Christmas Singles Holidays – from Solos

Still not sorted for Christmas & New Year?

Festive breaks for sociable singles from Solos

With 1 December fast approaching and TV advertising campaigns reaching a crescendo, anyone without Christmas or New Year plans already in place may be wondering if they’ve left it too late. Not so for single travellers, who – thanks to a selection box of Christmas singles holidays offered by specialist tour operator Solos – still have time (just!) to book a festive short break in the UK or Europe… or to escape the tinsel season altogether, with a longer-haul holiday.

Travelling in a companionable group of fellow singles and accompanied by a Solos Tour Leader – whose role is to advise and assist but, equally, to melt away as required – each of Solos’ itineraries has been created to allow plenty of opportunity to socialise as well as ample free time for independent exploration or private relaxation, should you so wish.

This festive season, choose from a ‘ho ho’ host of Christmas & New Year holidays – ranging from traditional Dances & Festive Breaks in the UK to escorted tours, winter sun, skiing and golf trips – to destinations as diverse as Cheshire and Cuba…

FOR ACTIVE SINGLES…

Skiing in Italy: Based in the cosy village of Dimaro, enjoy easy access to the vast ski area of the Val di Sole (Sun Valley) and onward connection to Madonna di Campiglio and Superskirama (150 km of slopes). Arriving 20 December, seven nights cost from £999 pp* (half board including a special Christmas Eve Dinner; Gatwick flights).

Skiing in Switzerland: Swap sugar-dusted mince pies for snow-dusted ski slopes in scenic Switzerland, staying in the heart of the Bernese Oberland at the family-run Hotel Waldhus Huldi, close to the centre of Adelboden. Arriving 20 & 27 December, seven nights cost from £1,199 pp* (half board; Heathrow flights).

Golf in the Canary Islands: With December temperatures barely dipping below 20°C, Fuerteventura offers the perfect combination of warm winter weather and great golf courses.

Arriving 21 December, seven nights cost from £1,429 pp* (half board including a special Christmas Dinner and five rounds of organised golf; Gatwick flights).

Golf in Cyprus: Staying at the sumptuous five-star Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills Hotel, this New Year escape promises luxurious indulgence and excellent golfing opportunities in equal measure. Arriving 27 December, seven nights cost from £1,599 pp* (half board including a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and five rounds of organised golf; Gatwick flights).

Golf in Portugal: One of Europe’s finest golf resorts, the stylish five-star Le Meridien Penina is the setting for this festive getaway. Arriving 22 & 29 December, seven nights cost from £1,399 pp* (half board including a half-bottle of wine/beer and soft drinks with dinner each evening, and five rounds of organised golf; Gatwick or Manchester flights). 14 nights cost from £2,359 pp*.

FOR SUN-SEEKING SINGLES…

CANARY ISLANDS: Staying in the heart of Playa de Las Americas, just moments from Las Vistas beach, bask in Tenerife’s wonderful year-round climate while enjoying excursions to the spectacular Teide National Park, the ‘hidden village’ of Masca and neighbouring island, La Gomera. Arriving 20 December, seven nights cost from £1,329 pp* (half board including a festive Christmas Day Dinner; Gatwick or Manchester flights).

MALTA: Overlooking the majestic capital, Valletta, the four-star Hotel Fortina is a great base from which to explore this Mediterranean gem, ticking off visits to Marsaxlokk fishing village, the ‘silent city’ of Mdina, pretty sister island, Gozo, and much more. Arriving 22 & 29 December, seven nights cost from £859 pp* (half board including a festive Christmas Eve or special New Year’s Eve Dinner; Gatwick or Heathrow flights). 14 nights cost from £1,329 pp* (22 December; Heathrow).

SPAIN: Swap the usual blustery Boxing Day or New Year’s Day walk in the UK for a saunter along a sun-kissed shoreline on the Costa Blanca, staying at the four-star Melia Benidorm, moments from Levante Beach and an ideal base from which to visit the spectacular mountain-top village of Guadalest and nearby Alicante. Arriving 20 & 27 December, seven nights cost from £1,119 pp* (all-inclusive; Gatwick or Manchester flights).

