10 of our favourite Signature experiences
The idea behind our Signature Tours was to create a collection of upgraded small group tours with enhanced experiences added for a truly exceptional holiday – the kind of holiday that takes you deep under the skin of the places you're travelling to, to spots only a local might know, so that you're not just visiting a destination but living it too.
On most of our tours, you'll enjoy the benefit of not just one but two local guides - the experience will be second to none. We'll never forget that whilst you're travelling with a Riviera group, you'll always be an individual, and we want to deliver an exceptional holiday that's personal to you.
Our Signature Tours allow you even more flexibility and choice to ensure an incredibly memorable holiday that's perfect for you. A Sicilian lunch whilst sampling the wines of Mount Etna or discover more about India's tiger conservation from an expert. From riding a bicycle-driven rickshaw through the historic markets of Chandni Chowk to exploring the Royal Alcázar of Seville, you'll have the opportunity to try something different or learn something new with a whole host of exciting and imaginative experiences that'll excite every explorer, whatever your penchant.
Our favourite Signature experiences:
1. Take a guided tour of the Vatican
On some of our Signature tours to Italy, you can enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican with local experts. The Vatican is one of the most sacred places in Christendom, serving as both the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church for centuries. Its significance is immense. The Vatican City is an independent city-state, home to the Pope (the head of the Catholic Church) and a calendar of religious events. A must for history buffs, art enthusiasts and those with any religious interest, you'll be captivated by the baroque architecture of St. Peter's Basilica, and the masterpieces in the Vatican Museum. What's more, you'll see the legendary Sistine Chapel, an experience that should be on your bucket list (if it isn't already).
2. See Da Vinci's, The Last Supper
Sticking with the religious art theme, our Grand Tour of Lake Como, Milan & the Bernina Express allows you the rare opportunity to experience one of the most iconic and influential works of religious art: The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci. The masterpiece, painted in the 15th century, captures a pivotal moment in Christian theology - the announcement of Jesus' betrayal. The mural illustrates Leonardo's groundbreaking techniques and profound influence on the Renaissance art movement. From the experimental methods by which it was created to surviving the risk of destruction on many occasions, this striking mural should probably not exist. And, as we don't currently offer this experience on any other itinerary, we think it makes our Grand Tour all the more special.
3. Discover a piece of paradise
Paradise on Earth sounds like a myth, right? So, you have to see Fajã dos Padres to believe it (and you can on our Grand Tour of Maderia).
Fajã dos Padres is not well known, but that's part of its charm. Accessible by cable car or boat, you can enjoy spectacular views of the turquoise waters and pebble beaches as you approach the narrow strip of land by the Atlantic Ocean. Boasting natural splendour - thanks to its fertile land and the tropical and subtropical vegetation - and a serene atmosphere, it's often called 'Maderia's Eden'. This unique location is known for its organic farming. Bananas, mangoes, avocados and grapes grow in abundance here, and visitors can enjoy the local produce and explore the local plantations. During our Signature experience, we'll take a guided tour of one such plantation, with the opportunity to taste the delicious produce grown here at its very freshest. This one is for the nature lovers.
4. Follow in the footsteps of French royalty in Versailles
Experience the lavish lifestyle of French royalty and the artistic and cultural zenith of the 17th and 18th centuries on a visit to Versailles. Once a (not so) humble hunting lodge, the Palace of Versailles became the symbol of the monarchy under Louis XIV, playing a crucial role in the events leading up to the French Revolution. With timed entry, we'll skip the queues to explore the house and garden with an audio guide so you can take in the sights at your own pace. Don't miss the sweeping ceilings of the Royal Apartments and the chance to take in some of the 60,000 remarkable works of art. You can also stroll through the famous Hall of Mirrors, designed to represent the power and glory of the King of France and the scene of many historical events, including the Proclamation of the German Empire and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, as well as explore the expansive, manicured gardens and the Grand Trianon. History, architecture and art lovers shouldn't miss this iconic site.
5. Experience life as a Sicilian aristocrat
In Palermo, we visit the home of the last Prince of Lampedusa, Prince Giuseppe di Lampedusa, now owned by his son and daughter-in-law, the Duke and Duchess of Palm. While the Italian noble titles were abolished in 1946, this grand palazzo overlooking the Bay of Palermo still holds layers of historical and architectural interests. Built in the second half of the 17th century behind the city walls on top of the Spanish and Byzantine military fortifications. It was here the prince wrote The Leopard, which many claim to be one of the best Italian novels of all time. It's a spellbinding story of the decadent, dying Sicilian aristocracy threatened by approaching democracy and revolution. It's well worth a read before you visit. After a guided tour, enjoy a drink and canapes (the duchess also teaches cooking classes, so you know the food will be top-notch) while soaking up the sophisticated atmosphere.
6. Take a gastronomic journey through the streets of Bologna
Bologna is the world's food capital, with a range of top-tier restaurants and mouth-watering cuisine. The city is the birthplace of many world-famous dishes, like Ragù alla Bolognese, also known as "Spag Bol". What better way to immerse yourself in the heart of Italy's gastronomic tradition than on a walking tour with a local guide steering you towards the best local produce - including some secret local spots. We'll wander past artisanal hops bursting with regional produce, from tangy parmesan to cured meats, olive oil and hand-made pasta, and browse in the markets where the rich colours of globe artichokes and cavolo nero contrast with glistening displays of the freshest fish. You'll discover why this city is so well known for its love of gastronomy and more about its food heritage, all while enjoying its medieval architecture. You'd better bring your appetite for this Signature experience.
