia

Showing 13 of 13 Small Group Journeys

Traveller Testimonials

“The tour was well organised and the daily activities well thought out. We had a great group of fellow tour members and a tour leader Giuliana Papa, who was exceptional. She has a charming and engaging personality. Her enthusiasm for and knowledge of Puglia was outstanding. She was able to quickly and effectively sort out any problems a tour member might have encountered. The accommodations arranged by Ormina for the tour were very comfortable with good to fantastic breakfasts provided featuring the best of local produce. The pasta making day in Ginosa was a highlight. The visits to Matera and Alberobello stunning. I would certainly recommend Ormina Tours to anyone thinking about visiting Puglia.”

Mary A.Enchanting Puglia 2026
Rated 5 out of 5

“The trip was an experience of luxury I would not have considered before, and now so grateful for all your help and experience of fun Italy. The guides became part of our little family group and especially their knowledge and stories was learning every day and experiences out of the ordinary. Especially the wine tours with lunch was very generous and for a solo traveller for a chat and laughter. Of course the free time was important for the couples but even so, I never felt excluded. The accommodation was BANG …”

Joan N.Sicily Bella 2026
Rated 5 out of 5

“We toured Malta and Sicily this year and highly recommend Ormina Tours. The tours are intelligently thought out, well paced with a good balance of free time and the hotels across each of the tours are truly first class. Both of our tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly and beyond helpful, ensuring that we got the best local deals and had recommendations for spending our free time.”

Gillean S.Sicily Bella 2025
Rated 5 out of 5

“Our guide, Rosario, was exceptional. He was kind and personable as well as knowing so much about history and art. His enthusiasm was infectious! Our driver, Eric, was a calm and safe driver; a must on Sicilian roads. The quality of the accommodation was a stand out, we loved all the hotels we stayed at, rooms and service was impeccable. I liked the mix of more touristy places as well as smaller towns we visited. I thought the balance of organised activities and free time was perfect.”

Bronwyn R.Sicily Bella 2025
Rated 5 out of 5

“Lucia was a wonderful Tour Leader and guide. Loved the boutique hotels in Alberobello and Matera, and Patria Palace in Lecce. All hotels were really well located, good rooms. That was a highlight and rare on tour in my experience. The group dinner in Matera was fantastic. Winery lunch also excellent!”

Pauline P.Enchanting Puglia 2025
Rated 5 out of 5

“We went on the Italian Lakes & Swiss Mountains tour. Excellent accommodation backed by an innovative itinerary and very friendly and relaxed service by Georgia and his driver. We enjoyed the leisure time allocated to soak up the atmosphere.”

Kaaren E.Italian Lakes & Swiss Mountains 2025
Rated 5 out of 5

“We would like to thank you for the amazing tour of Puglia we took just recently with your company. It was spectacular to say the least! Not one detail overlooked🤩 I came across your company through Covid when we all thought that we would never travel again and I remember emailing you and I received this wonderful brochure/book from you. I was sold! I dreamt of one day doing the tour of Puglia. To my delight when I was planning with my travel agent our special holiday for our 35th wedding anniversary the first company she mentioned was yours, she knows me well! The pace was exactly what we were after - a balance of organised time and free time. Staying in the heart of the cities so with ease to walk everywhere. Loved our luxe accommodation, run by wonderful people. The best was our driver Leo! And most of all our guide for best part of the time, Giuliana😍 We did things that I could never have managed to find and book ourselves, the biggest gem was our cooking class in Ginosa, what a wonderful, homely establishment🍝 Although very professional you have all been also very kind, thoughtful, helpful and accommodating. I look forward to planning and engaging with your company for another holiday again very soon I hope😊”

Anna Maria B.Enchanting Puglia 2024
Rated 5 out of 5

“Small group tour, great guides, top hotels, free choice of restaurants – everything was wonderful!”

Gregory K.Enchanting Puglia 2024
Rated 5 out of 5

The Small Group Difference

Why Small Group Touring?

  • Maximum 12 Guests

    The smallest group size on the market, for a more intimate and flexible journey.

  • Leisurely – 2, 3 & 4 Night Stays

    Fewer hotel changes and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.

  • Exquisite 4 & 5-star Hotels

    Boutique 4-star superior and 5-star hotels, centrally located and full of local charm.

  • Ormina VIP Inclusions

    Signature experiences and privileged access that showcase the best of each destination.

  • Guaranteed Departures

    Every journey departs with as few as four guests, so you can book with confidence.

  • Your Personal Touch

    Personalise your journey with room upgrades, private transfers and Michelin-starred dining.

  • Discover More

    Extend your stay or link tours back-to-back with our pre- and post-tour options.

  • Travel Well

    Travel in comfort in Mercedes minivans and minibuses, sized to suit your group.

  • Expert Leadership

    A Tour Director travels with you, supported by expert local guides and drivers.

The island church on Lake Bled, Slovenia, beneath forested hills

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people are on your set date departure tours?

Unless otherwise indicated, we guarantee to operate our tours with a minimum of 4 people. We operate the groups with a maximum group size of just 12 passengers, making for an intimate and seamless experience.

What happens if a small group journey has less than 4 people booked?

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is the style of your Small Group Journeys?

Not every tour is right for every individual. Our tours typically involve stops of 2 or 3-nights to make for a leisurely pace and so you may take full benefit of experiencing our selection of exceptional 4 star and 5-star properties. While we host you, we balance structured sightseeing with ample leisure time for self-discovery where you maybe unaccompanied. We typically include special meals at wineries, hidden restaurants you need to know to find or popular restaurants where walk-ins are impossible. We also tailor our Small Group Journeys so if you would like more structure in your leisure time, we can pre-arrange scheduled activities that suit your interests.

Will there be a Tour Director?

Tour Directors accompany all our small group journeys to provide a more fluid journey. Our Tour Directors complement our local expert guides and drivers.

What is included in the Small Group Journeys?

Our land journeys are fully inclusive as indicated in your itinerary. Your transportation is arranged including airport transfers at the start of the tour. Breakfast (B) is always included with lunches (L) and dinners (D) as indicated. These are marked within the itinerary with either a B, L or D. Your hotels, transportation, admissions as indicated are prearranged so you can relax and enjoy the journey.

What is excluded in the Small Group Journeys?

Essentially, all items that are not stated as included. Our tours are land only so do not include flights to arrive at the start location. Certain city’s charge city tax on hotels which must be paid in person, on checkout and are excluded. Obviously, meals including alcohol drinks that are not indicated are excluded as are any personal expenses.

Do I need to tip on tour?

While not strictly prevalent in Australia and New Zealand, tipping is a normal custom in the European travel and hospitality industries. Therefore, while not compulsory, if you feel services provided by Tour Directors, guides and drivers have been exceptional, any gratuity provided will be appreciated by the recipient. We have provided tipping guidelines in our documents as a reference for your information.

Can I choose my room type?

All rooms included in the tour are standard level. If you would like to upgrade for more space or a better view, please advise at the time of booking to ensure your expectations are met. Additional costs will apply for room upgrades.

How much luggage may I bring?

While we typically travel in Mercedes vehicles, space is limited to one standard check-in luggage plus one standard carry-on item per person. If this is likely to be exceeded or you must travel with additional items, please discuss this with us at the time of booking.

A lakeside town lit at dusk beneath the mountains

Ready to Join a Small Group Journey?

Browse our set departures or talk to our team about the journey that suits you.