Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Trip Packages
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ToursSelf-Guided & Independent

Self-Guided & Independent Tours & Trips

437 Self-Guided & Independent trips. Tours from 17 tour companies. 1,431 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

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437 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

European Dream (2024 onwards)

European Dream (2024 onwards)

By Trafalgar
preferred
4.7/5 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)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Went to great locations"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-19%$2,652
8 days From$2,156
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European Traveller

European Traveller

By Trafalgar
preferred
5/5 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

  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • Rome: Travel to Isola Tiberina for an evening with Fabio and his family. Enjoy a drinks reception at their apartment before our Be My Guest dinner in a unique setting amongst Roman excavations.
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Went to great locations"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-3%$3,413
10 days From$3,295
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Spain: Barcelona & Costa Brava

Spain: Barcelona & Costa Brava

By VBT Bicycling Vacations
premier
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 was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. The scenery and food were amazing. We stayed in beautiful hotels. Most of the riding was on paved bike paths so we hardly ever had to deal with car traffic. Our leaders, Andrea and Martin, were funny, informative , and so helpful. We are already planning to go back to Italy with VBT this summer."

Trip dates & details
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6 days From$2,395
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Best of East Coast USA (Classic)

Best of East Coast USA (Classic)

By Insight Vacations
premier
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

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Very efficient and interesting and fun. I never had to worry about any details on this tour. Saw a lot of places and learned many interesting facts about Italy."

Trip dates & details
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-4%$4,491
9 days From$4,295
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Walking the Camino de Santiago

Walking the Camino de Santiago

By Exodus Travels
premier
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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-26%$4,685
11 days From$3,470
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European Rhapsody (London, 1, Summer, Small Groups)

European Rhapsody (London, 1, Summer, Small Groups)

By Insight Vacations
premier
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

  • London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
  • Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
  • Wurzburg: Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
  • Wurzburg: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence.
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber isthe best-preserved medieval town in Germany and a truly enchanting destination. Step back in time and explore the city walls, towers, and gates around the old town as well as the old town itself.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Very efficient and interesting and fun. I never had to worry about any details on this tour. Saw a lot of places and learned many interesting facts about Italy."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-19%$4,305
12 days From$3,500
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European Dream (Eurostar, Summer, Small Groups)

European Dream (Eurostar, Summer, Small Groups)

By Insight Vacations
premier
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

  • Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Rome: Discover the history, the construction and the legends of the iconic Colosseum as you stroll around the exterior of this amazing structure.
  • Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
  • Florence: See the historic neighborhood of the Santa Croce Basilica and witness local craftspersons at work during a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
  • Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Very efficient and interesting and fun. I never had to worry about any details on this tour. Saw a lot of places and learned many interesting facts about Italy."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-19%$5,507
11 days From$4,477
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Splendid Europe (Eurostar, Summer, London, Small Groups)

Splendid Europe (Eurostar, Summer, London, Small Groups)

By Insight Vacations
premier
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

  • Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
  • Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
  • Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
  • Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Very efficient and interesting and fun. I never had to worry about any details on this tour. Saw a lot of places and learned many interesting facts about Italy."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
-19%$7,427
14 days From$6,038
More

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Self-Guided & Independent Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
1,431  Reviews
Write a review
See all Self-Guided & Independent tour reviews
Excellent
218
Great
49
Average
7
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
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, ...

Tour:  Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon trip

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...

Tour:  Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon trip

C

Claudia & Dany

Jan 2023

Written on

The trip was all really well prepared, very detailed and thorough.

The trip was all really well prepared, very detailed and thorough. Good of you to include history and other information as well as restaurant suggestions etc. The in...

Tour:  Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon trip

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...

Tour:  Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon trip

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 ...

Tour:  Walk from Van Gogh's landscapes to the Luberon trip

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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

Top Self-Guided & Independent Travel Companies
Trafalgar Reviews
Insight Vacations Reviews
Exodus Travels Reviews
Intrepid Travel Reviews
Peregrine Adventures Reviews
Alexander + Roberts Reviews
Great Value Vacations Reviews
Audley Travel Reviews
CIE Tours Reviews
Country Walkers Reviews
Monograms Reviews
Gate 1 Travel Reviews

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