GROUP TOURS
Group adventures for women, in dream destinations around the globe (U.S. options too)
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Updated November 2025
I’ve traveled to many places in many ways, and have come to appreciate the unique benefits of a multi-day group tour.
Exploring in a small group is a wonderful way to discover a destination, with the security of a guide, and the companionship of other travelers. I’ve also noticed that with professionals managing the planning and logistics, I can really immerse myself in the experience.
I think group trips are especially ideal for independent travelers—those of us ready for adventure but lacking a travel companion.
With that in mind, I’ve curated a list of *women’s tours in some of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating places (*some of these tours are for women only; others are open to anyone).
Most of these trips are to countries I’ve visited and loved: France, Portugal, Croatia, Cyprus, Italy, Nepal and India. Others are destinations on my bucket list, such as Japan and Colombia.
Of the tour operators I’ve selected, I have traveled with G Adventures, AdventureWomen and Traverse Journeys. The others are companies included have been researched thoroughly and in most cases, I have interviewed the founders or key staff. I would happily take any of these trips.
Group Trips for Women 2025/2026
⬇Jump to the details of any trip by clicking on the destination name
Women's Tours: Important to Know
- Tours are priced in U.S. dollars and are typically based on double occupancy, however some tour operators, such as Women Travel Abroad, and Elective, offer single rooms by default.
- Tour operators can often accommodate travelers who want their own room, for an additional cost. This is known as a “single supplement.” It’s always best to check the availability and cost of a private room BEFORE you book, so you are not disappointed.
- Air travel to reach the destination is not included in any of the trips.
- Most tour operators require that you obtain travel medical insurance, which is important to have regardless.
- Be sure to read the fine print of any bookings you are considering, so you understand the cancellation terms and refund policy. Typically, group tours are not as simple to cancel as a hotel booking
Consider Destination if You're on a Budget
Some of the tours I share here are once-in-a-lifetime type vacations, i.e. expensive, but there are also international trips priced under US$2000.
The destination is often the largest predictor of cost: Iceland and Japan are very expensive; Colombia and India are more affordable. If you would like to travel in North America, you’ll find those options toward the end of the story. Note how long each trip is so you are comparing apples to apples.
Organized group travel is not for everyone. If you would prefer to plan your own itinerary, some of these tour companies will plan a custom trip for your group or family.
For me, travel is about more than taking a vacation. It’s about how I feel when I’ve left my daily life behind and am exploring a new place — inspired, alive, and free. I hear from many women that they too are craving a sense of freedom and adventure. I hope reading about these women’s tours will inspire you to begin planning your next trip.
Budget-Friendly Tours for Women
Portugal
Surf & Yoga Retreat in Alentejo - Yugen Earthside
November, December 2025. Multiple 2026 dates, starting in March.
$1430 shared room/ $2100 single • (for anyone)
The Portugal Surf & Yoga Retreat offers a mix of yoga, surfing, delicious food, wine, and local exploration. You’ll be based in a historical village in Portugal’s beautiful Alentejo region, just 15 minutes from the beach.
Surf lessons are available for all levels and daily yoga classes are 75 minutes. Other included activities are a winery visit with wine-tasting and tapas, a local artisan/market visit, and a hike along the Costa Vicentina. An open (rest) day is also scheduled, which includes a deep healing massage.
The retreat property is a woman-owned Portuguese company. Accommodation is in guest houses and there’s an open-air space for yoga, a pool, garden, gym, and nearby trails. Meals are health-conscious and made with ingredients sourced from local farmers and small food & wine producers. While the trip is open to anyone, it’s typically all women.
Yugen Earthside is a sustainable travel company that partners with local tourism operators to offer highly curated and authentic multi-day trips. I’ve gotten to know the founder, Hilary Matson, and she is passionate about creating exceptional experiences for travelers, at affordable prices.
She can also customize trips for you or your group. Contact her at: hilary@yugenearthside.com
Nepal
Women's Expedition - Intrepid Travel
13 days • Departures Nov 2025 and Spring 2026 • From $1995 (for women)
Australia-based Intrepid Travel launched its Women’s Expeditions in 2018, creating itineraries designed so that women travelers could interact with and support local women.
The Nepal Women’s Expedition includes a five-day hike in the incredible Annapurna Mountains, supported by an all-female crew of guides and porters. I’ve hiked in Annapurna and it’s spectacular! Other highlights: learn about Buddhism from local Buddhist nuns on a visit to an all-female monastery; they are challenging patriarchal Buddhist traditions. You’ll also learn the secrets to creating the local culinary specialty, a MoMo, during a cooking class at a Tibetan refugee camp. By traveling on this tour, you’ll directly support Intrepid Foundation’s non-profit, Seven Women. Donations empower marginalized women in Nepal by providing education and skills training.
