Best Self Guided Walking Holidays in the World
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10 best Self Guided Walking Holidays tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSelf Guided Walking Holidays travel expert at TourRadar
- Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days
- Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
- Slovenia : Hiking: Alpe Adria Trail - 8 Days
- Portuguese Way of St. James along the coast from Porto to Santiago
- Tour du Mont Blanc 12 Days Self-Guided
- Walking The Best of Hadrian's Wall
- Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast
- Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail
- Walk the Nakasendo Trail
- Best of the Cotswolds Self-Guided Walk
Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a great time! Many thanks to the girls, Sirma and Brikena.”
Kiara, traveled in March
The rugged trails from Lepushë to Valbona Pass await with downloadable maps. The route passes Arapi peak (2217m) and remote shepherd villages. Local transport at Gerbaj-Vuthaj and Choose Balkans team support ensure smooth logistics.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tirana, Shkoder, Theth, Valbona Valley National Park, Çerem, Doberdoll, Gjakove Age Range 12 to 70 year olds Operator Choose Balkans From $1,561
10% Off- NZ$1,405You save $156
Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Albanian Alps are a wonderful area to visit, the people are friendly and helpful.”
Tom, traveled in June
The 48km of marked trails unfold with professional backup support. The route connects Theth's Blue Eye (18km loop) to Valbona Pass (14km), with stays in welcoming guesthouses. Private room upgrades available for €40/night.
Duration 4 days Destinations Tirana, Shkoder, Theth, Valbona Valley National Park, Koman Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Choose Balkans From $767
10% Off- NZ$691You save $76
Slovenia : Hiking: Alpe Adria Trail - 8 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation was a lovely guesthouse just in front of the river, we Had a large clean Room with wooden furniture.”
Olga, traveled in May
Marked paths connect Kranjska Gora to Cividale del Friuli through Vrsic Pass and along Soca River. Daily distances of 17-25km unfold with detailed route descriptions, supported by luggage transfers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kranjska Gora, Trenta, Triglav National Park, Bovec, Dreznica, Tolmin, Tribil Superiore, Cividale del Friuli Age Range up to 84 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish Operator Nature Trips From $2,378
17% Off- NZ$1,974You save $404
Ancient paths link Porto's wine cellars to Santiago, winding through medieval villages and along Atlantic shores. Daily walks of 17-25km come with comprehensive route materials and luggage transport.
Duration 15 days Destinations Porto, Vila do Conde, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Caminha, A Guarda, Oia, Baiona, Vigo, RedondelaSee all destinations Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Abanico Individuell Reisen From
17% Off- NZ$2,436
Tour du Mont Blanc 12 Days Self-Guided
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved how responsive Tour Radar and Grand Angle were to our questions as we prepared for our adventure. Enjoyed our tour around Mont Blanc every moment!”
Michael, traveled in July
The majestic Mont Blanc circuit leads from Les Houches through breathtaking Alpine terrain, visiting nine cities in 12 days. Iconic paths like the Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges showcase stunning vistas while comfortable 3-4* hotels provide rest, with most meals included.
Duration 12 days Destinations France, Italy, Switzerland Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator Grand Angle From
17% Off- NZ$4,220
Roman history comes alive on this self-guided walk from Greenhead to Corbridge. Highlights include Vindolanda Fort and Housesteads Museum, with dramatic paths through Walltown Crags and Winshield Crags. Carefully selected accommodations await at day's end.
Duration 6 days Destinations Greenhead, Lanercost, Once Brewed, Wall, Corbridge Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
17% Off- NZ$1,540
Mountain trails connect Langdale Falls to Mount Elphinstone Summit. Routes vary from Madeira Park's 1.8km coastal paths to Powell River's 14.5km mountain tracks, including Tin Hat Mountain's hut-to-hut section.
Duration 9 days Destinations Vancouver, Gibsons, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Horseshoe Bay, Halfmoon Bay, Egmont, Powell River, Lund, Desolation Sound Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
17% Off- NZ$5,960
Shikoku's Buddhist pilgrimage route starts at Temple 1 Ryozen-ji, connecting 88 temples through undeveloped landscapes. Traditional Shukubo lodgings and ryokans provide authentic stays, with taxi transfers to remote temples like Fujii-dera.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kotohira, Matsuyama Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
17% Off- NZ$6,885
Walk the historic Nakasendo path, linking preserved post towns like Tsumago and Magome. Self-guided treks include the scenic Mount Kurama trail and Torii pass crossing. Traditional ryokans and minshuku guesthouses provide authentic overnight stays during independent exploration.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kyoto, Magome, Tsumago, Nojiri, Kiso, Narai, Karuizawa, Matsumoto, Takasaki, Tokyo Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
17% Off- NZ$7,480
Walk mapped routes from Moreton-in-Marsh through picturesque Cotswold villages. Visit Stanway House's Jacobean architecture and Winchcombe's Saxon heritage at your pace. Select flexible walking options around Bourton-on-the-Water and the Slaughters with detailed guides.
