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Aerial shot of the Cologne Christmas Markets during sunset in Germany

Holidays in Winter

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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 between two mighty rivers - the Mekong and the Nile. 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? Put your feet up and relax on our tours with beach stay in India and Jordan, 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 176 holidays

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Golden pavilion Buddhist temple Kinkakuji in Kyoto, Japan
Pontocho alley in Kyoto, Japan
Top view of Kamakura Hasedera Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan
Tak Mausoleum Sohmon in Japan
Aerial view of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

Escorted Tour

Icons of Japan

  • Japan
  • 4* hotels
  • London Heathrow Airport
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 included experiences
Taj mahal on a bright day in Agra, India
Exterior of the Diwan-i-Khas, the hall of private audience in Fatehpur Sikri, India
A wide arrangement of spices
Adult tiger relaxing in river in between rocks

Escorted Tour

India

  • India
  • 4* / 5* hotels
  • London Heathrow Airport
  • 16 meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 5 dinners
  • 8 included experiences
Panorama of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
Celsus library in the Roman ruins of Ephesus during sunrise in Turkey

Escorted Tour

Istanbul, Ephesus and Troy

  • Turkey
  • 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
  • 11 included experiences
View of Villa del Balbianello building from Lake Como in Italy
Isola Bella Lake Maggiore
The Villa del Balbianello and gardens overlooking Lake Como, Italy
A red train in motion curved along the Brusio Spiral Viaduct on the Bernina Railway
Sunset at Lake Lugano from wooden jetty in Switzerland

Escorted Tour

Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express

  • Italy, Switzerland
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Half Board
  • 7 included experiences
Colourful buildings along the cliffside of Cinque Terre over the Mediterranean sea
A low ground shot of the leaning tower of Pisa and the Campo dei Miracoli building, Italy
View of Porto Venere harbour, Italy
Aerial view of the Portofino Village on the Ligurian Coast of Italy

Escorted Tour

Lucca, Portofino & the Cinque Terre

  • Italy
  • 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast & 3 dinners
  • 7 included experiences
Village nestles between the copse covered mountains, Curral das Freiras
Overlook of Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
Tropical Botanical Gardens in Funchal town, Madeira island
Ocean view of the Veil Of The Bride Waterfall Porto Moniz, Madeira

Escorted Tour

Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic

  • Madeira, Portugal
  • 4* hotel
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast & 7 dinners
  • 9 included experiences
The Almudena cathedral during sunset in Madrid, Spain
View of Toledo town from the Tagus river in Toledo, Spain
King Philip III statue at Plaza Mayor in Madrid, Spain

Escorted Tour

Madrid, Salamanca and Toledo

  • Spain
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast
  • 5 included experiences

River Cruise

Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise

New

  • France
  • 5* ship
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Full board dining
  • 5 included experiences
  • Visit 3 French castles adorned with festive decorations
  • Enjoy a musical performance in Vernon Cathedral
  • Explore Paris and browse the Christmas markets

From the blog

Aerial shot of Hạ Long Bay in Vietnam

The Best Winter Sun Destinations To Escape The Cold

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Traditional Christmas market at Vienna Town Hall at night in front of town hall

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
An image of two ships crossing the Seine River, during the day

Request a Riviera Brochure

With a wide range of holidays to choose from, it might be hard to pick just one. Start planning your next holiday with our latest brochures. Simply click the brochure you'd like to receive and fill in your details. You'll receive your selection in 3-5 working days, free of charge.

View our brochures