Discover Summer 2023

THE JOYS OF AUTUMN CRUISING

5 +

great ways to extend your holiday

Go wild in Africa!

24 hours in Dubrovnik

BEST URBAN ESCAPES

Raise a glass with us in 2024!

We are delighted to share the exciting news that we’re now including a FREE Superior drinks package worth £400 per person on all our European river cruises departing in 2024! Enjoy unlimited drinks from a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during lunch and from 6pm until midnight in our bars and restaurants. From recommended regional wines, to cocktails, spirits or your favourite aperitif before dinner, enjoy this extra treat on us to make your cruise even more special. Please visit our website for full details.

New beach stays

Wonders of Jordan with Red Sea Beach Stay 12 days from £2,299pp | rivieratravel.co.uk/mjs

Best of Malaysia with Langkawi Beach Stay 14 days from £2,599pp | rivieratravel.co.uk/mla

for 2024

India’s Golden Triangle & Mumbai with Goa Beach Stay 14 days from £2,599pp | rivieratravel.co.uk/mig

Sri Lankan Highlights with Indian Ocean Beach Stay 14 days from £2,399pp | rivieratravel.co.uk/msl

Vietnam & Ha Long Bay Cruise with Da Nang Beach Stay 14 days from £2,999pp | rivieratravel.co.uk/mvd

Welcome to the latest edition of our Discover magazine. Whatever your travel plans for this year and beyond, on the next few pages you’ll find some great ideas for exploring the world. Get up close with Africa’s most exceptional wildlife, immerse yourself in Dubrovnik’s history and get under the skin of Austria’s magnificent capital. We’ll show you great ways to extend your holiday with us (as if any excuse was needed!), where to encounter some of Europe’s priceless artworks and why you should be river cruising in the autumn months. From the planet’s dreamiest beaches to exciting city escapes, there’s something to ignite every traveller’s passion. Our travel experts divulge their own tips for holiday happiness, and we hear from Gill, who shares some memories of more than 40 years in the travel industry!

And look out for our very special Alaskan cruise feature. Together with our partners Air Canada and Holland-America, we’ll reveal why the world’s last great wilderness is an experience not to be missed.

As always I’d love to hear from you, so please do write to me at phil.h@rivieratravel.co.uk with your feedback and we hope to see you soon.

With very best wishes,

Phil Hullah CEO, Riviera Travel

...in this issue

4. Gill – a life in travel

Our Head of Customer

Experience looks back on more than 40 years in the travel industry

6. For the love of art

Getting up close with Europe’s most incredible paintings

10. Destination Dubrovnik Ideas for spending 24 hours immersing yourself in this Croatian jewel

12. Rivers of gold

Why a glorious autumn cruise exploring Europe’s waterways is hard to beat

16. A good read

Page-turners to satisfy your wanderlust and inspire your travel plans

20. Stay just a little bit longer…

No excuses needed – we give you 5 great reasons to extend your holiday!

22. All things wild and wonderful!

Discover how to experience the very best of Africa’s incredible wildlife

24. Take 5 in Vienna

Five highlights you won’t want to miss in the Austrian capital

26. Life’s a beach

Kick back and relax on the world’s most idyllic shores

30. Dream Big!

Partnering with Air Canada and Holland America Line, discover why an Alaskan cruise is out of this world

34. Food glorious food!

Dining options to whet your appetite on board our five-star ships

36. City slickers

Our pick of the best destinations for urban adventures in 2023 and 2024

40. Bella Italia

From top to toe – why Italy has it all and where you’ll find it

42. Insider info

Magical Japan or the worldfamous scenery of the Rhine –recommendations from our experts to inspire your next trip

GILL

A life in tr avel

Gill Davies Head of Customer Experience Riviera Travel

She may not thank us for telling you, but there’s few people at Riviera who’ve spent longer in the travel business than our Head of Customer Experience, Gill Davies. She joined our team in 2021, but her career in the industry spans more than 40 years, so when it comes to delivering exceptional customer service, her experience is hard to beat! We chatted to her about what working in travel means to her, how she came to Riviera and where her next holiday will take her…

Gill, more than 40 years in travel is a long time! How did your career begin?

When I left school, I enrolled in a secretarial course at the local college. However, in the summer before I started, my mum decided it would be a great idea for us to visit her schooltime penfriend in Finland, and while we were there, visit some other parts of Scandinavia too. So off we went to the local travel agents – back in those days there was no worldwide web and the travel agent carefully put together an itinerary for us, which included a fabulous scenic ferry journey between Stockholm and Helsinki. I had already decided I wanted to see the world having done a school cruise to Italy, Turkey and Greece, so watching the travel agent put together our Scandinavian adventure I realised I wanted a job in the travel industry! For work experience as part of my secretarial course, I contacted all the local travel agents and got my 2-week placement in a family-run agency in Derby. Although my two weeks consisted

of clearing out a mice-infested cellar and tidying brochures into alphabetical order, I must have left an impression as a job offer came shortly after finishing my course. I still remember my first booking for two lovely ladies going by coach to Salou in Spain. I continued booking their holidays for another 15 years and was invited to their joint 80th birthday party! I also have memories of another lady who had an ambition to visit every country in the world; I helped her with this quest for 25 years. When she ended her travelling days, she’d visited 157 and I’d learnt a lot about some of the world’s most far flung and exotic destinations along the way!

What brought you to Riviera?

Having worked as a travel agent for the majority of my career, about 8 years ago I took a role in tour operating, before seeing my dream job at Riviera

Travel. It was a company that I had admired for a long time, having been on two of their tours – a short break to Bruges and a tour to Monet’s Garden, the Loire Valley & Fontainebleau. Both were great value for money, with nice hotels, all the excursions included so no hidden extras and friendly Tour Managers – so there was no hesitation when I was offered the job. Tell us about your most memorable moments please! Working in travel I have been fortunate enough to visit 62 countries and had some amazing experiences. Feeling like a VIP when the hotel shuttle in Dubai was by helicopter was hard to beat. I landed on the roof of the Burj Al Arab hotel, to be escorted to my suite by my butler! Being invited on a trip to Orlando accompanied by Richard Branson was a fun experience too. Another helicopter experience left me feeling the size of an ant as we flew over the vast Grand Canyon; awesome is a word that can be over-used – but not for the Grand Canyon. In fact, the whole of the California & Golden West could be described as awesome; there is something different to see every day – not only the Grand Canyon but the bright lights of Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco, the majestic Yosemite National Park, or Monument Valley which you see on all the old cowboy films – it’s truly an unforgettable tour. I remember getting extremely wet on the Maid of the Mist boat as it powered against the water on its way into the foot of the Niagara Falls, and trekking through the Amazon

El Capitan, Yosemite National Park

The Grand Canyon

rainforest – very brave as I don’t like snakes. Seeing a pride of lions with its “kill” in Kenya, then sitting and watching an incredible African sunset was pretty special too. After arriving at night to a hotel in Giza, I pulled back my curtains the following day to see the wonders of the pyramids in front of me; I have seen them 5 times since but will never forget that first moment which took my breath away. An early morning balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings to get a bird’s eye view of where Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered was incredible, so too experiencing the Taj Mahal and its intricate marble carvings, or watching the fireworks on a Mississippi steamer in New Orleans on Independence Day! Being invited to a ngaben, a Balinese cremation was extraordinary too and one of my most unusual memories. Working in travel has been truly incredible as it’s taught me what an amazing world there is out there – and still so much to discover.

What do you think you’ve learnt from your time at Riviera?

When I joined at the end of 2021, we were still living with travel restrictions due to Covid 19. 2022 was a challenging year, as whilst we were slowly able to travel again, we were dealing with a huge amount of last-minute flight cancellations and changes, airport congestion, not to mention the staffing challenges being faced by our hotels and suppliers. It seems obvious but what I learnt during that time was how much the team at Riviera always tries to put themselves in their customers’ shoes; whatever challenge we faced the question was always ‘how will this impact our guests?’. It really does underlie everything we do.

Where are your favourite places and why?

My favourite country is Venezuela, it is so diverse: where else would you get Caribbean beaches, Andes mountains, and rivers including the mighty Orinoco, not to mention Amazon jungle, glaciers, deserts and canyons. Sadly, due to the political unrest, it’s not a country we can visit at the moment, but hopefully in time things will change and we’ll be able to offer a Riviera tour.

Another favourite is the USA –again for its diversity, as there really is something for everyone, whatever type of holiday you are looking for. I have been to 17 states - all with something different to offer, whether it’s the bright lights of New York, or just relaxing on one of the fabulous beaches along the gulf coast of Florida.

What are you looking forward to most?

We have a lot of new colleagues who have joined Rivera and I am keen to pass on my knowledge and passion for both the industry and the company. And really there are few more fun jobs you can do than having the privilege of arranging our customers’ holidays to so many of the world’s ‘bucket list’ destinations.

What are your own holiday plans this year?

I am lucky to have friends with an apartment in Nessebar, Bulgaria, so it’s so easy to grab a flight and go over for a quick break. Nessebar is charming – it’s a medieval old town on a rocky peninsula. I’ve also booked a Christmas cruise along the Rhine with a group of friends; I enjoyed one last year, and it really is a fabulous way to get into the Christmas spirit, with great food, drink and shopping at the yuletide markets.

If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like with you and why?

