EUROPEAN & WORLDWIDE TOURS PLUS RIVER & YACHT CRUISES FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS 2018 & 2019 1 See page 86 See page 16 See page 82 Our tour manager worked hard to make sure everything ran smoothly – “nothing was too much trouble. A lovely holiday and good value. Mrs” Cheesman See page 78 A great group and excellent “tour manager made this an experience I can’t wait I had a great time and my nerves were soon replaced with laughter. to repeat. “ Miss ”Leach ” Mrs Aizlewood See pages 36 See page 70 and 94 This experience will stay with me forever. I can’t wait to book my next “solo trip with Riviera Travel. ” Ms Guy Cover image: Taormina, Italy (pg 32) 2 LET OUR PASSION INSPIRE YOUR SOLO ADVENTURE See the exquisite Taj Mahal bathed in the soft morning light, savour flavourful tapas in an atmospheric Andalucían tavern, or marvel at the myriad sights along the legendary Danube on a five-star river cruise ship – all our holidays promise genuine, enriching experiences. Best of all, you don’t have to experience them on your own, with our collection of tours and cruises curated exclusively for solo travellers. Explore the world with like-minded travellers who share your passion for discovery. We are passionate about the world’s immense diversity and devote meticulous care to crafting inspirational journeys studded with enlightening visits that educate and entertain – with so many unique touches included beyond the obvious. You’ll return feeling connected with and understanding the hidden heart of your destination. This is what makes us the UK’s most professional touring company, recognised by Which? for many of our 34 years. Our customers appreciate our thoughtful approach and often compare our warmth and hospitality to travelling with friends. From the expertise of our friendly holiday advisers, to the care and attention of our dedicated tour managers, delivering experiences that create lifelong memories is a passion for the entire team. In this brochure you’ll find our ever-growing collection of solo traveller tours and cruises – all at refreshingly affordable prices without any additional single supplements. We hope you’ll be inspired and we look forward to welcoming you on your next unforgettable journey. David Clemson Managing Director WHAT’S NEW A TASTE OF NORMANDY & SICILY – CLASSIC & UNDISCOVERED THE SPECTACULAR NILE THE CÔTE FLEURIE From the winding streets of pretty hilltop Cruise the Nile in luxury and discover Discover the essence of Normandy with towns to the slopes of mighty Mount some of the greatest monuments of echoes of centuries past in Rouen and Etna, an incredible history and unique ancient Egypt. See page 60. Bayeux, plus the idyllic ‘Flower Coast’, landscape make Sicily a spellbinding slice THE DOURO, PORTO & SALAMANCA delightful Honfleur and delicious local of the Mediterranean. See page 32. RIVER CRUISE produce. See page 14. MADEIRA Cruise through the remarkably scenic PARIS This subtropical paradise offers renowned Douro valley and tour Porto, Portugal’s See Paris’ iconic sights – the Eiffel Tower, gardens, spectacular coastlines and vibrant second city. For an authentic the Louvre and more – and experience jagged peaks, while its picturesque capital taste of Spanish life, we’ll spend a day in the city’s famed shopping, cuisine and boasts a maritime heritage to match the historic Salamanca. See page 94. culture. Plus visits to Montmartre and the island’s natural splendour. See page 40. ADRIATIC YACHT CRUISE town of Versailles. See page 16. BUDAPEST, BRATISLAVA & VIENNA Enjoy the best of the southern Dalmatian VALENCIA & THE ORANGE GROVE Discover the countless gems both famous coast and the unique delights only a COAST and obscure following the legendary sailing holiday can offer. Sail between Explore Spain’s unspoilt Orange Grove Danube, including three of the Habsburgs’ idyllic islands and ports, with swim stops Coast, from vibrant Valencia to Moorish finest imperial cities. See page 52. in stunning spots and insightful shore towns and hilltop villages, through the excursions. See page 98. MARRAKESH & THE ATLAS Ebro Delta wetlands into the rocky MOUNTAINS interior plateau. See page 24. Immerse yourself in a captivating city filled with intriguing souks, vibrant squares and superb architecture, plus experience stunning natural wonders. See page 58. 