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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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
From
NZ$3,764per person
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Syros, Mykonos, Tinos & Athens Tour - 9 Days - Premium
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"Syros was stunning."
Martin, traveled in June
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 $4,962
NZ$3,722per person
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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 $4,360
NZ$3,270per person
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Explorer
Best of Croatia 11 Days, Self-Drive
4.2 (6 traveler reviews)
"The car was a good quality car and most accommodation was nice."
REINA, traveled in August
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Zagreb, Opatija, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Zadar,Split,Dubrovnik+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Adriatic
Operated in
English
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $2,578
NZ$2,191per person
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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
15% Off
From
NZ$307per person
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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 $3,235
NZ$2,427per person
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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$2,174per person
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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
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$4,829per person
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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$1,691per person
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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
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Zagora
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$717per person
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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
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades,Todra Gorge,Erg Chebbi,Merzouga+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
NZ$644per person
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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)
4.5 (50 traveler reviews)
"The islands were fabulous. Our favorites were Syros and Crete. All transfers were as smooth as silk."
John, traveled in May
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
20% Off
From $4,024
NZ$3,219per person
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Explorer
3-Day Cyclades Adventure: Santorini & Mykonos Highlights
4.5 (12 traveler reviews)
"Ferry travel was interesting. The Wine and Olive tour was great."
Anne, traveled in October
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 $2,467
NZ$1,850per person
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Explorer
Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)
4.6 (97 traveler reviews)
"Logistics were smooth and problem-free. We would book this tour again and appreciate TourRadar providing a wonderful experience."
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
20% Off
From $2,002
NZ$1,602per person
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Island Hopping
Croatia Island Hopping, 11 Days
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"all transfers on time, drivers waiting at every need. good communication prior."
Darin, traveled in September
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Split, Brac, Hvar Island, Korcula Island, Trogir
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Croatian IslandsDalmatiaAdriatic+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Gulliver Travel
15% Off
From $3,741
NZ$3,180per person
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