Explore our self-guided trips, with the freedom to set your own pace and select guided activities along the way.
Self-Guided Trips & Vacation Packages
Self-guided trips put you in charge of the pace. There's no tour leader and no fixed group: you follow a planned itinerary with select guided activities along the way, and the rest of your time is yours to explore. This guide explains how self-guided tours work, what independent vacation packages offer, and which destinations suit this style best.
What are self-guided trips?
Self-guided trips, also known as self-guided tours or independent trips, are flexible itineraries designed for travelers who want to explore at their own pace. Specifically:
- There's no tour leader and no fixed group, so you move through the trip on your own schedule
- Select guided activities are built into the itinerary, so you still get local expertise on key experiences
- Brief on-the-ground support is available for last-minute questions, depending on the destination
- You can connect with like-minded travelers during scheduled activities
This is different from fully guided and semi-guided trips, where a tour leader or local representatives accompany you on some or most days.
Popular self-guided trips
These are some of our most popular self-guided trips, from city breaks to island escapes.
| Destination | Trip | Nights | Highlights route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Italy's best: Rome, Florence and Venice | 6 | Rome, Florence, Venice |
| Japan | A taste of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka | 7 | Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka |
| Greece | Greek getaway: Athens, Santorini and Crete | 7 | Athens, Santorini, Crete |
| France, Monaco | French fantasy: Paris and Côte d'Azur | 6 | Paris, Nice |
| Italy | From the Colosseum to Sorrento's shores | 7 | Rome, Naples, Sorrento |
| Australia | Eastern Australia: from Sydney to Cairns | 12 | Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne |
| Austria, Germany | Self-guided through valleys and Alps | 6 | Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich |
| Japan | Treasures of Japan: the 360 experience | 14 | Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka |
| Colombia | From Medellín streets to Cartagena's shore | 6 | Medellín, Cartagena |
| England, Italy, France | European adventure: London, Rome and Paris | 9 | London, Rome, Paris |
| Mauritius | Alluring African paradise | 5 | Mauritius |
| Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary | Self-guided Austro-Hungarian Empire | 7 | Prague, Vienna, Budapest |
| Finland, Sweden, Estonia | Sailing through Northern capitals | 7 | Helsinki, Stockholm, Tallinn |
| Japan | From temples to Fuji: Japan's iconic route | 10 | Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka |
| Greece | Sailing the Ionian Islands: Corfu and more | 9 | Corfu, Ionian Islands cruise |
| Maldives | All-inclusive Indian Ocean paradise | 5 | Maldives, all-inclusive |
| England, France | London Town and City of Light by Eurostar | 6 | London, Paris |
| Austria | Self-guided fairytale towns in the Alps | 7 | Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg |
| Japan, South Korea | Mount Fuji to Seoul: a self-guided journey | 13 | Japan, Mount Fuji, Seoul |
| Germany, Czech Republic | The magic of Christmas in Berlin and Prague | 6 | Berlin, Prague |
| Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary | Capitals of Central Europe | 10 | Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest |
| Austria, Hungary | Magical Christmas in Vienna and Budapest | 6 | Vienna, Budapest |
| Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary | A Christmas escape to Central Europe | 9 | Prague, Vienna, Budapest |
Why choose self-guided trips
Your pace, your schedule
With no tour leader and no fixed group, you decide how long to linger and when to move on.
Guided experiences where they count
Select guided activities add local insight to key moments, while the rest of the itinerary stays flexible.
Connect without committing to a group
Scheduled activities bring you together with like-minded travelers, and you're free to go your own way afterward.
Independent, semi-guided or fully guided?
Here's how the three trip styles compare at a glance.
| Feature | Independent | Semi-guided | Fully guided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour leader | No tour leader | Present during some portions | With you for most of the trip |
| Fixed group | No | Partially | Yes |
| Local support | Brief on-the-ground help if needed | Tour leaders or local representatives on some days | Throughout the itinerary |
| Free time | Most of the trip | Plenty | Set pockets within the itinerary |
How much free time will I have?
- Low: Maximize your time in the destination with a rich program of activities and excursions
- Medium: A mix of guided activities and free time to discover at your own pace
- High: Plenty of free time with a few guided highlights, for more flexibility and independence
What physical level does a self-guided trip require?
- Relaxed: Suitable for everyone, with light walking and leisurely sightseeing
- Moderate: Some walking or mild activity, ideal for active travelers
- Active: Longer walks or more energetic activities
- Adventurous: Physical challenges for thrill-seekers
Who self-guided trips are best for
- Travelers who are comfortable navigating a destination on their own
- Repeat visitors who want to explore beyond the classic highlights
- Couples and friends who want to set their own pace
- Anyone who prefers to choose how to spend each day
Frequently asked questions
What is a self-guided trip?
A self-guided trip is a flexible itinerary with an autonomous schedule and select guided activities. There's no tour leader and no fixed group, so you explore at your own pace.
Is there a tour leader on an independent trip?
No. Independent trips don't include a tour leader, though brief on-the-ground support may be available for last-minute questions, depending on the destination.
Will I travel with a group?
There's no fixed group. You may meet other travelers during scheduled activities, then continue on your own.
How is a self-guided trip different from a semi-guided one?
Semi-guided trips add partial guidance, with tour leaders or local representatives present on some days. Self-guided trips leave navigation to you, with only select guided activities along the way.
