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Have you noticed the rise in women-only travel? Whether it’s solo female travelers like me or women looking to explore with a group of like-minded ladies, it’s definitely having a moment.
Personally, I started traveling alone out of necessity. If I wanted to see the world, I had to go solo. But now I meet women who want to go alone or crave the independence of solo travel with the support of a small group.
After experiencing these kinds of tours myself, I get the appeal. There’s connection, confidence, and that comforting sense of safety in numbers.
But with so many tour options out there, how do you know which ones are actually worth it? What separates the truly thoughtful, women-centered tours from the generic ones?
I’ve done the digging and I’m sharing exactly what I’ve learned. Let’s break down what makes a women-only tour in Europe actually great.
What Makes a Tour Truly Women-Only (Not Just a Marketing Gimmick)
Just because a tour says it’s for women doesn’t mean it was actually created with women in mind. Some tours slap the label on without putting real thought into the experience.
So how can you tell the difference?
1. Is it created by women, for women?
Look for tours that are designed and led by women who understand what it’s like to travel as one. These are the trips that focus on connection, comfort, and community, not just checking off tourist sites.
2. Does the itinerary reflect what women actually want?
That means time to slow down, explore local culture, enjoy meaningful conversations, and not feel rushed from place to place. A good women-only tour builds in free time and flexibility, instead of packing every minute with activities.
3. Are the accommodations and pacing solo-female friendly?
Boutique hotels in safe, walkable neighborhoods. No daily hotel swaps. No 6 a.m. departures unless absolutely necessary. These are the kinds of details that make all the difference.
Real women-only tours are intentional. They make you feel seen, not sold to.
Women Only Tour of Crete
Having reservations about visiting Crete alone? Join our all female, small group tour of Crete in 2026! This tour is created for women who are looking to slow travel their way through this incredible Greek Island!
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all women-only tours are created equal. Some sound great on paper but end up feeling more like a school trip than a thoughtfully curated experience. Here are a few signs to steer clear:
1. Large groups labeled as “small”
If a tour has more than 14 people, it’s not really a small group. When there are too many people, it’s harder to make real connections and the experience can start to feel impersonal.
You’ve probably seen the big-name companies offering women-only tours, brands like Intrepid, Trafalgar, and G Adventures.
While they’re often a good starting point for some, keep in mind that these tours can still have 20 to 30 people, follow packed itineraries, or rely on generic accommodations.
Just because a tour is labeled “women-only” doesn’t mean it offers the kind of thoughtful, boutique experience many travelers are truly looking for.
2. Cookie-cutter itineraries with zero soul
Be wary of tours that cram in every major tourist attraction without offering space to explore local culture. A great women-only tour should feel intentional, not like something copied and pasted from a brochure.
3. No flexibility for solo travelers
If you’re expected to share a room with a stranger or there’s no option for your own space, that’s a red flag. The best tours understand that solo travel doesn’t mean giving up comfort or boundaries.
A tour should support your independence while offering connection, not take away your freedom in the name of “group travel.”
Signs of a Great Women-Only Tour in Europe
When a women-only tour is done right, you can feel it from day one. The energy is different, the details are thoughtful, and the whole experience feels aligned with how you actually want to travel.
1. Boutique accommodations and a relaxed pace
You’re not hopping hotels every night or staying in generic chains. Instead, you get charming stays in walkable areas and an itinerary that gives you time to breathe and enjoy where you are.
2. Space for solo time
You’re traveling with a group, but you’re not glued to them 24/7. The best tours build in downtime so you can wander, journal, rest, or just be on your own without it feeling weird.
3. Female-led or rooted in female stories
Whether the guide is a woman or the experiences center women’s voices, these tours make space for our perspectives. That might mean visiting women-owned businesses, meeting local creatives, or just having a host who gets it.
4. Truly small group sizes
Twelve to fourteen max. Anything larger and it’s hard to connect. Smaller groups make it easier to find your people, feel seen, and actually enjoy the shared experience.
5. Safety is considered but not overplayed
A great women-only tour balances freedom and care. You’ll feel supported and secure, without being treated like you can’t handle things on your own.
When you find the right tour, it doesn’t just check boxes. It feels like it was built for you.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Before handing over your deposit, it’s worth asking a few key questions to make sure the tour actually fits what you’re looking for. Not all women-only trips are built the same, and the details matter.
Some tours might look affordable until you realize meals, transfers, or entrance fees aren’t part of the package. Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for.
You don’t need every second scheduled. A well-designed tour leaves space for spontaneity, solo exploring, or just a moment to rest.
If you’re traveling alone, can you get your own room without an outrageous fee? Or are you expected to share with a stranger?
Knowing who’s in charge makes a difference. Is the tour led by someone with firsthand experience and cultural insight? Is the guide local or someone who’s walked in your shoes?
Honest feedback goes a long way. If the company isn’t transparent about what others have experienced, that’s something to pay attention to.
Women Only Portugal Tour
Interested in visiting Portugal but just not sure you are ready to go alone? Join our small group women only tour in Portugal! We visit Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais and Obidos!
Asking the right questions upfront can save you from landing on a tour that sounds good online but doesn’t feel right in real life.
My Take: The Kind of Tours I Recommend (and Host)
After years of traveling solo and joining group trips around Europe, I’ve come to know exactly what works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to women-only travel.
The best tours are the ones that feel personal. They’re intentionally small, stay in beautiful boutique hotels, and strike a balance between guided experiences and free time. You feel supported but never boxed in.
You meet incredible women but still have space to be yourself.
That’s the kind of experience I aim to create with the tours I host.
If you’re looking for something that’s more thoughtful than the average big-bus group tour and more connected than traveling completely alone, my small group trips might be the right fit. We explore slower, stay longer, and prioritize comfort, culture, and community.
Best Boutique Small Group Tours in Europe
Portugal: Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra & Obidos
Northern Italy: Venice, Verona, Lake Garda & Bologna
France: Paris, Strasbourg & Colmar (Christmas Market Tour)
Greece: Crete -Chania, Heraklion, & Rethymno
Greece: Athens, Naxos, Mykonos, Delos
Final Thoughts: Why the Right Tour Can Be a Game-Changer
There’s something powerful about stepping into a space created just for women. You travel differently. There is a faster connection. You feel seen in ways you might not even realize you needed.
A good women-only tour doesn’t just take you to beautiful places. It gives you the chance to be yourself, meet women who get it, and experience Europe in a way that feels safe, supportive, and still a little adventurous.
If you’re considering joining a tour but not sure where to start, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned—or point you in the right direction.
