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
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 $2,870
US$2,152per 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
US$1,525per 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 $2,521
US$1,891per 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, Braulio Carillo National Park, Tortuguero,Guapiles,Puerto Viejo de Talamanca,Cahuita,Cocles,Manzanillo,La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Santa Elena,Playa Santa Teresa,Mal Pais+10 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
US$3,052per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
4-Day Santorini, Mykonos & Crete: Escape to Iconic Greek Islands
4.9 (20 traveler reviews)
"Itinerary and organisation was good."
Melissa, traveled in September
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Athens, Knossos, Heraklion, Santorini, Nea Kameni Island,Akrotiri,Oia,Mykonos+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Private Tours Greece
25% Off
From $2,462
US$1,846per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Classical Greece, Self-drive
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"Driving around Greece was awesome. We stayed off the toll roads so saw parts of the country we never would have seen."
Leonard, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Athens, Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Tolo, Nafplion, Olympia,Patras,Delphi,Kalabaka,Metéora+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Mainland Greece
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Greece
10% Off
From $435
US$392per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"We saw far more than we would have ourselves. Once you are okay with that then you will have an amazing time."
Daniel, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero,La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Santa Elena,Monteverde+4 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
10% Off
From
US$2,233per 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
10% Off
From
US$1,044per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Pura vida, really nice experience."
daniela, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
10% Off
From
US$1,233per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Greek Island Dream Paros, Naxos & Santorini- 7 Days (Self-Guided Package)
5.0 (8 traveler reviews)
"Highly recommend this tour for those wanting to experience the diversity of the greek Islands in one trip."
Simon, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Athens, Paros, Naxos, Santorini
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Greek IslandsAegean IslandsCyclades Greece+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Zone
25% Off
From $2,182
US$1,637per 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 (61 traveler reviews) award winner
"It was an enjoyable 15 day tour. The Dot.Travel people were very helpful."
John, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Athens, Syros, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, Oia, Perissa,Akrotiri,Crete,Heraklion,Knossos,Chania,Samariá+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Islands
Greek IslandsCyclades Greece+1 more
Operated in
English, German,French,Dutch+2 more
Operator
Dot Travel
40% Off
From $2,327
US$1,396per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Bike tour, Languedoc, France (guided groups)
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"This tour exceeded our expectations, with something more exciting to experience each day."
Leonardo, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Avignon, Arles, Saint-Gilles, Aigues-Mortes, Nimes,Pont du Gard,Uzès+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English, French
Operator
The Chain Gang Cycle Tours
40% Off
From
US$2,516per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
Cultural Athens & Island Hopping Mykonos - Santorini (Self-guided)
4.6 (99 traveler reviews)
"The hotels were charming boutiques and in excellent locations. We all agreed our holiday was perfect."
Carol, traveled in August
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
10% Off
From $1,158
US$1,042per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Raft, Hike and Explore Costa Rica
4.7 (33 traveler reviews)
"Well organised and planned tour, all went well and had a great time."
Scott, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
15% Off
From $1,595
US$1,356per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
8 Days Self-drive | Around Iceland Ring Road Tour (Summer)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Marina Travel makes the difference. The communication with them was more than excellent."
Ana, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Keflavik, Blue Lagoon, Borgarnes, Hvitserkur, Akureyri,Dettifoss,Myvatn,Hverarönd,Godafoss,Egilsstadir,Djupivogur,Hofn,Jokulsarlon,Fjadrargljufur,Reynisfjara,Skogafoss,Seljaland,Solheimajokull,Geysir,Gullfoss,Thingvellir National Park,Reykjavik+17 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Marina Travel
15% Off
From
US$2,869per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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