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Discover the world with HI and Freetour

We have great news for everyone who loves affordable travel! Hostelling International and Freetour have joined efforts to allow you to explore the world without a big financial burden.

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Freetour is a platform where you can find free guided city tours around the world. Guided by experienced local guides, these excursions allow you to delve into the heart of the destination, discover its rich history, culture and hidden corners. The price of these trips is not set in advance - you pay as much as you want after the tours. This means that the guide receives payment in the form of tips, which travellers give them if they are satisfied with the trip.

With their offer, HI and Freetour encourage an even closer connection between travellers and visited destinations. You won't just be a tourist here; it's about truly experiencing and getting to know the culture from a local point of view. Whatever your destination, Freetour guides will help you discover the essence of your chosen city without worrying about high costs.

If you're interested in affordable travel and want exciting experiences, get a Hostelling International membership and explore the world affordably with Freetour, among many other benefits. To help you decide where to go, we've put together 10 destinations from around the world where you can take advantage of this great opportunity to tour cities and what to expect from the tours.

Lisbon, Portugal

On guided tours in Portugal's capital, you'll discover Lisbon's central neighbourhoods, including Baixa, Chiada, Cais do Sodré, Bica, and Bairro Alto, which blossomed after the 1755 earthquake. You will experience a history of discoveries, post-earthquake reconstruction, and periods of dictatorship and revolution through the stories from local guides.

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Experienced guides will introduce you to the legends and history of the most distinctive quarters of the old city, allowing you to get to know Lisbon authentically and personally. Stroll through the narrow streets that take you back in time and visit the sights in the historic city centre for a fun presentation that combines history, stories, and interesting facts.

Berlin, Germany

Join guided tours in beautiful Berlin to discover the city's rich cultural, artistic heritage and alternative lifestyles. Local guides will give you a glimpse of a different side of Berlin; a city that attracts artists and creators from around the world and is known for its street art, graffiti, and alternative lifestyle.

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During the tour, you'll explore places like Kreuzberg, see street art, squat life, the phenomenon of gentrification, and learn about Berlin's history from ancient times to modern times, including Prussian history, World War II, and the Holocaust. Tours are designed to also provide recommendations for local restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues, so you can make the most of your time in Berlin. Join this unforgettable and educational tour to discover Berlin in a way not found in ordinary guide books.

Mexico City, Mexico

With a varied range of tours in Mexico's capital, you'll explore highlights such as the Zócalo, the Museo Nacional De Arte, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, the National Palace, the Templo Mayor de México-Tenochtitlan and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. You'll hear fascinating stories about the city's history, art and traditions, and taste a variety of Mexican food, including different types of tacos and local snacks such as the "Garnacha".

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Combining a passion for their country with a deep knowledge of the city, our guides will give you a unique insight into Mexican culture, traditions and daily life. Tours of the city give you an authentic and unforgettable insight into its history, art and cuisine.

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is a beautiful city in Guatemala where you will learn about the destination through experiences, tastes and history. A diverse range of tours includes visits to the most famous sites such as Landivar's Monument, Arch Street, Casa Antigua El Jaulon, Guatemalan Cathedral and Palacio del Ayuntamiento. As you stroll through the city, you'll discover historical and cultural sites such as Compañia de Jesus, La Merced, and other Baroque buildings that testify to Antigua's rich history and art.

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Experienced guides will allow you to experience Antigua through the eyes of locals while revealing interesting details about the city's politics, religion, traditions, textiles, and gastronomy. In addition, you will be able to enjoy authentic Guatemalan cuisine while visiting the market and local restaurants. You can choose to walk around the city, visit a chocolate and wine factory or explore street food, and you are sure to create unforgettable memories and experiences in beautiful Antigua.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

On this adventure through the rich history of New World's first city, join experienced local guides who guide the journey along the ancient tracks of America's pioneers. They combine educational storytelling in a fun way and offer practical tips to get the most out of your trip. You can embark on an exciting discovery of the most mysterious places in the colonial area, where legends intertwine with historical events. In addition, an excursion outside the walls provides a fun and exciting way to get to know Chinatown, Santa Barbara, La Negrete, Modelo Square and other points of interest. On this unforgettable experience, you will enjoy the culture, taste and typical gastronomy, while you can try mamajuana, Dominican rum, chocolate and other local delicacies.

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Santiago, Chile

Join a journey through the history and culture of Santiago, where experienced local guides will reveal all the highlights of the historic centre and deepen your understanding of Chilean society, politics and current events. You will take a stroll through the city's top sights like Cerro Santa Lucía, Plaza de Armas, Santiago Cathedral, La Moneda Presidential Palace, and more. Tours include everything from great food, wine, nightlife, viewpoints to museums, and things to see and experience in Santiago, including historic heritage, cultural aspects, and the city's gastronomy.

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Sydney, Australia

As you discover Sydney, you'll learn about its rich history, culture, and modern secrets. You'll stroll through the narrow streets, along iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, and discover the city's hidden treasures. Along the way, you will also learn about the history of the Aboriginal people and stop at Hyde Park, St. Mary's Cathedral, Hyde Park Barracks, St. James' Church, Martin Place, Queen's Square, Sydney Tower Eye, Il Porcellino and the Colony – a story of survival. Don't miss your chance to experience Sydney through the eyes of local guides and create unforgettable memories of this beautiful Australian metropolis.

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Arusha, Tanzania

On guided tours of Arusha, Tanzania, visitors experience the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of this place. On the way, you will visit the central and Masai market and the cultural heritage centre, where you will learn about the history and traditions of Arusha. If you want, you can also go to Lake Duluti by local transport. During the tour, you can chat with a guide who shares interesting stories about the city. In addition, you have the opportunity to experience a one-day adventure at the foot of Mount Meru, where you can visit Mount Meru Waterfall and embark on a 45-minute hike through unspoilt nature. This experience will help you better understand the unique culture and natural beauty of Arusha, Tanzania.

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Johannesburg, South Africa

On an architectural tour of Johannesburg, you'll learn about the city's architectural heritage, from the historic mining offices in Marshalltown to the modern structures of the Carlton Centre. A stroll down Albertina Sisulu Street reveals the city's rich history and development, while Vilakazi Street offers a glimpse into the lives of two Nobel Peace Laureates. At the end of the tour, you can admire the monument of Hector Pieterson, which symbolizes the fight against apartheid.

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Ubud, Indonesia

On an in-depth guided walk through Ubud, you will experience the rich culture of the enchanting centre of Bali. Tours take place in the mystical Monkey Forest, where ancient temples mingle with playful primates, and continue with a visit to the regal beauty of Ubud Palace and the lively art market. This is followed by a visit to Taman Saraswati, a temple surrounded by lotus ponds and intricate stone sculptures, and a scenic path through the rice fields of Ubud, where you observe the agricultural rhythm of local life. The tour ends with a beautiful walk along the Campuhan Ridge, which offers panoramic views of the lush landscape. Guided by well-informed guides, this experience seamlessly combines nature, art, and local charm to ensure an unforgettable exploration of Ubud's cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Bali, where every step reveals a new layer of history, spirituality and artistic expression.

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Interested in these destinations and more? When you are on the road in any of the available cities, jump on Freetour and find the tour that best suits your wishes and expectations. Whether you're a fan of history, cuisine, or art, there's something for everyone. However, because we want the adventure to still be affordable, we invite you to embark on your next adventure as a member of Hostelling International and enjoy the many benefits that this membership has to offer.

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