Tour departures exclusively for solo travellers in 2020
Posted on 11/10/19
Our programme of tours for solo travellers in 2020 offers destinations as diverse and fascinating as Uzbekistan, Russia, Jordan and Italy.
For each of these tours, the format remains the the same as on other departures. A first-rate lecturer brings the location and subject to life, while a tour manager takes care of travel logistics. Of course, solo travellers are welcome on all our tours. Thirty years of experience has taught us that the combination of beautiful locations, stimulating conversation and fascinating subject matter is ideal for anyone travelling on their own. But these five itineraries offer a great opportunity to share an interest with like-minded people.
Samarkand & Silk Road Cities – with Tashkent, Shakhr-i-Sabz, Bukhara and Khiva
3–14 April 2020
With its memorable landscapes and magnificent mosques and madrassas, Uzbekistan is a treasure chest of some of the most glorious sights in the Islamic world. Situated at the very centre of Central Asia, and one of only two double land-locked nations in the world, this 12-day tour visits the ancient Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent. An insight into its fabulous riches and tumultuous history, this tour uncovers a country as captivating now as it was in the time of Ghengis Khan.
Led by Dr Peter Webb
Gardens & Villas of the Italian Lakes – Como & Maggiore
30 April–6 May 2020
Listed in The Telegraph’s ‘10 best Italian art and culture holidays’, this week-long tour highlights the splendours of some of the finest gardens and lakes in Europe. Following in the illustrious footsteps of Shelley, Bellini and Stendal, the tour is divided between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Timings of the tour have been carefully considered to experience the sunshine at its most brilliant, illuminating the light, perfume and natural beauty that is abundant throughout this region.
Led by Steven Desmond
St Petersburg – Pictures and palaces in the imperial capital
25 September – 2 October 2020
One of Europe’s great, and perhaps, grandest cities, St Petersburg has art, architecture and history in abundance. On this 8-day tour, we visit the largest art museum in the world, The Hermitage, as well as the Russian Museum with its outstanding collection of icons. Another highlight of the tour is a full-day excursion to two of the summer palaces of Tsarskoye Selo and Pavlovsk set in splendid landscaped parks.
Led by Dr Alexey Makhrov
Palladian Villas – The greatest house builder in history
6–11 October 2020
This 6-day itinerary unveils the surviving villas and palaces designed by one of the world’s most influential architects, Andrea Palladio. Based throughout in Vicenza, Palladio’s home town, this tour explores not only his finest designs, such as the hilltop ‘La Rotonda’ and Villa Pisani, but also the lesser-known and more difficult to access through many special appointments and private visits.
Led by Dr Sarah Pearson
Essential Jordan – The major Nabataean, Roman, Christian & Islamic sites
16–24 October 2020
‘Rose-red city, half as old as time’ - the desert city of Petra leaves an unforgettable impression on all that visit this most spectacular archaeological site. Highlights of this 9-day tour include walking the streets of the preserved Roman city of Herasa, marvelling at Nabatean carvings that adorn The Siq and inspecting the Qasr Amra’s recently-restored frescoes.
Led by Sue Rollin and Jane Streetly
