10 tour companies travelers should know before booking 2026 trips

Planning a guided vacation in 2026 means navigating a crowded field of tour operators, each with its own take on what makes a trip unforgettable. That variety is a gift, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to guided travel. At TourScoop, we cut through the noise by spotlighting what’s new and noteworthy among the world’s top operators and helping you understand which companies best match your travel style and interests.

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury safari, a family-friendly getaway, or an active small-group adventure, this curated list of TourScoop’s best tour operators for 2026 is the perfect place to begin.

1. Best overall tour company: Exodus Adventure Travels

Exodus Adventure Travels is a longtime leader in small-group adventure travel, offering cycling, walking, hiking, wildlife, and cultural tours in more than 90 countries across all seven continents. Founded in 1974, the company now runs more than 500 unique tours with group sizes typically ranging from eight to 16 travelers. In addition to guided departures, Exodus also offers self-guided and private group trips. Repeat guests can get special discounts and members-only opportunities through the company’s free Exodus Loyalty Club.

New for 2026: Exodus Adventure Travels is raising the bar with its new Signature Collection, an elevated portfolio designed for travelers seeking slower, more immersive adventures. These tours pair expert local guides, distinctive accommodations, and exclusive access (think private temple visits in Japan or luxury desert camps in Morocco) with a focus on meaningful community impact.
TourScoop takeaway: Offering adventure-focused trips in remote or iconic destinations worldwide at a variety of price points, Exodus Adventure Travels is TourScoop’s pick for 2026’s best overall tour company.

2. Best tour company for families: Adventures by Disney

Founded in 2005, Adventures by Disney brings Disney’s signature polish to upscale small-group tours across roughly 40 itineraries on six continents. These trips are less about Disney characters and more about flawless logistics and access that’s hard to replicate independently. Travelers are accompanied by Disney-trained Adventure Guides, along with expert local guides, and enjoy VIP experiences such as skip-the-line museum entry, private site tours, and behind-the-scenes moments tailored exclusively for Disney groups. The company is especially popular with families, thanks to seamless pacing and built-in kids programming that gives parents occasional downtime.

New for 2026: Adventures by Disney will expand its portfolio with new formats and greater flexibility. The headline addition is a Rhône River cruise through southern France, marking a fresh European waterway experience that blends scenic sailing with Disney-exclusive shore excursions. On land, the company is debuting all-new itineraries in Switzerland and Greece.
TourScoop takeaway: Adventures by Disney combines family-friendly programming with high-end guided experiences, seamless logistics, and VIP access at top cultural destinations.

3. Best tour company for moderately priced and well-rounded guided tours: Trafalgar Tours

Two couples on a rooftop looking at a view of Seville, Spain.

One of the world’s most established tour operators, Trafalgar runs nearly 300 guided itineraries in 72 countries across six continents. Its portfolio spans classic coach tours, small-group active trips, private departures, and specialty journeys focused on themes like food, history, and nature, with Europe remaining its strongest suit. Trafalgar is especially popular with travelers 50 and older, though families are welcome on select itineraries and children as young as five can join.

New for 2026: Travelers who want the benefits of a guided itinerary but with some built-in free time will appreciate Trafalgar’s balance of scheduled activities and “on your own” exploration. The company’s new-for-2026 expansion into river cruising adds a new way to explore Europe without the typical planning hassles. Beginning this spring, Trafalgar will launch two river cruise itineraries along the Rhine and Danube, combining the ease of guided travel with the flexibility of unpacking once and exploring on your own ashore, ideal for travelers who want both structure and freedom.
TourScoop takeaway: For classic guided sightseeing tours with moderate pricing, small to mid-sized groups, and curated cultural experiences, Trafalgar is an all-around great choice.

4. Best tour company for responsible and experiential travel: G Adventures

G Adventures Antarctica Mountain Range Group Kayaking.

