As the popularity of solo travel continues to grow, Jules Verne is adding group tours to destinations such as Uzbekistan, Sicily and Italy's Lake Garda region. Robbie Hodges reports

Time was, solo travellers were a slim minority. But as flying solo hits the mainstream, businesses are adapting their offerings to meet a growing and lucrative market. Case in point: tour operator Jules Verne.

According to company data, 42% of bookings in 2024 were made by solo travellers, up from 36% in 2019. This growth has largely been driven by the best-selling Solo Collection, a selection of group tours designed specifically for those seeking independence.

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, Jules Verne is introducing three new itineraries to the collection, offering even more opportunities for solo exploration, all while enjoying the safety and camaraderie of fellow travellers.

“All of our tours offer travellers the reassurance of a like-minded group, expert local guides and professional support every step of the way,” explains Debbie O’Neill, Jules Verne’s Managing Director.

“With just ten to 16 guests on each Jules Verne tour — with some groups even smaller for added exclusivity – solo travellers can enjoy a more personal, immersive and enriching experience while maintaining a sense of independence.”

Historically, the collection’s most popular itineraries have featured an 11-night tour of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities, a 9-night adventure in Jordan journeying from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea, and a 13-night technicolour jaunt through the landmarks of northern India. Bold, fearless adventures that are best experienced in a group.

With its new solo trips, Jules Verne is appealing to an altogether different category of traveller – luring in pleasure-seekers with sun-kissed forays to three of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations.

Sicily for Solo Travellers, the most expensive incoming package at £3,030 per pers, will see guests follow in the footsteps of White Lotus setjetters. On a week-long tour of the island, they’ll stop off at ancient Greek temples, visit the shimmering white salt pans and then taste it for themselves on guided introductions to the island’s culinary history.

Travellers who opt for the ‘Sea and Sardinia’ package are in for a week of blue therapy, lapping up the island’s endless beaches and ticking off various castle-topped hilltowns with a brief sojourn to the billionaire’s playground, Costa Smeralda. The eight-night trip comes in at £2,575 per person.

For a relatively affordable £1,895, those more comfortable in cooler climes can head to Lake Garda for seven nights. As well as sweeping back and forth across the waters to lakeside medieval towns by boat, guests will be taken to Verona and Sirmione, and given free time to lap up the mountain air at leisure.

The pricing for each trip includes air travel, transfers, accommodation, local guides and breakfast, plus a handful of dinners and special experiences.

By expanding its Solo Collection from adventurous once-in-a-lifetime trips to more approachable European getaways, Jules Verne is tapping into a growing truth: solo travel is no longer one-size-fits-all. As the demand for diverse solo journeys grows, expect more companies to follow suit.