Self-Guided & Independent Religious Tours & Trip Packages

Self-Guided & Independent Religious Tours & Trips

1,124 Self-Guided & Independent trips. Tours from 248 tour companies. 1,228 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

16 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Religious
8 Day Budget French Way
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5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their exceptional customer service and comprehensive planning make walking the Camino more accessible to travelers who aren’t pro trekkers.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela

Highlights

  • Explore quaint Galician hamlets a fairy tale like forests
  • Visit the spectacular Cathedral of Santiago in the medieval city of Santiago de Compostala.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend using Magic Hills. I started planning my trip in November of 2021 and was communicating with Bronagh as I wanted to do the full Camino Frances. Right from the start I had such a great feeling dealing with Bronagh, She called me from Ireland and we chatted at length about this trip. She really was so informative and I just knew that I could trust her. So I booked the Full Frances Camino right to Finisterre leaving August 29th from SJPP. All of her suggestions, the itinerary were spot on. The accommodations were spectacular. I totally loved the walking every day, meeting up with people, enjoying the scenery, historic buildings it was truly an awesome experience. I met several people who were using other companies and from what I could tell I had the best overall service."

Trip dates & details
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14 Day Northern Way and Picos
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5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their exceptional customer service and comprehensive planning make walking the Camino more accessible to travelers who aren’t pro trekkers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Camino de Santiago, Santillana del Mar

Highlights

  • Explore Santillana Del Mar
  • Visit Cobreces

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend using Magic Hills. I started planning my trip in November of 2021 and was communicating with Bronagh as I wanted to do the full Camino Frances. Right from the start I had such a great feeling dealing with Bronagh, She called me from Ireland and we chatted at length about this trip. She really was so informative and I just knew that I could trust her. So I booked the Full Frances Camino right to Finisterre leaving August 29th from SJPP. All of her suggestions, the itinerary were spot on. The accommodations were spectacular. I totally loved the walking every day, meeting up with people, enjoying the scenery, historic buildings it was truly an awesome experience. I met several people who were using other companies and from what I could tell I had the best overall service."

Trip dates & details
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Italy - Your Way
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5/5 Excellent
9 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They go the extra mile to cater to travelers of all abilities by limiting hotel transfers, choosing accessible tour routes and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Florence, Milan, Naples, Pisa, Rome, Sicily, Tuscany, Venice, Verona

Highlights

  • Tours designed especially for you and your travel companions
  • Tours from $2,000 to $10,000,per person, working within your budget tofind the best options for you
  • Arranged and designed tours for all aspects or portions of your journey
  • Private and small group day tours available
  • Travel at your pace
Show more

Themes

Birding, Climbing & Mountaineering, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography, Festivals & Special Events, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I've traveled to Europe several times before but not like this. Thanks to Kelley and her amazing knowledge and patience with all my queries, my famiy and I enjoyed a customized itinerary filled with a food tour in Paris and a cooking lesson in Naples, history and art lessons at the British Museum and Musee D'Orsay, with enough time to travel independently and make new discoveries with less hassle than before. I absolutely recommend the Relaxed Explorer to anyone looking to make memorable trips with their families that will be cherished by all. Thank you so much Kelley!! Would love to make more good travel memories with your help!!"

Trip dates & details
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Italy - Customize It Your Way
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
9 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They go the extra mile to cater to travelers of all abilities by limiting hotel transfers, choosing accessible tour routes and more.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Florence, Milan, Naples, Pisa, Rome, Sicily, Tuscany, Venice, Verona

Highlights

  • Tours designed especially for you and your travel companions
  • Tours from $2,000 to $10,000, per person, working within your budget to find the best options for you
  • Arranged and designed tours for all aspects or portions of your journey
  • Private and small group day tours available; Travel at your pace
  • Explore only the locations and attractions you want to see, when you want to see them
Show more

Themes

Birding, Climbing & Mountaineering, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Overland Journeys, Relaxing Retreats, Small Ship Cruise, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography, Festivals & Special Events, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I've traveled to Europe several times before but not like this. Thanks to Kelley and her amazing knowledge and patience with all my queries, my famiy and I enjoyed a customized itinerary filled with a food tour in Paris and a cooking lesson in Naples, history and art lessons at the British Museum and Musee D'Orsay, with enough time to travel independently and make new discoveries with less hassle than before. I absolutely recommend the Relaxed Explorer to anyone looking to make memorable trips with their families that will be cherished by all. Thank you so much Kelley!! Would love to make more good travel memories with your help!!"

