Collette, one of the world’s longest-running tour operators and a global leader in small group travel, has released 10 immersive new small group Explorations tours, designed to connect curious travellers with fascinating destinations. New “classic” and “spotlight” tours have also been added to the portfolio bringing the total number of new tours to 20.
Each itinerary has been thoughtfully designed by Collette’s passionate in-market travel experts – By Travellers, For Travellers – who ensure authentic local experiences that venture off the typical tourist path. This gives travellers access to the latest local insights, hidden gems, and one-of-a-kind opportunities that only true in-destination expertise can offer.
Explorations tours cater to those seeking smaller groups (with an average of 19 travellers and a maximum of 24), off-the-beaten-path adventures, authentic culinary experiences, specialty tastings and chef-led demonstrations and meaningful local interactions.
This means deeper connection to people and culture, the unexpected, unscripted moments that become trip highlights – like cooking demonstrations in Vietnam, curling lessons in Ireland, dining with locals in Africa, sleeping under the stars in Finland or meeting rescued wolfdogs in Canada.
“At Collette, we live by the promise ‘By Travellers, For Travellers.’ It’s at the heart of how we design every tour. Our goal is simple: to give our guests the chance to truly connect with each destination through local knowledge and unique experiences,” explains Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our tours include exclusive, thoughtfully designed experiences that take travellers to some of the world’s most incredible and hard-to-reach destinations. For more than 100 years, we’ve taken pride in creating innovative tours that go beyond the ordinary- offering opportunities to explore, discover, and make meaningful connections. With our small group tours, guests spend less time on the coach and more time immersed in the destination.”
Collette’s Classic tours focuson iconic destinations, major landmarks, and well-known cultural sights for larger groups, with an average of 32-37 travellers and a maximum of 44. This collection represents a refined take on guided travel , ideal for those who enjoy classic sightseeing and want a comfortable, curated experience.
Collette offers more than 170 tours, including twenty new additions. These itineraries are designed to provide something a little different – curious, thoughtful, and just the right amount of off-script travel moments – to make active and curious travellers feel right at home while travelling the world.
Key highlights of Collette’s new season Small Group Explorations tours designed By Travellers For Travellers include:
Cape Town to Cairo an epic 24-day tour of a lifetime, billed as “The Ultimate African Expedition”. Guests will travel the length of this diverse continent, experiencing the breathtaking natural beauty of Cape Town in the south, through the majestic natural landscapes and wildlife reserves in the heart of central Africa, and on to the ancient wonders of Cairo in the north. Africa’s world of wonders will come alive via the thrill of safaris and game drives through Kruger National Park and Masai Mara, exploring vibrant cities like Nairobi and stunning natural wonders such as Victoria Falls, standing in awe before the iconic Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, and cruising the sacred Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Along the way, guests will have the unique opportunity to dine with locals and experience responsible travel highlights such as a visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust which works to conserve all wildlife and plays a key role in research to find sustainable solutions for long term conservation.
Journey Through Northern Vietnam a 11-day adventure through Northern Vietnam. Take a cultural adventure from bustling Hanoi to the peaceful rice paddies of Mai Chau. Experience the towering limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay and the warm-hearted locals of Ninh Binh. Culinary highlights include a vespa-led local food tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a home-hosted dinner in Lac Village, and a hands-on Vietnamese cooking demonstration. Cultural highlights include meeting a Vietnam War Veteran while exploring the city from the seat of a UZA-469 Soviet Era army open-air jeep and a Vietnamese water puppetry demonstration in the home of a renowned local artist, who will share unique stories about her life and work.
Aurora Adventure a 10-day journey from Calgary to Vancouver, revealing the wild heart and warm soul of Canada’s Rockies and the Yukon in winter. From iconic hotels and goldrush history to aurora-lit skies, take this journey to chase the northern lights, soa in alpine hot springs, and dogsled through Yukon wilds on this winter wonderland adventure. Meet rescued wolfdogs, dine atop Sulphur Mountain in Banff, and share stories over a First Nations feast at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, Yukon. Discover rare gemstones, take a food tour of Calgary, and discover the luxuries of the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Fairmount Banff Springs Hotel.
To celebrate the new season launch, Collette’s 2026 New Season Sale offers generous savings of up to $1500 per couple off new bookings made between 4 September – 9 October 2025 for travel between 1 January – 31 December 2026.
“With so many incredible new itineraries on offer, Collette’s 2026 New Season Sale offers an amazing incentive for travellers to make their bookings for next year sooner rather than later,” said Karen Deveson, Managing Director Australia, Collete. “Collette’s industry leading cancellation policy allows travellers complete peace of mind when booking early as they will receive a full refund minus the deposit if they need to cancel for any reason right up to the day before departure.”
The code NEWSEASON26 must be used at time of booking*.
