Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Trip Packages

Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Trips

433 Self-Guided & Independent trips. Tours from 17 tour companies. 1,195 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

433 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

London and Paris Explorer (Summer)
By Trafalgar
preferred
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
  • Paris: Experience a classic old style quintessentially Parisian Bistro, run by Daniel and his family, at your Be My Guest Dinner. This is where the locals come and is one of our favourite places for rustic and soulful French cuisine.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"we enjoyed it very much. So much fun"

Trip dates & details
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Spain: Barcelona & Costa Brava
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Barcelona

Highlights

  • Explore Girona’s cultural treasures, including the old Jewish quarter, medieval walls, Gothic churches, and Romanesque architecture.
  • Savor superb Catalan seafood and farm-fresh cuisine, complemented by excellent local wines including sparkling cava.
  • Cycle through history, stopping to view Greco-Roman ruins at Empúries, Gothic gems in Girona, and charming medieval villages.
  • Discover the most important Greco-Roman ruins on the Iberian Peninsula at the coastal archeological site at Empúries.
  • Immerse yourself in authentic Catalonian village life in historic Pals.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Photography

What travelers are saying

"This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns were well chosen to give us a great appreciation of this Alpine countryside. Once out of Venice you really feel like you are in the country with beautiful mountains, alpine chalets and in some areas mostly German speaking residents. The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding. As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers."

Trip dates & details
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Best of East Coast USA (Classic)
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Acadia National Park: Take in the natural beauty of Acadia National Park, with its dramatic rocky shoreline and rugged nautical charm. You'll witness amazing views of the park from the top of Cadillac Mountain, while guests wanting to explore on foot can join their Travel Director to view well known spots such as Thunder Hole.
  • Kennebunkport: Follow the rocky Main shoreline to the picturesque town of Kennebunkport. Here you’ll dock square in the center of town and have a chance to check out its quaint boutiques and local craft shops, selling everything from art to hand crafted jewelry.
  • Boston: Explore the great city of Boston, with your Travel Director and learn about its transformative past. You’ll follow part of the red-brick Freedom Trail that brings the story of the American Revolution to life. Journeying to other historically significant sights that include the Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. View the colorful neighborhood of Back Bay and the lively North End, otherwise known as Boston’s Little Italy.
  • New York City: Take a bite of the Big Apple, as a Local Expert shows you the very best of what the city has to offer. Including intimate looks at Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Also view other icons of the famous city skyline such as the Empire State Building, and the Art Deco filled Chrysler Building.
  • Philadelphia: Explore the UNESCO-listed Independence National Historic Park and see the famous crack that runs down the Liberty Bell, whose inscription has inspired so many in history to "proclaim liberty.” It is the first and only institution in America established by Congress to increase the awareness and understanding of the Constitution on a nonpartisan basis among the American people.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"excellent travel director Maria Dias and the driver Nuno."

Trip dates & details
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Walking the Camino de Santiago
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Camino de Santiago, Leon, Santiago

Highlights

  • Follow one of the most ancient pilgrimage routes in the world!
  • Stay in converted water mills, hilltop monasteries and stylish farmhouses
  • Soaring cathedrals, Roman bridges, country chapels and thatched Galician villages
  • Poppy-sprinkled wheat fields, orchid-rich water meadows, pine-scented woodland

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Secrets of Sicily Walk
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Sicily

Highlights

  • Turquoise seas, coral-lined grottoes and unspoilt sandy beaches
  • Exotic Mediterranean flora; orange groves, dwarf palms and olive trees
  • Medieval churches, ancient villages and pre-historic caves
  • Stay in a traditional Sicilian farmhouse and cosy bed and breakfast
  • Fantastic bird spotting opportunities

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Islands of Bermuda Walk
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Discover secret turquoise bays, sea grottoes and pastel villages
  • See colourful flowers, birds and fish - look out for humpback whales!
  • Relax in a luxurious hotel with swimming pool, tennis court and panoramic ocean views

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Classic Swiss Alps Walk
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Alps

Highlights

  • Have spectacular views of the region: Eiger, Jungfrau, Matterhorn, Monch
  • Hike along well-marked trails amongst stunning Alpine flowers
  • Relax in a friendly, family-run hotel with heated indoor pool, sauna and excellent cuisine

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Walks in the Italian Dolomites
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alps, Dolomites, Venice

Highlights

  • Breathtaking natural landscapes
  • Excellent bird-spotting; stunning flowers; unrivalled Alpine views
  • Beautiful 4-star family-run hotel with spa, pool, sauna and steam room.
  • Visit the world-famous Tre Cime (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Self-Guided & Independent Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
1,195  Reviews
See all Self-Guided & Independent tour reviews
Excellent
218
Great
49
Average
7
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
C

Cheryl & Michael

Jan 2023

Written on

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The hikes were fantastic, the route notes very accurate

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The hikes were fantastic, the route notes very accurate (we only were confused one time and missed a turn but it didn't take long to ...

K

Kathleen

Jan 2023

Written on

We really enjoyed our trip.

We really enjoyed our trip. The hikes took up a large portion of our day and we would have liked to have more time exploring the towns and villages. Maybe a good ide...

D

David & Frances

Jan 2023

Written on

The actual walks were all terrific and we enjoyed them very much, and all the accommodations were excellent too

We loved the trip and only have good things to say about the experience. The only thing we might have changed would be to have put a rest day in the middle of the it...

B

Beth & Frederick

Jan 2023

Written on

We enjoyed the scenery, all hotels except in Avignon, the food, and the people we met

We enjoyed the scenery, all hotels except in Avignon, the food, and the people we met. Yes, I would travel again with your company and would recommend to friends. Th...

