A self-guided tour is a self-governing tour where one navigates a route oneself as opposed to an escorted tour where a tour guide

Tour guide

A tour guide provides assistance, information and cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretation to people on organized tours, individual clients, educational establishments, at religious and historical sites, museums, and at venues of other significant interest...

 directs the route, times, information, and places toured. Many tourist attractions provide suggestions, maps, instructions, directions, and items to see or do during self-guided tours.

As with escorted tours, self-guided tours may be conducted on foot

Walking

Walking is one of the main gaits of locomotion among legged animals, and is typically slower than running and other gaits. Walking is defined by an 'inverted pendulum' gait in which the body vaults over the stiff limb or limbs with each step...

 or by vehicle

Driving

Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a land vehicle, such as a car, truck or bus.Although direct operation of a bicycle and a mounted animal are commonly referred to as riding, such operators are legally considered drivers and are required to obey the rules of the road...

. Audio tour

Audio tour

An audio tour or audio guide provides a recorded spoken commentary, normally through a handheld device, to a visitor attraction such as a museum. They are also available for self-guided tours of outdoor locations, or as a part of an organised tour. It provides background, context, and information...

s are frequently presented in a self-guided format using booklets, smart phones or standalone handheld devices, as are virtual tour

Virtual Tour

A virtual tour is a simulation of an existing location, usually composed of a sequence of video images. They also may use other multimedia elements such as sound effects, music, narration, and text....

s.