Riviera Travel launches new Classic European Tours itineraries for 2026 with focus on popular Italy and increasing demand for solo holidays

The award-winning cruise and tour operator is introducing new holidays to its Classic European Tours selection with itineraries in ‘customer-favourite’ Italy and expanded offering for solo travellers.

Riviera Travel has launched seven new itineraries for 2026 this spring as part of its Classic European Tours category, inspired by demand for holidays in ‘customer – favourite’ Italy and rising enquiries from solo travellers. Available to book now, this includes tours in enchanting destinations such as Puglia, Florence, Umbria, and Padua in Italy, Northern Cyprus, and Spain. As well as introducing new itineraries, new 2026 dates for existing tours within this category are also going on sale.

Continuously expanding and improving their tours, the Riviera Travel team highlights the exceptional value of its Classic European holidays with no hidden costs, all activities and taxes included, and no regional supplements. The multi-award-winning company also prides itself on the variety and multitude of its enriching included experiences and daily excursions, as well as the included accommodation, and the expert guidance of the accompanying local travel experts.

Riviera Travel also notes the great demand for its solo tours, a category in which they offer a wide range of choice that the team continues to grow and improve. In response to the rising interest from individual travellers, five out of the seven new Classic European Tours are solo holidays.

Head of European Product, Joanne Lynn, comments, “We’re pleased to launch our 2026 European collection, offering the return of many of our popular tours plus new itineraries in sought-after destinations. Italy remains a firm favourite, and we’re expanding our offering with both new and returning tours that showcase incredible highlights. Our Grand Tour additions in Spain provide even more opportunities for in-depth exploration, while our growing range of Solo tours reflects the increasing demand for independent travel.

“As always, we continue to lead with exceptional value, and no hidden extras—ensuring our guests can experience the best of Europe with confidence and ease.”

Below, Riviera Travel has shared further details of its new Classic European Tours for 2026.

Puglia & Basilicata: Lecce, Alberobello & Matera – 8 days from £1489 pp

Guests will embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through some of Italy’s most captivating destinations. Their adventure begins with a guided walking tour of Lecce, where intricate baroque architecture and centuries of history come to life. A visit to the coastal town of Gallipoli reveals stunning sea views and historic charm, while a trip to Alberobello offers the chance to admire its iconic trulli houses—whitewashed, conical-roofed dwellings that create a truly magical atmosphere.

Food and wine enthusiasts will delight in a winery tour and tasting, where they can sample some of Puglia’s finest vintages, followed by a visit to a traditional olive oil mill, where the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oil is produced and tasted. The itinerary also includes guided tours of Matera, with its fascinating ancient cave dwellings, and Bari, a vibrant port city steeped in history. Perfect for those with a passion for Italian culture and cuisine, this tour promises an enriching and immersive experience.

The Puglia & Basilicata: Lecce, Alberobello & Matera tour is available to book via www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/puglia-basilicata-lecce-alberobello-matera.

Hidden Italy: Padua, Vicenza and Mantua – 6 days from £1009 pp

Guests will enjoy wandering through the elegant streets of Padua, where history and culture intertwine in every corner, before stepping into the grandeur of the Palazzo Ducale, a former royal residence brimming with ornate halls, artistic treasures, and echoes of a regal past. A visit to a local artisan distillery, where tradition meets craftsmanship, offers a taste of expertly distilled spirits that capture the essence of the region.

Beyond Padua lie the hidden gems of Mantua and Vicenza, awaiting to be explored on expert-guided tours and full of architectural wonders and Renaissance charm. In Mantua, the city’s poetic streets and stunning palaces capture the imagination, while Vicenza, known as the “city of Palladio,” enchants with its elegant villas and classical beauty. A wine tasting experience allows guests to savour exquisite regional vintages  – a perfect way to complete an unforgettable holiday.

The Hidden Italy: Padua, Vicenza and Mantua tour is available to book via www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/hidden-italy-padua-vicenza-and-mantua.

Discover Northern Cyprus for Solo Travellers – 8 days from £2499 pp

Guests will embark on a captivating journey through Northern Cyprus, discovering its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. A guided tour of Kyrenia sets the stage, where the picturesque harbor and winding streets offer a glimpse into the region’s past. At Kyrenia Castle, they will uncover centuries of maritime history and legendary tales. The adventure continues with a visit to Guzelyurt, known for its lush citrus groves, followed by guided tours of the ancient city of Soli and the fascinating ruins of Vouni Palace, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

History and architecture enthusiasts will marvel at the storybook-like Saint Hilarion Castle and the serene beauty of Bellapais Abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic design. A guided tour of Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital, offers a deep dive into the island’s complex past.

Guests will also visit the Monastery of Saint Barnabas, an important pilgrimage site, before exploring Famagusta, home to grand Venetian walls and historic landmarks. The tour culminates with visits to Varosha, the hauntingly abandoned resort town, and the ancient city of Salamis, where vast ruins tell the story of Cyprus’s glorious past.

The Discover Northern Cyprus for Solo Travellers tour is available to book via www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/discover-northern-cyprus-for-solo-travellers.

Umbria, Perugia and Assisi for Solo Travellers – 8 days from £2149 pp

Guests will explore the heart of Umbria and Tuscany on a journey through historic towns, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights. Guided tours of Perugia, Assisi, and Spoleto offer an immersive experience into Italy’s rich past, from Perugia’s medieval streets and Assisi’s sacred Basilica of St. Francis to Spoleto’s ancient Roman bridges and grand cathedral. A visit to the Frasassi Caves, one of Europe’s most spectacular cave systems, reveals a mesmerizing underground world of stalactites and vast caverns. The itinerary also includes stops in the charming hilltop towns of Cortona and Orvieto, each brimming with history, stunning architecture, and sweeping views of the countryside.

A chance to unwind comes with a scenic boat trip on Lake Trasimeno, where guests can take in the tranquil beauty of Umbria’s largest lake. Food and wine lovers will enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a traditional agriturismo, indulging in locally produced wines and authentic regional cuisine in a rustic, countryside setting. This carefully curated experience blends culture, history, and gastronomy, making it an unforgettable journey through one of Italy’s most enchanting regions.

The Umbria, Perugia and Assisi for Solo Travellers tour is available to book online via www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/umbria-perugia-and-assisi-solo-travellers.

Tuscany, Florence and Siena for Solo Travellers – 8 days from £2329 pp

Guests will journey through the heart of Tuscany, discovering its most iconic cities, medieval towns, and artistic treasures. In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, they will marvel at world-famous masterpieces in the Uffizi Gallery, home to works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. The adventure continues with a visit to Lucca, a charming city enclosed by well-preserved Renaissance walls, and Pisa, where the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli offer unforgettable sights.

Beyond the cities, guests will explore the timeless beauty of Tuscany’s hilltop towns. In Volterra, they will wander through ancient Etruscan ruins and medieval streets, while the towers of San Gimignano provide a picture-perfect skyline. A visit to Siena rounds out the experience, where the stunning Piazza del Campo and the magnificent Duomo showcase the city’s medieval splendor. This journey through Tuscany offers a perfect blend of art, history, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience for culture and history lovers alike.

The Tuscany, Florence and Siena for Solo Travellers is available to book via www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/tuscany-florence-and-siena-solo-travellers.

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