Tried & Tested: Our Favourite Small Group Tours in Europe, the UK and beyond
Food, history, and small-group experiences we’ve personally loved.
We’ve taken a lot of small group tours in Europe (and beyond) over the years, and the ones we keep coming back to are with Walks and Devour. Whether it’s VIP entry into the Sistine Chapel, tasting tapas in Seville, or exploring Borough Market with a local guide, these small group experiences have been consistently excellent.
We’ve personally joined Walks and Devour tours in Rome, Florence, Paris, Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Dublin and London and they’ve never disappointed. Excellent guides, thoughtful pacing, and access you just don’t get on your own.
👇 Scroll down to discover the food and history tours we’ve loved – and find inspiration for your own unforgettable travel experience.
Recommended Small Group Tours in Europe and the UK
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & River Cruise
See London’s most iconic sights in just one day on this expertly guided small group tour. Visit Westminster Abbey, cruise along the Thames, and enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Tower of London with access to the Crown Jewels.
Your local guide handles all the logistics so you can soak up the history, ask questions, and take in the views from Buckingham Palace to Tower Bridge.
Book this tour – London in a Day: Tower of London Tour, Westminster Abbey & River Cruise
Complete Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Early Access Crown Jewels & River Cruise
Step inside the Tower of London before the gates open to the public and witness the historic Opening Ceremony in an intimate small group.
Enjoy early access to the Crown Jewels and a fully guided tour through centuries of royal history, including the Bloody Tower, medieval ramparts, and execution site.
Finish with a scenic one-way Thames river cruise to continue exploring London from the water.
VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys
Explore the Tower of London after dark on this exclusive evening tour led by a Yeoman Warder, known as a Beefeater.
With no daytime crowds, you’ll experience the eerie beauty and rich history of the fortress in a completely different light.
The tour ends with a rare chance to witness the Ceremony of the Keys, a centuries-old tradition still performed every night.
Book this tour – VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys
Complete Westminster Abbey Tour with Diamond Jubilee Galleries
Step inside Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line entry and discover the site of royal coronations, weddings, and the final resting place of some of Britain’s greatest figures.
Your expert Blue Badge guide will bring over 1,000 years of history to life, from kings and queens to poets and scientists.
You’ll also enjoy exclusive access to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, offering stunning views and rarely seen royal treasures.
Book this tour – Complete Westminster Abbey Tour with Diamond Jubilee Galleries
Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Leadenhall with Wine & Cheese
Experience London’s iconic food culture with a guided tasting tour through Borough Market and the elegant Leadenhall Market.
Sample British favourites like fish and chips and sausage rolls, then finish with a wine and cheese pairing in a cosy City of London bar.
With expert commentary and historic sights along the way, it’s the perfect mix of flavour and story.
Book this tour – Ultimate London Food Tour: Borough Market & Leadenhall with Wine & Cheese
Tastes, Tales & Traditional Ales: Food Tour of London’s Historic Pubs
Discover the history and charm of London’s oldest pubs on this guided walking tour through the heart of the City.
You’ll enjoy classic pub fare and a drink at each of four historic stops, with stories of literary legends and colourful characters along the way.
With plenty of local insight, hearty food, and traditional ales, it’s a fun and flavourful way to explore London’s pub culture.
Book this tour – Tastes, Tales & Traditional Ales: Food Tour of London’s Historic Pubs
🇮🇹 Italy
VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel
Experience the Vatican like almost no one else can, with exclusive early morning or after-hours access to the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums.
With the crowds gone, you’ll enjoy a rare moment of silence in front of Michelangelo’s masterpiece and explore the galleries with your expert guide.
This ultra-limited tour offers a peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into one of the world’s most sacred and awe-inspiring sites.
Book this tour – VIP Key Master’s Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel
Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour and the Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour
Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour
Explore the authentic Roman neighbourhood of Testaccio on this food lover’s tour through local markets and family-run eateries.
You’ll sample delicious bites at eight different stops, from cheese and pizza to handmade pasta, while learning the difference between Roman and Italian cuisine. It’s a delicious deep dive into everyday life in Rome, with plenty of food and wine to keep you fuelled.
Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour
Spend an evening eating and drinking your way through the charming streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
This tour combines Italian aperitivo culture with a full dinner, featuring local meats, supplí, bruschetta, pasta, wine, and gelato. With expert guidance and generous tastings, it’s the perfect way to experience Rome like a local.
Book these tours – Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour and the Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour
Early Entry & Special Access Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome
Start your day with early access to Pompeii, exploring its silent streets and the fascinating Villa of Mysteries alongside a certified archaeologist.
Then travel along the stunning Amalfi Coast, where you’ll enjoy free time in Sorrento to sip limoncello, browse shops, or relax by the sea.
With all logistics handled from Rome, it’s the ultimate one-day escape to southern Italy’s history and beauty.
Book this tour – Early Entry & Special Access Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Tour from Rome
Florence in a Day With David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour
Discover Florence’s top sights in just one day with skip-the-line access to Michelangelo’s David and the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery.
This tour blends iconic art and architecture with a guided walk through the city’s charming streets, including the Duomo, Leather Market, and Ponte Vecchio.
Led by a local expert, it’s the perfect way to experience Florence’s Renaissance treasures without the stress.
