Riviera Travel launched its 2024 worldwide escorted tours collection, with 27 itineraries available to book now.  There are 242 departures are on sale, from January to November, with 34 departures dedicated to solo travellers. The worldwide collection covers Africa, Japan, the US, South America and the Far East. It includes a 16-day tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos, the Silk Road, and South Africa tours. Six South Africa escorted tours are exclusively for solo travellers. There are three dedicated solo tours of Japan. Prices include return flights and transfers; all accommodation; tours; select meals; and an tour manager Returning for 2024 are Riviera's 'Signature Tours', available across 13 itineraries and 43 departures. These exclusive options are for groups of a maximum 25 guests.

Riviera Travel launched its European river cruise programme for 2024. It features 13 itineraries available to book now. Over300 departures are on sale, from March to November, including seven dedicated to solo travellers. Guests can save 10% on a middle or upper deck cabin on all 2024 river cruises if booked by February 28, 2023. The 2024 European river cruise programme includes France, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands. Itineraries feature ‘Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields,’ The eight-day Blue Danube sailing and ‘Douro, Porto and Salamanca.’ Katja Hildebrandt, head of cruise at Riviera Travel, said: “We’re thrilled to again offer these popular and well-loved classic itineraries.” “Our extensive range of river cruises will allow guests to effortlessly sail along some of Europe’s most incredible waterways in 2024.” Prices include return flights with regional airport options available at no extra cost; or Eurostar travel on select itineraries. An optional on-board drinks package is available from £79pp for a five-day sailing.

Riviera Travel has launched a brand-new ocean cruise for 2023, and announced three new 2024 ocean cruise departures. New for 2023, an 11-day Icelandic Adventure onboard MS Seaventure departs on August 29, 2023, with seven guided tours and visits including Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Dynjandi Waterfall, and Reykjavik city tour. The full-board sailing will be on the 158-guest MS Seaventure, which was refurbished in 2019. Prices start from £4599pp. Due to positive guest feedback and demand, the following sailings return for 2024: Mediterranean Odyssey onboard the Royal Clipper Departing on June 7, 2024 the 14-day sailing departs from Rome and calls at Sorrento for Pompeii, Capri, Sicily, Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik. It features an overnight stay in Rome with a guided tour before the cruise, and an overnight stay and tour of Venice on the final day. Aegean Odyssey onboard the Star Clipper An ‘Aegean Odyssey’ voyage on the Star Clipper, which comprises a seven-day sailing, two nights in Istanbul and one night in Athens, with guided tours in both cities. Departing May 30, 2024 guests will also take in Pergamon, Chios, Patmos, Santorini and Monemvasia.. French Riviera and Corsica onboard the Star Flyer Departing from Rome on July 12, 2024 this new itinerary now has two overnights in Nice and features the new-for-2024 port of Alghero, Sardinia. Seven-nights onboard the Star Flyer with hotel stays in both Rome and Nice, the itinerary includes one beach stop and nine guided tours including Rome, Portoferraio, Bonifacio, Alghero, Ajaccio, Calvi, St Tropez, Cannes and Nice. All itineraries include return flights and transfers, a full programme of guided tours and visits, all meals onboard the ship and the services of an expert tour manager.

Riviera Travel has launched a new brand campaign, designed to 'break the mould' in river cruise advertising. Riviera has spent more than £3.7m in the ‘Forever Curious’ campaign, across a host of channels, including various trade marketing platforms. The campaign was shot in France, Germany and Switzerland, around the Seine and Rhine rivers using: the MS Jane Austen and the MS George Eliot. The ads focus on aspects of a river cruise holiday that new guests may not have been expecting; such as a late-night jazz club or local beer tasting Partnership trade activities being launched include e-shots, social media posts, direct mail and print and digital advertising, with agents including Bolsover, Midcounties, Miles Morgan, Hays and Premier Travel. Advertising will run on ITV, Channel 4 and Sky TV channels, and Classic FM covering the north, south and midlands. The campaign runs to November. Sarah Fowler, Riviera Travel's head of brand & acquisition, said: "We really wanted to stand out from the crowd by doing something bold and different, that taps into the emotional benefits of river cruising.” "Forever Curious also challenges some of the stereotypes about river cruising and brings to life the breadth of experiences guests have, whether they like to be active or relax.” The campaign has been launched to complement a major piece of independent research, which revealed Riviera has five key customer types, all of whom display clear 'curious' characteristics: These include 60-80 year-old ‘curious roamers ‘and ‘Luxury Lovers’ guests of any age. The campaign will serve as the basis for Riviera's early 2023 'peak' marketing and publicity plan.

