Deals, Europe, Pilgrimage

Corphew go trekking in the Greek islands

Giorgios, Maria, Evi and all our Greek friends, and Dutch Frank, all tell us that the locals head for the islands when it heats up so Corphew… let’s go trekking in the Greek islands.

And put in the hard work we wimped out on the last time we were there.

On honeymoon, 32 years ago when it was more about sunset walks on the Corfiot beach.

In my defence it was toga-wearing hot when we were there in the September of 1994.

Good reason then for the grumpy Greek Orthodox monks to be wearing robes.

Going Solos

Stark beauty: Corfu

I have since got my walking shoes on on my travels out to the Attica region and Kythera, and continue to mither The Scary One to join me.

Although, of course, my notorious wayfaring is hardly a persuasive argument.

Which will be why she always suggests I go on my own… ‘take a long walk down a short pier.’

Solos are, of course, the go-to for, er solo, trips where you meet like-minded travellers.

Or those who have exhausted the patience of those at home and who you end up falling out with on holiday.

Come what May

Enchanting: Corfu town

And so Solos are marking this May, in celebration of National Walking Month, by sending us all out on a week of hiking and cultural discovery in Corfu.

You’ll be based at Aronda House in Dassia.

And the itinerary features moderate guided hikes through the hills, coastal paths and valleys on this most verdant of Greek islands.

Stretching out: Ready for your trek

Highlights include a coast to coat walk from Skripero, a forested trail past the heritage village of Agios Markos.

And a loop around the flamingo-dotted Korission Lagoon in the island’s quieter south.

With daily distances around 13kms and routes made up of gentle ascents, it’s ideal for all walkers.

Deal us in

Lie back: And think of Corfu

A seven-night Corfu Walking Tour departs on May 1 and is priced at £1,259pp.

This includes return flights, transfers, airport taxes, double room for solo use.

A welcome drink, daily breakfast, BBQ dinner at hotel, three picnic lunches.

Four exclusive fully guided walks and a Solos Tour Leader.

 

 

Countries, Deals, Europe

Sole-baticals in the fjords

It doesn’t matter how experienced a traveller you are it feels more stressful every time, which is why we’re handing the process over to holidaymakers and honing in on the likes of sole-baticals in the fjords.
Because God knows after a budget which gives us all less spending money, we need to escape for a few days at least in 2026.
According to You Gov’s 2025 Travel Report, seven in ten (71%) of British holidaymakers find at least one part of booking a holiday stressful.
Peak form: The fjords
And they prefer providers to do it for them.
Which is where our old friends Solos come in.
With their fully hosted walking holidays offering exactly that.
With flights, transfers, routes, accommodation and itineraries all included.

Things are looking up

Giddy goat: Above Bergen
Now walking through the fjords will relax even the most pent-up with hits breathtaking scenery which we found out for ourselves.
On a stop-off in Bergen on our MSC Cruises Norwegian epic.
Where we took off on up the Fløyen and Ulriken mountains to breathe in the Nordic air.
And all the time ducking those shape-shifting trolls who try to trip you up and in my case did.
Of course, all that heady air will tire out even the hardiest trekker.
And sometimes we need the train to take the strain.

Let the train take the strain

Water view: Norway’s charms
And that’s where the renowned Flåm Railway, where we wondered at Norway’s wonders through the gloom that day, comes in.
Solos also offer a peaceful cruise along the Naeroyfjord and a memorable hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
Each walk lasts two-three hours, plenty of time to soak up the scenery.
My lucky charm: On the trail
The seven-night Norwegian Fjords Walking Holiday, departing on 10 July, costs £3,495 pp.
And it includes return flights and transfers, airport taxes, a room for solo use.
Breakfast daily with two dinners, welcome drink and four fully guided walking days.
A boat journey from Bergen to Stavanger, a trip on the Flåm Railway and a cruise in the fjords, and an experienced Solos Tour Leader.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

In a pickle you’ll love all these breaks

So if you’re in a pickle about a sporting activity holiday this summer you’ll love all these breaks.

Our interest in pickleball was pricked by the makeshift court in the conference hall of the American travel fair IPW in Chicago.

Complete with classes although anybody who has mastered tennis will take to its easier sister sport.

Tennis ticked after being tutored by no less a figure than Judy Murray in Quinta do Lago in Portugal it must be time for a new skill.

Particularly as it cuts out the most challenging aspect of tennis, the serve, with pickleball players only serving underhand.

Serving up a treat

Pickle pals: And make a racquet

The offshoot sport which began in the back yards of Washington State in the US is 60 years old this year.

And Solos travel providers have introduced pickleball to their roster.

With a week-long pickleball break in Portugal.

At the site of the Portuguese National Pickleball Championships.

You’ll be assigned a Solos Tour Leader.

And enjoy daily play, from fun morning sessions to extended afternoon matches, all tailored for social and competitive players.

You’ll stay at the four-star Prime Energize Hotel near Monte Gordo Beach.

With spa and wellness facilities, a beach club, and cultural excursions to nearby Tavira, Cacela Velha, and more. 

A seven-night Algarve Pickleball trip, departing 1 November, costs £2,269pp on a half board basis with flights.

