As solo travel becomes an increasingly popular option for the adventurous and unattached, it’s refreshing to know that not all tour operators take this as a chance to charge extra.

Already established as the go-to travel company for this type of trip, Voyages Jules Verne has launched the latest edition of its popular No Single Supplement brochure, featuring a number of exciting new tours. Far from being a ‘singles club’, the brochure offers a selection of long and short-haul itineraries for those seeking to join regular groups of like-minded solo travellers, as well as couples and friends journeying together, without financial penalty.

New to the No Single Supplement programme for 2010/11 are:

·      The Colours of Provence & Beaujolais – Ponder the landscapes and heritage of the Rhône, Saône and Camargue on this seven-night cruise through the beautiful waterways of France that so inspired Cézanne and Van Gogh. Enjoy full-board arrangements on board the MS Mistral on a journey that takes in Lyon, Cluny, Vienne, Viviers, Avignon and Arles. 

·      Dalmatian Island Explorer – Step aboard the MS La Belle de l’Adriatique for a seven-night cruise through the islands, islets and reefs of the picturesque Dalmatian coast. Setting sail from the historic port of Dubrovnik, this itinerary includes visits to the monastery at Mljet, tours of Korcula, Trogir, Split, Hvar and Kotor as well as excursions to Sibenik and the Krka Falls. 

·      Land of Ice & Fire – Viewing the recently-erupted Eyjafjallajökull volcano (from a safe distance!) and taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon are just two of the experiences on this three or four-night Icelandic adventure. From comfortable accommodation in Reykjavik, explore the country’s wild interior and snow-capped landscapes where the Northern Lights make a regular appearance during the winter months.

·      Grand Tour of Indo-China – A classic itinerary encompassing all the highlights of this little-known corner of South East Asia, including the Mekong River, Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat. The 19-day itinerary, which starts in Ho Chi Minh and ends in Phnom Penh, also includes a medley of cruises on the Saigon River, Tien River, Thu Bon River, Perfume River and at Ha Long Bay, as well as a traditional Baci ceremony in Laos (2011 departures).

·      Grand Tour of Namibia – This 16-night African odyssey explores the fascinating area around the world’s oldest and possibly most beautiful desert, the Namib. Experience evocative locations including the Kalahari, Fish River Canyon, the Sossusvlei dunes and Etosha National Park and enjoy a special dinner with wine tasting at the castle Hotel Heinitzburg, overlooking Windhoek. 

·      The Tale of the Tiger – A must for wildlife enthusiasts, this nine-night India tour takes travellers to Ranthambore National Park, an unforgettable landscape dotted with cupolas, temples and memorial stones that offers visitors a very good chance of glimpsing its elusive tiger population in the wild. Also included are Delhi, Agra (and the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur.

*According to the itinerary selected, prices include air travel and taxes, transportation, accommodation, some meals and the services of guides and local representatives. A programme of sightseeing excursions is available on most tours (additional charge).

Some itineraries also include special events – exclusive to clients of Voyages Jules Verne – ranging from wine tasting in Sorrento and a cruise on Lake Como to a tour of Petra by night, a private reception at Luxor Temple and an opera performance in Peking.