River cruise and escorted tour specialist Riviera Travel has extended its flexible booking policy until the year-end. The policy allows guests to change their booking deposit to another holiday in 2022 or 2023, up until their final balance payment is due. Guests can transfer their deposit to another holiday of equal or higher value. The policy now runs to December 31 The offer is available on all new bookings and no fees. It previously applied to 2022 holidays only. Riviera offers river cruise itineraries to the Seine, Rhone, Rhine, Douro and Danube, and touring holidays to France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Norway and Iceland. Robin Shaw, Riviera Travel chief operating officer, said: "We've extended our policy as we want customers to have complete confidence when making a booking, and to be sure they won't lose out if their plans need to change.” The policy contains the Riviera price promise, whereby if the cost of a holiday goes down after booking, guests pay the lower price or will be refunded the difference.

Riviera Travel has launched two new guest offers on its 2023 river cruises  Firstly, half price cabin upgrades are available on 2023 Europe river cruises departing in July, August, October and November. The offer applies to both Riviera's standard and solo traveller-exclusive sailings, which include destinations such as the Seine, Rhone, Rhine and Danube. Guests can upgrade from a lower to middle cabin, and enjoy added features including full-length sliding windows and elevated river scenery views. Guests can also upgrade from a middle to upper deck cabin, and enjoy the 'Riviera Plus' package. The package offers complimentary benefits including unlimited internet access, L'Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits and an aperitif every evening. The offer runs to October 31. Also, one in four guests travel for free on new 2023 river cruise bookings made for groups of 12 people or more. The offer is open up until September 30 on Europe cruises of seven nights or above. Katja Hildebrandt, head of product river & ocean cruise at Riviera Travel, said: "Our latest offers mean they're an even more attractive option for a 2023 getaway, as smaller groups of guests can treat themselves to all the trappings of a cabin upgrade, and larger groups can travel at a fantastic price." Earlier this week, Riviera removed flight supplements on all 2023 river cruise and escorted touring holidays. This permanent change applies to 14 airports across the UK and Ireland including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.

  Riviera Travel has announced that, for the first time ever, it will remove regional flight supplements on all river cruise and escorted touring holidays from next year. This will be a permanent change and applies to 14 of the largest regional airports across the UK and Ireland including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.   The supplements will be removed on bookings made from today.   Riviera will operate over 1,300 regional flights next year, which will serve river cruise itineraries including to the Seine, Rhone, Douro, Rhine and Danube, and touring holidays including to France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Norway and Iceland.   A number of solo traveller-specific cruises and tours are on offer, all of which have a selection of regional flights.   Riviera will similarly offer over 1,300 flight options out of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.   Will Sarson, head of strategy and innovation at Riviera Travel, said: “With ever-increasing numbers of people looking to holiday from next year, we’re excited to be able to offer even more flexibility for our guests around the country. We offer the widest selection of dates and regional departure options across the UK and Ireland, meaning guests can enjoy the convenience of flying direct from their local airport, and all at great value.”

Riviera Travel has made two appointments to its agency sales team. Martin Page has joined as a new Key Account Manager. He will be field-based and manage a number of accounts, to help grow Riviera Travel business and develop new relationships. Ashley Walker will be re-joining Riviera as Agency Sales Administrator. Ashely will be office-based, and cover off agent questions and enquiries. He will additionally work alongside Darren Mussell, Assistant Manager Agency Sales, and the on-the-road Riviera team, to help them grow the firm’s group business. Page was previously Strategic Account Manager at Classic Package Holidays. Prior to this he was Business Development Manager for trade sales at Attraction Tickets. Ashley briefly left Riviera to work outside of travel. He originally joined in 2016 as a Travel Consultant and progressed to Account Manager. They will report to Thomas Morgan, Head of Agency Sales UK & Ireland. Riviera’s trade team is now eight-strong. “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Riviera Travel team; with a well-established portfolio. I can't wait to be back out on the road,” Page said. ‘I am delighted to have Martin and Ashley joining the agency sales team. Martin is well-known and respected among agents and will be a massive asset. We have worked with Ashley before and are thrilled he is re-joining,” Morgan said.

