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Travel Update

Read the latest information on Rhine and Danube water levels.

Aerial shot of the Cologne Christmas Markets during sunset in Germany

Holidays in Winter

From festive cruises to exotic tours in warmer climates, you can embark on an adventure with our range of holidays in winter.

Experience the magic of the winter months in towns and cities along the Danube or Rhine with our festive cruises. You could wander through lively festive markets in search of the perfect gifts, watch incredible classical concerts or simply marvel at the beautiful decorations that adorn the streets as well as explore all the sights without those pesky crowds. If you're not welcoming your extended family over this Christmas, why not spend 25th December onboard one of our luxury ships enjoying our five-star service (and we're not just saying that; check out our awards)?

Of course, if you want the river cruise experience outside of Europe, you can choose a worldwide river cruise - the Mekong, the Nile, the Yangtze and the Ganges. Discover their fascinating cultural heritage as the breathtaking landscapes unfold before you.  

While we're shivering in the cold, the Southern Hemisphere is basking in all the benefits of summer - warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine. So why not escape the rain and snow with a winter sun holiday? Take a game drive in Kruger National Park and go wine-tasting in South Africa or visit some of New Zealand and Australia’s greatest cities – Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Sydney and Melbourne - on Grand Tours.  

Seize the opportunity to explore new destinations during their dry seasons. In Costa Rica, explore the diverse ecosystems - lush rainforests and pristine beaches - and go in search of native wildlife. Or delight in the warm tropical air and beautiful countryside of Sri Lanka while uncovering the country's countless temples and extraordinary heritage. And, while the eastern coast of Malaysia suffers a seasonal monsoon, the western coast is usually sun-soaked and calm - the perfect time to visit the capital, Kuala Lumpur.  

These are just some of our favourite experiences from the phenomenal itineraries available in winter. Whatever you choose, you can rest easy knowing you'll enjoy unbeatable value, including flights from your local airport at no extra cost, accommodation on board luxury ships or in hand-picked hotels in the best locations, transfers, the services of our wonderful Riviera Cruise Director or Tour Manager, all excursions with knowledgeable local guides and more.  

Go ahead, explore our selection and find your perfect winter holiday. 

Find your perfect winter holiday

We've found you 48 holidays

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Explore holidays

Our brochure is packed with itineraries and inspiration. Delivered to your doorstep or view it online - the choice is yours.

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River Cruises
Ocean Cruises
Escorted Tours
Solo Holidays
Duration
Ships
  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining & Chef's dinner
  • Free all-inclusive drinks package
  • 5 included experiences
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
Porto cityscape on the Douro River with traditional Rabelo boats in Portugal
River Douro region at sunrise
View of bridge across river in Spain with Salamanca cathedral in the background
Medieval clock tower amidst a street of Castelo Rodrigo's historical village, Portugal

River Cruise

Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise

  • Portugal, Spain
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Full board dining
  • Free all-inclusive drinks package
  • 8 visits & tours
Save up to £750pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability
Save up to £750pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Explore holidays

Our brochure is packed with itineraries and inspiration. Delivered to your doorstep or view it online - the choice is yours.

Taormina theatre columns with snowy Mount Etna in the distance in Taormina, Italy
Fallen Statue of Icarus and Temple of Concordia, Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
Coast of Ortigia island at the city of Syracuse in Sicily, Italy

Escorted Tour

Sicily Tour

  • Italy, Sicily
  • 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast and dinner, plus 1 light lunch
  • 7 included experiences
Save up to £750pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability
Save up to £750pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability
Canal and illuminated buildings during a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France
Christmas market lights in front of Speyer Cathedral at night, Germany
St. Michael church covered in snow at night in Cologne, Germany
Christmas market and Catholic cathedral at night in the city of Cologne, Germany

River Cruise

Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise

  • France, Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board with Christmas Gala dinner
  • Free all-inclusive drinks package
  • 10 included experiences
  • Onboard Christmas Concert
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability

River Cruise

Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise

New

  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 5 included experiences
  • Visit 3 castles adorned with festive decor
  • Enjoy a musical performance in Vernon Cathedral
  • Explore Paris and the Christmas markets
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
Koblenz City overlooking the Moselle River before sunset in Germany

River Cruise

New Year on the Rhine River Cruise

  • Germany
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board including New Year's Eve Gala dinner and New Year’s Brunch
  • 7 included experiences plus New Year’s Eve celebrations on board
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
St. Stephen's Cathedral basked in the glow of evening streetlights, Vienna
Entrance of Buda district at sunrise with colourful sky in Budapest, Hungary
View of Bratislava Castle from the river under a colour evening sky

River Cruise

New Year on the Danube River Cruise

  • Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
  • 5* ships
  • Flights included
  • 6 included experiences plus New Year’s Eve celebrations on board
  • Full board including New Year's Eve Gala dinner
  • Live classical music recital
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability
The Rozenhoedkaai canal and Belfort tower at twilight in Bruges

Escorted Tour

Bruges Tour

  • Belgium
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • Rail included
  • Bed & breakfast
  • 3 included experiences
Narrow alley in Rabat Old Medina along a cobblestone pathway, walls painted in a stripe of white and blue, Morocco
The Basilica of Volubilis in Morocco
Man working in leather tanneries in medina Fez, Morocco
Traditional leather tannery in the medina in Fez, Morocco

Escorted Tour

Imperial Cities of Morocco

  • Morocco
  • 4* / 5* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast & 7 dinners (2 at local restaurants)
  • Daily visits & tours
Save up to £750pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability
Save up to £750pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

From the blog

Aerial shot of Hạ Long Bay in Vietnam

The Best Winter Sun Destinations To Escape The Cold

As the days shorten and there’s an evening nip in the air, many of us are dreaming of the best winter sun destinations across the globe.

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10 Best European Cities to Visit in Winter

From festive fun to a touch of winter sun – explore Europe’s coolest city destinations this winter.

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The Best Christmas Markets in Europe

Holidays over Christmas and New Year are unique – there is a touch of magic in the air and the world-famous, traditional markets across Europe are truly something special.

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Holidays in Spring

Less crowds, more nature and the perfect temperatures for outdoor exploration - a spring holiday sounds idyllic to us! We’ve got the very best destinations available this Spring.

View all spring holidays

Holidays in Summer

This summer, explore iconic European cities or exotic locales. Our summer holidays offer city breaks, lake retreats, and adventures worldwide. Book now.

View all summer holidays
Autumn landscape in Kurobe Gorge, Japan

Holidays in Autumn

Escape the UK’s damp autumn weather. From river cruises to tours, in Europe and beyond, we’ve got the perfect autumn holiday for you. Book now with Riviera Travel.

View all autumn holidays
Christmas market with festive lights during the late evening in Rathausplatz square, Vienna, Austria

Winter River Cruises

Winter is such a magical time of year, with snowfall, fun with loved ones, and new discoveries in the New Year.

Explore winter river cruises
Pantai Cenang beach with white sands and palm trees in Langkawi, Malaysia

Winter Sun Holidays

If, like us, you've had enough of the rain after another washout summer, why not escape the cold and gloom of the UK with a winter sun holiday.

View our winter sun holidays