Intrepid attracts young travelers with its budget-friendly trips, specifically those for the 18-30 set. Their other itineraries have more diverse age ranges. If you want to know more, call the company and ask about the age range of participants already registered for the trip you are considering.
Colombia
Dance Immersion - Medellin, Colombia
7 days from $1950 • Departures throughout 2025 & 2026 (for anyone)
Somoloco offers immersive salsa dance experiences in beautiful Medellín, Colombia. These are designed for all skill levels, no experience required! Standard trips are a week, with longer options available. The “immersions” combine personalized dance instruction with cultural activities, providing a comprehensive dive into Colombian salsa culture. Other dance styles are offered like bachata and tango.
Participants receive 15 hours of private lessons from top local instructors and 3 hours of group classes weekly, choosing from styles like Salsa, Cuban, or Colombian (Caleña). The program includes airport transfers, and local transport,a dedicated trip leader/concierge, a welcome dinner and authentic local experinces, all with a fun-loving community of dancers. Lot’s of add-on excursions are available.
Guests stay in fully furnished studio apartments in Medellín’s Poblado neighborhood, a beautiful tourist-friendly location. (High-speed Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, gyms, and 24/7 security .
David Schafran, Somoloco founder, says the program helps people embrace the joy and flavor of Latin American culture through dance. “We want people to feel a part of this culture,” he told me. “You create real bonds and connections with the teachers as well.” Somoloco trips are very popular with midlife women who travel solo. “We get a lot of beginners and they get personal one on one attention.”
Somoloco also has immersions available in Barcelona, Spain. Private immersion experiences can be booked, year-round.
This trip is great value for money! Sign me up! 💃
Cyprus
Cyprus is an island gem set in the turquoise waters of the eastern Mediterranean, and the sunniest island in Europe. It has an extended “warm season” — it’s lovely in early spring and stays warm into November. Although Cyprus is part of the EU, this mountainous island, the Mediterranean’s third largest, is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa which has imparted a special culture and cuisine. It also has a unique history steeped in mythology, and a mountainous terrain that offers terrific hiking and cycling.
Experience Cyprus - Traverse Journeys
9 days/$4695 • 2026 dates: April 17-25 • (for anyone)
Experience Cyprus is a unique adventure that combines ancient history, outdoor exploration and exceptional cuisine — and the chance to meet many of the Cypriots who make this island so special. I can highly recommend this special eight-day trip as I took a very similar trip to Cyprus in the fall of 2023. We explored charming villages, meandered next to the sea on picturesque hikes and learned about the island’s culinary traditions. The food was incredible! It exceeded all of my expectations.
Ashley Blake, the founder of Traverse Journeys (pictured above on the cliff overlooking the sea) was on the Cyprus trip with me. She so loved this special island that she created an itinerary based on our tour.
I had the chance to travel with Traverse Journeys on a sailing trip in Greece. They put enormous thought and care into every trip. And part of the Traverse Journeys mission is to make a positive economic impact on the people and places they visit. To learn more, visit their Responsible Travel page.
(Receive $100 off of any Traverse Journeys trip with the code MG100)
India
If you’ve read other stories here on Midlife Globetrotter, you might already know that I took my first big trip (without my family) to India in 2017, and fell in love with it. Having to only think of myself for two weeks allowed me to leave the obligations of everyday life behind, and remember things about myself that I had forgotten.
India was also unlike anywhere else I’d been: an ancient culture, the vibrant colors, and life packed into every corner. I was completely charmed by the smiles of the women who seem endlessly busy at work. India may not be for everyone, but if it intrigues you, I highly encourage you to visit. And I think it’s one of those places that is ideal for a group tour.
Discover India - G Adventures Journeys
15 days from $2639 • dates in fall 2025 & winter 2026 (for anyone)
(TIP: I don’t advise travel to India between late March and August as it’s extremely hot.
I am recommending Discover India with G Adventures because I took this exact tour and think it’s an ideal first trip to India. It’s the perfect travel masala (mixture) of this fascinating country.
You will visit the stunning forts and palaces of Rajasthan, take a safari in search of the Bengal tiger, and experience spiritual India in the holy city of Varanasi. And yes, you’ll marvel at the Taj Mahal. I found it to be even more spectacular than I imagined.
This itinerary is one of G Adventures’ National Geographic Journeys, a collaboration between the two companies, so it a higher level of service and accommodation than many of G’s other trips. It’s not luxury, but it’s upgraded. India is more affordable than many other destinations and I think this trip is a terrific value.
