What's the best time of year for self-guided tours?

The ideal timing really depends on where you're going. If you're heading to Mediterranean spots like Greece, most people visit from June through September when it's around 85°F (29°C). For Costa Rica, try December through April during the dry season – temperatures hover around 75°F (24°C). Here's a good tip: look at visiting during shoulder seasons when there are fewer tourists and the weather is still nice.

What kind of accommodations can I expect on a self-guided tour?

You'll stay in a mix of places, from modern spots like the 4-star Welcome Piram in Rome and Hotel Home in Florence to unique properties like Belle Etoile Villas in Santorini. One of our travelers really loved the Acropolis Hill Hotel in Athens, saying it had "spectacular views" and a perfect location. All the hotels are picked to give you a comfortable stay while keeping you close to the main sights.

How do self-guided tours handle transportation between destinations?

You'll use different types of transport depending on where you are. In Italy, you'll zip between cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice on fast trains. If you're island-hopping in Greece, you'll take ferries between places like Mykonos and Santorini. One of our travelers mentioned that "the transfers were absolutely on time and the transportation arrangements were seamless."

What fitness level is required for self-guided tours?

It really varies by tour. For the Morocco Desert Explorer, you'll need to be okay with camel rides and walking in the desert. Greek Islands tours are more laid-back with optional walking. The Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu is more challenging – our travelers tell us you'll need to be fit for hiking 6-9 hours daily at heights up to 15,255 feet (4,650m). Just check each tour's physical rating before you book.

What locations are best suited for self-guided tours?

The best places have good transportation and lots to see nearby. The Greek Islands work really well because you can easily get between spots like the caldera viewpoints and black sand beaches in Santorini. Costa Rica is great too – places like La Fortuna have clear trails around Arenal Volcano. One of our travelers mentioned that "the Greek Islands were perfect for self-guided exploration with reliable ferry connections and welcoming locals."

How far in advance should I book a self-guided tour?

Most people book about 6-8 months ahead, especially for popular places like Greece during busy season (June-September). For winter tours in Morocco, 3-4 months ahead is usually fine. One of our travelers suggested: "Book early for peak seasons - we secured better hotel locations and preferred ferry times by booking 6 months ahead."

What level of independence can I expect on a self-guided tour?

You get lots of freedom while still having backup when you need it. Take the Costa Rica Nature Explorer tour – you can spend your free days checking out Puerto Viejo's beaches or exploring La Fortuna's rainforests at your own speed. Your transport between places is all set up, and you'll stay at nice spots like Hotel Heliconia in La Fortuna. As one traveler put it: "Transportation was on time and organized, even when our plane was late arriving to the country, giving us the freedom to explore while feeling supported."

Self-Guided Tours & Trips

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10 best Self-Guided tour packages

