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 Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
- Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days
- Slovenia : Hiking: Alpe Adria Trail - 8 Days
- Portuguese Way of St. James Along the Coast from Porto to Santiago
- Adventure in El Chaltén at Camp Full
- Camino de Santiago From Porto - 14 days
- Coastal Cilento Walk
- Walking the Camino de Santiago
- Walking the Speyside Way
- Self-Guided Tour: Hiking of Komani Lake & Valbona Valley in 3 Days
Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well organized, our accommodations were very nice, and the hiking trails were stunning!”
Louisa, traveled in July
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
- NZ$795
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
- NZ$1,618
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 Ages 18+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish Operator Nature Trips From $2,465
15% Off- NZ$2,095You save $370
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 Ages 8+ Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Abanico Individuell Reisen From
15% Off- NZ$2,524
The trails from El Chaltén to Mount Fitz Roy cover 17km to Laguna de los Tres and Cerro Torre viewpoints. Full Camp Fitz Roy and Hotel Infinito Sur provide comfortable bases.
Duration 4 days Destinations El Calafate, El Chalten, Mount Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre Mountain Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator People Travel and Experience From
15% Off- NZ$1,774
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 $4,055
30% Off- NZ$2,839You save $1,217
Wander self-guided trails through Cilento National Park's scenic paths, including the historic Valley of Mills and Punta Tresino headland. Daily routes average 13km, revealing hidden beaches and medieval villages. Includes carefully selected accommodations and baggage transfers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Paestum, Agropoli, Rocca Cilento, Castellabate, Palinuro, Camerota Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
30% Off- NZ$2,485
Leon's gothic cathedral marks the start of this historic pilgrim path through Spain. Medieval Molinaseca and Portomarin's Roman bridge highlight the route, which winds through Galician vineyards with daily luggage transfers.
Duration 11 days Destinations Leon, Molinaseca, O Cebreiro, Samos, Sarria, Portomarin, Lestedo, Palas de Rei, O Coto, MelideSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
30% Off- NZ$5,040
Scotland's whisky country opens up from Buckie's shores to Aviemore's mountains. The path winds through Strathspey's birch woods, past Cragganmore Distillery, and the RSPB Osprey Centre, with stays at selected properties like Delnashaugh Hotel.
Duration 7 days Destinations Buckie, Fochabers, Craigellachie, Ballindalloch, Grantown-on-Spey, Aviemore Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
30% Off- NZ$2,400
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
30% Off- NZ$596
Self Guided Walking Holidays & Trip Reviews
- Self-Guided Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
Would strongly recommend Brikena and Choose Balkans. Everything was organised for us and Brikena was very responsive throughout our trip whenever we had any enquiries. Overall hiking in this region was absolutely stunning. The guesthouses were really nice too, a very authentic way to spend our time in Albania.
- Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 7 days
The tour was absolutely lovely, yet sometimes a bit physically challenging. The chosen guesthouses where all adequate, and run by friendly locals who understand hospitality. Shoutout to Brikena Shametaj of Choose Balkans for her considerate care.
- W-Trek in Torres del Paine Standard – Self Guided (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Unbelievable experience. The landscapes were dramatic beyond words; I felt as though I were visiting another planet. The refugios and the staff there were fantastic, as were the Hi Travel and Tour Radar team in corresponding to my questions and at organising the trip. A very well prepared day-by-day itinerary and equipment list provided by the tour operator was an enormous help, as I had never done a multiple day trek before and didn't know what to expect or to bring with me. I was a solo traveller doing the trek but felt in safe hands the whole time and met many friendly people along the way. Had the time of my life.
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."