With summer well and truly here, sun-seeking Brits who don't have a travel buddy don't need to miss out on golden beaches, Mediterranean climes and crystal seas when they join one of Friendship Travel's Houseparty holidays.

The solo travel experts' budget-busting, extra-friendly group tour concept is perfect for individuals who are thinking of 'going it alone' for the first time, and trips tend to book up fast. 

The idea behind a Houseparty holiday is that a group of solo travellers will share a villa or hotel exclusively like they would with friends and family, with onsite host support from the Friendship Travel team throughout. 

Depending on the itinerary, a variety of excursions and activities as well as some group meals are on offer, though participants can choose to socialise as much or as little as they like.

From Turkey's spectacular coastline to painting in Portugal, Friendship Travel has shared some of their most enticing summer Houseparty tours.

WARM HOSPITALITY NEAR THE BLUE LAGOON

Forever Hotel ***
Seven nights start from £720 pp 
Oludeniz, Turkey
Departures throughout May - October

The small and friendly Forever Hotel has gained a legion of fans and it's no wonder, as Baz, the welcoming owner, has hosted exclusive Houseparty holidays for Friendship Travel since 2012.

The charming property boasts a spacious (though unheated) outdoor pool, complete with sun loungers and a bar, an outdoor dining area and pretty gardens with hammocks for relaxing.

The hotel is situated less than 5 kms or 10 minutes by bus from the pebbled bay of Oludeniz and the striking Blue Lagoon, with its sandy beach, while the resort of Fethiye is a 30-minute bus ride over the hill.

Excursions such as boat trips, jeep safaris, horse riding, Turkish baths and sightseeing tours can all be booked at the resort with your Friendship Travel host.

What's included:

• Double room for sole use
• Half Board – 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners per week.
• Host support throughout
• ATOL-bonded flights from Gatwick. Up to 14 regional flight options: supplements may apply.
• Return transfers from/to Dalaman airport (approx 60 mins)

More details at: www.friendshiptravel.com/holiday/forever-hotel. To book, call 0289 446 2211.

SOCIALISE IN SUNNY GREECE

Pal's Hotel and Studios
Seven nights start from £995 pp or 14 nights from £1645 pp
Rhodes, Greece
Departures throughout May - October

Charming and laid-back Pefkos on the Greek island of Rhodes has been part of Friendship Travel's destination offering for more than 20 years, and the freshly refurbished Pal's Hotel & Studios make for a luxurious new addition to the solo travel experts' accommodation offering. 

Sunseekers will love sipping on a colourful cocktail by the brand new swimming pool, while those who prefer to pitch up on the sand can stroll down to the nearby beach just 500 metres away from the 24-room boutique hotel. 

Pal's also has an air-conditioned bar and restaurant, where guests can enjoy their four included dinners with wine. The property hosts Friendship Travel's signature Houseparty Holidays, which allow guests to share accommodation like they would with family and friends and offers ample opportunity to socialise.

What's included:

Double/twin room for sole use

• Breakfast each day
• 4 dinners each week (with half bottle wine and water)
• Host supported throughout
• ATOL-bonded flights from Gatwick. Up to 14 regional options: supplements may apply
• Return transfers from/to Rhodes airport (approx 60 mins)
  

More details at: www.friendshiptravel.com/holiday/pals-hotel-studios. To book, call 0289 446 2211. 

PAINTING WEEK AT CASA ROSA VILLA, OLHàO, PORTUGAL  

Casa Rosa Boutique Hotel 
Seven nights cost £1010 pp 
Algarve region, Portugal
Departing 15 September 2023

Solo travellers joining this colourful and creative Friendship Travel Houseparty and activity holiday will get to experience the relaxed coastal lifestyle of Portugal's 'alternative Algarve' in charming Olhão, just a 20-minute drive from Faro airport.

With the fully refurbished 19th Century Casa Rosa Boutique Hotel as their base, guests have the chance to explore this enchanting port town and the nearby tidal lagoons, islands and sandy beaches stretching out along 60 km of coastline.

The itinerary combines the perfect mix of sightseeing, culture and history with culinary and creative pursuits. Guests will explore the old town of Faro and its Baroque churches on a guided tour, spend a full day in the elegant city of Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the river Guadiana, enjoy a fun morning at a local cookery school learning about classic Portuguese dishes and set sail during a half-day excursion by boat into the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

With so much inspiration to take in, guests are encouraged to unleash their impressions onto canvas during the daily painting workshops - and take home their own, hand-painted souvenirs from the vibrant getaway.

What's included:

• Double room for sole use
• Breakfast each day
• Lunch is included on the day trip to Vila Real and with cookery school experience
• Four dinners each week with half a bottle of wine and water
• Excursions and activities including two day trips, one boat trip and cookery class
• Host support throughout
• ATOL-bonded flights from up to 21 regional flight options: supplements may apply
• Return transfers from/to Faro airport (approx 20 mins)

More details at: www.friendshiptravel.com/holiday/casa-rosa-painting-week. To book, call 0289 446 2211.

GULET CRUISES IN TURKEY

Gulet wooden ship from Fethiye
Seven nights start from £1395 pp, 14 available on request
Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Departures throughout May - September

With Friendship Travel's spectacular gulet cruises along Turkey's Turquoise Coast you can - quite literally - sail into the sunset! 

Enjoy seven days of sun, sea and snoozing on a traditional wooden ship, anchoring in a different location every night. The chartered 8-cabin vessel is exclusive to the Friendship Travel group, which specialises in holidays for solo travellers aged 45+, meaning a meander on the Mediterranean is the perfect way to make new travel buddies! 

Enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkelling and sea-kayaking in the incredible azure waters this region is famous for. Departing from Fethiye, the round-trip cruise takes in the Gulf of Fethiye including OluDeniz, the islands of Gemiler and Tersane island, as well as the Yassica Islands, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Kleopatra Port and Tarzan Bay. Discover hidden coves, secret beaches and pretty little ports as well as the culinary delights and rich culture of Turkey.

14-night options are also available.

What's included:

• Cabin for sole use
• Return flights from London Gatwick (regional departures also available on enquiry) 
• Transfers to/from Dalaman Airport (under 60 minutes)
• Full board including afternoon tea
• Use of watersports equipment

More details at: www.friendshiptravel.com/holiday/turkey-gulet-cruises. To book, call 0289 446 2211.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors 

Media contacts

White Tiger PR

Olivia Ebeling - olivia.ebeling@whitetigerpr.com - 07772298232

About Friendship Travel

• Friendship Travel was founded in 1999 and is based in Antrim, Northern Ireland. Although N.I based, 90% of travellers come from other parts of the UK.
• Offers holidays for single people or those wanting to travel alone aged 25+. Most travellers are aged between 35 years and 65 years and are 60% female, 40% male. 
• All holidays are Hosted by Friendship Travel representatives
• Programme ranges from weekend breaks in the UK to house-parties around the Med, hotel holidays in the sun, winter ski weeks, and escorted tours worldwide. Programmes cater for a range of budgets from luxurious Caribbean cruises to twin-share basis hotels or apartments.
• There is no single supplement to pay on Friendship Travel holidays