I have a great group of friends and I think between us we would manage pretty well; a couple are adept at DIY so could build a good shelter, others are pretty practical too so could hunt and forage… and there’s a few great cooks amongst us too so we’d never go hungry! However, I am planning a Croatian cruise with my friends taking in the stunning Dalmatian Coast, so perhaps rather than be deserted we can enjoy the beauty of the islands – with all the creature comforts aboard one of our luxury yachts! l

Bruges

New Orleans

Monet’s Garden

for the

love of art

From cave painting to modern art, painting is one of the oldest mediums in the world and an intrinsic element of a nation’s cultural identity. Art is about sharing the way we experience the world and through art, our history, ideas, beauty and emotion is captured for eternity. European art is legendary and even if you’re not an art buff, there’s something extraordinary about seeing an original masterpiece in reality. For art lovers everywhere, here’s our pick of Europe’s most recognisable and priceless works, and where to see them on your travels…

Mona Lisa

Perhaps the most famous of them all, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci between 1503 and 1506, the alluring subject with her enigmatic smile is said to be the most valuable painting in the world. Depicting Italian noblewoman Lisa del Giocondo, the portrait is the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art on the planet. See her for yourself when you visit the French capital, on display in La Louvre. With over 10 million visitors a year, it’s thought at least 80% of visitors to La Louvre come to see the Mona Lisa.

The Seine, Paris & Normandy river cruise

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcp

8 days from £1,614pp

The Kiss

The image of Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting seems to be everywhere in Vienna. Thought to be the most iconic example of Austria’s Art Nouveau period, it is undoubtedly the city’s greatest art treasure. Klimt’s depiction of the lovers was created in 1907-1908 at the pinnacle of the artist’s career which saw him using gold-leaf – inspired by his visit to Italy see the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna’s famous basilica. You can view this glittering piece of history at Vienna’s Belvedere Palace.

The Blue Danube river cruise

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcd

8 days from £1,519pp

Byzantine mosaic

The birth of Venus

There are few cities in the world where art reigns more supreme than Florence and it’s dominated by one period, the Italian Renaissance. Within Florence’s medieval walls, lived the greatest painters of the time – Michelangelo, da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli to name but a few. The latter’s legendary work

The birth of Venus painted between 1484 and 1486 depicts the goddess Venus being blown ashore on a giant clamshell by the gods of wind. No visit to Florence is complete without soaking up some masterpieces in the Uffizi and this is one of them.

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mft

8 days from only £1,299pp

Signature tour also available

The Starry Night

Vincent Van Gogh’s produced his most popular painting, The Starry Night whilst at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, where he’d committed himself in 1889. The painting is thought to reflect his turbulent state of mind, as the night sky is brought to life with the frenetically applied strokes of his brush. Whilst the picture hangs in New York’s Modern Art Museum inspiration for many of Van Gogh’s most famous work came from the Provencal landscape, in particular the medieval city of Arles.

Timeless Provence tour

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mpr

8 days from £1,389pp

Signature tour also available

Las Meninas

One of the most analysed works of art in the world because of the questions it raises about reality and illusion, Diego Velázquez’s ‘snapshot’ depicts five-year-old Infanta Margaret Theresa, daughter of Spanish King Philip IV, surrounded by her ladies in waiting. It hangs resplendent in the Prado in Madrid, one of Europe’s finest art collections and a must if you’re spending time in the Spanish capital. Described as the artist’s supreme work, it is one of the most important paintings ever produced in the Western world.

Madrid, Salamanca & Toledo tour

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/msm

7 days from only £999pp

Signature tour also available

Florence & Tuscany tour

Arles

Diego Velázquez statue

The Night Watch

Colossal and dramatic, the use of shadow, light and motion in Rembrandt’s iconic masterpiece makes it one of the most imposing paintings you’ll ever view. Painted in 1642 at the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the canvas was in fact trimmed in 1715 so that it would fit between two doors in Amsterdam’s city hall! Today this military masterpiece graces the walls of the superb Rijksmuseum, and art buff or not, you’re sure to be wowed by its magnificence.

Amsterdam, Kinderdijk & the Dutch Bulbfields river cruise Departures in April 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcb

5 days from £999pp

Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s spectacular fresco in the Sistine Chapel is considered one of the best examples of Renaissance art in the world. Nine scenes from the Book of Genesis are exquisitely depicted as well as other scenes from the Old Testament. The ceiling forms part of the Vatican Museums with more than 20,000 exhibits including works from the Catholic Church’s collection and the papacy throughout the centuries.

Impression, sunrise

The Musée Marmottan Monet, located in Paris, is where you’ll find both Impressionist and Post Impressionist Paintings by Claude Monet and his other contemporaries. Amongst them you can enjoy his most famous painting, Impression, sunrise, in all its glory. Produced in a single seating in 1872, it captures colours and light of ships anchored in Le Havre, his hometown, during the glorious dawn. Monet fans can immerse themselves in more of the artist’s works and the inspiration for pieces such as Waterlilies, with a visit to his charming house and garden at Giverny.

Paris tour

Departures up to December 2023 & March to December 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/me

4 days from £419pp

Monet’s Garden

Classic Italy tour

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mit

8 days from only £1,299pp

Signature tour also available

Signature tour also available Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam

Destination

Dubrovnik

24 hours in Croatia’s crown jewel

There’s a very good reason why this historic and beautiful city on the Dalmatian coast draws visitors like a magnet. Having shot to fame as one of the locations in Game of Thrones, if you’ve not yet had chance to tick the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ off your bucket-list, then it’s time to get acquainted with Dubrovnik. Its city walls loom proudly over an azure sea, the

luminous limestone of its main street glistens and its curious alleys and shady piazzas provides the perfect setting to explore and unwind. Whether you’re visiting on a landbased tour with us or it’s a port of call on your luxury yacht cruise, here’s how to spend a wonderful 24 hours discovering Dubrovnik.

Whilst there’s a lot to see, you’ll find the most important sights as you amble through the compact old town, but one of the best ways to orientate yourself is by walking the city’s mighty walls. At its height Dubrovnik’s importance rivalled Venice and Naples, and its fascinating past is a tale of battles and sieges, the most recent during the fall of Yugoslavia in the 1990s during which the city famously endured a seven-month siege. These perfectly preserved fortifications, built between the 13th and 17th centuries stretch for 1.2 miles but set aside a couple of hours to enjoy the route with time to take a break at the café halfway round. Enter the old town through the huge Pile City Gate, the main city entrance. The gates are overlooked by two huge forts: Minčeta Fort from the north is considered one of the most striking in the world, symbol of the city with magnificent views far out to sea. Bokar Fort from the south, its mighty walls built to defend the city from the ravages of the Adriatic, is beautiful inside and out and well worth a visit too.

amble soaking up the ambience. Stop to take in the Italianate ambience of the Luža square, its history resonating all around as the bronze bell tolls from the soaring tower. Packed with medieval and renaissance buildings, there’s more than one photo opportunity herethe majestic cathedral, Church of St. Blaise, the elegant arched windows of the Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace, once also a prison, encircle the huge column of Orlando, a medieval knight said to have saved the city from invaders carved into the stonework.

Follow your nose through the network of cool alleys, with tucked away shops and cafés to enjoy. Cool off with a glass of local white wine perhaps or if you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into black risotto, flavoured with squid ink or ‘green stew’, a traditional rustic dish with meat, potatoes and cabbage.

Peter, June 2023

Take time to soak in the panoramic views of the old town and the sea on a cable ride up Mount Srd to the Imperial Fortess, the ground floor now a museum with exhibits relating to the civil war. Later you might fancy a refreshing dip at Buza beach, overlooked by its legendary cliff edge bar where you can watch the sunset, or simply wander back through the old town enjoying its magical ambience. l

Explore this exquisite city on our tour to Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast, Montenegro’s Riviera & Dubrovnik for solo travellers or our superb collection of Adriatic yacht cruises.

Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast tour

Once inside the old town, stop to pause at the beautiful Onofrio Fountain, as well as the medieval Franciscan Monastery; built in the 14th century, within its striking Gothic and Romanesque architecture you’ll find a pharmacy museum and a world-renowned collection of ancient manuscripts. Stroll on along the most famous street of all, Stradun. Paved with gleaming limestone, it’s the street that never sleeps, lined with shops, galleries and restaurants, and there’s often lively performances from street entertainers as you

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mcd

8 days from only £1,599pp

Signature tour also available

Dubrovnik, Split & Jewels of the Dalmatian Coast yacht cruise

Departures up to October 2023 and May to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mmyd

8 days from only £1,689pp

“Everything was as described - the Tour Manager and driver were first class, and we had a great time.”

Minčeta Fort

Stradun

Cable car

Black risotto

Rivers of gold

Enjoy an autumn cruise in 2023

The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is often the best time of year to travel so why not make this autumn something special by setting sail on one of our fivestar European river cruises. Whether it’s the comfortable temperatures associated with late summer, the rosy September light or the crisper October mornings, an autumn cruise somewhere wonderful could be the perfect excuse to give yourself a boost before winter arrives!

Whichever river cruise you decide on for your autumn escape, the chances are you’ll still enjoy plenty of good weather to make the very most of your time ashore – not to mention the chance to enjoy some much-needed lazy moments relaxing on the top deck and taking in the views.

Luxury awaits aboard our five - star ships

On our five-star luxury European river cruises you’ll enjoy your most relaxing holiday ever, with included guided tours and visits every day. Dine in style, enjoying an impeccable service and imaginative menus, showcasing the chefs’ skill and flair. Unwind in outside cabins with plenty of space to spread out, some with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows or private balconies, where you can sit enjoying the colours of autumn as the river scenery slips past.