You can learn more about my experiences in India in: On Safari in India and Plan a Trip to India.
Study Abroad for Grown-Ups!
Montpellier, France
Art and Art de Vivre - Elective Study Abroad
8 days $5899 • March 22-29, 2026 (for anyone)
Study abroad is not just for college kids! I studied French in Lyon, France a few years ago and it was a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to combine learning and enriched travel experiences.
Carrie Angoff’s passion for learning and travel inspired her to start Elective Study Abroad, upscale tours in Europe, Morocco and Istanbul.
The Art and Art de Vivre tour is set in Southern France, in charming Montpellier. A local art expert guides learning and experiences in the region’s art, and the French philosophy of cherishing beauty and simple pleasures of daily life.
This 8-day itinerary includes daily field seminars — instructor-led exploration — and time to venture independently, guided by a curriculum and detailed suggestions for experiences in and around Montpellier.
Accommodation is at the historic Château de la Piscine, a beautifully restored property set within 20+ acres of gardens, just outside the city center. Air conditioned one-bedroom units are within the estate’s converted guest residences and the welcome dinner is in the main chateau, hosted by the owner.
Elective tours have a maximum of 10 participants, and premium experiences include thoughtful details and personalized support throughout. Price is based on a private room; discounts are available for double occupancy.
Founder Carrie Angoff is a study abroad expert whose academic career has taken her from Oxford to NYU, and from New York to Paris and beyond.
“At Elective, we believe that education isn’t confined to classrooms or bound by age. It’s a lifelong pursuit, and some of the most meaningful learning happens when we step out of our daily routines and immerse ourselves in new environments. This is why study abroad is such a transformative experience—it expands our understanding of the world by placing us directly within it.”
Venice, Italy
Venice, Art, Culture and Canals - Road Scholar
8 days $3999 • May, September, October 2026 (for anyone)
If discovering Venice at a relaxed pace with a tour that focuses on learning, the Venice Art, Culture and Canals tour might for you. It combines daily lectures and guided elements with lots of time on your own. Learn from local experts about Venice’s history, Venetian glass and mosaics, and local cuisine.
Accommodation is in a 3-star boutique hotel so this may not be for you if you are looking for luxury accommodation and amenities.
Road Scholar was founded in 1975 as Elderhostel, a not-for-profit to offer courses and affordable lodging to adults. In 1981 they expanded into international destinations and today they offer 5000+ different programs. Nearly 70% of their travelers are women and more than 30% are solo travelers.
If you are an independent traveler they have extensive resources and tours for solo travelers. Most of those are open to women and men, however.
For women-only tours, they have several trip options in the U.S. as well as a small selection of international: Road Scholar Trips for Women.
Deluxe Women's Adventures
Croatia
Cruise the Islands of the Dalmatian Coast - Adventure Women
9 DAYS/$9495+ • June & August 2026 (for women)
Explore Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast with a small group of women aboard a private deluxe sailboat charter. You’ll visit Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, and see the famed Blue Grotto. I went on this exact adventure last fall and absolutely loved it.
This is an moderately active tour with walking and biking, and the option to play in the turquoise sea. Swim, snorkel and paddle board as you cruise between Croatia’s charming islands. On land, you’ll hike and bike through ancient villages, sip local wines and sample the delicious cuisine.
**All rooms on the ship are private cabins. No need to share.
The tour is fully guided and you’ll explore Dubrovnik with a local guide as well. Among special inclusions are a visit to a family-owned olive oil farm on the island of Korcula. You can read about my experience in my post, Women’s Sailing Trip in Croatia.
AdventureWomen was founded in 1982 by Susan Eckert, a pioneer in women’s adventure travel. It has been ranked one of the top group tour companies in the world by Travel & Leisure and CN Traveler. They have various levels of adventure but all trips feature elevated accommodation and lots of special inclusions.
Norway
Arctic Women, Blazing Trails
7 days • March 25–April 1, 2026 $5,381 (for women)
This seven-day expedition in the Norwegian Arctic, Arctic Women, Blazing Trails, blends survival skills, immersion in nature, and relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.
Women will be empowered through hands-on learning of skills such as foraging and fire-building and enjoy winter paddling, snowshoeing, ice-fishing, and dogsled outings. Busy days will be complimented by ample chance for relaxation: sauna nights, stargazing and restorative storytelling.
This small tour (limited to eight travelers) is operated by Up Norway, a Scandinavian sustainable, luxury travel curator. And the trip will be guided by Randi Skaug, the first Norwegian woman to summit Mount Everest.