Book this tour – Florence in a Day With David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour
🇪🇸 Spain
Madrid – Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
Eat your way through Madrid’s historic centre while uncovering the city’s royal and revolutionary past on this unique food and history tour.
You’ll visit four iconic tapas bars, tasting sizzling garlic shrimp, jamón, and more, all paired with local drinks.
Between bites, explore landmarks like Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, with expert storytelling that ties Madrid’s history to its culinary culture.
Book this tour – Madrid Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
Seville – Alone in the Alcazar: Exclusive Early Access Tour
Step inside Seville’s Royal Alcazar before it opens to the public and experience the palace in rare peace and quiet. This VIP early access tour gives you space to admire its stunning architecture and centuries of history without the usual crowds.
With a local guide to share its fascinating stories, it’s a truly special way to see one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks.
Book this tour – Alone in the Alcazar: Exclusive Early Access Tour
Seville – Tapas & Flamenco Tour: Tapas Crawl with Flamenco Show
Experience two of Seville’s cultural icons in one evening — authentic flamenco and a guided tapas crawl through the historic Santa Cruz district.
Your local guide will share the history and meaning behind flamenco before you enjoy a powerful live performance, followed by dinner at two of Seville’s best-loved tapas bars.
With generous tastings, drinks, and expert insight, this tour is the perfect introduction to Seville’s soul.
Book this tour – Tapas & Flamenco Tour: Seville Tapas Crawl with Flamenco Show
Seville Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
Discover Seville’s oldest and most atmospheric tapas bars on a guided walking tour through the Jewish Quarter and Arenal.
You’ll sample iconic bites like Iberian ham and orange wine at century-old taverns, all while learning the local traditions behind each dish.
With a food-loving guide leading the way, this tour blends flavour and history into one unforgettable evening.
Book this tour – Seville Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
Complete Gaudí Tour with Sagrada Familia, House Visit & Park Güell
Explore the life and legacy of Antoni Gaudí on this in-depth Barcelona tour featuring his most iconic works.
You’ll skip the lines at Park Güell and La Sagrada Família, and visit either Casa Batlló or Casa Vicens depending on the tour time.
With a local expert guide, you’ll see how Gaudí’s architectural style evolved, from his earliest designs to his final masterpiece.
Book this tour – Complete Gaudí Tour with Sagrada Familia, House Visit & Park Güell
Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
Eat like a local in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter as you visit three family-run tapas bars that have stood the test of time.
With more than 10 tastings and 5 drinks, this tour serves up traditional Catalan and Spanish favourites while your guide shares stories that bring the neighbourhood’s history to life.
From 100-year-old bars to hidden gems, it’s the perfect blend of culture and cuisine.
Book this tour – Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour
🇫🇷 France
Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, City Walk, Eiffel Tower & River Cruise
Take in the best of Paris in one unforgettable day, from the cobbled streets of Montmartre to the iconic views of the Eiffel Tower.
Explore the Louvre with a guide, see Notre-Dame’s restoration up close, and unwind with a scenic cruise along the Seine.
With expert insight and seamless pacing, this full-day tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see it all.
Book this tour – Paris in a Day Tour with Louvre, City Walk, Eiffel Tower & River Cruise
Paris Left Bank Food Tour with Latin Quarter Market
Stroll through the charming Latin Quarter while tasting your way through some of Paris’s best-loved bakeries, markets, and artisan food stops.
This guided tour includes 12+ tastings — from cheese and croque-monsieur to macarons and wine — all served with local stories and plenty of character.
With a sommelier-led wine tasting and hidden gems along the way, it’s a delicious deep dive into Parisian food culture.
Book this tour – Paris Left Bank Food Tour with Latin Quarter Market
🇮🇪 Ireland
Dublin in a Day: Book of Kells, Guinness Brewery, Distillery & Castle
Experience the best of Dublin in one day with a guided journey through its rich history, iconic landmarks, and world-famous drinks.
Visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, explore Dublin Castle, and enjoy tastings at both a whiskey distillery and the Guinness Storehouse.
With stories from the city’s Viking roots to its modern-day charm, this tour is perfect for anyone wanting to see (and sip) it all.
Book this tour – Dublin in a Day: Book of Kells, Guinness Brewery, Distillery & Castle
🌍 More Destinations to Explore – Small Group Tours in Europe and beyond
Walks and Devour also offer tours in cities like:
- Lisbon Portugal
- Venice, Italy
- Milan, Italy
- New York, Boston, Washington D.C.
- And many more…
Even though we haven’t done them all (yet!), we’re confident in recommending their tours across the board thanks to their consistent quality and rave reviews.
Reasons to Love Small Group Tours with Walks and Devour
Why do we choose Walks and Devour for small group tours in Europe?
- ✅ Expert local guides who bring destinations to life
- ✅ Small group sizes (usually 12 guests or fewer)
- ✅ Skip-the-line and VIP access
- ✅ Authentic food experiences in neighbourhood spots
- ✅ Consistently excellent customer service
We’ve experienced over a dozen of their tours, and we know we can’t wait to do more in the future!
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👉 Explore all Walks & Devour Tours here
We’ve been guests on several Walks and Devour tours, but we only recommend them because we genuinely love their experiences and have personally enjoyed each one. Links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book a tour, at no extra cost to you. All opinions, photos, and recommendations are entirely our own.
