It is no secret that small group touring is rapidly growing in popularity with guests increasingly valuing the array of benefits they offer.
One provider that has always championed the virtues of small group tours is Bunnik Tours. Set up by Marion Bunnik nearly exactly 30 years ago (look out for Bunnik’s 30th birthday celebrations next year!), small group sizes have always been central to Bunnik’s mission of offering intimate travel experiences that benefit both the individuals and the destination.
Nearly three decades of experience in small group tours means they really know what they are doing when it comes to creating exceptional experiences for your clients. On Trustpilot, the tour provider has an average review score of 4.7 stars (way above industry average), with many guests claiming to be repeat customers.
Spanning the globe from Africa to Europe, South America to Asia, and the United Kingdom and Ireland, their tours are thoughtfully designed to provide a balance of organised sightseeing and free time for independent exploration.
With size limited to 20 guests – and even 12 on some tours – guests have unrivaled access to an expert tour guide who is able to answer any questions they may have about the destination.
With almost everything included in the trip – guides, many meals, return flights from Australia (on some tours), accommodation and even tipping – guests are free to sit back and relax.
Five of the other benefits of smaller group sizes include:
Access to boutique hotels and restaurants: Some of our best travel memories are discovering an off-the-beaten-track, boutique, restaurant, or hotel complete with quirks and character. Yet, unfortunately, many small eateries are not set up to cater to huge groups. The size limit of Bunnik Tours, however, means that guests can enjoy boutique hotels and intimate restaurants, rather than tourist hot spots.
A further benefit of having access to a wider range of lodging is that guests can be closer to the action. Many central hotels just don’t have the space for large tour groups, meaning guests can often find themselves having to stay further out than they might like. Small tours, however, are much easier to accommodate.
Less time waiting for other guests: Sit down with any tour guide and you’ll hear horror stories about guests leaving everyone on the coach waiting whilst they pet a dog/continue shopping/chat with strangers. Whilst it is impossible to completely eradicate the risk of an inconsiderate Ian/Irene being on the trip, smaller group sizes means there are less people to juggle.
Helps responsible tourism: If you’ve read much Travel Weekly of late, you will know that there is a growing issue with overtourism and holidaymakers overwhelming their destination. A benefit of smaller tour groups is that locals are not overrun and guests have an opportunity to gain more of an authentic experience.
Go beyond the standard tourist trail: One of the key benefits of smaller tour groups is access to a wider array of cultural experiences. The size of Bunnik tours means that guests have access to hidden gems that are usually only accessible to locals. All of these unique special experiences are included on the tours.
A better view and more comfort on the bus: A huge part of touring is observing the local landscape whilst you travel. The spaciousness of Bunnik coaches (which aren’t full) mean that guests have the chance to absorb the environment in peace.
With a spare seat next to them, guests have more space to spread out and truly enjoy their travel experience. They don’t have to battle to find space for their shopping bags, or have to worry about knocking knees with a stranger.
Thankfully, Bunnik’s focus on quality of time also applies to its customer service. All calls are answered by fully-trained staff who know their stuff and can handle requests from start to finish, meaning bookings and queries are handled as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Another big positive for agents is that Bunnik Tours includes international flights on a range of small group tours and pays full commission on airfares. These flights are booked by their team of travel specialists to save agent’s time.
Clients can celebrate Bunnik Tours 30th anniversary – happening in March 2025 – by joining one of their 2025 small group tours such as:
Spain, Portugal & Morocco:
This 28-day tour is well and truly a trip of a lifetime. Guests can explore vibrant Morocco with its medieval towns, bustling medinas and extensive desert landscapes. Enjoy the sunshine in southern Spain and the charming cities of Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto before marvelling at the architectural wonder of Barcelona.
Jewels of Dalmatia:
Guests can experience the romance of Lake Bled, visit the ancient cities of Dubrovnik and Hvar and marvel at the stunning Plitvice Lakes, all while experiencing warm local hospitality and delighting in the region’s delectable cuisine on this 22-day tour.
Italian Discovery:
This 24-day tour is a must for lovers of Italian culture and history. Guests can experience the cultural impact of the Roman civilisation and the Renaissance in Venice, Rome and Florence. Search for truffles in the Langhe Region, explore Lake Como and Milan, and tour the colourful coastlines of Amalfi and the Cinque Terre.
You can find out more HERE.
