Travel

Solos Holiday Breaks

Photo Caption: Registan, an old public square in the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Credit Shutterstock.

Solos was founded in 1982 and now offers a wide range of holidays for globetrotting travellers. From Costa Rica to Canada, Africa to America, India to Iceland, Croatia to the Caribbean and Uzbekistan to the UK, Solos has divided its holidays into easy-to-select categories depending on interests. Whether it be winter sun, tennis, walks & treks, golf, or city breaks, the only thing guests need in common is a zest for life and a desire to travel.

Solos is also keen to challenge the assumption that solo travel is purely for single people. Regardless of age, ability, circumstance, background, gender – there really is something for everyone. Perhaps this could be the key to maintaining a healthy relationship - allowing each other the freedom to find their own path, embrace their differences, and make new friends.

Janie Burt, Managing Director of Solos, says: “Exploring the world with like-minded individuals is an incredible experience. It’s about connecting with fellow travellers who share a passion for adventure and discovery. Whether it’s tasting local cuisine, marvelling at breathtaking landscapes, or delving into the heart of a new culture, these shared moments are what make travel truly special. At Solos, an exciting year lies ahead, with travel booming, and a variety of new tours planned! If ever there was a time to experience new places with new people – it’s 2024”.

So, whether it be walking in Sicily, discovering the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, embracing the atmosphere of Venice and Verona, island hopping in Greece, or escaping the crowds in Italy – just remember, all these trips start with a “hello”.

NEW: Those boots were made for walking in Sicily, Italy

Follow a variety of fascinating trails on this week-long walking trip, combining the lava fields of Mount Etna with the crystal-clear waters of the Alcantara River. Staying at the three-star Hotel Palazzo Durante, located in the central piazza of Letojanni (a beautiful commune and coastal resort in the Province of Messina in Sicily) guests can enjoy the sweeping boulevard, pebble beach, assortment of shops, welcoming restaurants, and colourful gelaterias when exploring the destination on foot. Highlights include walking through recent and historic lava fields on infamous Mount Etna; strolling through Piazza Alcalá and the stunning streets of Catania (a UNESCO World Heritage listed city centre); taking in the rolling countryside around Forza d’Agrò, a medieval town north of Taormina made famous by “The Godfather” movie; and visiting the magnificent Alcantara Gorge bordered by 50-metre high walls fashioned from basalt columns. Two days of leisure are also included in the programme, meaning guests can completely switch off or discover more of the surroundings and nearby towns. A week’s Sicily-Walking trip, departing 10 April 2024, costs from £1,549 pp (no solo supplement) and includes return flights, twin room for sole use at Hotel Palazzo Durante, welcome drink and information meeting, half board, three guided walks, guided tour of Catania, and accompanying Solos Tour Leader.

Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.co.uk)

NEW: Discover one of the most famous routes, the Uzbekistan Silk Road
Known for its mosques, mausoleums and the legendary Silk Road, explore the captivating Central Asian nation, Uzbekistan, on this enthralling 10-night multi-centre city tour. The Silk Road is neither an actual road, nor a single route – instead, it refers to a network of trails linking China to Europe used by traders for more than 1,500 years. Beginning and ending in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, travel across the land stopping at some unforgettable sites on route. Admire the architecture and markets of Tashkent; marvel at the bright, preserved town of Khiva that was central Asia’s first UNESCO world Heritage City; journey into the vast desert to visit Chilpyk-Kala, an ancient Zoroastrian Tower of Silence; look round the 2,000+ year old medieval city of Bukhara; and stop in Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world that was founded around seventh century BC and features spectacular Islamic architecture. The 10-night Uzbekistan Silk Road trip, departing 9 April 2024, costs from £3,099 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights and transfers, rooms at hotels for sole use, welcome drink and information meeting, half board, various tours and workshops, and accompanying Solos Tour Leader.

Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.co.uk)

NEW: An immersive break to experience Venice and Verona Carnival in Italy

Combine masks, costumes, colours, cities, music, food and Shakespeare on this vibrant four-night break in Italy. Staying at the modern four-star Smart Hotel Holiday in Mestre, just 10 minutes’ from Venice (and less than 90 minutes from Verona) make the most of these two captivating destinations. Join a local for a guided city tour of Venice, looking out for the Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Basilica and other beautiful sights. In the afternoon, board a Venetian Vaporetto (boat) and float down the waterways and prestigious grand canal. The following day, travel (by coach) to Verona, home to stunning Piazzas and the renowned Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s Balcony). While there, join in with the mesmerising Bacanal del Gnoco (The Verona Carnival). This is one of the oldest carnivals in the Europe and includes an astonishing street parade complete with masks, floats, music and food. The four-night Venice and Verona Carnival trip, departing 7 February 2024, costs from £1,299 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights, water-taxi transfers, welcome drink and information meeting, twin room for sole use at Smart Hotel Holiday, half board, two guided tours (Venice and Verona), Venetian Vaporetto ticket, and accompanying Solos Tour Leader.

Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.co.uk)

NEW: Soak up the summer sun on this Greek Island Hopper holiday

Let the Solos Tour Leader show what these charming Aegean Islands have to offer on this laid back seven-night island hopping tour in Greece. Beginning with a three-night stay on Mykonos, an island known for its beauty and magic, guests will then transfer to the traditional island of Paros for two nights, before finishing on the iconic blue and white island of Santorini for the final couple of days. Highlights include exploring the flower-filled lanes, boutique shops and cafés, and the windmills of Little Venice in Mykonos; admiring the ancient monuments, monasteries, churches and sandy beaches of Paros; and living it up on Santorini – famous for its breath-taking views, countless infinity pools, various clifftop wineries, and top hiking routes. Throughout this trip, stay at centrally located three-and-four star hotels and dine on fresh, delicious cuisine. Plus, when in Santorini, don’t miss the volcano tour or traditional ‘Kaiki’ (fishing boat) trip to make the most of the sunset over the ocean. A seven-night Greek Island Hopper trip, departing 22 May 2024, costs from £2,549 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights and transfers, welcome drink and information meeting, twin/double room for sole use in three-and-four star hotels, breakfast daily, three dinners, two ferry island transfers, three town orientation walks, and accompanying Solos Tour Leader.

Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.co.uk)

NEW: Escape the crowds at Lake Orta in Italy

Found in the foothills of the Alps, near the Swiss border, and nestled among the dark-green forest and rocky mountains, Lake Orta is famous for its beautiful, clean waters and peaceful atmosphere. Staying at four-star Hotel Giardinetto, which has been owned by the Primatesta family since 1930 and lies directly on the shores of the lake, guests can completely switch off while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Float in the swimming pool, read a book on the sun terrace, or potter along the lakeside promenade. While there, board the local boat (departs twice a day from the hotel) and explore the pretty lakeside commune of Pettenasco and the ancient, beautiful town of Orta San Giulio. Other places to visit include Lake Maggiore Stresa with its charming islands, Novara and Vercelli hill wineries with their far-reaching vineyards, Val d’Ossola with its sparkling 143 metre tall waterfall (Toce Falls) and even day trips further afield to Zermatt and Milan. A seven-night Lake Orta trip, departing 21 April 2024, costs from £1,499 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights and transfers, welcome drink and information meeting, double / twin room for sole use at Hotel Giardinetto, half board, and accompanying Solos Tour Leader.

Solos (020 8951 2900, www.solosholidays.co.uk)

For more information on Solos, visit https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/

To get a feel for these unforgettable holidays, you can request a free copy of their new brochure: https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/brochure/