Small Group Tours
Are you a “traveler” rather than a “tourist”? Prefer experiences over sightseeing?
Join one of our curated small group tours, rich in local culture, customs and natural surroundings, always with a bit of adventure.
The perfect blend of planned activities and independent time with a great group of like minded travelers.
You will bring back memories to last a lifetime!
Below are the tours I’ve selected for 2024 and some for 2025.
My goal is to travel on the dates that work for the majority of interested travelers.
To that end, if you are SERIOUSLY considering traveling on one of these tours, by 11/10/23 please click the link below and let me know your preferred travel dates.
From the feedback I will identify the best travel dates for the tour based on when the majority of interested travelers can make the trip.
From there, I will announce the actual trip dates and specific pricing on 11/17/23.
Please click this link to submit your preferred travel dates.
2024 Tours – Come Travel With Me (these dates are confirmed)
Come Travel With Me!
I Will Host These Tours
Departures will be guaranteed once we reach the required number of travelers (15 maximum)
All pricing is based on double occupancy. I will match same gender roommates for solo travelers.
Pricing does not include airfare or gratuities unless noted. Some pricing is approximated until full tour details can be finalized.
Northern Lights Adventure in Norway
March 15-21, 2024
Starting price double occupancy: $1979 per person
Starting price solo occupancy: $3464
Visit a range of coastal communities, including charming cities, towns, and villages. Cross the Arctic Circle for an Arctic tour of Norway and hunt for the Northern Lights. Add more adventure to your voyage by choosing between up to six optional hikes and from up to 50 optional seasonal excursions.
Your voyage starts in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and a gateway to the fjords. Founded in 1070 A.D., Bergen boasts architecture influenced by the prosperous 14th-century German trading organization, the Hanseatic League. Visit the UNESCO-listed wharfs in the colorful Bryggen district, now a neighborhood with artisan’s shops, complete with cobblestone streets.
Your voyage ends in Kirkenes, just a few miles from the Russian border. You’ll have traveled farther east than St. Petersburg and Istanbul! Hopefully you will have gazed many times at the magnificant Northern Lights.
England's Lake District
June 22 – 30, 2024
$3500 (est.)
From Peter Rabbit to Castles and Lakes, this district of England is overflowing with magnificent gardens for us to explore!
This garden tour is under design and will be released in the fall of 2023. You can expect 2-3 private gardens per day interspersed with “must see” public, National Trust and RHS gardens.
Our tours always include breakfast and dinner each day, all ground transportation, accommodations, and admissions. Your hosts are Layanee DeMerchant, horticultural expert and tour designer and Lorraine Whittemore, planner and logistics coordinator.
Alaska Cruise Vancouver to Anchorage
August 28 – September 4th
Balcony $2600 per person (other cabin types available)
Join me on Princess cruise line to explore Alaska! Grand Princess, one of the top cruise choices for Alaska. We will sail from Vancouver to Anchorage, stopping at major ports and including cruising Glacier Bay. Pricing depends on cabin type. A balcony cabin will range $2600 per person. It includes, *PLUS BEVERAGE PACKAGE with SERVICE CHARGE included for guests 21 years old or older. Those under 21 will receive the Plus Coffee & Soda Package.
*WI-FI is unlimited, one device per guest.
*CREW APPRECIATION *FREE MEDALLION SHIPPING prior to sailing *PREMIUM DESSERTS (2 per day) *FITNESS CLASSES (2 classes) *JUICE BAR
14-Day Amazon Delta & Coast Of Brazil
October 21 – November 4, 2024
Starting at $7000 per person double occupancy
From Manaus to Rio de Janeiro, join this expedition on the Delta of the Amazon River and down the coast of Brazil.
Your captain and veteran expedition leader will choose from among the innumerable fascinating sites along this particular stretch of the Amazon River to plot itineraries for Zodiac and kayak explorations, treks and visits to places and people of interest. Expedition team members will also be on deck and in observation lounges offering insights into the passing terrain and pointing out wildlife and other highlights while the ship is at anchor or cruising the river.
From the river enter the Atlantic in Macapa, cross the equator and sail down the coast, stopping in ports in Brazil ending in beautiful Rio de Janeiro.
Discover India's Magical Wonders
Proposed month, October 2025
$3000, 15 Days
Delve into northern India’s cultural riches on an unforgettable journey from Delhi to Varanasi, Agra to Jaipur, and beyond. Discover the world’s most magnificent monument to love, the Taj Mahal; learn about the spiritual significance of the Ganges River with a local scholar; and gain insights into rural life in a quaint Rajasthani village. Get a glimpse of a rarely seen side of Delhi alongside a youth guide from a supported project, and immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Lucknow on a food tour.
Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Ranthambore NP, Udaipur, Dungriya Khurd Village, Jaipur
2024 Tours – Small Group Tours
Please click the above link to share your travel date preference
Small Group Tours
Custom designed tours for small groups of like minded couples, solos, and travel buddies.
These tours are scheduled for specific dates. Departures are guaranteed.
A local in destination tour guide will host throughout the tour.
All pricing is based on double occupancy. You will be matched to a same gender roommate. Solo supplements may be required for solo rooms.
Pricing does not include airfare or gratuities, unless noted. Some pricing is approximated until full tour details can be finalized.
Safari in Tanzania
February 15-24, 2024
Almost sold out, there are 4 more spaces on this trip.
$4800, 10 days
February is prime viewing season for wildlife, especially cats! And many babies will be adventuring out and about.
View amazing wildlife across 5 National Parks in Tanzania. Each park brings different animals, landscapes and even weather.
Stop at Olduvai Gorge, a fascinating archeological museum where the remains of the earliest human beings were discovered. Stay in hotels and luxury tented camps.
Wellness in Costa Rica
Proposed month March
$2149, 8 days
Simply say “Costa Rica” and vivid images of paradise instantly flood the imagination. This eight-day tour makes those dreams a reality while letting you connect with the country’s charming people. Your spirits will be lifted with a visit to Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation supporting 200 local farmers, before carrying on to the outdoor utopia that is La Fortuna. There, you’ll be treated to a world of wellness, with yoga sessions overlooking the Arenal Volcano, hiking, free time for meditation, and a rejuvenating trip to thermal hot springs. Continue on to remote Rincón de la Vieja for more yoga and a therapeutic mud bath before a final stop in Playa Carrillo — home to a beach devoid of buildings, hotels, and restaurants that will give your mind a sense of clarity you may have previously thought impossible.
Full of free time and “me” time, with rain forest, volcano, and beaches to explore. A great trip to unwind and rejuvenate.
Canary Islands Adventure Seeker
Proposed Month April
$2500 (est.), 7 days
The Canary Islands are quickly becoming a popular destination for adventure sports. When not relaxing on the beach or at the pool in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, you can get your fix of adrenaline hiking, riding all-terrain vehicles, and exploring La Gomera by jeep!
Visit UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Anaga Rural Park. Spend the day on a guided hike of the magical forest that appears to have stood still for millions of years. You will also visit the village of Chinamada, featuring traditional cave houses. Enjoy lunch at a charming family restaurant inside a mountain cave!
Visit Las Cañadas National Park, home to Mt. Teide.
Board the ferry for your visit to La Gomera, an island of hidden beauty. In chauffeur-driven jeeps, discover Garajonay National Park and the ancient rain forest.
In an all-terrain vehicle see the natural side of Tenerife: volcanic landscapes, forests, and deserts.
From the Italian Lakes to Switzerland's Alps
Proposed month, May
$4000 (est.) 12 days
On this trip, you’ll spend 12 exciting days traveling through both Italy and Switzerland to discover their captivating beauty. Visit Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Milan, St. Moritz, Interlaken, and Zurich. You’ll also board the incredible Bernina and Glacier Express trains for unforgettable views and onboard experiences.
- Experience beautiful Lake Maggiore in Stresa
- Stroll around Lake Como and the town’s cobblestone streets
- Spend the night in fashionable, vibrant Milan
- Experience breath-taking, panoramic views on the world-famous Bernina Express to St. Moritz
- Relax and unwind in the classic Swiss resort town of Interlaken
- Visit the district of Altstadt — or Old Town — in Zurich
Celtic Delights, Ireland!
Proposed Month, May
$2400, 8 days
Delight in all that is delivered on this special 7-night tour of Ireland, which features a wonderful 2-night stay at a castle! This is the perfect tour for those that want the best of Ireland. Enjoy scenic beauty, historic sights and a relaxed but refreshing itinerary that delivers.
Arigna Mining Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Cobh, House of Waterford, Guinness Brewery Storehouse, and the new Epic Museum in Dublin, Ring of Kerry are on the list for experiences.
