Our small group tours carry 10 to 14 travelers in a high-roof van instead of a 55-seat coach, so there are fewer people to wait for at each stop and more room between parks. Most routes run with English and Mandarin speaking guides. Trips cover the Grand Canyon and the Southwest, the California coast and Yosemite, the East Coast, Hawaii and Europe. If you want the vehicle to yourselves, see private tours.
Many routes run in more than one format. Here is what changes.
| Small group | Coach tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | 10 to 14 travelers | Up to 55 |
| Vehicle | High-roof van | Full-size coach |
| Price per person | Mid-range | Lowest |
| Best for | More room, less waiting | Best price |
All small group tours use high-roof vans you can stand up in. The van class is shown on each tour page.
Every van has
Standard
The lowest-priced small group option
Leather seats with headrests and a seat belt for everyone, plus big windows for the views between stops.
Business Class
14 seats
Nappa leather seats with hand stitching, a yacht-style wood floor, curtains and Starlink satellite Wi-Fi.
First-Class
10 seats
Individual reclining Nappa leather seats with armrests, heated, plus Starlink satellite Wi-Fi.
It depends on what you want from the trip. A coach tour is the lowest price per person and works well for a first visit. A small group tour costs more, but with 10 to 14 people instead of up to 55, there is less waiting at each stop, the van gets in and out of parking lots faster, and the guide has time for your questions. If you have done a coach tour before, or the time at each stop matters most to you, a small group is usually the better fit.
All three are high-roof vans you can stand up in, on the same routes. Standard is the lowest-priced option, with leather seats and a seat belt at every seat. Business Class seats 14, with Nappa leather seats, a wood floor and Starlink Wi-Fi. First-Class seats 10, with individual reclining seats, armrests and heated seats. On longer routes with many hours on the road, the upgrade makes the most difference. The van class is shown on each tour page.
A small group is often easier for older travelers. Getting on and off a van is quicker than a full coach, there are fewer people to wait for at each stop, and the guide can keep an eye on everyone. The high roof means no bending over to reach your seat. For the most comfort, choose a First-Class van with reclining, heated seats, and check the daily schedule on the tour page for walking time at each stop.
It depends on the region. The Southwest canyons run all year, and spring and fall are the most comfortable. Yellowstone runs in summer only. The East Coast is at its best in fall, when the leaves turn in New England and upstate New York. Hawaii runs all year, with winter a popular escape from the cold. In Europe, late spring to early fall has the longest days and the widest choice of departures.
For a first small group trip in the US, the Southwest is the most popular: the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Zion and Bryce link on one route from Las Vegas or Los Angeles. If you are flying into New York, the East Coast covers several cities on one line. Hawaii pairs well with a beach stay. The regions do not connect on one trip, so pick the one that matches the city you are flying into.
Small group tours run on the West Coast (the Grand Canyon and the Southwest, the California coast and Yosemite, and Yellowstone in summer), the East Coast, Hawaii and Europe.
Between 10 and 14 travelers, depending on the van. Each tour page states the maximum group size.
High-roof vans in three classes: Standard, Business Class and First-Class. The class is shown on each tour page. Business Class and First-Class vans have Starlink satellite Wi-Fi.
The vehicle and guide are shared by 10 to 14 people instead of up to 55, so each person pays a larger share.
Many routes are guided in English and Mandarin. The guiding language is listed on each tour page.
Some tours have a mandatory fee, for example for park entry and parking, and a service fee. Both are listed on the tour page before you book.
A small group tour runs on a set route and date with other travelers. A private tour is arranged for your party only, with your own vehicle and schedule.
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