3 REWARDING JOURNEYS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS We have been curating holidays since 1984 so we understand what makes a holiday that extra bit special, be it a short city break or a 16-day adventure. SPECIAL TOUCHES FOR THE SOLO TRAVELLER The medieval Belfry of Bruges Relax knowing you’re in the safe hands of our experienced tour manager. Every solo holiday includes a welcome dinner, so you can meet the like-minded travellers in your group and make new friends should you wish. We offer regional departures across the UK – you’ll be met by your tour manager or a member of our team at your chosen airport, or at St Pancras in London when travelling by Eurostar. THOUGHTFUL ITINERARIES Our travel experts have meticulously crafted and personally tested every itinerary to provide fascinating perspectives on the culture, history, gastronomy, art and architecture of the places we visit. Each day brings new opportunities for discovery, with visits to the iconic highlights you’ve no doubt read about and to the equally intriguing gems off the beaten path. There’s often free time and unguided visits, so you can continue exploring at your own pace. EXPERT INSIGHTS Ancient ruins, historic towns and unfamiliar landscapes all come to PERSONALISED EXPERIENCES life in the company of our local guides and tour managers. Our Our experts have gone to great lengths to curate each holiday so specialists were chosen not only for their wealth of knowledge, but you enjoy the very best of your chosen destination. To enhance your also their flair for engaging audiences and sharing eye-opening experience, we offer hand-picked highlights which you may wish to insights. It’s like travelling with a friend who happens to know the add to your holiday, and to make your trip extra special we offer secrets of every destination. upgrades and airport extras as well (see page 7). Let our guides bring to life the Taj Mahal 4 The Spanish Steps have long been a meeting place for artists and poets RIVIERA TRAVEL HOSPITALITY The beautiful harbour of Hvar Perhaps our most distinguishing feature is the care we show our customers. We’re a friendly team who are passionate about travel and making your holiday the best it can be. We make every effort to get to know you by name and your preferences by heart. We listen and take on board your feedback for future improvements. And if anything does go wrong, we promise to make it right. After all, we would love for you to come back again – as most of our customers do. HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION Our carefully chosen accommodation is primarily rated four stars and well-located. We work with hotels that offer something special, be it a rooftop bar with panoramic views or a delightful AWARD-WINNING position close to the old town centre. As a solo traveller, you’ll always have a double or twin room to yourself. Hotel stays come REPUTATION with breakfast daily and selected meals but in destinations Since our inception in 1984, we have renowned for their cuisine, we may include breakfast only, giving been consistently recognised for you the opportunity to choose local eateries and sample the outstanding service, value and quality. regional specialities. Your tour manager will be on hand to help For six years, Which? has awarded us the should you need a recommendation or prefer not to dine alone. highly coveted Recommended Provider status, and in 2017, we were named ‘Travel Brand of the Year’. COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE Enjoy scheduled flights from a wide range of regional airports across the UK, or Eurostar travel with regional rail connections to London on selected tours. You have the option to upgrade to premium economy or business class on many long-haul flights. On THE RIVIERA TRAVEL arrival, we continue by comfortable, air-conditioned coaches. On longer journeys, internal flights or train travel are included to make PRICE PROMISE the most of our time. Book with confidence, knowing our award-winning holidays offer extraordinary value and there are no hidden costs. Our pricing is transparent, clear and includes essentials such as PEACE OF MIND taxes and fuel supplements. Once you’ve booked your Our tour managers are with you throughout the trip to ensure your Riviera Travel holiday, we guarantee the cost will never experience is exceptional. In the unlikely event of an emergency increase, no matter what happens. We do not inflate our during the journey, you can always seek their assistance or call our prices or offer artificial discounts, nor do we automatically dedicated 24-hour helpline to speak to a member of our team in include gratuities as they are entirely at your discretion. the UK. Furthermore, we have never levied surcharges for fuel price increases, exchange rate changes or additional taxes. 5 UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE Our expertise is a key ingredient in ensuring the success of our holidays. Everyone at Riviera Travel, from the product specialists to the tour managers and local guides, goes the extra mile so you get the most from your trip. THE BEST TOUR MANAGERS Throughout every Riviera Travel holiday, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced tour manager, whose sole mission is to ensure you have a superb time. They play several roles most adeptly: a group leader who works tirelessly to oversee every single detail, a destination expert able to offer revealing insights into local life, and a thoughtful friend ready to listen and lend a hand when needed – nothing is too much trouble for these seasoned travellers.