CUBA: Fancy some festive sun further afield? Basking in temperatures in the mid to high 20°Cs at this time of year, Varadero (on the Hicacos Peninsula) boasts miles of white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and plenty to enthral lovers of water sports, sun loungers and sightseeing alike. Arriving 19 December, ten nights cost from £3,329 pp (all-inclusive; Gatwick flights).

FOR SIGHTSEEING SINGLES…

If city breaks are more your style, why not spend Christmas in Valencia? Known for having one of the best climates in Spain, a white Christmas is unlikely, although the half-day city tour, visit to the impressive City of the Arts & Sciences and paella making class that are included in this Solos trip – as well as plenty of free time to experience Valencia’s Christmas traditions – will more than compensate. Arriving 22 December, five nights cost from £999 pp* (B&B, one dinner and a Christmas Eve lunch; Gatwick flights).

FOR TRADITIONAL SINGLES…

For a festive season straight from a greetings card, Christmas in Tyrol will satisfy even the most whimsical of winter wonderland enthusiasts. Staying at the cosy, snow-clad Hotel Tyrol, just a few minutes from Söll (a visit to the village’s traditional nativity sets and charmingly decorated churches are a must), excursions to Innsbruck and Kitzbühel offer the opportunity to see even more of Austria at this atmospheric time of year. Arriving 22 December, four nights cost  from £999 pp* (half board including a traditional Austrian Christmas dinner on 24 December and a traditional turkey dinner on 25 December; Gatwick flights).

For those for whom nothing beats a traditional Christmas in the UK, whatever the weather, Solos offers a selection of sociable three-night breaks encompassing all the essential elements of a classic festive season, with carol singing, gala dinners, dancing and excursions to local attractions all on the menu. Arriving 24 December, spend Christmas in Cheshire (from £509 pp), Gloucestershire (from £569 pp) or Yorkshire (from £599 pp). Each festive package includes B&B in a twin or double room for single use, dinner with wine each evening, a Christmas Day lunch, excursions and full use of the hotel’s leisure facilities (where available).

FOR TWIXMAS…

Stuck for something to do with those few days between Christmas & New Year? A two-night stay at four-star The Oxford Belfry is sure to keep the festive spirits lifted. Take a swim, steam or sauna, or enjoy a pampering spa treatment in the hotel’s leisure centre before meeting up with fellow Solos clients for drinks, dinner, a fun quiz and evening disco. A guided walking tour of Oxford is also included. Arriving 27 December, the price is from £279 pp including half board with a half-bottle of wine each evening.

SORTED FOR CHRISTMAS BUT KEEN TO SPEND NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH OTHER SINGLES..?

See in 2017 on a Solos New Year’s Eve break in either Berkshire (two nights, from £439 pp), Bournemouth (three nights, from £579 pp), Bronte Country (two nights, from £399 pp) or Northampton (three nights, from £499 pp). Arriving 30 December, the price includes full use of the hotel’s leisure facilities (where available) as well escorted excursions to local attractions and a special New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner or Dinner Dance.                    

Alternatively, why not join in the fun at a Solos New Year Ball in either Manchester (from £99 pp; with overnight stay from £199 pp) or Middlesex (from £85 pp, with overnight stay from £249 pp)? After a welcome drinks reception, let the wine and conversation flow over a convivial three-course dinner before heading to the dance floor as the New Year countdown begins. For those still partying into the early hours, a restorative snack of coffee and pastries will be served to round off a great evening.

All Solos holidays include meals/drinks as indicated, a welcome drink & information meeting, and the services of an accompanying Solos Tour Leader. Some also include excursions and/or activities. Accommodation is in either a single room or a twin or double room for single occupancy.

*Prices for overseas holidays also include return flights and transfers.

Solos was voted Best Singles Tour Operator at the 2016 British Travel Awards, announced last week (23 November).

For more information or to request a copy of Solos’ latest brochure – covering departures until October 2017 – call 0844 371 8860 or visit www.solosholidays.co.uk.