We felt so relaxed (and pampered!)

– exactly what we had hoped for!”

Marilyn, Rhine Cruise to Switzerland, June 2023

Sun Deck – MS Oscar Wilde

Diamond Deck Suite – MS Oscar Wilde

Magnificent

autumn scenery

The mighty Rhine, swathed in myth and legend, and one of Europe’s most important and picturesque waterways is a long-established favourite for a classic river cruise. After the summer bustle, take in its historic cities, legendary landmarks and medieval towns, plus a host of fairy-tale castles and vineyards strewn along its majestic course.

During the autumn season you can experience the idyllic pastures of the Moselle, and the twists and turns of the Rhine Gorge in a blaze of golden hues at this colourful time of year. Discover the ancient cities of Trier with its Roman legacy and Koblenz where 2000 years of history unfolds its picturesque streets and squares. Without the crowds there’s time to dawdle in Colmar’s intriguing antique shops tucked away in timber-framed buildings unchanged in centuries or take in Strasbourg’s cathedral and Petite Quarter, as you stroll the cobbled canal paths soaking up the ambience in the autumn sunshine.

The Rhine

Rüdesheim

First river cruise was very relaxing with lots of places to see and visit. The ship was like a five-star hotel – the food was excellent...”

David, Rhine & Moselle river cruise, November 2022

Soak up the sights without the cr owds

Set sail in France amongst the verdant landscapes of the Rhône Valley, as it weaves through chalk-faced gorges and vine-clad hillsides of the north, past medieval towns, lavender fields and cider orchards to the south. You’ll enjoy these sun-baked vistas plus a good dose of joie de vivre from the comfort of your sun lounger up on deck or chatting with friends over coffee in the lounge watching the river world idly drifting by. What could be more relaxing!

In the autumn months you’ll experience the rich colours of the region’s famed vineyards and warm tones of medieval towns like Avignon and Arles, in the heart of Provencal countryside that inspired Van Gogh. Visit the foodie paradise of Lyon with its wealth of Renaissance buildings and imposing churches. And make time to enjoy a little café culture on Europe’s largest pedestrian square.

Set your self up for winter

Imagine a low October sun setting over the imperial domes of Budapest’s brooding skyline and its imperial grandeur as you take in the panoramic vistas from the ship’s sun deck, or the soaring Gothic spires of Cologne’s cathedral over an aperitif in the lounge.

An autumn cruise is the perfect way to take in the sights in the utmost style and comfort, allowing you to recharge and reset before winter arrives!

Soak up the ambience of Rüdesheim’s crooked streets or stroll the elegant boulevards of Salzburg. What could be better than whiling away a balmy afternoon in the gardens of the Mirabell Palace or Vienna’s genteel cafés? l

With limited availability this year, book now to secure your preferred departure. Discover our collection of autumn cruises at rivieratravel.co.uk/mrc

Burgundy

Budapest

A GOOD READ

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim

This best-selling mindfulness guide by renowned Buddhist and meditation expert, teaches us whilst the world moves fast, it doesn’t mean we have to. A perfect holiday read, its wise advice reminds us of the importance of slowing down and enjoying time to reflect, for our inner peace and well-being amid the overwhelming demands of everyday life.

Fan of the physical page or audio book enthusiast, many of us use our holiday to catch up on some reading. Books transport us to distant shores and other worlds without even leaving the house – but the very best ones inspire us to experience those places for ourselves too. Here’s a few page-turners to satisfy your wanderlust and get you dreaming of pastures new.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

One of the most read books in recent history, if you haven’t yet, it’s one to put on your list. The story follows a young shepherd boy from Spain who, after a recurring dream, embarks on a journey seeking treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. It’s a classic novel of love, ambition and self-discovery.

Classical Spain

Departures up to November 2023 and March to November 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mcs

7 days from only £889pp

Signature tour also available

Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris

Winner of several prizes, this debut work is an enthralling travelogue and memoir of the author’s journey by bicycle along the legendary Silk Road. Through its examination of the stories borders tell, and the restrictions they place on nature and humanity, it’s a thought-provoking account which dares us to challenge the limits we place on ourselves and the natural world – as well as reminding us of the existential need we have to explore.

The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel

Set in Lisbon in 1904, this is a fascinating tale of Tomás, a young academic researcher following the recent loss of several members of his family. He discovers an old journal which hints at the existence of an extraordinary artifact that if found, would redefine history. A story about grief and both our physical and emotional reactions to it, he sets out on a journey into Portugal’s high mountains in search of this strange treasure.

Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley Departures up to October 2023 and April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mpo

8 days from only £1,299pp

Signature tour also available

The Road Less Travelled by Bill Bryson

A handy guide to avoid the crowds and the well-worn tourist trail, and instead discover the lesser-known wonders of the world. If you’re looking for something different, this is a beautifully illustrated book revealing some of the world’s best off-the-beaten-track sights, experiences and destinations we should consider for our next trip.

Wonders of Jordan with Red Sea Beach Stay Departures February to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mjs

12 days from only £2,299pp

TOUR

The Silk Road Departures up to October 2023 and February to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/muz

11 days from only £2,749pp

Uzbekistan

Paris Echo by Sebastian Faulks

Set in 2006, this tale of injustice and betrayal follows Hannah, a thirtyone-year-old American post-doctoral researcher looking into the lives of women during the German Occupation of Paris in 1940-44, and Tariq, a nineteen-year-old Moroccan in search of adventure. Faulks’ affection for the city shines through, taking the reader back in time as both main characters fight to preserve their integrity and their sanity, and find their future shaped by the lives of the dead - the ghosts lurking around every corner of the capital’s beautiful avenues.

The Seine, Paris & Normandy river cruise

Departures up to October 2023 and April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcp

8 days from only £1,649pp

Solo departures also available

All the Lights We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

A heart-warming story of a young French girl and a German orphan boy whose lives collide whilst trying to survive the devastating effects of the Second World War. From Paris under Nazi occupation to the historic walled city of Saint-Malo and a mining town in rural Germany, it illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. If you enjoy the book, look out for the TV drama series to be released later this year.

Paris

Departures up to December 2023 and March to December 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/me

4 days from only £419pp

Signature tour also available

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town by Paul Theroux

Through bush and desert, down rivers and across lakes, Theroux visits some of the most beautiful and dangerous landscapes on earth on a journey of discovery and of rediscovery. The ultimate safari, he experiences the people and places he knew as a young teacher forty years before, finding contentment in the simplest of pleasures along the way.

South Africa

Departures up to November 2023 and January to November 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/msa

16 days from only £2,999pp Signature tour also available

A Woman Alone: Travel Tales from Around the Globe edited by Faith Conlon, Ingrid Emerick and Christina Henry de Tessan

For those of us who’ve always wanted to try solo travel but haven’t yet dared, this book is for you. Applying rationale to the what ifs that can often deter us from taking the plunge and going it alone, this book is an insightful and humorous read. This collection of tales from thrill-seeking female travellers provides a funny, exciting, occasionally terrifying, but ultimately transformative series of accounts as they navigate some of the most unusual destinations on the planet.

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

Almost immediately after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years is terminally ill, they also lose their home and livelihood. Remarkably they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the Southwest Coast Path, from Somerset

to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall. Where hope overcomes despair, this life-affirming true story reminds us of the healing power of the natural world.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Another funny read from this renowned travel writer who fell in love with the driest, flattest, hottest, most infertile and climatically aggressive of all the inhabited continents, Australasia. Highlighting the extrovert, quick-witted people, safe, clean cities, excellent food and cold beer, all in almost wall-towall sunshine, it’s sure to inspire you to travel to the other side of the world.

The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca by

Tahir Shah

Hilarious and harrowing, this is the entertaining story of one family’s fascinating move from London to the sun-baked city of Casablanca. From Tangier to Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert, we follow the author on his travels in this exotic country, where Islamic tradition and African folklore converge and watch the family as they cope with a new culture and all that comes with it.

Imperial Cities of Morocco

Departures up to November 2023 and February to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mim

8 days from only £1,199pp

The Lost City of Z by David Grann

The famous British explorer Fawcett obsessively explored the Amazon for years in search of a civilisation he christened the City of Z. In 1925, Fawcett headed into the wilderness with his son Jack, vowing to make history but they vanished without trace. For the next 80 years, explorers scoured the jungle trying to find evidence of both the city and what happened. Some died in the process whilst others simply disappeared. Here the author unravels one of the greatest mysteries of exploration.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed the Andes in Peru and ‘discovered’ the famed archaeological site. While history has subsequently cast doubt on his achievements, this is the story of the author’s decision as inexperienced adventurer to retrace the explorer’s perilous path. Never even having slept in a tent, Adams’ acclaimed account will thrill all as he travels through these remote and historic hills in search of the truth.

Peru with Amazon

Departures up to October 2023 and April to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mpuj

16 days from only £3,949pp

Signature tour also available

Machu Picchu, Peru

India’s Golden Triangle & Mumbai with Goa Beach Stay

Departures February to December 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mig

14 days from only £2,599pp

Goa

Budapest

Prague

Lisbon

Alaska

The Douro, Porto & Salamanca river cruise with Lisbon extension

Departures up to November 2023 and March to November 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mrco

11 days from only £2,328 pp

The best holidays are always over far too soon so when you book a Riviera holiday, we’ll do all we can to make sure you get the most out of your time away. Lose yourself in the bright lights of some of Europe’s best city break destinations, enjoy a land-based tour packed with fascinating visits and experiences at the end of your river cruise, or simply kick back and relax with a fabulous beach stay. From a spectacular Alaskan cruise or an overnight pre-flight stay, we can now offer a variety of options which allow you to extend your holiday, ensuring it’s something special and just right for you!

