Best Self Guided Walking Holidays in the World
4.6 stars on(9,482 reviews)- Choose from 500+ tours
- 150+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best Self Guided Walking Holidays tour packages
Compiled by

MelissaSelf Guided Walking Holidays travel expert at TourRadar
- Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
- Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days
- W-Trek in Torres del Paine Express - Self Guided (4 Days / 3 Nights)
- Self-Guided Tour: Hiking of Komani Lake & Valbona Valley in 3 Days
- W-Trek Express and Puerto Natales(6 Days)
- Patagonia, Trekking Paradise with W-Trek (12 Days)
- Tour du Mont Blanc 12 Days Self-Guided
- Walk & Paddle Canada's Sunshine Coast
- Camino de Santiago From Porto - 14 days
- Walk New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track
Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
10 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 All Ages Welcome Operator Choose Balkans From $1,028
20% Off- NZ$822You save $206
Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days
4 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 Ages 12+ Operator Choose Balkans From $2,086
20% Off- NZ$1,669You save $417
W-Trek in Torres del Paine Express - Self Guided (4 Days / 3 Nights)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful trek with great views! Everything was well organised.”
Monique, traveled in December
The W Circuit of Torres del Paine spans 46km from Base Torres to Grey Glacier. Mountain refugios provide accommodation along the route, with full-board meals included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- NZ$2,376
Self-Guided Tour: Hiking of Komani Lake & Valbona Valley in 3 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved every second! Whether you're a first-time traveler or experienced explorer, this tour has something for everyone.”
Nikoleta, traveled in May
Albania's northern wilderness opens up with professional backup support. Marked trails lead from Valbona Valley to Piramida 18, featuring pre-arranged ferry crossings and guesthouse stays. The route covers 20 km of diverse Alpine terrain.
Duration 3 days Destinations Tirana, Shkoder, Koman, Valbona Valley National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Choose Balkans From $771
20% Off- NZ$617You save $154
W-Trek Express and Puerto Natales(6 Days)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Well planned and super easy. No stress or planning required. My fiancee feels great after!”
Hari, traveled in October
Torres del Paine's W Circuit unfolds with detailed maps and trail briefings. The 13km Base Torres ascent and 25.3km Francés Valley route can be tackled at your preferred pace, supported by pre-arranged refugio stays and meals.
Duration 6 days Destinations Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- NZ$2,505
Patagonia's finest trails lead to Laguna de los Tres, Cerro Torre, and along the W Trek. Strategic accommodations and full-board meals support mountain adventures.
Duration 12 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres del Paine National Park, Punta Arenas Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- NZ$4,161
Tour du Mont Blanc 12 Days Self-Guided
5 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 Ages 12+ Operated in English, French Operator Grand Angle From
20% Off- NZ$4,861
Duration 9 days Destinations Vancouver, Gibsons, Sechelt, Roberts Creek, Horseshoe Bay, Halfmoon Bay, Egmont, Powell River, Lund, Desolation Sound Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
20% Off- NZ$7,190
Duration 14 days Destinations Porto, Povoa de Varzim, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Oia, Baiona, Vigo, Redondela, Arcade, PontevedraSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator On The Go Tours From $4,605
20% Off- NZ$3,684You save $921
Duration 4 days Destinations Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,255
20% Off- NZ$1,804You save $451
Self Guided Walking Holidays & Trip Reviews
- Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
Perfectly organized tour that takes te worries away from you. The self guided aspect is really nice because you can pace things yourself.
- W-Trek in Torres del Paine Standard – Self Guided (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Really enjoyed this trip!!! Overall well done. Only miscommunication was a two way street. I printed out all of my vouchers because sometimes the National Park was a little disorganized, so I was really glad I had. Other than the fact there was no orientation at the welcome center (I think that was the National Park, not the tour operator's issue), it all went as it was described. I bought waterproof pants in Puerto Natales, and I would recommend that (do not think that just quick drying is enough) and my boots were waterpoof. Patagonian spring was snowy on my first day.
- 7-days "W Trekk" discovering Torres del Paine National Park
As a solo female traveler, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience doing the W trek. This tour company handled everything and was incredibly responsive via WhatsApp and Tour Radar with any questions or concerns I may have had. If you’re thinking of booking through a company or going alone, I can tell you I met many people on the trail who were cautionary tails of those who tired to wing it and found out that they were without accommodation, reserved food, or transport to and from the welcome center. This was an awesome company to book with, I am so relieved and thankful that I went with a company instead of trying to do all the reservations alone! Highly recommend booking!
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."



