Visit Sligo, Adare, Killarney, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, and Dublin
Explore Croatia
Proposed Month, June
$3000 (est.), 10 days
When you stroll through Croatia’s leafy towns, enjoy a walk in a national park, and marvel at its sparkling emerald lakes, it’s easy to see why other countries are green with envy. With its glorious coastal cities, ancient Roman ruins, magnificent medieval architecture, and stunning natural wonders, Croatia has it all. On this Undiscovered Tour of Croatia, you will see what European vacationers have long tried to keep secret from the rest of the world—impressive caves and castles, spectacular waterfalls, and walled cities, picture-perfect shorelines, and famous film locations. Game of Thrones fans will recognize Old Town Dubrovnik as the medieval setting for the fictional city of King’s Landing, yet at the end of this dramatic vacation to Croatia, you’ll be perfectly happy with the start-to-finish storyline.
Safari in Tanzania
Proposed month July 2024
$4800, 10 days
Experience Wildebeast and Zebra migration.
View amazing wildlife across 5 National Parks in Tanzania. Each park brings different animals, landscapes and even weather.
Stop at Olduvai Gorge, a fascinating archeological museum where the remains of the earliest human beings were discovered. Stay in hotels and luxury tented camps.
Idyllic Aegean, Greek Islands Cruise
Proposed month September
$2000 per person based on double occupancy, 8 days
Discover the rich history, fascinating culture and sumptuous cuisine of the unforgettable Greek islands. With rugged landscapes to explore, our 7-night experience invites you to indulge in traditional flavors, admire stunning landscapes and delve deeper into charming villages . We even give you a unique chance to take guided visits to the grand Palace of Knossos and the intriguing city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Our extra special tour takes you on a romantic and effortless odyssey to sun-soaked shores, quaint fishing villages, and iconic historical sites. With overnight stops on Santorini and Mykonos.
Ports: Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Thessaloniki, Milos, Santorini, Heroklion
Christmas Markets, Berlin to Vienna
Proposed month, December
$1850, 7 days
Europe is filled with timeless cities — but there is one time of year where some of them really twinkle, sparkle, and shine: the holidays. On this seven-day adventure, you’ll tour the historic Christmas markets of not one but five different destinations. You’ll sip some warm Glühwein as you wander through Gendarmenmarkt square in Berlin, travel by train to Nuremberg, search for handmade ornaments in Munich, visit local Christmas markets just outside of Salzburg, and get into the festive cheer while you walk through the Viennese Christmas markets. So dig out your best scarves and start practicing your Yuletide carols, because no one does Christmas quite like Europe.
Escape to Egypt
Proposed month April 2025
$2800 (est.), 10 days
Step into the magical land of Egypt with this custom designed tour. Beginning in Cairo with the Great Pyramids and the Magical Sphinx, then traveling down the Nile on a 4-night Egyptian river boat cruise. We will explore Luxor, The Valley of the Kings, and much more along the way. Stopping along the way at the magnificent Abu Simbel, exploring Ramses II temple and the one he built for his wife Nefertari, you won’t believe the size and the impressive story of how the temples had to be moved due to flooding. On to Aswan, with more ancient sights and experiences. We end in Cairo at the Egyptian Museum and the exciting and busy Khan El Kahilili Bazaar.
Discover Patagonia
Proposed month January 2025
$7000 (est.) 14 days
Amid the pristine landscapes of southern Argentina and Chile, snowcapped volcanoes and sparkling lakes set the backdrop for an exhilarating adventure. Experience Patagonia’s rugged natural beauty by foot, boat, and private vehicle, journeying from the idyllic town of Bariloche to Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Come face-to-face with the Perito Moreno Glacier, part of the world’s third largest ice cap; visit a penguin rookery in the Beagle Channel, looking out for seabirds and sea lions; and round off your trip with a tango lesson in bustling Buenos Aires.
How I choose suppliers to partner with…
I have some specific criteria for selecting the suppliers I partner with to offer tours to my valued clients.
- They must use local guides and suppliers.
- They must make sustainable travel a priority. For example, the GAdventure Ripple Score.
- Activities must be hands on, off the beaten path, and soft adventure (no athletics required).
- A good mix of down time and experience time.
- They work with travel advisors and value our expertise, loving care of our clients and mutual support.
- Pricing enables a good 4 star experience without breaking the bank for my clients.
- Solo travelers are supported with no or low single supplements.
- Groups are small, under 16 people.
You will note, I use GAdventures for many of my tours. They meet all of the above criteria. G has a great cancellation policy (offering you a chance to use your deposit if you must cancel a trip anytime during your lifetime and you can even choose to transfer it to another person). G offers a loyalty program once you travel on one of their trips. I do appreciate your booking your GAdventures tours through me. There is no difference in pricing and I will help you match your interests to the best tour and ensure all of your details are in order.
Don’t Miss A Beat!