A globally recognized small-group tour operator, G Adventures is known for combining adventure with responsible travel. The company’s guided tours cater to a wide range of interests and fitness levels, from traditional guided tours to active hiking, biking, and trekking journeys. Families, younger travelers, and those seeking immersive cultural experiences can choose from specialized options like family tours, 18-to-thirtysomething trips, and Local Living tours that engage with daily life abroad.

New for 2026: G Adventures is expanding its lineup with National Geographic Signature trips, offering luxury small-group travel paired with expert-led cultural experiences; bookings begin in 2026 for travel in 2027. The company is also adding 14 new National Geographic Journeys, including family-friendly trips in Egypt and Portugal, as well as adventures in Central Asia, South Korea, and China. Popular new trip styles like Solo-ish and Geluxe continue to grow, providing solo travelers and active adventurers with premium, community-oriented experiences.
TourScoop takeaway: Grounded in sustainable tourism principles, active itineraries, and a partnership with National Geographic, G Adventures is TourScoop’s top choice for responsible and experiential travel in 2026.

5. Best tour company for educational travel for seniors: Road Scholar

Road Scholar participants in aprons cooking during the Cooking in Tuscany program.

Founded in 1975 as Elderhostel, Road Scholar has grown into a world-renowned nonprofit tour company specializing in educational travel for seniors. Its programs range from expert-led lectures and hands-on field experiences to multi-day guided tours across six continents. While seniors are its core audience, Road Scholar also offers Grandparent Adventures, women-only tours, and is notably solo-traveler friendly, with roughly 30% of guests traveling alone. With small group sizes averaging 24, Road Scholar emphasizes learning, cultural immersion, and personalized attention on every journey.

New for 2026: In addition to expanding its solo-only and women-only departures, Road Scholar will also offer new programs and destinations, including trips to Oman, Albania, North Macedonia, Slovenia, Madagascar, and Iceland and Greenland. Themed experiences such as food-focused Alaska adventures and Appalachian hiking for women are additional highlights. The company is also marking the United States’ 250th anniversary with a special “Celebrate America’s 250th” collection of tours that explore U.S. history and heritage.
TourScoop takeaway: Solo-friendly and excellent for lifelong learners, Road Scholar remains TourScoop’s pick for the best educational tour operator for seniors.

6. Best tour company for expert-led, all-ages educational exploration: National Geographic Expeditions

Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions is known for premium guided travel experiences that reflect the organization’s values of exploration, science, and storytelling. From photographing Machu Picchu at sunrise to train journeys through the Swiss and Italian Alps, NatGeo tours focus on iconic natural, cultural, and wildlife-rich destinations. Trips are led by Expedition Leaders and National Geographic experts, with itineraries for photographers, families, and independent travelers. A portion of proceeds supports National Geographic Society research and conservation, and group sizes are kept intentionally small.

New for 2026: National Geographic Expeditions is debuting a standout addition to its Signature Land collection: Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species. This nine-day journey through South Africa and Zambia is one part wildlife safari and one part immersive cultural experience. The company is also expanding its small-ship expedition offerings through National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions with new and upgraded vessels in the Galápagos, Alaska, Antarctica, Iceland, and the Amazon.
TourScoop takeaway: With a focus on immersive small-group tours accompanied by scientists, naturalists, and photographers, National Geographic Expeditions is TourScoop’s choice for expert-led exploration in 2026.

7. Best tour company for women-only travel: AdventureWomen

Founded in 1982, AdventureWomen specializes in safe, women-only travel experiences designed to foster connection and exploration. The company offers more than 50 guided tours across 65 countries, welcoming solo travelers, mother-daughter pairs, sisters, and groups of friends. Small group sizes (typically 12 to 14 participants) encourage camaraderie and immersive experiences. Fitness requirements and tour intensity are clearly indicated, helping travelers choose journeys suited to their abilities.