Explore more

Top your river cruise off in style with a few more days away on one of our 3-night extension tours, staying in carefully selected hotels. After cruising the Rhône, relax on the shores of sparkling Lake Geneva with its chic lakeside towns and experience the thrill of the Golden Pass, one of the world’s most scenic mountain rail journeys. After the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland, add a few days in the heart of alpine scenery and experience an unforgettable adventure on the iconic Glacier Express railway. Considering a Douro cruise? Then why not immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours of Lisbon with a 3-night extension tour taking in this vibrant Portuguese capital. Cruise the legendary Danube with us and then enjoy the Czech capital, Prague, with its picture-perfect streets, ancient stone bridge and stunning skyline or Budapest, one of Hungary’s most spectacular imperial cities with the royal palace of Gödöllő, Hungary’s ‘Versailles’. rivieratravel.co.uk/mrc-extend

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

Departures up to September 2023 and May to September 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mcac

16 days from only £4,699pp

Europe’s best cities

If you fancy a little more time to unwind and reflect after your river cruise, but all at your own pace - why not opt for a City Stay? Add some extra joie de vivre to your holiday as you stroll the banks of the Seine in Paris perhaps, with time to take in a museum or two, or dine in style in Lyon as you sample its world-renowned gastronomy! From Cologne to Vienna, Basel to Marseilles, we’ve picked ten must-see cities. Available across our full range of classic river cruises, opt for a 3-night stay in a hand-picked hotel with all breakfasts, return flights and transfers included, and we’ll take care of all the details. rivieratravel.co.uk/mrc-extend

On the beach

White sand, fringed by tropical palms and a clear turquoise sea…what could be better than enjoying a few days completely unwinding on some of the world’s most remarkable beaches at the end of your tour. If you’re travelling further afield with us, we’ve got a range of brand new beach stays in hand-picked hotels to tempt you to holiday for just a little bit longer!

Discover Vietnam’s vast beaches at Da Nang where you can soak up the sun and the laid-back coastal vibes, or Goa, where you can take in plenty more of India’s cultural history as well as its mind-blowing seafood! rivieratravel.co.uk/mbeach

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

Push the boat out

If you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or a very special birthday, why not treat yourself to an extra adventure whilst you’re exploring the globe and turn your holiday into something extraordinary? Take a trip through Canada including a ride through its world-famous scenery on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, then top it off with a cruise through the unspoilt landscapes of Alaska’s last great wilderness. rivieratravel.co.uk/mcac

16 days from £4,699pp

Departures up to September 2023 & May to September 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mcac

Airport hotels

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ALL THINGS WILD AND WONDERFUL

The best African experiences for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers and travellers looking to get up close with some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems…

Kenya

Think of safari and one African country always springs to mind: Kenya. Here amongst the open grasslands stretching into the hazy horizon, the acacia trees providing shady retreat and lakes teeming with birdlife, you’ll find the home of safari. Famed for the Big Five, Kenya has all this and more, and a journey to this wildlife wonder won’t disappoint.

The Maasai Mara and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania form Africa’s most diverse ecosystem hosting over 95 animal species. The Maasai Mara is home to Kenya’s famous big cats – lions, cheetahs, spotted hyenas and jackals can all be sighted here, plus rhino and crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and buffalo. If you visit from late July to October, you may witness The Great Wildebeest

Migration sighting in which more than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate to Maasai Mara in search of water and pasture.

Located between the lush highlands of southern Kenya and the deserts in the north you’ll find Buffalo Springs Reserve and Samburu Reserve. Divided by the Ewaso Ngiri river, travellers come in search of the Samburu Special Five:

Grévy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx, as well as the rare giraffe. In fact, the reserve is one of the few areas left in the world where these graceful creatures can still be found. If you’re lucky you’ll also spot the maneless lion (native to this region), leopard, cheetah and elephants – and there are over 350 species of birds to spot too, including greyheaded kingfisher, cobalt blue breasted vulturine

guineafowl, lilac-breasted roller, red-billed hornbill, secretary bird, Verreaux’s eagle, Egyptian vulture and the endangered Abyssinian ground hornbill. Lake Nakuru National Park, a designated park since 1972, is home to a shallow lake and the perfect location to enjoy a game drive. The lake is located within the Great Rift Valley of Kenya and was created by volcanic activity from nearby Mount Longonot. Here you’ll find a wide variety of different species in their natural habitat, including zebra, gazelle, buffalo, waterbuck, Rothschild’s giraffe, rhinoceros, and a wealth of birdlife including flamboyant crowds of flamingos grazing on the algae that grow here. At Lake Naivasha you can take a guided nature walk at Crescent Island, a privately owned game sanctuary boasting more animals per acre than any other Kenyan park and the shores host abundant birdlife including pelicans, cormorants and fish-eagles.

South Africa

At Riviera we’ve been taking guests to this ‘world in one country’ since 2008. It was one of the first long haul destinations we offered to the African continent – and with its incredible wildlife experiences, scenery, superb food, winelands, climates ranging from Mediterranean to desert and a fascinating

history and cultural heritage, it firmly deserves its reputation as a world-class holiday destination.

South Africa’s wildlife is arguably the finest on earth and Kruger National Park is famed the world over. Home to 150 mammals and 500 bird species, the thrill of seeing its ‘big five’ – elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo in the flesh, all in one place, is an extraordinary experience that very few places can replicate. Be it a 4x4 vehicle game drive in the magical half-light of an African dawn or a night safari, in search of big cats and elephants by spotlight, or a microlight flight over the bush, there’s a whole host of once-in-a-lifetime holiday moments to savour here!

Experienced game rangers know the best waterholes whilst their wealth of knowledge will fascinate and amuse ensuring an experience to remember.

To feel fully immersed in the wonder of Kruger, you’ll also find opportunities to stay the night at a tented camp and venture on a guided bushwalk. It’s an unforgettable experience to be in this remarkable environment with the chance to sit around the campfire at night, listening out for nocturnal visitors!

Travel through the Cape’s beautiful winelands to Hermanus, a town that is the world’s best spot for

on-shore whale-watching. Arrive here between July and November and you’re likely to see these gentle giants move in seemingly permanent slow motion – a truly amazing sight as they playfully cut through the water. Enjoy breathtaking seascapes at the Cape of Good Hope, pristine beaches and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.

Botswana

From river safaris to game drives and fishing for tigerfish, there’s plenty of wildlife experiences on offer in this remarkable country. Despite the Kalahari Desert taking up 70% of its territory, Botswana, one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, is also home to rich areas of grasslands, savannas, marshes, lush floodplains and dense woodlands. It’s no wonder then that its wildlife is also phenomenal. Blue wildebeest, big cats, antelopes, hippos, zebras and African wild dogs all roam freely here, as well as the world’s largest concentration of Kalahari elephants. At the very heart of this natural paradise you’ll find the vast, protected Chobe National Park. There is simply nothing to beat the feeling of excited anticipation of a game drive in the half light of an African dawn, accompanied by a unique ‘dawn chorus.’ Using specially

adapted 10-seater opensided safari vehicles, you can experience all that this legendary park has to offer - big cats, giraffe and elephants - in a huge reserve of over 10,500 unfenced square kilometres. The variety of wildlife is extraordinary - beautiful impala, monkeys, warthogs, kudu, even leopards if you’re lucky! The birdlife is also superb, with darting pied kingfishers, African skimmers, ibis, ground hornbills and a variety of brilliantly coloured bee-eaters all making their home here.

Experiencing the park from the water is also not to be missed, and a boat safari operates along the Chobe river allowing cruisers to see at first-hand what makes this National Park so special. Home to the world’s largest concentration of protected elephants, well over 100,000 of them, sightings of these magnificent creatures, alongside hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles are virtually guaranteed all year round. During the dry season (August-November), witness the elephants congregating along the shore for their daily drink – a truly awesome game viewing experience! It’s the most moving sight to watch these powerful mammals interacting with each other – playing, bathing and splashing in the water, against the multihued backdrop of an African sunset. l

9 days from £2,999pp

With Samburu extension:

12 days from £4,599pp

Departures February to September 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mkes

For world-class wildlife, discover South Africa: 16 days from £2,999pp with Rovos Rail extension: 19 days from £5,799pp

Departures up to November 2023 & January to November 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/msa

11 days from £4,099pp

Departures up to November 2023 & January to November 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mbo

Brand new for 2024, discover our tour to Kenya: Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara Safari:

Cruise the Zambezi with hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the waters plus Boulders Beach to meet Africa’s only penguin colony on our Victoria Falls, Botswana Safari & Cape Town tour:

Take 5 in Vienna

Think of Vienna and as well as it’s waltz, whirls and world-famous Ferris wheel, you’re likely to imagine its imperial façades, tree-lined boulevards, and refined café culture. Straddling the banks of the iconic Danube, its palaces, elegant architecture, and an artistic and musical heritage famed the world over, ensures the Austrian capital is a must-see. As well as a host of museums and world class art, the world’s oldest zoo, and plenty of scope for shopping and dining along the lively Graben, Vienna has something for all. Find out just how impressive this capital is on our European river cruises –and here’s our pick of what you’ll find when you get there…

Stroll the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens

With over 1400 rooms the 17th-century Schönbrunn Palace is one of the country’s most important architectural and historical treasures. Rococo in style and modelled on Versailles, this UNESCO world heritage site is crammed with authentic furnishings, antiques and artwork and claims the longest orangery in the world at 189 metres! Initially a hunting lodge, it was the summer residence of the Habsburgs and as you wander the state rooms and private apartments, admiring the ornate

Sachertorte

Schönbrunn Palace Gardens

Lipizzaner horses

Kunsthistorisches Museum

décor, furniture and china, you’ll enjoy an insight in the opulent lifestyle of this famous royal dynasty. Over one square kilometre of beautifully maintained gardens including a palm house, maze and rose garden surround the palace, and you can easily while away the hours exploring amongst the sculptures, fountains, clipped hedges and perfect lawns. Take an uphill walk to the arcaded Gloriette for amazing views.

