Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Trip Packages

Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Trips

1,125 Self-Guided & Independent trips. Tours from 248 tour companies. 1,247 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

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1-WEEK ITALIAN EXCELLENCES TOUR - NORTHERN ITALY
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By Vitor Italy Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
21 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Lake Garda, Milan, Parma, Verona

Highlights

  • Franciacorta & Lugana, the wines of the lakes
  • Verona, crossroads of tastes
  • Parma, the art of food
  • Langhe, the land of strong flavours
  • Vercelli, where risotto was born

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"After an international trip was postponed for a third time due to COVID, my wife and I decided, last minute, to book a trip to Italy. We reached out to three self-drive tour companies, two of which - including VitorItaly - were less than half of the third quote. Ultimately we decided to go with Marcello because of his quote and responsiveness. With only a few weeks to book all of the accommodations and tours, Marcello got everything done and was very communicative throughout. We drove over 2200 km on our trip throughout Italy and Marcello booked a fantastic variety of lodgings: for example a country house near Pienza, a luxury hotel on the lagoon in Venice, and a country estate in Urbino surrounded by an organic farm and vineyard. At an olive oil mill nera Florence, we really enjoyed our time and our large order of fantastic tasting olive oil arrived yesterday. Ughetta was fantastic and gave us a great tour of their facility! Furthermore, while in Italy we could reach out to Marcello via WhatsApp and he continued to be incredibly responsive. Thanks Marcello!"

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The Natural Wonders of Northern Iceland
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Akureyri, Lake Myvatn

Highlights

  • Ever changing diverse landscapes.
  • Exclusive Off The Beaten Track Itinerary.
  • Waterfall of the Gods.
  • Extreme Geological Contrasts.
  • Natural Geothermal Features.
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Our Azores trip was excellent except for a bit of rain :-); The volcano hikes were spectacular and the side trip notes were very helpful. Doing the volcano hikes was fantastic, especially being high enough to see the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the north, beautiful! We also enjoyed the beach walks and walking to town from our hotel, Santa Barbara Eco Hotel. We stayed at the Santa Barbara Eco Hotel which was excellent. The room, property, pool and spa and services were all excellent. We enjoyed meals everyday at their restaurant which where all excellent. A very relaxing and restful and comfortable hotel. The restaurant at the Santa Barbara Eco Hotel is excellent as is there sister property, The White House, were we enjoyed a spectacular sunset and dinner one night. Your selection of this company “Singular Resorts” is a very good choice. We have been using Intura Travel / Walk Inn Provence since 2014 and will use you again in the future. I have recommended you to family and friends and will continue to do so. You have excellent information and support for travelers. Fantastic trip to the Azores, it was a highlight of our vacation to Portugal."

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Italy by Rail
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4.5/5 Excellent
22 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Colosseum, Florence, Piazza San Marco, Rome, Venice

Highlights

  • Explore Venice
  • Visit to Florence
  • Discover Rome
  • Italy
  • Reserved rail space between each city

Themes

Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I just returned from spending 8 phenomenal days in Greece and Turkey. Our guide Yannis couldn't have been more knowledgeable, efficient, fun, funny and FRIENDLY!! There was 12 of us traveling together and he never lost his patience although some days he may have felt like he was herding cats... The hotel, ship, tours and local guides left us wanting nothing! Thank you for providing us the framework for such amazing memories!!!! Efxaristo!!!!!!"

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AUTHENTIC ITALY GRAND TOUR NORTH - The Northern Lakes, Emilia, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria in 12 days
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By Vitor Italy Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
21 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Assisi, Florence, Lake Como, Parma, San Gimignano, Siena

Highlights

  • Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, a scenery for movie lovers
  • Parma, where Food is an art
  • Maranello, the legend of Ferrari was born here
  • Florence, an open-air museum
  • Chianti, winemakers for 800 years
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"After an international trip was postponed for a third time due to COVID, my wife and I decided, last minute, to book a trip to Italy. We reached out to three self-drive tour companies, two of which - including VitorItaly - were less than half of the third quote. Ultimately we decided to go with Marcello because of his quote and responsiveness. With only a few weeks to book all of the accommodations and tours, Marcello got everything done and was very communicative throughout. We drove over 2200 km on our trip throughout Italy and Marcello booked a fantastic variety of lodgings: for example a country house near Pienza, a luxury hotel on the lagoon in Venice, and a country estate in Urbino surrounded by an organic farm and vineyard. At an olive oil mill nera Florence, we really enjoyed our time and our large order of fantastic tasting olive oil arrived yesterday. Ughetta was fantastic and gave us a great tour of their facility! Furthermore, while in Italy we could reach out to Marcello via WhatsApp and he continued to be incredibly responsive. Thanks Marcello!"

Trip dates & details
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Dingle Peninsula 8-Day Self-Guided HIKE
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Hike the Dingle Way.
  • Walk from Camp to the lively little village of Annascaul
  • Continue one a beautiful and historic walk around Slea Head, finishing Dunquin.
  • Walk over the plateau, passing a deserted famine village and Annascaul Lake on the way.
  • Stop to see magnificent views

Themes

Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Recently completed our second walk with southwest walks. Again everything went well. Landscape was beautiful (even in the pouring rain), people on the walk/hike with us were all fine folks, and nothing I have ever known was like the care and attention we received before the trip. They make travel as painless as possible and take care of all the details you might want them to. We were well cared for [and very well fed] throughout."

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Alpine Explorer
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4.9/5 Excellent
9 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Munich, Vienna, Zurich

Highlights

  • Visit the Spanish riding school of Vienna
  • Eat real Apple Strudel and Wiener Schnitzel
  • Go to a classical concert in a city renowned for music
  • Learn about the city at the Stadtmuseum
  • Walk across the sprawling Englisher Garten
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Themes

Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"As first time travellers we were completely put at ease by booking with Euroventure. We chose to do the 3 week 'Whole Hog' where we visited 10 cities, and all of our queries were answered by Euroventure before the trip and during the trip both quickly and efficiently. The fact that a travel pack was sent to us made the trip more enjoyable and less stressful as everything was sorted before we left - we had the most amazing time!! I would highly recommend Interrailing Europe and booking through Euroventure as a stress free way of enjoying an incredible journey!!"

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Taiwan
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Sun Moon Lake, Taipei

Highlights

  • See the changing of the guard at Martyr’s Shrine
  • Visit the Confucius and BaoAn Temples, a Must-See in Taipei
  • Stay at the Leader Hotel – Taroko National Park
  • Visit Foguanshan Monastery in Kaohsiung

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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Nepal
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kathmandu, Mount Everest

Highlights

  • Trek to Namche Bazaar and Phakding
  • Enjoy pectacular view of Mt. Everest
  • Explore Khumbu & Khumbu Glacier
  • Himalayan panorama unfolds- this is truly one of the most majestic views in Nepal

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

Trip dates & details
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1125 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Self-Guided & Independent Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
1,247  Reviews
See all Self-Guided & Independent tour reviews
Excellent
218
Great
49
Average
7
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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.

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