Trip dates & details
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8 Day Northern Way San Sebastian - Bilbao
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5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their exceptional customer service and comprehensive planning make walking the Camino more accessible to travelers who aren’t pro trekkers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Camino de Santiago

Highlights

  • Enjoy the walking experience takes ‘El Camino del Norte’ through the Basque Country.
  • Explore Vineyards that provide the fruit for what is known locally as ‘white gold’ Txakoli wine and wooded pine forests.

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend using Magic Hills. I started planning my trip in November of 2021 and was communicating with Bronagh as I wanted to do the full Camino Frances. Right from the start I had such a great feeling dealing with Bronagh, She called me from Ireland and we chatted at length about this trip. She really was so informative and I just knew that I could trust her. So I booked the Full Frances Camino right to Finisterre leaving August 29th from SJPP. All of her suggestions, the itinerary were spot on. The accommodations were spectacular. I totally loved the walking every day, meeting up with people, enjoying the scenery, historic buildings it was truly an awesome experience. I met several people who were using other companies and from what I could tell I had the best overall service."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
8 Day French Way
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their exceptional customer service and comprehensive planning make walking the Camino more accessible to travelers who aren’t pro trekkers.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela

Highlights

  • Explore quaint Galician hamlets, open countryside and historical towns to end at Plaza Obradorio.
  • Visit Palas de Rei.
  • Explore Santiago de Compostela.

Themes

High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend using Magic Hills. I started planning my trip in November of 2021 and was communicating with Bronagh as I wanted to do the full Camino Frances. Right from the start I had such a great feeling dealing with Bronagh, She called me from Ireland and we chatted at length about this trip. She really was so informative and I just knew that I could trust her. So I booked the Full Frances Camino right to Finisterre leaving August 29th from SJPP. All of her suggestions, the itinerary were spot on. The accommodations were spectacular. I totally loved the walking every day, meeting up with people, enjoying the scenery, historic buildings it was truly an awesome experience. I met several people who were using other companies and from what I could tell I had the best overall service."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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4 Day Northern Way Santillana del Mar - San Vicente de la Barquera
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their exceptional customer service and comprehensive planning make walking the Camino more accessible to travelers who aren’t pro trekkers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Camino de Santiago, Santillana del Mar

Highlights

  • Visit Santillana Del Mar.
  • Enjoy the views of the Picos mountains.

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend using Magic Hills. I started planning my trip in November of 2021 and was communicating with Bronagh as I wanted to do the full Camino Frances. Right from the start I had such a great feeling dealing with Bronagh, She called me from Ireland and we chatted at length about this trip. She really was so informative and I just knew that I could trust her. So I booked the Full Frances Camino right to Finisterre leaving August 29th from SJPP. All of her suggestions, the itinerary were spot on. The accommodations were spectacular. I totally loved the walking every day, meeting up with people, enjoying the scenery, historic buildings it was truly an awesome experience. I met several people who were using other companies and from what I could tell I had the best overall service."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
8 Day Portuguese Coastal Way
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
54 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
Their exceptional customer service and comprehensive planning make walking the Camino more accessible to travelers who aren’t pro trekkers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Porto

Highlights

  • Visit Vila do Conde
  • Explore Porto

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Train & Rail Journeys, Religious

What travelers are saying

"I highly recommend using Magic Hills. I started planning my trip in November of 2021 and was communicating with Bronagh as I wanted to do the full Camino Frances. Right from the start I had such a great feeling dealing with Bronagh, She called me from Ireland and we chatted at length about this trip. She really was so informative and I just knew that I could trust her. So I booked the Full Frances Camino right to Finisterre leaving August 29th from SJPP. All of her suggestions, the itinerary were spot on. The accommodations were spectacular. I totally loved the walking every day, meeting up with people, enjoying the scenery, historic buildings it was truly an awesome experience. I met several people who were using other companies and from what I could tell I had the best overall service."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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16 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Religious

Self-Guided & Independent Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
1,228  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 ...

G

Gordon & laurel

Jan 2023

Written on

Thank you again for your good work making our trip so wonderful !

The roadbook notes were generally excellent! The Fort De Buoux was fascinating. Should not be missed but needs at least 1 hour for planning purposes. The recommende...

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...

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, ...

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...

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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

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