Delve into the past at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

Containing priceless collections spanning five millennia, lose yourself in one of the world’s most important museums. See the impressive art and armoury collections of the Habsburgs, treasures from Ancient Egypt, classical antiquities as well as the imperial crown. Art fans will be wowed by a host of major works by Raphael, Titian and Velazquez – as well as the world’s largest collection of Bruegel’s paintings. If that wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, you’ll also find impressive collections of books, coins and carriages on view, plus an extensive selection of antique musical instruments.

Be wowed by the views from St Stephen’s Cathedral

Dating back to the 12th century, the soaring spires and colourful tiled roof of the Stephansdom ensures it’s Vienna’s best-known landmark and the symbol of the city. The dramatic roof features 230,000 glazed tiles in striking patterns. On one side the mosaics feature the image of a double-headed eagle — the symbol of the Austrian empire when it was ruled by the Habsburgs; on the other, two eagles, each with only one head and carrying coats of arms represent the City of Vienna and the Republic of Austria. The roof is particularly steep – rarely covered in snow and the rain runs easily off the tiles to keep them incredibly clean. Climb the 500 foot tall South Tower for the most incredible views over the city’s rooftops and you won’t be disappointed.

Horses at the Hofburg

The Vienna Hofburg was the centre of the Habsburg empire for centuries and where the family lived, worked and ruled. Today this impressive palace complex houses three museums with vast collections of art, furniture, silverware and the Imperial Treasury to peruse, and you can also wander through the private apartments of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth to take a glimpse at what life was like for this powerful family. But what you’ll also find at the Hofburg is the world-famous Spanish Riding School, home to the white Lipizzaner horses. This is the only institution in the world where for over 450 years, these impeccably trained horses

perform classical dressage to the highest order. If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a performance, it’s a once in a lifetime experience to watch these graceful creatures and their extraordinary riders in action.

Savour the Sachertorte!

Vienna’s Café Sacher hardly needs an introduction. Here in the most exquisite period setting, with polished brass, the tinkling of fine china on marble topped tables, and a truly refined ambience, you can while away the hours over coffee and cakes as the Viennese have done for centuries. Sachertorte, the most famous of all is a dense chocolate cake, filled with a thin layer of apricot jam and covered in a dark chocolate icing. Each slice is served with an official chocolate seal of approval reading “Hotel Sacher Wien” and a dollop of whipped cream on the side adds the finishing touch. The story goes that in 1832, Franz Sacher, a young apprentice working in the kitchen of Prince Wenzel von Metternich, a 19th-century foreign minister, was tasked with preparing a dessert to impress important guests when the head chef fell ill. It is written that it was in fact the son of Franz Sacher who later went on to perfect his father’s recipe, but whatever its origins, the final result is delicious and shouldn’t be missed whilst exploring the city! l

Discover Vienna on our European river cruises...

Cruise the Heart of Europe river cruise Departures up to September 2023 & May to September 2024

15 days from £2,469pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mrce

The Blue Danube river cruise Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024

8 days from £1,519pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcd

View from St Stephen’s Cathedral

Kick back and relax...

Travelling to the four corners of the world is exciting, exploring far flung places, exhilarating. Discovering the exotic and the unfamiliar takes both our minds as well as our bodies somewhere new, so we’ve listened to what you told us. You love the thoughtful balance of our carefully crafted tours, packed with fascinating visits and tours to really make the most of your time away; but when it’s over, sometimes you just want to slow the pace with time to reflect on all that you’ve seen and experienced.

New for 2024 we’ve added a collection of serene beach stays, so you can kick back and relax in a selection of hand-picked hotels in some of the world’s most idyllic coastal locations. At the end of your holiday, spend a few more days doing your own thing, in your own time; sample the local cuisine, take in the coastal scenery or laze in the sunshine, the choice will be all yours. Whatever you do, you’ll return home completely recharged. Now that’s what we really call a holiday.

India’s Golden Triangle & Mumbai with Goa Beach Stay

Known for its rich history, vibrant culture and tantalising spices, India never ceases to enchant. Visit the three cities known as the ‘Golden Triangle’ - New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Maharajas, watch the dawn mist rise over the Taj Mahal and discover India’s busiest market bazaars. Then unwind on the beach in the serene coastal region of South Goa.

With its exotic sandy beaches, superb seafood and lush greenery, Goa is a world-famous resort. Occupied by the Portuguese for over 400 years, in South Goa you’ll find an interesting fusion of Indian and Portuguese cultures with churches and temples rich in history. The UNESCO World Heritage Monument of the Basilica of Bom Jesus is well-worth a visit and make time to wander the streets of Panjim City, admiring the Portuguese houses and public buildings. Treat yourself with a upgraded hotel set in extensive gardens, and recharge in the spa or pool, or enjoy a round of golf on the nine-hole green.

14 days from £2,599pp | Departures February to December 2024 | rivieratravel.co.uk/mig

Vietnam & Ha Long Bay Cruise with Da Nang Beach Stay

Rich in history, with stunning natural landscapes and flavourful cuisine, North Vietnam is something special. Experience its pagodas and temples, charming small cities and white beaches, and journey back through time in Hanoi’s Old Town, where the colours and aromas of its street markets assault the sense. From the misty mountains and rice paddies of the northern lands to marvelling at the limestone karsts on a Ha Long Bay cruise, you’ll be ready to top it all off with a few relaxing days on the beautiful beaches of Da Nang. Swim in the calm blue waters here and dry off on long stretches of golden sand. Spend your evenings sampling the local cuisine in atmospheric bars and restaurants along the shore.

14 days from £2,999pp | Departures April to September 2024 | rivieratravel.co.uk/mvd

Goa

Da Nang

Goa

Slow the pace...

Wonders of Jordan with Red Sea Beach Stay

Jordan sits at the heart of the ancient world. This region, known as the Cradle of Civilisation, is crammed with remnants of the past with astonishing landscapes and monuments. Follow in the footsteps of Romans in Jerash. Experience the natural phenomenon of floating in the Dead Sea, and visit the biblical site of Mount Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land. From the legendary Lost City of Petra to the magnificent cliffs and stone buttresses rising from the sea of red sand in Wadi Rum, you’ll find a wealth of spectacular sightseeing here. At the end of your holiday, recharge by heading to the beaches at Aqaba, on the tranquil shores of the Red Sea.

12 days from £2,299pp | Departures February to October 2024 | rivieratravel.co.uk/mjs

Sri Lankan Highlights with Indian Ocean Beach Stay

The fertile plains, colourful towns and fragrant cuisine of Sri Lanka draw visitors in search of its architecture, history and food. Once described by Marco Polo as ‘the finest island in the world’, Sri Lanka is renowned for its countryside and ancient ruins. Visit its most famous historical landmarks like Sigiriya Rock, climb to Lipton’s viewpoint seat for stunning views, and enjoy a Galle tour with local experts before relaxing on the golden beaches of the East Coast.

Passikudah is the perfect spot for a laid-back stay. You’ll find some of the island’s most pristine and peaceful beaches close to this picturesque, traditional fishing village, so whether you’re looking to explore amongst its historic streets, soak up the sunshine or discover the colourful marine life with a spot of scuba diving, there’s plenty to enjoy.

14 days from £2,399pp | Departures April to August 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/msl

TOP TIP ...If you’re looking for some water sports, the beaches here are popular for windsurfing as well as scuba diving at the Yamanieh coral reef in the Aqaba Marine Park

Best of Malaysia with Langkawi Beach Stay

When you visit the jewel of Southeast Asia, with its dense jungle, historical monuments and futuristic cities, you’ll also find its Malays, Indian, Chinese and Hindu influences around every corner. Experience Malaysia’s history through its colonial cities of Malacca and Kuala Lumpur where the influences of the British, Portuguese and Dutch can still be seen. Its aromatic, spicy cuisine is hard to beat whilst its people are said to be some of Asia’s friendliest and most tolerant.

Head to the stunning archipelago of Langkawi off Malaysia’s northwest coast, with its renowned white sand beaches and clear waters. It’s the perfect spot for reflecting on all you have seen as you laze in the sunshine on Pantai Tengah, this beautiful island’s longest stretch of beach or simply enjoy the local hospitality and hotel facilities. Enjoy an atmospheric dinner cruise or experience a memorable sunset amongst the stillness of Langkawi’s mangrove forest.