J

Jayne & patricia

Jan 2023

Written on

Everything was so beautiful yet varied. It’s hard to single out a highlight : so many !!

Everything was so beautiful yet varied. It’s hard to single out a highlight : so many !! We are planning to do our next walking tour in Portugal with Intura Travel, ...

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Self-Guided & Independent Tour Selection Trips

A self-guided or independent tour offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, but it's essential to keep a few key tips in mind:
  • Research your destination thoroughly before your trip.
  • Plan a rough itinerary to maximize your time.
  • Pack light to ease mobility and navigation.
  • Stay connected with reliable communication tools.
  • Prioritize safety and security throughout your journey.
  • Embrace local transportation for an authentic experience.
  • Keep important documents organized and accessible.
  • Learn basic phrases in the local language for convenience.
  • Always carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.
  • Budget wisely to avoid overspending during your trip.
  • Stay open-minded and embrace unexpected adventures along the way.
 

Additional details

Who Will Enjoy Self guided & Independent Tours?

Self guided and independent travel is great for anyone that wants to see the world on their own time, at their own pace and completely tailored to their personal interests. These travelers enjoy working with a tour operator to create a plan, book accommodations and check all the boxes for their perfect trip. They aren’t scared of being alone in a new place but embrace the adventure and responsibility of getting from point A to point B.

This type of travel is great for an independent individual. They enjoy exploring, experiencing and seeing. Traveling with a group is great, but adventuring in a new place with only yourself brings the immersion and freedom to a new level. 

Independent travel isn’t just for the adventure traveler who loves backpacking and adrenaline highs. It’s for any traveler that wants to see the world and experience all the sights, culture and people. It may take a level of boldness to go alone and be entirely responsible for getting to each destination and activity as well as catching flights and trains. However, any traveler, no matter the style whether its luxury, nature, sightseeing or active can be an independent traveler.

Self Guided & Independent Tours Commonly Combined with Budget Travel

Independent travel is often associated with budget travel. This is because when traveling alone, the price for a trip as well as accommodations will be cheaper and easier to book than when traveling with a group.

Self guided and independent travel is great for the budget traveler because when traveling alone, you can decide where the money goes. You can work with a tour operator to include all the things you want but also exclude all the things you don’t want.

Traveling for cheaper will allow you to travel for longer. Instead of traveling for a week with a group it can turn into three weeks alone. While budget travel isn’t for everyone due to the cheaper food, accommodations and transportation, it can be exciting for the independent traveler.

Budget travel is a great way for travelers to unearth hidden gems of an area. This could include finding the best tasting food at a street stall, making great cultural connections through a homestay or making new friends when staying in a hostel.

Staying Safe

It is always important to remember safety when traveling, especially if you are traveling alone. One challenge when traveling alone is not having anyone else there if something does go wrong. However, there are things travelers can do to ensure safety.

Make sure to have back up plans in case your set itinerary falls through or you miss transportation. It’s also a good idea to know where local authorities are if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation or need help when out exploring or doing activities such as hiking or cycling.

Travelers shouldn’t be afraid to go on self guided and independent tours, but it’s always a good idea to be more prepared than less. It’s important to do research both on the destination but all planned accommodations and places that you plan on visiting.

How to Prepare for Self Guided & Independent Travel

One of the most important things to remember about self-guided travel is that you will be on your own. This means that there are important steps you should take when preparing to explore the world independently.

Research:Whether it’s where to go, which hotel to stay in or what to do while you’re there, research is key when it comes to traveling independently. Research is an important part of creating your dream trip because it will ensure you’re including the right destinations and activities that are right for your travel style.

Work with a Tour Operator:When crafting your trip, working with a tour operator is a great way to take the stress off your shoulders. Self guided tours can be pre-planned or custom depending on the tour operator. Depending on how hands on you want to be for the creation of the itinerary you can either choose to decide each thing that is included or allow someone else to do the heavy lifting so you can simply focus on experiencing.

Traveling independently is often related with budget travel. Working with a set budget may deter travelers from working with a tour operator especially when traveling alone because they fear it will be too expensive. However, tour operators often have the key knowledge and understanding of travel to get you the best experience for the best price. It can also save you time and stress.

Pack appropriately:It is essential that you plan appropriately when going on a self guided or independent tour. Often, you will be alone whether exploring, traveling or finding your accommodations. This means that you are responsible for where you’ll go and what you’ll see which also means you should pack according to your personal plan.

If you’re going hikingdon’t forget your gear and hiking boots. If you know you’ll be doing a lot of walking, you’ll want to pack comfortable shoes that won’t hurt your feet after a long day. Depending on what you intend on doing, make sure to not only pack appropriately but bring extras or precautionary items in case things don’t go as planned.

Top Considerations

When traveling independently there’s a lot of factors to keep in consideration. There’s a lot that goes into planning a trip and when you’re crafting a self guided tour there’s a lot of decisions that need to be made.

Right Company: One of the most important considerations when planning a self-guided tour is picking the right tour company. Many of the major companies provide itineraries for solo tours or book your hotels or dinners. However, if you are looking for a particular destination or activities, picking the right tour agency can be extremely important.

Best Location:Not every country is ideal for self-guided tours and some countries may not match well with your travel style. Selecting the best location for your self-guided tour can not only lead to an amazing adventure, but will keep you safe as you travel.

Pre-Bookings: With selecting the right travel agency to help you plan your self-guided tour, it’s important to note how much help the agency can provide. Do they book your hotels and meals, only your transportation, or do they create a simple itinerary? If you are unsure about your travels or need a little more guidance, make sure the agency you use provides the additional services you want.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 433 trips to Self-Guided & Independent and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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