Anyone for tennis

In hold; With Judy Murray in Portugal

If you’re old school, Solos, of course, caters handsomely for tennis fans.

With an all-inclusive week at the stylish 4* AP Adriana Beach Resort.

With an adults-only pool, a massage at the on-site spa, or stroll to the beach.

A seven-night Tennis in Western Algarve trip departs on 22 March, 2026, £1,869pp all-inclusive basis with flights. 

Advantage Corfu

Dive in: To the other activities

Evergreen Corfu is a sports nut’s ideal destination with even a cricket pitch in Corfu town.

But it is that other staple of the summer which is our focus here.

And the Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel.

Overlooking Dassia Bay and the Ionian Sea, there is a range of off-court activities.

From mountain biking to pedal boats. 

The seven-night Corfu Tennis trip departs on 6 October, costing £1,995pp all-inclusive with flights.

Join our club

Pictures of pickle: And Solos are all over it

While for club level players Solos offers a week in Campo Internacional Maspalomas, Gran Canaria.

Staying at the Kumara Serenoa by Lopesan Hotel, you’ll enjoy five mornings of organised tennis at the Conde Jackson Maspalomas Tennis Club.

And friendly matches with your new Solos pals.

A seven-night Gran Canaria Tennis trip departs on 15 November, costing £1,795pp all-inclusive with flights. 

So if you’re looking for a racquets break don’t get in a pickle you’ll love all these breaks.

 

Countries, Food & Wine, UK

Vintage England

And with news that the vineyards will have moved north in Europe by the end of the century a look today at Vintage England.

And because we know while some of us drink alone that’s it’s better with a group then Solos Holidays cover your bases.

Solos have a new two-night escorted break to discover the vineyards of the Surrey Hills, an hour from London.

The wine-lovers’ trip begins with a dinner at the four-star Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel, nestled in the North Downs.

Sommelier time is here

Vine time: Albury

You will be joined by an award-winning wine tutor and sommelier.

To guide you through immersive visits to Albury Vineyard.

Albury has made a name for itself for its still rosé and sparkling wines.

And Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest single-estate vineyard.

You’ll sample exclusive tastings, the chance to meet the growers and expert insights into English winemaking.  

Hurray to Surrey

English country garden: Denbie’s

A two-night Taste of Surrey Hills Vineyard tour departing on 24 September, costs £645pp.

It includes a double room for sole use with private facilities.

A charcuterie lunch on day two, breakfast & dinner with wine and beer daily.

And a welcome drink and information evening.

Denbies Sparkling Vineyard Train Tour and exclusive wine tasting tour, Albury Vineyard tour and exclusive tasting. 

The 50-minute Denbies will takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points in the vineyard.

While the Albury version is a 1 and a half to two hours tour with a guided walk and a gazebo tasting session as your final reward.

Support your local grape

Little wine drinker me: And a toast to you too

For those British patriots out there it’s a chance to support Vintage England and its wine market.

It is only growing in popularity and quality with the beautiful Surrey landscape an added allure.

And even more so in the heart of England by the turn of the century.

When it could well be the centre of the wine industry as France fries under the warming Earth.

 

Countries, Deals, Europe

The very beginning The Sound of Music at 60

Let’s start at the very beginning The Sound of Music at 60. And Salzburg’s place in the story.

Now if you’re looking for a ray, a speck of golden sun, then the Austrian music city is the place to go.

And particularly this year as Soundies or Trappies will be gathering in even greater numbers for the Diamond Anniversary of the iconic film.

Now if you’re a solo traveller and the line ‘me the name I call myself’ has most resonance then Solos Holidays have you covered.

Melodies & Majesty in Salzburg

And ours too: Maria and the kids

They are offering a Melodies & Majesty – A Salzburg Symphony tour departing on 1 June and costing £1,649pp.

And what is more majestic than a dinner and concert at Mirabell Palace where Maria and the children dance around the fountain singing Do-Re-Mi,

The Solos tour blends group experiences with free time, offering a relaxed way to explore the charm of Salzburg.

And having the security of the group behind you might stop you getting lost, miscalculating your time and having to tear back like a blue-arsed fly before your booze bus returns to the Oktoberfest in Munich

My fraulein: In Salzburg

Your Melodies & Majesty package includes return flights and transfers, airport taxes, double-room for solo use, daily breakfast and welcome drink.

And then there’s the excursions, the boat trip from St. Gilgen to St. Wolfgang.

Ya dancer: The Von Trapps

Entrance to Fortress Hohensalzburg and a return funicular ride, guided tour of Salzburg and Salzkammergut.

That dinner and a concert at Mirabell Palace and an experienced Solos Tour Leader.

Mozart’s balls

Favourite son: With Mozart in Salzburg

And for an encore there’s entrance to Mozart’s birthplace.

Ein kleine local knowledge here and don’t leave Salzburg before checking out Mozart’s balls.

Aim high: With the funicular

Now if you’ve dipped your toe into Salzburg on a day away from the slopes on your winter break then it just whets your appetite for a return.

And when better than going back. To the very beginning The Sound of Music at 60. 

Solos can be contacted on 020 8951 2900.