The itinerary begins in Boda, and then to Austholmen, a tiny islet in the Steigen archipelago off Nordland’s coast. After a few days there, travelers sail further north on board Hurtigruten’s MS Vesterålen, a heritage vessel with cozy Scandinavian-style cabins, panoramic lounges for enjoying spectacular scnery, and seasonal Nordic menus. The final days are spent on Senja, Norway’s second-largest island above the Arctic Circle, known for its jagged peaks, pristine beaches, and the forests of Ånderdalen National Park.
This spring 2026 tour is the inaugural departure. In future, it will be offered as a private customizable journey, available year-round.
Up Norway has been recognized as an A-List Travel Advisor by Travel + Leisure and named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists.
Finland
Northern Lights Hiking & Walking ~ Backroads
6 Days from $6,399 • September & October 2026 (for women)
The next year is expected to bring exceptional displays of the northern lights, thanks to the sun entering a phase of maximum solar flare activity. These solar events send a higher volume of charged particles toward Earth, resulting in the colorful dancing lights also known as aurora borealis.
Finland is among the best places in the world to see this phenomenon and BACKROADS has designed trip designed to highlight it: Finland Northern Lights Women’s Hiking & Walking Tour.
Hike through Finland’s stunning Arctic landscapes, and discover the Sámi and Finnish cultures. Meet reindeer and sled dogs, and experience those amazing night skies (northern lights are not guaranteed, but are a high likelihood). All accommodation is in premiere hotels.
This trip is rated with an activity level between 1 and 3, on the BACKROADS scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most active.
Backroads is one of America’s best known active-adventure tour operators, and launched its catalogue of women-only trips in 2024.
Japan
Culture & Countryside ~ Adventures in Good Company
10 Days $7495 • April 3 to 12, 2026 (for women)
Japan’s Culture & Countryside is a 10-day active trip that combines modern and rural Japan. Explore Tokyo and Kyoto, and the natural beauty of the countryside as you hike the Nakasendo Way, an ancient route that showcases Japan’s history and traditional way of life.
Staying in traditional country inns will allow guests to experience regional cuisine and seasonal dishes, and most meals are included in this tour.
Special experiences include a stay in a hot springs ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, with rooms reflecting a traditional style, with tatami matting and futons.
The cooler weather makes this a lovely time for hiking this ancient route; hikes will be up to five hours a day, so a good fitness level is required. See the itinerary for more details.
Adventures in Good Company leads tours for active women with adventurous spirits, all over the world. Authentic cultural experiences and time spent in nature are a hallmark of their women’s tours, as is sustainability. The level of activity varies by itinerary, with each trip rated on a scale from 1 to 5. This Japan tour is a 3
Luxury Women's Tours
Loire Valley, France
I have a special fondness for France and can never seem to get enough. Unoriginal perhaps, but you can’t dictate the whims of the travel heart. I’ve been twice to the Loire Valley and adored both trips. You can learn more in my: Guide to the Loire Valley.
The Loire was considered an idyllic retreat by French royalty and nobility because of its proximity to Paris, pastoral beauty, and forests for hunting. They built palaces and manor homes here in the 15th and 16th centuries and many of those chateaux remain today — beautiful treasures of French renaissance architecture and a glimpse into French history.
This fertile region is also known as the “Garden of France” so the food and wine are fantastic. Mais oui, this is France.
Castles, Gardens and Wines of the Loire Valley
with Girls' Guide to the World
7 days $8465 • Spring 2026 dates coming soon
On the 6-night Castles, Gardens and Wines of the Loire Valley, you’ll explore the Loire’s iconic chateaux, Blois, Chambord and Chenonceau, and visit villages and gardens fit for royalty. Hotels on the tour are 4 or 5 star, including a stay at the Le Relais de Chambord, the only hotel within the château’s private estate. Enjoy the region’s exceptional cuisine and wine at bespoke tours and events.
Girls’ Guide to the World is a luxury tour operator founded by Doni Belau, a true midlife adventurer who has visited 70 countries and otherwise splits her time between the U.S. and France. Girls’ Guide specializes in luxe trips to Paris, and a selection of Europe’s most beautiful places. These are highly curated specialty tours for women, with a maximum of 10 participants, and most trips have only 6-8. Tours are designed and priced so every woman gets a private room; shared rooms are available on request.
And the Loire Valley is close to Paris, ideal for staying a few nights either before or after. Read more about exploring the city of lights in my Paris guides.