7. Visit the Mother Church of Country Music, the Grand Ole Opry
Country music has a history deep-rooted in the values of the Southern working class. The genre's themes celebrate rural life, community and family, reinforcing the cultural identity and shared heritage of the South. Country music has influenced fashion, language and tradition (plus the music is pretty good), making it a cornerstone of Southern cultural expression. The Grand Ole Opry has showcased country music's best and brightest in its almost 100-year history as the genre's premier stage since 1925 - Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, to name a few. It's also launched the careers of countless stars, including Hank Williams (singer behind the catchy song "Hey, Good Lookin'"). Even a nineteen-year-old Elvis performed here, although he was not a big hit with the audience thanks to his love of rhythm and blues and trademark gyrating. (He was not invited back).
Safe to say, on a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, you're following in the footsteps of musical legends, making it one of our favourite Signature experiences and a great way to delve deeper into Southern culture. We'll explore behind the scenes, peek into the stars' dressing rooms, and listen to stories of country music's most unforgettable moments passed down through generations.
Please note on our Grand Journey of the Deep South to Route 66, this visit to the Grand Ole Opry can only be added as an extra/ upgrades.
8. Meet the elephants of Chobe National Park
Of all the excursions we offer, our wildlife-focused experiences are always some of the most popular, and this Signature experience is definitely one for animal lovers. Botswana's first national park has one of the highest concentrations of game in Africa. Its residents include impala, monkeys, warthogs, kudu, hippos and leopards - you're almost guaranteed a memorable animal sighting - but it's most famous for the world's largest concentration of protected elephants; there's well over 100,000 of them! So, if seeing elephants in their natural habitat is on your bucket list, this is the ideal spot to make your dream a reality. On our African adventure, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a boat safari on the Chobe River. It's an excellent opportunity to spot large herds of elephants congregating along the shoreline for a drink and playing in the river to keep cool in the warm temperatures of the dry season. It's the most moving, humbling experience to see these powerful and fascinating mammals interacting with each other – playing, bathing and splashing in the water - completely unperturbed by our presence close by. And, after marvelling at these incredible creatures, we're treated to the excursion grand finale - the multihued spectacle of an African sunset.
View more wildlife and safari tours
Here at Riviera, we're always conscious of the impact of travel; we're constantly seeking authentic experiences that explore, not exploit. Our mission is always to travel lightly and travel well. And we know that's important to you too. So, we couldn't list our favourite experiences without mentioning a few that take it one step further to support the local community.
9. Explore Delhi through the eyes of a teenager who used to live in its streets
Led by a teenager from the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit organisation that protects the street children of Delhi, we'll take a guided tour through the narrow alleyways and thronging markets of Old Delhi. Far from the typical touristy Delhi that most visitors don't question, you'll hear the stories from their childhood living and working on the streets and see lesser known, yet equally worthy, attractions. Best of all, you'll be empowering these adolescents, helping them improve their communication and speaking skills and thus helping them join mainstream life. So not only are you experiencing a guided tour like no other, but you're giving back to the local community too - it's our favourite kind of travel.
If you love the idea of giving back while you travel, you could also add our Jaipur at Night by Rickshaw to your Grand Journey of India's Golden Triangle. Enjoy views of the Pink City illuminated against the night sky and support over 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur.
10. Learn about the Argan Nut
Over centuries, the argan nut has become the mainstay of Berber culture. Its oil is used for many purposes, including food, medicine and cosmetics. Argan oil production has always been in the hands of women, who historically sold it for a small price, not recognising its value. More than 20 years ago, these skilled local women joined to create cooperatives to organise strong economic structures, receive payment for their work and preserve the fragile argan groves that need specific conditions to persevere (they can only grow in southwestern Morocco). As a result, today, both the tree and the oil have significant economic value for Morocco, and this thriving industry has created income and employment for women. On our Moroccan tour, our visit to a local cooperative supports argan producers in Essaouira, the heart of the argan production. During our visit, we'll discover more about this nut and taste Amlou - a nutritious spread made with Argan oil, honey and almonds.
With an average of 22 guests on our Signature tours – and a maximum of 25 – you'll be travelling with a smaller group of like-minded individuals than on our classic tours, creating a little more intimacy - yet you'll find the typical sociable ambience of a Riviera holiday still pervades, and rest assured there'll be the opportunity to make new friends.
Every detail has been carefully curated by our team of experts. You'll stay in excellent hand-picked hotels and enjoy the same included visits and guided tours as on our standard tours but with the added benefit of some extra-special additions as well. There'll be wow moments to give you goosebumps and truly 'under the skin' experiences that'll allow you to feel totally immersed in the culture. What's more, you'll enjoy the expert insight from two knowledgeable local guides on most tours, allowing for a much more personal service.
These experiences are just a taste of what we offer. Find your favourite experiences, view the full range and learn more about our Signature tours:
