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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Syros, Mykonos, Tinos & Athens Tour - 9 Days - Premium
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"Each time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted warmly, and everything was well organized."
Robert, traveled in September
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
From $4,956
NZ$3,717per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Tortuguero National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$3,734per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
From $4,354
NZ$3,265per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Istanbul & Cappadocia Adventure 5D/4N
3.1 (4 traveler reviews)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Goreme, Avanos
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Cappadocia Anatolia
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$2,157per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
4 Day Tour in Paros, Santorini, Mykonos an Amazing Greek Islands Hopping
4.3 (7 traveler reviews)
"Great experience, will definitely use you guys again."
Craig, traveled in May
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
From $3,231
NZ$2,423per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
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
Duration
1 day
Destinations
New Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh
Age Range
Operated in
English
Operator
Fragrance of Taj
25% Off
From
NZ$295per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
3.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"We had an amazing time in Costa Rica! So glad we booked this tour with Bamba Experience."
Aashfaria, traveled in June
Duration
14 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$4,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Essaouira Escape 4D/3N
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Marrakesh, Essaouira
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Atlantic Coast Morocco
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$528per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorge,Merzouga,Erg Chebbi,Rissani,Fes,Meknes,Volubilis,Moulay Idriss+7 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$1,677per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Caribbean Coast Adventure 5D/4N
2.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Caribbean Coast ColombiaAndes MountainsTayrona National ParkSierra Nevada de Santa Marta+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$883per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Best of Greece (15 days) Athens & 4 Islands in 15 days (Self-Guided)
4.6 (56 traveler reviews)
"All the hotels were central and nice and clean! The tours included were great too!"
Rachel, traveled in September
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete
Age Range
Ages 12+
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English, German,French,Dutch+2 more
Operator
Dot Travel
45% Off
From $4,019
NZ$2,210per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)
4.6 (97 traveler reviews)
"Every step of the journey was planned and spelled out in the itinerary provided to me beforehand."
Lynnmarie, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonosAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English, German,French,Dutch+2 more
Operator
Dot Travel
25% Off
From $1,999
NZ$1,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Active
The Taste of Mexico
3.3 (14 traveler reviews)
"Any questions I had were promptly answered by Olivia/Marvelus. I can say, that worked fine for me."
Martina, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Cristobel de Las Casas,Canon del Sumidero,Agua Azul Waterfalls,Palenque,Merida,Uxmal,Chichen Itza,Cancun+7 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Physical Rating
Active
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Marvelus Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$1,898per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Santorini & Mykonos in 3 Days - Sun, Sea & Sunsets
4.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"Everything was well organized. We had a lovely time."
David, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonosAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
From $2,464
NZ$1,848per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Queensland Cairns, Reef & Rainforest
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Amazing trip that we'll always remembers! Highly recommend!"
Patricia, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park,Green Island National Park,Kuranda+2 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Regions
Great Barrier ReefEast AustraliaSouth East QueenslandQueensland+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Australia and New Zealand Travel Company
25% Off
From
NZ$1,833per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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