New for 2026: In response to an increased travel preference for close-to-home destinations, AdventureWomen‘s 2026 tour lineup introduces a slew of new adventures in North America, such as active explorations in Baja, Utah’s Moab and Canyonlands, Alaska wilderness expeditions, Yosemite and Sequoia, and the Canadian Rockies.
TourScoop takeaway: AdventureWomen’s curated itineraries focused on safety, camaraderie, and meaningful experiences remain the gold standard for women-only tours in 2026.

8. Best tour company for luxury and bespoke travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent, Vietnam, Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.

Offering curated journeys across all seven continents in more than 100 countries, Abercrombie & Kent has been a pioneer in luxury small-group travel for more than six decades. Accommodations are consistently upscale, and itineraries include inter-trip flights, meals, transfers, activities, and gratuities, ensuring a seamless, upscale experience. Small Group Journeys host no more than 18 guests, while expedition cruises accommodate up to 199. Popular with Gen X and Boomer travelers, A&K combines exceptional service, meticulous planning, and immersive cultural encounters, making it a benchmark for luxury guided travel worldwide.

New for 2026: Abercrombie & Kent is rolling out new Small Group Journeys in South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The company is also debuting A&K × Crystal Cultural Voyages, integrating Abercrombie & Kent tours with Crystal Cruises’ luxury ships, beginning with a Mediterranean sailing in August 2026. In addition, Abercrombie & Kent continues to broaden its expedition cruise offerings with new voyages around the British Isles, Svalbard, and French Polynesia.
TourScoop takeaway: Tops for luxury and bespoke travel in 2026, Abercrombie & Kent’s ultra-luxe itineraries are all about taking travelers to iconic and remote destinations with unmatched ease.

9. Best tour company for active and adventure travel: Backroads

Backroads earns its loyal following of active travelers with meticulously designed biking, hiking, and multi‑adventure tours that are always evolving based on guest feedback. These small group trips offer a daily mix of easier and more challenging routes, a great feature for travel companions with varying fitness levels. Itineraries in more than 60 countries deliver immersive experiences in some of the world’s most beautiful places. And Backroads’ emphasis on wellness and local connection round out the company’s guiding principles.

New for 2026: Backroads’ new offerings will include trips tailored for adults in their 30s and 40s, expanded Women’s Adventures, and new itineraries around the world, from the Pyrenees and Basque Country to Japan, Norway, Vietnam, and the Canary Islands. The company continues to create special ways to travel with new collections like Unplugged Bike Tours (no e‑assist bikes) and Active Culinary experiences. And glamping and lodge‑to‑lodge trips broaden the appeal for adventurous travelers seeking both challenge and comfort.
TourScoop takeaway: With its combination of cycling, hiking, walking, and multi-sport trips for fitness-minded travelers, Backroads is TourScoop’s choice for 2026’s best active adventure company.

10. Best for sustainable and budget-conscious adventures: Intrepid Travel

Three hikers looking out at Machu Picchu.

A leader in sustainable, experience-rich group adventures, Intrepid Travel draws travelers who prioritize responsible tourism and authentic cultural connection. The company’s small-group tours (typically around 10 people) are designed to engage meaningfully with local communities, from homestays to hands-on workshops. Intrepid also stands out for its diverse range of trip styles, from Basix for budget travelers to Premium for those seeking upgraded stays and exclusive experiences. Specialized themes span food, trekking, family travel, women-only departures, and short breaks. Guests are automatically enrolled in Intrepid Insiders, a loyalty program offering early access to sales and new itineraries.

New for 2026: This year, Intrepid Travel is introducing 28 new active adventures and 10 additional family trips with reduced pricing for kids ages five to 17. In line with its sustainability mission, Intrepid is also introducing a new Climate Impact Fund, shifting from carbon offsets to direct investment in emissions-reduction projects across its operations.
TourScoop takeaway: With small-group tours emphasizing cultural immersion, responsible travel, and adventure at accessible price points, Intrepid Travel is deservedly popular with younger and eco-conscious travelers.

This story was adapted from the article “16 best group travel companies for guided tours in 2026,” originally published at TourScoop.com.