14 days from £2,599pp | Departures March to November 2024 | rivieratravel.co.uk/mla

Aqaba

A life-affirming journey into one of the most beautiful ecosystems on earth is a dream holiday fulfilled when you cruise the unspoilt landscapes of this subarctic state of the United States. As you cruise alongside some of the world’s most dramatic shorelines on a ship specifically designed for sailing in Alaska’s environment, you’ll encounter glaciers, magnificent mountain ranges, an abundance of bird and wildlife, glistening lakes, fjords and lush forests.

The most striking feature of Alaska is the sense of isolation and tranquillity. People are a rarity, with few settlements; the land is not farmed and the forests, seemingly, unmanaged! Alaska’s natural wonders have ensured it’s high on many people’s bucket list and it’s one of the few places in which travellers can experience nature in the raw.

For better weather and the most sunlight, cruises to Alaska generally operate during the summer months, from early May to mid-September. Set sail from Vancouver, cruising through

Together with our partners Holland America Line and Air Canada, escape to the last great wilderness on an Alaskan cruise adventure

the legendary Inside Passage, a natural channel stretching hundreds of miles from Puget Sound, Washington, through the British Columbia coast and into the Gulf of Alaska.

With more than 1,000 scenic islands, fjords, inlets and idyllic coves along Alaska’s southeast coast, you’ll find the scenery constantly changing – from wide bays scattered with barrier islands to narrow stretches flanked by high forested walls. You’ll certainly need your camera to hand as you cruise these pristine waters!

Sunrise in Ketchikan

Holland America Line’s MS Koningsdam

Tracy Arm Inlet

The 30-mile-long Tracy Arm inlet forms part of the 23,000 square kilometres of wilderness sheltered by the USA’s vast Tongass National Forest. Sheer granite cliffs and glacier-covered mountains flank this breathtaking fjord, while at its mouth, trees hug the shoreline. Sail further up to encounter the twin Sawyer Glaciers, where freezing water and huge icy chunks flow from the peaks down to the sea. Surrounded by a barren landscape, reminiscent of the last Ice Age, it’s not unusual to see harbour seals resting on the ice floes!

Juneau

Juneau is the state capital of Alaska, and one of the most naturally beautiful. You’ll find a wide variety of things to do from here, ranging from flying to a glacier by helicopter and dog-sledding with teams of huskies, to whalewatching, kayaking, partaking in a typical Alaskan salmon bake, fly fishing

by sea plane and a variety of hikes in the surrounding area. Marvel at the views from Mount Roberts Tramway or capture some images at the breathtaking Nugget Falls. Perhaps take a trip to the 2000-feet deep Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most awe-inspiring in the area.

Glacier Bay National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Glacier Bay Park and Preserve covers more than 5,000 square miles. Marvel at the landscapes and the mountain peaks, ice-sculptured fjords, and over 50 named glaciers. With eight actively calving glaciers, more than anywhere else on Earth, access to this amazing spectacle is strictly controlled by the US Parks Service. Surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks of the Fairweather Range, the nutrient-rich waters teem with salmon and humpback whales, whilst several species of bears, moose, blacktail deer, and mountain goats inhabit the shoreline.

David, Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise, August 2022

Skagway

This historic gateway to the Klondike was originally a lawless tented city during the gold rush days of the 1890s. Once home to saloons, dance halls and gambling houses, step back in time as you take a walk through the town’s historic centre whilst the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park has thousands of historic photos and archaeological artefacts from the period to enjoy. What makes Skagway unique is that it’s the start of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad and there are a number of excursions that include a ride on the restored carriages of this 100-year old route through the Alaskan wilderness. Helicopter rides for more stunning glacier sightseeing are also on offer.

Ketchikan

The small fishing town of Ketchikan lies in the southernmost part of the state, encircled by deep fjords and lush forests, and it’s a delight to wander its picturesque waterfront soaking up the views. Enjoy a tour to the 40-acre Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary to view bald eagles and black bears. Visit the totem poles at Totem Bight State Park and Potlatch Totem Park or journey via seaplane into the glacier-carved wilderness at the Misty Fiords National Monument. In the remote Tongass National Forest – a perfect environment, only accessible by air, you’ll be able to spot bears fishing for salmon. You can also try your hand at sea kayaking, salmon fishing, or for the really adventurous, a ‘zip-line’ descent through the forest canopy!

Glacier Bay National Park

Tracy Arm Inlet

Juneau

White Pass and Yukon Railroad

Well organised holiday. Very scenic and I would recommend Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise.

Departures up to September 2023 & May to September 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mcac

16 days from only £4,799pp

Our 7-night cruise with Holland America Line to Alaska is available as an extension when you travel on our Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer tour. The cruise includes two days at sea sailing the calm waters of the famed Inside Passage. Visit the historic ports of Skagway and Ketchikan, spend a whole day cruising the pristine waters of Glacier Bay and choose from a range of memorable onshore visits from glacier helicopter flights, bear and whale-watching, fishing, kayaking, hiking and even dog-sledding.

You’ll find the art of travel alive and well on board the MS Koningsdam.

The first of Holland America Line’s Pinnacle-class ships, the 2,650-passenger vessel was launched in 2016 and boasts more outside Ocean View and Verandah staterooms than most other ships in Alaska. Pull up a classic teak deck chair on the spectacular Promenade deck which runs right round the ship and soak up the dazzling vistas. Inside you’ll marvel at its stunning three-deck atrium whilst its light spacious public rooms, adorned with a wide variety of art and antiques sets a sophisticated tone.

There’s plenty to keep you busy too –a two-tier theatre, the Crow’s Nest observation lounge, a choice of bars,

Join any of our Canadian holidays and fly in style and comfort with Air Canada, Canada’s award-winning, flagship carrier. The largest Canadian airline and one of the founding members of the Star Alliance, its 400 planes serve 220 routes, and provide a direct service to six continents. One of the youngest, most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly airlines in the world, you can expect a professional, top-notch service as you cross the pond.

With complimentary beverages, imaginative menus and hours of entertainment at your fingertips via your personal entertainment centre, your comfort is assured as you sit back and relax. And for something extra special, if you’re looking to upgrade your flights, ask us about booking Premium Economy or Business Class seats for a true VIP experience. l

and the Explorer’s Lounge with its relaxed ambience and complimentary newspapers, books and internet to keep in touch. Enjoy some much needed me time in The Greenhouse Spa and hair salon with its steam room and ‘hydro’ pool.

From fine dining in the two-tier Vista restaurant you’ll be served creative five-course menus paired with an extensive wine list and impeccable service. There’s a host of other dining options too – from French, Italian and Pan-Asian restaurants – where you can sample cuisine from around the world, as well as the cosy Pinnacle Grill, serving dishes inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Daily Afternoon

Tea, complimentary hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour and late night snacks will stave off any hunger pangs – and there’s even a demonstration kitchen featuring gourmet cookery classes.

Spread out in spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms which all feature complimentary 24-hour room service, safe, minibar, flat-panel TVs with on-demand movies, bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels and Elemis bath products for a touch of luxury. A limited number of superb Verandah staterooms are available, but book early to ensure you’re sipping cocktails on your own private balcony!

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise

MS Koningsdam

Food

glorious food!

We appreciate the dining experience is an intrinsic part of your holiday and one of the most rewarding things about travelling is discovering and enjoying the cuisine. On board Riviera’s fivestar river cruise ships, whether it’s international or more local flavours that float your boat, perhaps sampling regional wines along the way too – you’ll find a first-class dining experience of the highest order is all part of the service.

Typical dinner menu

Poached egg on crisp frisée, Comté cheese, roasted walnuts and balsamic dressing

Marinated king prawns with Asian style noodles, curry sauce and root vegetables

Smoked halibut carpaccio, celery, leek and lemon salad

Consommé niçoise – vegetable broth, aubergine, courgette, bell pepper, pasta and pesto Beef tea royale – beef essence, root vegetables and Chester stick

Rosemary honey glazed duck breast, potato dauphinoise, apple red cabbage, star anise gravy

Pan fried fillet of sea bream, lemon butter sauce, orange fennel, risotto

Fried white asparagus, potato pearls, cress, sesame, strawberries, vegan lemon hollandaise sauce

Crème Brûlée Classique – vanilla crème brûlée and mint

Gratinated ice cream, warm cherries and pralines

Chocolate cheesecake with marinated berries

Coffee or tea

Local Flavou

Tartare of Dutch herring, pumpernickel bread, onion, sour cream and pickles

rs

“Nederlandse Schol” – Pan fried fillet of plaice, sautéed dill

cucumbers, buttered potatoes, Dutch North Sea shrimps, bacon and lemon butter sauce

“Haagse Bluff” – forest berries, biscuit, egg white

A bit of what you fancy

We’ve refreshed our on-board dining options to offer plenty of flexibility according to your requirements – and our experienced team will always do their utmost to cater for special dietary needs too. Enjoy buffet breakfasts each morning – with over 60 delicious options and your choice of eggs cooked to order, so they’re just how you like them. At lunchtime choose lighter salads from the buffet or a tasty dish from the pasta station. Or if you’re looking for something heartier, soup and a choice of main course, including local dishes will be served to your table. Still room for more? Then a tempting array of desserts awaits at the buffet!

A highlight of each day will undoubtedly be the classic four course à la carte dinner served in the elegant ship’s restaurant. Indulge in a selection of regional and international specialities, complemented by crisp linen, exquisitely laid tables, and impeccable service.

