Great options for solo travel this autumn

With the percentage of solo travellers continuing to rise year-on-year to now account for over 25% of bookings in 2024 so far, Jules Verne, the small escorted tour specialist, has picked out some of its best trips for solo travellers looking to book their next adventure. What’s more, there are a number of tours which have solo group departures and/or no single supplement options, so it won’t cost a penny more to go it alone!

Debbie O’Neill, Managing Director.at Jules Verne, says: “Solo travel is nothing new for us at Jules Verne. People choose to travel solo for a number of reasons, whether it’s a desire for personal growth or the simple fact that their partner, family, or friends don’t want the same experiences as them.

“Escorted tours have proven particularly popular with solo travellers of all ages thanks to three factors: the option of company with like-minded people; guides that are well-versed on the destination and that can take care of logistics; and a sense of safety in numbers, especially when visiting new places.

“We offer no single supplement options at Jules Verne and solo-only departures for those who find comfort in travelling only with other solo travellers. Both options help make the experience as accessible as possible for people choosing to travel on their own.”

From exploring India’s ‘Golden Triangle’, enjoying the incredible safaris of the renowned Masai Mara and cruising down the Nile, to embarking on a Grand Tour of Turkey and getting a taste of la dolce vita in Sicily, please find a selection of Jules Verne’s top tours for solo travellers in 2024/25 – all of which have solo group departures and/or no single supplement options.

India’s Golden Triangle | 9 nights from £2,165pp – solo group departures and no single supplement options

• Solo group departures departing 7 September 2024 & 6 September 2025
• No single supplement options on 12 October 2024, 15 March 2025 & 11 October 2025 tour departures
• Return flights with Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow
• Price includes air travel and taxes, transfers, 8 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 6 dinners, services of guides and local representatives

This 9-night tour gives guests a classic introduction to the treasures of India’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’ – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Guests will immerse themselves in India’s rich history, with the itinerary including visits to Fatehpur Sikri city (eerily deserted for 400 years), Old Delhi’s colonial buildings, Jaipur’s mesmerising pink palaces, and a rooftop drink at sunset overlooking the iconic Taj Mahal, whilst simultaneously exploring some of its newer attractions, such as the film set for the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Other highlights include travelling by train through India’s tranquil, rural landscapes, enjoying dinner with a local family, and tea at a colonial house.

Grand Tour of Turkey | 14 nights from £2,445 – no single supplement option

• No single supplement option on 2 & 9 November 2024 tour departures
• Return flights with Turkish Airlines from Heathrow
• Price includes air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives

Visiting Turkey’s cities, coastlines and countryside, this 2-week adventure immerses guests in the unique landscapes, culture and history of the magical country. From visiting beautiful mosques, magnificent museums, opulent palaces and ancient temples to taking a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, staying at Hotel Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi, which is built into rock, and exploring the other-worldly landscape of the Göreme Valley, this tour is filled with delights. Other highlights include exploring ancient Ephesus and the ruins of ancient Troy as well as enjoying a welcome drink at the famous ‘Orient-Express’ bar of the historic Pera Palas Hotel.

Wild Masai Mara | 6 nights from £4,445 – solo group departure

• Solo group departures departing 7 November 2024 & 6 November 2025
• No single supplement options on 13 March 2025 & 12 June 2025 tour departures
• Return flights with British Airways from Heathrow
• Price includes air travel, UK departure taxes, overseas airport taxes, park entry fees, transfers, 5 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives

Staying riverside at the iconic Governors’ Camp – the original of which was the first permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara – guests will be able to enjoy everything from the stunning scenery to the incredible safaris of the renowned reserve. Highlights include the chance to spot the Big Five and visit Lake Nakuru with its flocks of flamingos. There is also an optional sunrise balloon ride for guests to enjoy.

The 600-Mile Nile | 12 nights from £4,995 – no single supplement options

• No single supplement options on 5 & 31 March, 26 April, 27 September and 23 October 2025 tour departures

• Return flights from Heathrow with EgyptAir
• Vessel: MS Darakum, specially designed for the ‘long cruise’ with attentive Egyptian staff and Moroccan inspired interior
• Includes: air travel and taxes, transfers, 12 night-cruise, full board on cruise vessel, itinerary as described, excursions, Egyptian tour manager / Egyptologist, local representatives

This in-depth Nile cruise crosses an impressive four thousand years of regal and rural life, starting in Aswan and ending in Egypt’s capital Cairo, visiting both Egypt’s most famous landmarks as well as taking guests off the beaten track to local hidden gems.

From touring the temples of the Gods, tombs of pharaohs and the iconic Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, to visiting the botanical gardens of Kitchener Island and enjoying afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote the ‘Death on the Nile’, this downriver journey takes guests on a fascinating journey of exploration through Egypt’s ancient past. A tour highlight includes attending a special event viewing the ‘Luxor Temple by Night’ with a cocktail at the Old Winter Palace.

Treasures of Sicily | 7 nights from £2,025pp – solo group departure

• Solo group departures departing 4 November 2025
• Return flights with easyJet from Gatwick
• Price includes air travel and taxes, entrance fees, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of local guides and representatives

Jules Verne’s top tour in Italy, this week-long break takes guests on a circular trip exploring Sicily’s treasures, starting with the island’s astonishing wealth of well-preserved sites – from Greek and Roman monuments to Norman, Phoenician and Saracen landmarks. Highlights including visiting the iconic Mount Etna, the ancient port of Catania, and Palermo’s Palazzo as well as witnessing Roman Mosaics at Villa del Casale, touring Agrigento’s Valley of Temples and wine tasting in Marsala.

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