Simply put, a self-guided trip is a journey without a group or a guide, in which the traveller walks or cycles independently, following detailed documentation provided by the tour operator — who also takes care of the logistics of the trip, such as booking accommodation and transferring luggage from one hotel to the next.
This travel style, already popular in Northern Europe (especially in Holland, Sweden, and Germany), has been gaining popularity across the continent thanks to the freedom and flexibility it offers. It’s an ideal balance between fully guided group tours and completely DIY planning — giving you the comfort of a professionally organised itinerary, without the schedule constraints of a group or the presence of a tour leader.
A self-guided trip is also a great option for a more budget-conscious holiday. Since there’s no guide or group to manage, costs stay lower than traditional guided tours. Most itineraries also offer the benefit of daily departures, so you don’t need to commit to fixed starting dates — everything is arranged on request, around your needs
A self-guided walking trip package usually includes:
Accommodation in private rooms at small, often family-run hotels, B&Bs, country inns or guesthouses — chosen for their comfort, location and local character. Rooms usually have private bathrooms unless otherwise stated (e.g., in remote huts or mountain lodges).
Breakfast, always included, and often a highlight of the day. Depending on the trip, dinners and/or packed lunches may also be included when there are limited options nearby — otherwise, we encourage you to explore local eateries.
Luggage transfers between accommodations on walking or cycling days. Your main luggage is transported separately while you carry only a daypack with your essentials (water, jacket, snacks). Luggage is typically collected by 9:30 AM and delivered before 5:00 PM.
Transfers, if required to reach the start or end of a walking day and there’s no convenient public transport.
Comprehensive documentation with detailed route descriptions, day-by-day itineraries, elevation info, and maps marked with the route. GPS tracks are also provided and can be used on your phone or GPS device. You’ll be guided from waypoint to waypoint with clear instructions — all regularly checked and updated by our team.
24/7 local support from our staff or partners on the ground — you’ll be able to call an emergency number at any time should you need help, advice, or a transfer.
Medical and luggage insurance are typically included in the package. Cancellation insurance is often available as an optional extra.
The main service a self-guided tour does not include is – obviously – a guide, or fellow walkers to travel with. This is the reason why this travel formula is usually suggested to someone who has reasonable sense of direction and has already taken part to other multi-day walking or cycling trips – but with the right itinerary and training, self-guided may also be perfect for beginners.
Usually there is no initial briefing, and the traveller does not meet anyone from the tour operator, but some trips may include a briefing if there is something specific that the traveller should be explained or trained to use (e.g. an e-bike, in the case of cycling trips)
When considering to go self-guided on your next walking trip, you should carefully think of the characteristic of this travel formula, which makes it perfect for some travellers but not ideal for others.
Self-Guided is perfect for you if:
You would like to be supported in the logistics of a walking cycling trip, but are not a fan of group tours as you don’t like the idea of needing to follow an imposed schedule;
You like the idea of walking at your own pace and have the flexibility to stop to enjoy a longer lunch, take a lot of photos to a wonderful view, explore a village along the way or simply walk slowly to soak in the beauty of the landscape you are crossing;
You have a set date in which you’d like to depart and have no flexibility in choosing a different one, but would love an itinerary catered on your needs or in a specific area of Italy;
You have a limited budget and find that guided tours can be very costly, while you know you would do well without a guide or a group;
You want to create your own schedule – leave very early in the morning and get early to the next village to explore around, for example, or avoid the central hours of the day and start walking later in the afternoon to avoid the sun.
You have some experience with walking or cycling trips; have already been on self-guided tours or guided walking tours but found that you would do well on your own;
You have a reasonably good sense of direction and are able to read a simple map or use the APP to navigate yourself;
You have at least a pinch of sense of adventure and are even willing to get lost a couple of times, as it’s all part of the fun – knowing that you’ll still be supported by your agent and in case of need.
Self-Guided is not the right formula for you if:
You are never been on a walking or cycling tour and are not sure if you’d be able to face one – even very easy – on your own;
You have no sense of direction at all and maps are a nightmare for you to look at; you get really confused at anything with directions on it, be it a map or an app;
You would like someone to lead the way and tell you all about the territory your are travelling through, or feel that you’d prefer having someone with you for immediate support; .
You like the idea of travelling with a group to find new friends and share the road;
In the case of a cycling trip, you are no familiar at all with the basic mechanic of a bike – such as changing a flat tyre or fixing a bike chain.
This is my first walking tour, can I go self-guided?
Yes, if you and your operator carefully assess your needs and experience and choose the right tour; self-guided tour can be suitable even for beginners. The best thing would be starting with a weekend-long trip to make sure this formula is right for you, before opting for a longer holiday.
My sense of direction is terrible. Do I need to be able to read maps ?
This kind of maps are very easy to read, and most operators offer APPs – similar to google maps – as an alternative to paper maps. To be more comfortable, you can ask for a signposted route – such as Via Francigena or Camino de Santiago – where you will be able to rely on signs along the way.
What do I do if I need help?
You will have a telephone number available 24/7 to call if you need any kind of help, provided that it is not easier, faster or safer to call emergency directly. Severl APPs provided by tour operator have the option of sending your GPS position to the operator, which will immediately know where you are.
I am a woman travelling solo. Is it safe?
Most of solo-travelling walkers are women: these trip are generally very safe. If you feel more comfortable, you can decide to opt for a very popular path such as Camino the Santiago – you will walk on your own but find a lot of fellow walkers along the way.
Will I find other walkers along the way?
We can’t guarantee that you will find other walkers along the way, especially on less-frequented paths. You should consider the possibility of walking the whole time without another person in sight. If you feel more comfortable, you can decide to opt for a very popular path such as Camino the Santiago – you will walk on your own but find a lot of fellow walkers along the way.
Do hotels know that I’ve booked with you?
Hotels will always have yoru name associated with the operator that you have booked with, and will know that your accommodation is paid for. In any case, you will receive vouchers from your operator with all services included in the package – you can show them to the hotels and services along the way as a proof of booking.
What do I do if am not able to walk or need a transfer?
You can contact the 24/7 emergency number and your operator will do its best to assist you with the best and easiest solution. This can be book an extra private transfer, for example, or let you know what’s the easiest and fastest way to reach your next hotel with public transportation.
If I’m travelling self-guided, why should I pay a tour operator?
A tour operator takes care of all the logistics, so that you can just focus on walking and enjoying your holiday. They will support you each step of the way and be there with a 24/7 number, should you need any help. They will have scouted your itinerary and created the detailed documentation, answered any question before and during the trip, frequently rewalked and recycled the itinerary to make sure it’s safe and suitable.
If you'd like to know more about of the beautiful Borghi you will be able to see on a self-guided trip, Check this article about our favorite borghi!
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Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486
