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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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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
Jamaa el Fna market square at golden hour in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Essaouira coastline and Ramparts in Essaouira, Morocco.
Beautiful mountain landscape in Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Courtyard of Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa (Marrakech, Morocco)

Escorted Tour

Marrakesh and The Atlas Mountains

  • Morocco
  • 4* hotel
  • Flights included
  • Half Board
  • Daily visits & tours
Aerial view of Cape Town in South Africa from helicopter
A cheetah mother laying with her three cubs amongst the bushes
Landscape scene of a valley with African trees, Eswatini
A whalefin emerging from the sea
Landscape in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, at sunset.

Escorted Tour

South Africa

  • South Africa
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Daily Breakfast, 2 lunches & 4 dinners
  • 15 included experiences
Giant Galapagos Tortoise
Basilica del Voto Nacional and downtown Quito in Ecuador
Lamas Family at El Cajas National Park in Ecuador
Bartolome Island surrounded by beaches and green glistening waters
View of Cotopaxi volcano during the day in Ecuador

Escorted Tour

Ecuador and the Galapagos

  • Ecuador & the Galapagos
  • 3* / 4* / 5* hotels
  • London Heathrow Airport
  • 13 included experiences
  • Small group tour only, avg. 22 people
  • 20 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners
Bornean orangutan with a cub amongst rainforest in Borneo, Indonesia

Escorted Tour

Highlights of Malaysia & Borneo

  • Borneo, Malaysia
  • 3* / 4* / 5* hotels
  • London Heathrow Airport
  • Daily breakfast, plus 5 lunches
  • 11 included experiences
Beautiful Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier in the background and a glistening emerald lake. Several canoes can be seen at a distance on the lake.
An early morning jogger on the Stanley Park Seawall in autumn. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Escorted Tour

Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer

  • Canada
  • 3* / 4* hotels
  • London Heathrow Airport
  • 4 meals: 2 breakfasts & 2 lunches
  • 5 included experiences
Group of European greater flamingos walking in shallow water of a swamp

Escorted Tour

Timeless Provence

  • France
  • 4* hotels
  • Flights included
  • Rail included
  • Daily breakfast & 2 local restaurant dinners
  • 8 included experiences
  • Spot pink flamingos on a boat ride in the Camargue
  • Discover one of Europe's most historic cities, Avignon

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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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