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)
"Travel Zone took care of all the logistics, and the transfers were flawless."
Wendy, traveled in April
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos
Age Range
5 to 99 year olds
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
Duration
9 days
From $4,681
NZ$3,511
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Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"We had an amazing time in Costa Rica discovering two very different national parks."
Yvonne, traveled in July
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Tortuguero National Park+2 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$3,564
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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
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Tinos, Mykonos
Age Range
5 to 99 year olds
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
Duration
9 days
From $3,738
NZ$2,804
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Best of Greece (15 days) Athens & 4 Islands in 15 days (Self-Guided)
4.5 (43 traveler reviews)
"Loved the experience, and easy travelling. Well organised, I would recommend to friends."
Jan, traveled in September
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English,German,French,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Dot Travel
35% Off
Duration
15 days
From $3,796
NZ$2,467
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4 Day Tour in Paros, Santorini, Mykonos an Amazing Greek Islands Hopping
4.3 (7 traveler reviews)
"The highlights were endless: breathtaking sunsets, charming villages, and delicious local cuisine."
Hojo, traveled in October
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
up to 86 year olds
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
Duration
4 days
From $3,052
NZ$2,289
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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
Destinations
New Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh
Age Range
5 to 60 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Fragrance of Taj
15% Off
Duration
1 day
From $297
NZ$253
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In-depth Cultural
The Best of Costa Rica (From Caribbean Coast to Pacific Side)
4.9 (11 traveler reviews)
"Loved everything about our trip - it was all organised really well and we felt like we were able to experience many different sides to Costa Rica during our time there."
Graham, traveled in May
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park,Puerto Viejo de Talamanca,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+4 more
Age Range
up to 75 year olds
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
15% Off
Duration
13 days
From $5,650
NZ$4,802
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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
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Zagora
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$621
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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
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+2 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$4,572
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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
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorge,Merzouga,Erg Chebbi,Rissani,Fes,Meknes,Volubilis,Moulay Idriss+7 more
Age Range
10 to 100 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$1,563
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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
Destinations
Marrakesh, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades,Todra Gorge,Erg Chebbi,Merzouga+3 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Country Region
Sahara Desert
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$557
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Raft, Hike and Explore Costa Rica
4.7 (29 traveler reviews)
"Great adventures and reasonable accommodations at all stops. Transportation was often comfortable and timely."
Ian, traveled in March
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde
Age Range
12 to 65 year olds
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
15% Off
Duration
7 days
From $2,512
NZ$2,135
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Explorer
Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)
4.6 (92 traveler reviews)
"The hotels were charming boutiques and in excellent locations. We all agreed our holiday was perfect."
Carol, traveled in August
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
1 to 99 year olds
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonosAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English,German,French,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Dot Travel
25% Off
Duration
7 days
From $2,270
NZ$1,702
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Explorer
3 Day Island Tour: Santorini, Mykonos to Explore the Best of Cyclades
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"Absolutely wonderful Tour. Wish I could do it all again."
Judith, traveled in July
Destinations
Athens, Mykonos, Santorini
Age Range
up to 85 year olds
Regions
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades GreeceMykonosAthens Santorini & Mykonos+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
Duration
3 days
From $2,327
NZ$1,745
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Bike tour, Languedoc, France (guided groups)
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Exceeding my expectations in every way. My first but not my last bike trip."
Paul, traveled in August
Destinations
Avignon, Arles, Saint-Gilles, Aigues-Mortes, Nimes,Pont du Gard,Uzès+2 more
Age Range
up to 80 year olds
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English, French
Operator
The Chain Gang Cycle Tours
25% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$4,020
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