Savour the flavours

As you cruise through Europe, you’ll be intrigued by the local specialities which are often so interwoven with the culture and history. Our chefs prepare imaginative menus, inspired by the flavours and traditions of the places we explore. From rustic soup flavoured with smoky paprika as you cruise the Danube through Hungary, to the rich meaty flavours of a typical French cassoulet as you soak up the Rhône’s scenery, the cuisine on board will ensure a true connection with each destination. Look out for ‘Local Flavours’ on the menu every evening.

Cheers!

Wine lovers will be impressed by the expertise of the ship’s sommeliers who will select a choice of wines to pair with your chosen dishes. As well as enjoying popular varieties, their guidance will inspire you to try lesserknown grape varieties too – and as you sail through some of Europe’s most famous wine-producing regions, you’ll

be able to sample wines produced from vineyards just a few yards from your floating restaurant too!

New for 2024! We’re now including a free Superior drinks package worth £400 per person, per week on all our European river cruises. Savour the views along the riverbank and toast your holiday with like-minded explorers after another fascinating adventure ashore. Over a leisurely lunch on board, complement your meal with a glass (or three) of cool, crisp wine or a refreshing beer. Then each evening while discussing the highlights of the day, enjoy even more options with our cocktail of the day, house spirits and mixers, a recommended regional wine over dinner and pre and after-dinner drinks in our restaurant and bar, so you can drink as much – or as little – as you like. l

Bon appetit! `

City Slickers

Luckily for us European cities are rich in history, architecture and culture, and of course, feel closer to home. But the list of must-sees on our diverse continent is long, so where to start? Here’s some of our favourite city destinations to put on your travel radar.

Helsinki cityscape, including the cathedral, south harbour and market square

Helsinki

Capital of the world’s happiest country, Helsinki’s fascinating history is interwoven with Sweden, the Baltics and the Russian Empire, and you’ll encounter links to its past as you explore this Finnish favourite. Famed for its love of saunas and association with Nordic design, particularly when it comes to furniture and glass, Helsinki is an intriguing spot to spend a few days soaking up the sights.

Marvel at the engineering feat that is the Temppeliaukio Church, a Lutheran church in the city’s Töölö district. Designed by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the church is built directly into solid rock, who found by leaving the walls exposed, the acoustics are superb.

Visit the National Library of Finland, with its spectacular vaulted ceilings, sweeping staircases and art nouveau styling, plus the world’s largest collection of works chronicling the Russian Empire. Military enthusiasts will enjoy the 18th-century Suomenlinna fortress, built by the Swedish admiralty over six islands at the entrance to Helsinki’s harbour. Considered a masterpiece of military architecture of the period, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 200 buildings, tunnels and six kilometres of striking defensive walls.

Lucca

Lucca, one of the loveliest cities in Tuscany is a must-see when you’re travelling through this region. Located on a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps, clasped by Renaissance city walls, this classical città italiane was founded by the Etruscans and as you wander its atmospheric centre, exploring the cobbled lanes and shady piazzas, you’ll discover a rectangular grid of streets, a reminder of its Roman origins.

Echoes of the oval amphitheatre that can be seen in the spectacular Piazza dell’Anfiteatro are another reminder of Lucca’s Roman past, and you’ll find more archeological remains under the 12th-century church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata, the oldest of the city’s two cathedrals. Lucca is known as the ‘City of 100 churches’ and you’ll soon understand why, as you amble amongst its host of medieval treasures and bell towers.

Helsinki, Riga & Tallinn tour

Departures up to September 2023 & May to September 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mht

8 days from only £1,149pp

Signature tour also available

Lucca, ‘City of 100 churches’

Gelato in hand, promenade along the top of the perfectly preserved walls, along tree-lined paths, taking in the views or head for a café on the Piazza Napoleone for an espresso and a slice of buccellato, Lucca’s traditional cake, made with raisins and aniseed, with the recipe dating back to Roman times.

Lyon

Departures up to September 2023 & April to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mlp

8 days from only £1,499pp

Signature tour also available

Synonymous with wine production, at the heart of this stunning corner of France, Lyon, the birthplace of cinema, shouldn’t be missed. With a history dating back to the Romans, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and arguably the best food scene in France, there’s plenty to discover in this charismatic city. Wander its atmospheric old town, crammed with antique shops, speciality food shops and intriguing traboules, the narrow alleyways dating back to the 4th century which were built so that merchants could travel through the city without being seen.

Crowning the city’s tallest hill is the 19th-century Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, built as a sign of Lyon’s wealth and now the symbol of the city. Affectionately termed the ‘upsidedown elephant’, with its large rounded body and four main leg-like towers, venture inside to find lavish stained glass and intricate mosaics, plus a museum of sacred art. From the terrace and observatory outside you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the city too.

Check out the archaeological GalloRoman Museum, appropriately built underground into the side of the hill, with statues, tablets, and other artifacts from Lyon’s Roman past including the Circus Games Mosaic. The city’s most famous Roman ruins are the Grand Theatre, the oldest Roman structure of its kind in France and a smaller Odeon located beside it. Dating from 15 B.C. as you wander this site you can imagine the spectacle of thousands of people cheering on the gladiators!

Culture vultures will find plenty on offer in the museums of fine and contemporary art, whilst the Institut Lumière is dedicated to the early history of cinema in honour of the brothers who created cinema as we know it today. Head to the district of Croix-Rousse, the centre of Lyon’s silk manufacture for nearly 400 years. You’ll still find artisans at work here, traditionally known as canuts, creating scarfs and ties, so pick yourself up a souvenir or two.

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcr

8 days from only £1,599pp

Solo departures available

Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence river cruise

Lucca, Portofino & the Cinque Terre tour

Lyon on the banks of the Saône

Inside the Basilica of NotreDame de Fourvière, Lyon

Bucharest

Bucharest might not be high on your bucket list, but we beg to differ so hear us out. There’s something alluring about cities once mysteriously shrouded by the former Iron Curtain and the Romanian capital still holds a seductive fascination. Dotted amongst the utilitarian architectural legacy of Communist rule here, you’ll discover this vibrant city’s tree-lined boulevards and elegant belle-époque villas – echoes of the hedonistic 1900’s ‘golden age’ when it earned the nickname ‘Little Paris’.

Once you’ve experienced Ceausescu’s colossal concrete extravagance, the astonishing Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, and the 19th-century Athenaeum with its impressive Baroque architecture, there are some atmospheric little squares to wander through, pretty gardens and churches to admire, plus an impressive series of 44 fountains which hold the Guinness World Record for the longest choreographed fountain system in the world – with a display lasting 45 minutes! Visit the Cărturești Carusel bookshop, a beautifully restored turn of the century building, with its elegant colonnaded balconies; or head to Herastrau Park, one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. Take a boat out on the lake or stroll amongst the cherry and acacia trees in the Japanese Garden. Sample the hearty local fare too in cosy tucked away restaurants or enjoy some people watching in the buzzy cafés of the old town.

Departures up to September 2023 & April to September 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcc

15 days from only £2,499

Cologne

Cologne is one of the most historic cities in Germany. Since the days of the Roman Empire, its location on the Rhine made it a strategic military and trading centre, and you’ll find links to its past glories as you explore this city.

Amongst the 12 Romanesque churches you’ll encounter, the landmark Kölner Dom dating back 800 years, is easily Cologne’s most iconic building. A cathedral of epic proportions, its gothic spires loom above the old town. You’ll find the inside just as impressive – with the opportunity to visit the crypt below where several kings and emperors are buried. Majestic all year round, if you visit during the festive period, you’ll be able to enjoy the cinnamon-scented ambience, gluhwein and hand-made gifts at Cologne’s world-famous

Departures up to up to October 2023 & April to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcm

8 days from only £1,514pp

Solo departures available

Christmas market which takes place in the shadow of this cathedral

In the church of St Ursula built on the site of an ancient Roman cemetery, you’ll discover the unusual Ossuary Chapel. Alleged to be the final resting place of 11,000 martyred virgins, the walls of the ‘Golden Chamber’ are clad with bones, decoratively laid out in patterns and spelling out Latin words.

Art enthusiasts can take in some fine collections at the Wallraf-Richartz and Ludwig Museums. Two of the city’s best, you’ll find works from some of the greats housed here – from Rembrandt, Manet, Liebermann and Renoir. Take a well-earnt break as you ride Cologne’s historic cable car, opened in 1957. It was the first cable car in Europe to cross a river and the views are sensational! l

Kölner Dom and Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine in Cologne

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest

Rhine & Moselle river cruise

You’ll find an inexhaustible buffet of art, architecture, cuisine and scenery served up every time you visit this historic heavyweight. All delivered of course with effortless Italian flair. From tip to toe, Italy’s got the lot… and here’s where to find it.

Liguria

Liguria’s beautiful coastline fringed by sandy beaches and forested slopes is known as the Italian Riviera. Along its picturesque shores you’ll find the brightly coloured fishing villages of the Cinque Terre, where vineyards cling to the steep terraces, and the chic resort of Portofino, with its high-end boutiques and seafood restaurants nestling round a yacht-packed harbour. Sanremo, with its elegant promenade and iconic 19thcentury art nouveau casino – a legacy of the glamorous golden age of travel.

Lucca, Portofino & the Cinque Terre tour 8 days from £1,499pp

Departures up October 2023 & April to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mlp

Umbria

Italy’s ‘green heart’, Umbria is awash with stunning medieval hill towns, thickly forested landscapes and a delicious traditional cuisine – pasta with local truffles is a must-try, so too some excellent wines! In Perugia, the regional capital, perched on a hill, you’ll find the medieval Palazzo dei Priori, housing the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria art museum. Soak up the ambience as you stroll the bustling Corso Pietro Vannucci and discover the underground world hidden in the 16th-century Rocca Paolina fortress.