Riviera Travel has launched a new ‘USA’s Rocky Mountaineer & Iconic National Parks’ escorted tour for 2023. The 15-day tour spans four states, and offers a recently-introduced route on the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, which crosses the the US Rocky Mountains and the Red Rocks area of Utah. Also available are visits to five national or state parks, including Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon. Riviera is one of the only escorted touring companies to combine a Rocky Mountaineer journey with a visit to Yellowstone. Four departures are available, in May, June, August and September 2023. The itinerary includes two days on the Rocky Mountaineer with on-board breakfast, lunch and dinner and visits to Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon and Antelope Canyon. There are also two excursions to Navajo Indian reservations. Prices start from £4,299 and include return flights and transfers, a programme of daily tours and an expert tour manager throughout. Will Sarson, Head of Strategy & Innovation at Riviera Travel, said: “This epic new tour offers guests the chance to explore some of the world’s finest national parks and spectacular scenery.” Riviera’s 2023 fares have been frozen to July 31, Riviera recently unveiled a ‘Signature’ escorted tour collection for 2023. The programme comprises 40 upgraded European and worldwide itineraries, which include up to three new and enhanced experiences, and are being added to Riviera’s established tours.    

Riviera Travel has introduced a ‘Signature’ escorted tour collection for 2023, 40 upgraded European and worldwide itineraries being introduced.  The tours are for groups of a maximum 25 guests, and include up to three new experiences, which will be added to Riviera’s established touring itineraries. The programme spans Italy, Spain, Croatia, Austria, Canada and Morocco. Joanne Lynn, Head of Product Europe at Riviera Travel, said: “Signature tours will be an exclusive option and offer the very best in immersive, engaging travel.” Guests on a week-long tour will have up to three signature experiences included, with tour less than seven days having up to two signature experiences. Riviera will also offer its current ‘classic’ escorted tour options next year. Riviera’s full European escorted tour programme is now on sale for 2023. 2023 fares have been frozen to July.

  Riviera Travel has introduced a ‘Signature’ escorted tour collection for 2023. 40 upgraded European and worldwide itineraries are being introduced.   The tours are for groups of a maximum 25 guests, and include up to three new and enhanced experiences, which will be added to Riviera’s established touring itineraries.   The programme covers countries across the world, including Italy, Spain, Croatia, Austria, Canada and Morocco.   Joanne Lynn, Head of Product Europe at Riviera Travel, said: “Signature tours will be an exceptional, exclusive option and offer the very best in immersive, engaging travel. Guests can go from discovering the secret to how traditional Argan oil is made in Morocco, to gliding over Vancouver in a seaplane, to visiting a tranquil lemon grove on the Amalfi coast to learn about the local gastronomic secrets and tradition.   “We're incredibly excited to offer our guests the opportunity to experience even more of the places we visit. Our team of experts have worked tirelessly to find the right blend of enhancements and bring out the essence of what makes travelling the world so special."   Guests on a week-long tour will have up to three signature experiences included, with a tour of fewer than seven days having up to two signature experiences.   Riviera will also offer its current, established ‘classic’ escorted tour options next year. These are experiences at excellent value that similarly allow guests to get to the heart of their chosen destination.   Riviera’s full European escorted tour programme is now on sale for 2023.   2023 fares have been frozen to July 31, to ensure everyone booking receives the lowest price by booking early. Guests are also protected by Riviera’s ‘price promise’, meaning if fares are reduced they will be refunded the difference.   For more information, visit rivieratravel.co.uk or contact your Riviera Travel account manager.   Riviera Travel signature tour   Itinerary: Lake Maggiore, Orta and the Matterhorn Departure date: May 9, 2023 Duration: Eight days Price: From £1539pp Comprises: Travel through the Swiss Alps to see the Matterhorn; tour of Lake Como; cruise to the islands of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella; visits to Lake Orta, Cannobio and Locarno Additional signature experiences: Evening cruise around the Borromean Islands; visit the gardens of the Villa Pallavicino; enjoy drinks at the region’s only sky bar What's included: Return flights and transfers, half board, programme of daily tours and visits, expert tour manager throughout For more information: Lake Maggiore, Orta and the Matterhorn | Riviera Travel / 01283 523431

Riviera Travel has added ten three-day European city break extensions to its 2023 river cruise itineraries. The extensions feature a stay in a centrally-located hotel, hand-picked by Riviera, with guests then free to explore the city at their own pace. Riviera has partnered with online travel platform holibob so guests can also book recommended tours and experiences. As part of the booking price, all city breaks include return flights with a choice of UK regional departures, transfers from the ship to the hotel and hotel to the airport, and daily breakfast. The move comes as an increasing number of guests have requested to stay on independently after their river cruise. Riviera offers European cruise options to the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône, Moselle and Seine. The ten city stay extensions include Amsterdam, Basel, Cologne, Frankfurt, Lyon, Vienna and Munich. Riviera also currently offers five fully escorted tour extensions on its 2022 and 2023 European river cruise itineraries. These include Blue Danube with Budapest or Prague extension, and Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence with Lake Geneva and Golden Pass extension.