Below is a list of our small group tour destinations through Europe, and the Northeastern United States. All of our tours are designed for small groups of 6 – 16 people. Our small group tours are aimed at experiencing and enjoying the history and culture of the region visited, and they excel in unique gourmet experiences. We would love to have you join us on one of our small group tours!
Fall 2026
Aug 22 – Sept 6 Scotland & Ireland
Sept 6 – Sept 20 Bordeaux, Dordogne, Languedoc, France
Sept 8 – Sept 21 Switzerland & Northern Italian Lakes
Sept 13 – Sept 25 Slow Food: A culinary journey through Piedmont & the Italian Alps
Sept 14 – Sept 26 Carcassonne, France to Barcelona, Spain: Crossing the Pyrenees Mountains
Sept 30 – Oct 14 Back Roads & Wines of Portugal
Dec 1 – Dec 9 Christmas Markets in Bavaria, Germany
The tour schedule is subject to minor date adjustments.
About our small group tours: Olde Ipswich Tours has specialized in small group European tours since 1994. Travel with us and indulge in wonderful food and wine, stay at elegant accommodations with regional character, and experience local culture and scenery at a leisurely pace with friendly local guides, all at an exceptional value.
2027 Small Group Departures
Explore our curated 2027 calendar: small group journeys across Europe, designed for travelers who love culture, food, landscapes and meaningful local experiences.
APR 1–11, 2027
Italy at the Table
Parma, Modena & Piedmont’s Slow Food Country
A culinary journey through Northern Italy’s finest food regions, from the renowned Food Valley near Bologna to the vine-covered hills of the Langhe and Roero in Piedmont.
Food & Wine · Northern Italy · 11 Days
APR 12–24, 2027
Sicily & Malta
Ancient Wonders, Mediterranean Flavors & Coastal Beauty
Twelve nights across two extraordinary islands, from Palermo’s Baroque streets and the temples of Agrigento to the walled cities of Malta — fish markets, warm hospitality, and meals that linger.
Islands · Mediterranean Culture · 13 Days
MAY 2–16, 2027
Scotland & Ireland
A Feast of Castles, Coastlines & Celtic Spirit
Fourteen days across the wild highlands, emerald hills and storied coastlines of Scotland and Ireland, with whisky, song and sea cliffs along the way.
Castles & Coastlines · Celtic Culture · 15 Days
MAY 18–30, 2027
Between Italian and French sea:
Corsica and Sardinia – wild islands, deep roots
Two islands, two powerful identities: clear waters, wild beaches, bold island flavors, ancient traditions and rare craftsmanship reveal a Mediterranean of unexpected soul.
Islands · Coastal Landscapes · 13 Days
JUNE 2–14, 2027
A Taste of Northern Spain and the Basque Country
From Bilbao’s energy and pintxos — bite-sized Basque dishes made for sharing — to Rioja’s vineyards, surreal desert landscapes and Atlantic Spain’s green cider-house coast.
Food & Wine · Northern Spain · 13 Days
JUNE 14–22, 2027
Alsace Revealed
Vineyard Walks Through France’s Distinctive East
Eight days of gentle hiking through Alsace’s wine route, with Strasbourg and Colmar as bases and Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris as your reward.
Soft Hiking · Wine Country · 9 Days
JUNE 24–JULY 6, 2027
Along the Wild and Historic Shores of Northern France
Follow the light across Normandy & Brittany, where northern France unfolds in D-Day beaches, Impressionist scenes, chalk cliffs, abbey silhouettes, oysters and Calvados.
History & Coastlines · Normandy & Brittany · 13 Days
SEP 16–28, 2027
From Swiss Alps to Italian Lakes:
Peaks, Villas and Alpine Light
From glaciers, alpine villages and breathtaking mountain views to villa-lined shores, waterfront lunches and regional flavors, a classic journey from the heights of Switzerland to the grace of northern Italy.
Alpine Landscapes · Switzerland & Northern Italy · 13 Days
SEP 20–OCT 3, 2027
From Lisbon to the Douro Valley:
Portugal’s Sunlit Heartlands
Thirteen days through Portugal’s tiled capital, sunlit countryside, whitewashed river towns, monasteries and the vine-terraced hills of the north.
Culture & Wine · Portugal · 14 Days
OCT 10–17, 2027
At the Chef’s Table in Northern Italy
A Private Villa Culinary Retreat
A week at San Grato, a beautiful private villa in the Roero hills, where cooking, wine, local traditions and countryside discoveries invite you to experience Piedmont at a gentler pace.
Private Villa · Culinary Retreat · 8 Days
Timeless Southern Italy
From Naples to the Soul of Puglia
From Naples to Puglia, a vivid southern journey of sea-cliff drama, ancient towns and generous tables filled with pizza, mozzarella, handmade pasta, seafood and wine.
Southern Italy · Food & Culture · 13 Days
Iconic Italy by Train:
Rome, Florence, Verona & Venice
From Naples to Puglia, a vivid southern journey of sea-cliff drama, ancient towns and generous tables filled with pizza, mozzarella, handmade pasta, seafood and wine.
Classic Italy · Rail Journey · 12 Days
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