Demand Builds for Late 2026 and 2027 Departures as Availability Tightens on Key Itineraries

Riviera Travel is advising Irish travel agents to encourage forward planning for their customers, as demand continues to build across late 2026 and 2027 departures with availability already tightening on several of Riviera’s most popular itineraries.

European destinations remain central to demand, while long-haul itineraries offering cultural depth, natural scenery and distinctive experiences are seeing early growth interest among Irish customers.

“With many sailings and tours operating seasonally or with limited group sizes, we’re seeing Irish holiday makers book earlier than ever to secure the dates and experiences they want most,” said Will Sarson, Product Director at Riviera Travel.

“Insight on early demand destinations gives Irish agents a valuable opportunity to guide their customers towards the most suited itinerary for them, before availability reduces for 2026 and 2027” adds Carrie Day, Country Account Manager Ireland.

Below, Riviera Travel highlights a selection of itineraries where availability is tightening, offering agents insight into where forward booking is becoming increasingly important.

1. Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamaca River Cruise (8 Days – MS Riviera Rose)

This eight-day Douro River Cruise through northern Portugal and Spain combines vineyard scenery with historic riverside towns, visits to local quintas and a full-day excursion to Salamanca. The itinerary includes seven nights on a five-star ship with full-board dining, a complimentary all-inclusive drinks package, flights, transfers and an expert Riviera Cruise Director.

Agent selling point: A premium river cruise product with strong appeal for wine, culture, and relaxed exploration, ideal for clients seeking a high value and fully inclusive experience.

2. The Best of Japan (13 Days – Escorted Tour)

Escorted tour showcasing Japan’s contrasts, from Tokyo’s modern districts to Kyoto’s temples and traditional culture, including high speed bullet train travel and 15 included experiences. Small group sizes, four star accommodation, flights, transfers and an Expert Tour Manager are included.

Agent selling point: Suited to long haul clients seeking cultural depth with structure, reassurance, nd expert guidance in a destination with strong seasonality.

3. Sicily Tour (8 days – Escorted Tour)

Our tour of Sicily covers key highlights including the Valley of the Temples, Villa Romana del Casale, Taormina, Syracuse and Mount Etna, alongside regional food experiences. The itinerary includes seven nights in four star hotels, daily breakfast and dinner, one light lunch and an Expert Tour Manager.

Agent selling point: A culturally rich European option, offering strong destination appeal and a manageable touring pace for a wide client base.

4. Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer (8 days – Escorted Tour)

New to the Irish market, this tour features two full days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer with Silverleaf service, alongside highlights including Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway and a Snow coach experience on Athabasca Glacier. Flights, transfers, selected meals and an Expert Tour Manager all included.

Agent selling point: A standout long-haul itinerary centred on iconic rail travel and scenery, ideal for clients seeking a memorable yet comfort led experience.

5. Malta Uncovered (8 days – Escorted Tour)

An eight-day tour exploring Malta’s rich history, including Valletta, Mdina, St Paul’s Catacombs, Marsaxlokk, and a full day on Gozo. The itinerary includes ten guided experiences, half board dining and an Expert Tour Manager throughout.

Agent selling point: A high performing short haul tour combining cultural depth with easy flight access, well suited to clients seeking substance without long travel times.

With demand continuing to build across Riviera’s most popular itineraries, early booking by agents is increasingly important to secure the most sought-after departures, experiences, and seasonal dates.

To support those early booking conversations, Riviera Travel is currently offering the reduced €99 per person deposit on all holidays, alongside a 10% saving on selected 2027 and 2028 departures. Terms and Conditions apply and can be found below.

Terms & Conditions

€99 per‑person deposit 

Secure your place on any Riviera Travel holiday for travel in 2026, 2027, or 2028 and pay just a £99/ €99 deposit per guest. The reduced deposit applies to the total booking value excluding optional extras such as private transfers, upgrades, or extensions. Balance due dates and payments remain unchanged. Valid on new bookings only made on or after 09/04/2026. The offer is non-transferable and holds no cash value. Riviera Travel reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time and without prior notice. All bookings are subject to availability and Riviera Travel’s standard booking condition

10% saving on 2027 & 2028 departures 

• Enjoy 10% off Riviera Travel holidays departing in 2027 or 2028.

• Valid on new bookings made between 18 March 2026 and 27 May 2026 only.

• All advertised prices include the 10% discount where applicable. For holidays on sale before 18 March 2026, the reduction has already been applied. For newly launched holidays, the 10% saving refers to an early booking launch price.

• The offer applied to the standard cost of the holidays only and excludes all additional items, including (but not limited to) pre-bookable or extra-legroom seats, transport or accommodation upgrades, private transfers, optional excursions, airport parking and lounges, travel insurance, door-to-door airport transfers, and any transport or accommodation supplements, including solo occupancy supplements.

• This offer may be combined with other promotions unless otherwise stated and is subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis for individual departures. Riviera Travel reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time without prior notice.