Duration 9 days Destinations Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Guiting Power, Winchcombe, Stanton, Broadway, Chipping Campden Age Range 12 to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
17% Off- NZ$3,695
Self Guided Walking Holidays & Trip Reviews
- Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days
This hike was incredible and truly a highlight of my visit to Europe! The mountains were stunning, and it was amazing to get to access the gorgeous remote villages. Having all accommodation and transport organised by Choose Balkans meant that all I had to worry about was walking and the weather! Brikena was very helpful and checked-in daily to make sure all was going to plan, and offered advice for the day based on the forecasts. The perfect way to see the lesser reached areas of the Balkans!
- Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
Choose Balkans were excellent before and during the self guided Tour of Theth and Valbona valleys. Brikena and the staff were really responsive during the Tour in answering questions and sorting out issues as they arose. Would thoroughly recommend this tour
- 7-days "W Trekk" discovering Torres del Paine National Park
The itinerary was very fun, the meals were good, and we visited very beautiful places.
What our customers ask about Best Self Guided Walking Holidays in the World
What's the best time of year for self guided walking holidays in Europe?
If you want the best hiking weather in Europe, timing really depends on where you're heading. The Alps are perfect from June to September when the weather is warm - around 68-77°F (20-25°C) and the trails are clear. For coastal walks like the Portuguese route, you can go between April and October. The Tour du Mont Blanc only runs mid-June to mid-September when the mountain passes are safe to cross. Just remember to check local conditions before you book - some trails, like the ones in Valbona Valley, close down during winter.
What level of physical fitness is required for self guided walking holidays?
Different routes need different fitness levels. Take the Garmisch to Merano walk - you'll cover up to 15 miles a day with some climbs up to 3,280 feet. The Tour du Mont Blanc involves 4-6 hours of walking each day, covering about 7.5-10 miles with climbs up to 3,937 feet. The good news is you can walk at your own speed. As one TourRadar traveler said about the Portuguese Coastal Camino: "ideal for Camino beginners." You'll want good basic fitness and steady feet for most routes.
What type of accommodation can I expect on self guided walking holidays?
You'll sleep in a mix of places, from nice hotels to local guesthouses. On the Garmisch route, for example, you might stay at the Rheinischer Hof or Hotel Flora in Merano. Mont Blanc hikers split their nights between 3-4 star hotels like the Hotel Bichlerhof and simple mountain huts in remote spots. The best part? Most tours move your main luggage between stops, so you only carry what you need for the day.
What emergency support is available during self guided walking holidays?
You're never really alone on these walks. Most tours give you a 24-hour emergency number to call if you need help, like the ones run by Eurohike and Choose Balkans. Local teams are ready to help with any problems. One TourRadar traveler on the Albanian Alps tour said: "Choose Balkans were excellent before and during the self guided Tour, really responsive in answering questions and sorting out issues as they arose."
How detailed are the route instructions provided for self guided walks?
You get everything you need to find your way. Most tours provide digital guides with GPS tracks, maps, and clear directions. On the World Heritage Trail Wachau, you'll get detailed instructions in English or German, plus a navigation app with GPS. A TourRadar traveler who walked the Portuguese Coastal Way confirms: "The briefing and guide notes were excellent and the route was great with well-marked paths and clear directions."
How does luggage transfer work on self guided walking holidays?
Most tours take care of moving your bags. They'll transport one bag per person (up to 44 pounds/20kg) between your stops while you walk with just a daypack. The only exception is usually mountain huts - like on the Tour du Mont Blanc, where you'll need to carry overnight basics. On routes like the World Heritage Trail Wachau, your bags move between hotels every day.
What is included in the meal arrangements on self guided walking tours?
Breakfast is usually included, and many tours cover some dinners too. The Cinque Terre tour includes all your breakfasts and dinners with local specialties. On the Marvels of Madeira, you get 7 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 dinners. Food quality gets high marks - one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "meals were divine prepared by Giovanni who is co-owner of the hotel and an amazing Chef."