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Family
Syros, Mykonos, Tinos & Athens Tour - 9 Days - Premium
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"Syros was stunning."
Martin, traveled in June
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos
Age Range
5 to 99 year olds
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
Duration
9 days
From $4,266
NZ$3,200
$754 now + easy payments of $431
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Sep 2025
Pay today$754
7 easy payments$431
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Sep 2025
Pay today$754
7 easy payments$431
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Family
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"I liked the 8D7N trip because I got to see a lot of the beautiful Costa Rica. Nice pace too."
Stella, traveled in December
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Tortuguero National Park+2 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$3,611
$361 now + easy payments of $325
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 15 Dec 2025
Pay today$361
10 easy payments$325
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 15 Dec 2025
Pay today$361
10 easy payments$325
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Family
Syros, Mykonos, Tinos & Athens Tour - 9 Days - Standard
4.5 (1 traveler review)
"Amazing trip, very well organized and such a relief to have someone waiting for you at the airports and ferry ports."
Nicholas, traveled in September
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos
Age Range
5 to 99 year olds
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
Duration
9 days
From $3,395
NZ$2,547
$564 now + easy payments of $282
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Oct 2025
Pay today$564
8 easy payments$282
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Oct 2025
Pay today$564
8 easy payments$282
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In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1
From Delhi : Private Day Trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Both locations are holy, peaceful lands and ancient cities in which the Ganga is a major presence."
Ronald, traveled in December
Destinations
New Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh
Age Range
5 to 60 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Fragrance of Taj
25% Off
Duration
1 day
From
NZ$304
$61 now + easy payments of $19
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$61
13 easy payments$19
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$61
13 easy payments$19
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Active Family Christmas & New Year +1
Marrakech City & Desert Adventure 5D/4N
4.3 (2 traveler reviews)
"well organised! ... I work in the industry, and I will recommend Tourradar to everybody!"
Isabelle, traveled in October
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Zagora
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$629
$63 now + easy payments of $51
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$63
11 easy payments$51
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$63
11 easy payments$51
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Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +1
Morocco Desert Explorer 7D/6N
3.5 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great variety and selection of events. Marrakech had lots of flight options so a good place to start."
Wendy, traveled in February
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorge,Merzouga,Erg Chebbi,Rissani,Fes,Meknes,Volubilis,Moulay Idriss+7 more
Age Range
10 to 100 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$1,642
$164 now + easy payments of $134
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$164
11 easy payments$134
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$164
11 easy payments$134
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Active Family Christmas & New Year +1
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
3.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"The trip was amazing! All staff from tourradar has been very helpful."
Stavros, traveled in August
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+2 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$4,632
$463 now + easy payments of $416
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 15 Dec 2025
Pay today$463
10 easy payments$416
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 15 Dec 2025
Pay today$463
10 easy payments$416
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Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +1
Istanbul & Cappadocia Adventure 5D/4N
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Goreme, Avanos
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$2,086
$208 now + easy payments of $170
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$208
11 easy payments$170
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
Pay today$208
11 easy payments$170
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Active Family Christmas & New Year +1
Full Costa Rica Adventure 14D/13N
Destinations
San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca,Tortuguero National Park,La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+5 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$5,423
$542 now + easy payments of $488
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 15 Dec 2025
Pay today$542
10 easy payments$488
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 15 Dec 2025
Pay today$542
10 easy payments$488
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Island Hopping Family Christmas & New Year +1
Vacations in Greece - 9 Days - Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
4.9 (17 traveler reviews)
"It was a really pleasant week. Hopefully we ll do it again in the future."
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
Duration
9 days
From $3,765
NZ$2,824
$649 now + easy payments of $173
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Jan 2026
Pay today$649
15 easy payments$173
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 21 Jan 2026
Pay today$649
15 easy payments$173
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Active Family Christmas & New Year +1
Morocco Desert & Gorges Adventure 5D/4N
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Overall, nice trip, the people from the trip are all really friendly. Highly recommend!"
Yajing, traveled in June
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades,Todra Gorge,Erg Chebbi,Merzouga+3 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$564
$56 now + easy payments of $46
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Dec 2025
Pay today$56
11 easy payments$46
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Dec 2025
Pay today$56
11 easy payments$46
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Explorer Beach Family Island Hopping Sightseeing Historical +3
Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)
4.6 (87 traveler reviews)
"A well organised tour, all bookings went smoothly."
Michael, traveled in June
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
1 to 99 year olds
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonosAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English,German,French,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Dot Travel
35% Off
Duration
7 days
From $2,276
NZ$1,480
$90 now + easy payments of $231
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$90
8 easy payments$231
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$90
8 easy payments$231
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Explorer Family Island Hopping Sightseeing Historical +2
3 Day Island Tour: Santorini, Mykonos to Explore the Best of Cyclades
4.4 (7 traveler reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful Tour. Wish I could do it all again."
Judith, traveled in July
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
up to 85 year olds
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonosAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
Duration
3 days
From $2,334
NZ$1,751
$234 now + easy payments of $234
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$234
9 easy payments$234
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$234
9 easy payments$234
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Explorer Family Island Hopping Sightseeing Historical +2
Explore Athens, Mykonos & Santorini & stay at 4* hotels (3 inclusive activities)
4.3 (27 traveler reviews)
"Amazing team, very responsive, professional and courteous to say the least!!! Can't recommend them enough!"
Alhamza, traveled in July
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonosAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English,German,French,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Dot Travel
35% Off
Duration
11 days
From $5,529
NZ$3,594
$90 now + easy payments of $682
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$90
8 easy payments$682
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Oct 2025
Pay today$90
8 easy payments$682
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Bicycle
Bike tour, Languedoc, France (guided groups)
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Exceeding my expectations in every way. My first but not my last bike trip."
Paul, traveled in August
Destinations
Avignon, Arles, Saint-Gilles, Aigues-Mortes, Nimes,Pont du Gard,Uzès+2 more
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English, French
Operator
The Chain Gang Cycle Tours
35% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$4,006
$400 now + easy payments of $901
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 19 Jul 2025
Pay today$400
4 easy payments$901
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 19 Jul 2025
Pay today$400
4 easy payments$901
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