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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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Colosseum in Rome lit by morning sunlight, Italy
Aerial scenic view of Siena town and historical houses in Tuscany, Ialy
The Brunelleschi Dome with the Tuscany Mountains in the background, Italy
The beautiful Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi located in the town of Assisi, Italy. Photo contains a Tuscan hillside view in the background and a bright blue sky with pretty cloud formations.
The wonderful medieval city of Siena in Tuscany region, italy

Escorted Tour

Classical Italy: Florence, Siena, Assisi and Rome

  • Italy
  • 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Bed & Breakfast with dinner on night 5
  • 7 included experiences
Shot of The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux ontop of a hill on a sunny blue skied day
View of Saint Julian, Malta
Traditional colourful eyed boats Luzzu at harbour in Marsaxlokk, Malta
The Blue Grotto, Malta

Escorted Tour

Malta Uncovered

  • Malta
  • 4* hotel
  • Flights included
  • Half Board
  • 10 included experiences
Brightly coloured houses in the European Old Town Tallinn, in Estonia
Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) Fortress in Helsinki, Finland
Aerial view of Market Square at the Old Town pier in Helsinki, Finland
Front view of Tartu City Town Hall and fountain, located in Town Hall Square

Escorted Tour

Helsinki, Tallinn and Riga

  • Estonia, Finland, Latvia
  • 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast & 3 dinners
  • 7 included experiences
Row of brightly coloured Bryggen buildings in Bergen, Norway
View of Oslo City Hall and harbour in Oslo, Norway
Preserved wooden Hopperstad Stave Church besides a tree atop a green hill, Norway
Railway between Flam and Myrdal in Norway
View from the Vøringsfossen waterfall overlooking Mabodalen valley, Norway

Escorted Tour

Norway Tour

  • Norway
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast & 2 dinners
  • 9 included experiences
Amalfi Coast from Villa Rufolo gardens in Ravello, Campania, Italy
Positano on Amalfi coast with blurred flowers on foreground in Campania, Italy
Ruins of Pompeii and a distant view of  Mount Vesuvius volcano in Italy

Escorted Tour

Pompeii, Capri and the Bay of Naples

  • Italy
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Breakfast & dinner
  • 6 included experiences
Old town cityscape skyline at dusk in Lisbon, Portugal
Santa Marta lighthouse and Municipal museum of Cascais, Portugal
Aerial skyline shot of the colourful buildings in Porto Old Town in sunset light, Portugal.

Escorted Tour

Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley

  • Portugal
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily breakfast plus 3 dinners*
  • 11 included experiences

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

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Holidays in Spring

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Holidays in Summer

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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.

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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