Umbria, Perugia & Assisi tour

8 days from £1,199pp

Departures up to October 2023 & May to October 2024

rivieratravel.co.uk/mum

Tuscany

Famously scenic with a landscape of rolling hills, rugged Apennine Mountains, and the fertile vineyards and olive groves of Chianti, Tuscany is hard to beat. Florence, the region’s capital is home to some of the world’s finest Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s “David” statue and the striking Duomo basilica. The renowned Uffizi Gallery contains priceless other sculptures and paintings by numerous great artists including Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci.

Florence & Tuscany tour

8 days from £1,299pp

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mft

Lombardy

Milan, the region’s stylish capital and commercial hub, is worldrenowned for fashion. Amongst the shops and restaurants, you’ll find numerous legacies to its artistic and cultural heritage – a majestic Gothic cathedral and UNESCO Dominican convent, containing Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” for starters. North of the city you’ll find the timeless resort of Lake Como. Set amidst dramatic alpine scenery it’s been a draw for visitors for centuries. Lake Como, St Moritz & the Bernina Express tour 8 days from £1,299pp Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mco

Milan

Venice Pisa

Florence

Sardinia

Sardinia

One of the warmest islands in the Mediterranean, Sardinia enjoys an average daytime high temperature of 22 degrees. There’s a wealth of sandy beaches dotted along its 2,000 kilometres of coastline whilst its mountainous interior is perfect for walking and hiking. Strewn across its rugged landscape are thousands of nuraghi – mysterious Bronze Age stone ruins shaped like beehives; one of the largest and oldest, daring back to 1500 B.C. can be found in Barumini.

Sardinia – Alghero, Costa Smeralda & Corsica tour 8 days from £1,279pp

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mac

Lazio

Bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, Lazio, encompassing the Italian capital, Rome, was at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. From the world-famous coliseum, forum and pantheon to the port of Ostia’s incredible mosaics and theatre, to Hadrian’s villa, the largest villa to be owned by an emperor, reminders of its vast history can be found across the entire region. Inland lies the lushly forested landscapes of the Apennine Mountains, home to some stunning nature reserves, lakes and dreamy medieval stone-built villages teetering on the hill tops.

Classical Italy tour 8 days from £1,299pp

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mit

Be a Italia

Piemonte

Sitting at the foot of the Alps and bordering France and Switzerland Piemonte is famed for its skiing, Barolo wines, truffles and delicious cuisine. Visit the capital Turin, and you’ll find a wealth of Baroque architecture, smart shops and café culture to enjoy plus the world-famous Egyptian Museum with its impressive archaeological and anthropological collections and landmark Mole Antonelliana, with its soaring spire. Take the elevator to the top of this monumental building for the most amazing views. Discover Italy by Rail – Turin, Venice & Rome tour 9 days from £2,599pp | Departures from May to October 2024 | rivieratravel.co.uk/mdi

Veneto

Stretching from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic, between the 7th and 18th centuries Veneto formed part of the powerful Venetian Republic for more than 1,000 years. The watery capital, Venice, is famed for its canals, Gothic architecture and Carnival celebrations. The region’s treasures include stunning Lake Garda, the largest of the Italian Lakes, famed for its beauty, citrus groves and Bardolino wines, and the beautiful medieval city of Verona, setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

Adriatic Sea

Trentino Alto Adige

Bordering Switzerland and Austria, encompassing the limestone peaks of the Dolomites, you’ll find a host of romantic medieval castles strewn across the landscape of thick forests and mountain streams. Home to beautiful Renaissance palaces with frescoed façades, an imposing cathedral with a stunning rose window and baroque chapel, and the impressive Buonconsiglio Castle is the capital, historic university city of Trento. Lake Garda, Venice & Verona tour 8 days from £989pp Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 riviertravel.co.uk/mvv

Basilicata

The forests and mountains of Basilicata border the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas and it’s a region famed for its heavily vegetarian cuisine. The city of Matera’s Sassi district is home to a vast, hillside complex of cave dwellings dating back thousands of years. Within the entire Murgia Matera area, a gorge between Matera and Montescaglioso, you’ll find 150 ancient rock-cut churches.

Puglia

Campania

Birthplace of pizza, renowned for its dried pasta, Mount Vesuvius and the extraordinary archaeological site at Pompeii, southwestern Campania’s dazzling coastline and ancient ruins are legendary. Discover the lively coastal town of Sorrento and journey along the world-famous Amalfi Coast to soak up its blissful views of its turquoise waters plus a plethora of breathtaking ice-cream coloured villages clinging to the slopes.

Pompeii, Capri & the Bay of Naples tour 8 days from £1,009pp

Departures up to November 2023 & April to November 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/mcn

Sicily

Ionian Sea

With a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters, Puglia forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,”. Famed for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and scenic coastline, from the capital Bari, a vibrant port and university town, to Lecce, the “Florence of the South” with its baroque architecture, its charms are plentiful. In Alberobello and the Itria Valley you’ll find Puglia’s “trulli,” traditional stone huts with distinctive conical roofs. Puglia, Lecce & Vieste tour 8 days from £1,239pp Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/map

The largest island in the Mediterranean island, Sicily’s rich history is reflected in the ancient Valley of the Temples, the ruins of an incredible seven monumental, Doric-style Greek temples, as well as the Byzantine mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, a former royal chapel in capital city Palermo. Mount Etna, located in the east is one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes. Sicily tour 8 days from £1,399pp | Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024 rivieratravel.co.uk/msy

INSIDE INFO KATJA

Whether you’ve got a longed-for destination in mind for your next trip or are open to suggestion, it’s always good to get a recommendation from an expert. We spoke to our Product team to get the low-down on their own idea of holiday heaven and here’s what they told us…

We hear from Will, who’s been at Riviera for 8 years and whose passion for travelling has taken him to the four corners of the globe. He tells us why Japan really hits the spot every time.

Japan is the ultimate when it comes to contrasts.

You’ll find ultra-modern cities built around an extraordinary ancient history. Juxtaposed futuristic skyscrapers stand yards from centuries-old Shinto shrines, all making for a fascinating and really memorable experience.

You can be in bustling Shinjuku one minute, surrounded by all human life and a sea of neon. Yet three streets back you’ll find yourself in a peaceful park as tranquil as you can imagine, amongst blossoms in bloom and birds singing in the branches. It really has to be seen and heard to be believed – and that’s why it’s such a magical place.

Visit Hiroshima, and at the site of this unimaginable tragedy, you’ll find peace, tranquillity and dignity. It’s moving beyond words.

The legendary bullet train shoots by at speeds of 200mph. It’s a modern marvel of engineering and speed, whilst its stage is a backdrop of Mount Fuji – motionlessly majestic, watching on. The streets are spotless – yet you barely ever see a bin!

The one thing that never changes though is the Japanese people’s enduring warmth, courtesy and hospitality. On the face it Japan seems a very different place, and yet scratch beneath the surface and it’s impossible not to feel at home.

Icons of Japan

Departures February to November 2024

9 days from £2,599pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mja

With river cruising in her blood, there’s not much Katja doesn’t know about this exceptional way to travel. European through and through, she reveals why the Rhine was, is and always will be a classic.

The Rhine is a classic choice for a river cruise whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser. Its fairy-tale castles, vineyards, dramatic gorges and ancient cities steeped in history never fail to impress whatever the time of year. As this iconic European waterway twists and turns through stunning scenery past medieval towns and sleepy villages, idyllic pastures and dramatic natural wonders, there’s so much to see and it’s clear why the Rhine is always a classic choice with guests for a river cruise.

There are so many highlights along the Rhine between Cologne and Switzerland. One of my favourite cities is Strasbourg, capital of Alsace. Its old town is perfect for exploring and soaking up the atmosphere as you amble amongst the timber-framed buildings and along its cobbled canal paths. I’m also a huge fan of Koblenz. Its location is incredible – at the huge confluence of both the Moselle and the Rhine, it’s truly spectacular. As is its Roman history, the mighty 19th-century Ehrenbreitstein fortress and the cosy cafés.

The Rhine Gorge has to be seen to be believed. The river’s course narrows between the steep valley sides, soaring to 600 feet and there’s a real sense of drama all around. You’ll see ruined castles perched on the hilltops and often birds of prey flying overhead. It’s always a highlight and you’ll get fantastic views from the top deck!

There’s a change of pace in the refined city of Heidelberg. Surrounded by lush forests, it’s one of Europe’s most historic university towns and such an elegant city full of fine buildings,

museums and shopping. Its old town is dominated by the red sandstone ruins of an imposing castle.

The Swiss city of Lucerne, nestled on the edge of its world-famous lake has a chic but laid-back feel. Stroll the iconic Chapel Bridge – a unique covered wooden walkway across the lake – and soak up the views.

The Bernese Oberland is phenomenal and to see the jagged peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on a clear day ‘in the flesh’ is out of this world. One of the most exhilarating ways to soak up the alpine vistas is by taking a mountain rail journey through this magical scenery – it never disappoints!

Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg river cruise

Departures up to October 2023 & April to October 2024

8 days from £1,514pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mrch

Rhine Cruise to Switzerland river cruise

Departures up to October 2023 & May to October 2024

8 days from £1,649pp rivieratravel.co.uk/mrcs

Heidelberg

Strasbourg

Tokyo Mount Fuji