Riviera Makes Landmark Move into Irish Long-Haul Touring with Signature Small-Group Experiences and First River Cruise

A new premium long-haul proposition for Irish travel partners to offer clients.

Riviera Travel is making a landmark entrance into the Irish long-haul market, introducing a premium long-haul touring experience for Irish holidaymakers, available for 2026 and 2027 departures. Building on its proven success across European tours, Riviera is bringing immersive, small-group experiences to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, including India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Japan, Morocco, and the Mekong.

“Launching long-haul tours from Ireland represents a significant milestone for Riviera,” said Vicky Billing, Director of Trade and Partnerships UK & Ireland at Riviera Travel. “Irish holidaymakers can now explore iconic destinations in small groups, with immersive experiences, hassle-free travel arrangements, and the trusted service our customers know and value.”

Carrie Day, Country Manager Ireland at Riviera Travel, adds, “It’s exciting to bring Riviera’s award-winning long-haul tours to Ireland for the first time. We’re one of the few operators offering this kind of premium, small-group experience, giving Irish holidaymakers the chance to explore the world in a more personal, memorable way with every detail taken care of.”

Central to Riviera Travel’s long-haul launch in Ireland is the introduction of its Signature proposition, a premium, small-group touring experience that has been available in the UK for several years and is now offered from Ireland for the first time. Signature tours focus on immersive local experiences, private group options, and the kind of attention to detail that has made Riviera a trusted name across Europe. All long-haul tours offer intimate group sizes, with 36 guests on Classic tours and 22 on Signature tours.

For the first time, Irish holidaymakers can experience a long-haul river cruise on the Mekong with Riviera. This premium, small-group journey combines immersive touring with the comfort and style of a river cruise, giving Irish holidaymakers an exciting new way to discover Southeast Asia.

Among the first itineraries available for Irish holidaymakers are:

• Classic only: South Africa; Best of Japan; Sri Lanka
• Signature only: Highlights of Sri Lanka; Grand Journey from India’s Golden Triangle to Shimla; Mekong River Cruise
• Classic & Signature: Imperial Cities of Morocco 

To celebrate the launch, Riviera is offering a 10% discount on all 2027 long-haul tours booked before 21 November 2025, along with a series of complimentary upgraded experiences on select 2026 (September to November 2026) departures:

• Sri Lanka – Room upgrade
• Grand Journey from India’s Golden Triangle to Shimla – Half-board upgrade
• South Africa – Stay at Buffalo Rock tented camp in Kruger National Park
• Japan – One-night Ryokan stay in Kyoto
• Imperial Cities of Morocco – Cooking class in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains

With few operators currently offering long-haul touring from Ireland, Riviera Travel’s entry into the market delivers a major new choice for discerning holidaymakers. Trade partners can now offer clients these exclusive Signature tours and the brand’s first long-haul river cruise, backed by Riviera’s trusted service, marketing support, and full sales resources. Early bookings for 2026 and 2027 departures are now open, and trade partners are encouraged to secure availability early to take advantage of these exclusive launch offers.

For full details, itineraries, and departure dates, visit rivieratravel.ie/ or call 01 905 6300.