Iceland
Circling the Land of Fire & Ice, NatHab Women's Adventures
11 days/ Multiple departures in 2025 $15,695 (for women)
Many Iceland tours focus on the south coast, but Circling the Land of Fire & Ice, offers a full loop of the country and its natural wonders: waterfalls, glaciers, geysers & volcanoes. Explore Iceland by private mini bus, chartered plane, boat and 4×4. This trip is guided by an expert naturalist as well as a local guide.
Women in the Wild adventures are a new addition for Boulder,Colorado-based Natural Habitat. They focus on building rapport and exploring natural wonders through a female lens — with local women guides as well as itineraries with a focus on the contributions of women in the destinations: Indigenous leaders, rangers, researchers, conservationists, entrepreneurs, educators, and more. Natural Habitat believes that empowering women begins with sharing their stories.
Nat Hab has been the official partner of the World Wildlife Fund since 2003. All of their wildlife expeditions are designed so that animal welfare and conservation of wild spaces is the priority.
Botswana Luxury Safari
Botswana is one of the most geographically diverse places in Africa and strict management of development have allowed them to avoid some of the over-tourism issues in other parts of Africa. This low-density model also means higher prices. If budget-friendly is a priority, you might consider a small group tour to South Africa, such as this one: Explore Cape Town and Kruger National Park.
I recently returned from own trip to Botswana and it was one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited. I’ve come to understand that your guide makes all of the difference in the experience. And so, if you have the budget for the safari of your dreams, I recommend Natural Habitat Adventures.
Secluded Botswana ~ Natural Habitat Adventures
12 days/$14995 (+internal air) ~ 2023 & 2024 dates, April-November
This flagship tour, Secluded Botswana, will be a small group of only 7 people, and led by expert naturalists (Many of their guides are PhD’s.)
The 12-day itinerary takes you through some of Southern Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas including the Okavango Delta and Linyanti Reserve. Two nights are spent in Chobe National Park, famous for its elephant herds, a population that exceeds 70,000, the highest concentration in Africa.
Nat Hab trips typically include seminars by conservationists. On this trip an expert will share their research on the endangered painted wild dog, as well as cheetah and leopard.
You’ll also visit the world wonder, Victoria Falls, and visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, a chance for a walking safari (there are no predators here) and possibly a view of the white rhinoceros.
African safaris are expensive; if you are going to splurge on a luxury safari, I think this trip gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Specific photo trips are available, as are extensions to South Africa or Namibia.
Natural Habitat & World Wildlife Fund
Natural Habitat Adventures has been the official partner of the World Wildlife Fund since 2003. All of its wildlife expeditions are designed so that animal welfare and conservation of wild spaces is the priority.
Women's Group Tours in the U.S.
BACKROADS
For women who want to explore the incredible landscapes of the U.S., there are extensive offerings of “women-only” trips in the U.S.
Backroads, mentioned above, has 18 active adventures in the U.S. and Canada, at a variety of difficulty levels. Explore the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, or the province of Quebec, which offers beautiful scenery (the fall colors are spectacular) and francophone culture.
In the U.S., choose from a variety of national park adventures — Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, California, North Carolina, New Mexico and Maine.
Walking & Hiking in Sedona, Arizona
On the Sedona Women’s Hiking & Walking Tour 4-Day Getaway, women who prefer easy to moderate activity can enjoy spectacular scenery in Sedona’s surreal red-rock landscape of canyons and rock towers. Daytime adventures are followed by luxe relaxation at a deluxe hotel with a pool and spa services. This is a great fit for anyone to combine activity with luxury.
Equestrian Wellness with Unbridled Retreats
I met Devon Combs at a travel event in Denver and enjoyed learning more about her and Unbridled Retreats, wellness vacations created around the idea that time spent with horses is therapeutic.
Devon is a globally recognized Equine Coach; her retreats incorporate transformative interactions with horses in ranch-style environments in Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, California, and Hawaii. No riding experience required!
Adventures in Good Company
Adventures in Good Company (host of the Japan trip, included above) leads dozens of adventure-focused women’s tours in the U.S., throughout the year. While every trip is designed around being active, I like that some of the tours pair the active element with an additional theme. A few examples: Magical Maine (8 days), Wineries & Hiking the Appalachian Trail (4 days), and Lake Tahoe Wellness on the Water (5 days).
I don’t know about you, but I am wondering how we could possibly choose just one of these destinations and incredible women’s tours. If you’d like some tips on what to look for in a small group tour, you can find those in: How to Select a Small Group Tour. We might also need to start saving for our dream trip. Explore some ideas in How to Afford Travel.
Is there a group trip you’ve taken and would recommend to other women? What’s at the top of your travel bucket list? Please share in the comments below.
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