Riviera Travel responds to ‘unprecedented growth’ in Solo Holiday category with five new European itineraries for 2026

The award-winning cruise and tour operator has noted a significant increase in the number of solo passengers travelling year-on-year, and has ambitious plans to encourage further growth in this customer segment.

In response to experiencing unprecedented growth in its Solo Holidays category, Riviera Travel has launched five new itineraries for solo travellers for 2026. With a significant increase in the number of solo passengers travelling year-on-year, the multi-award-winning cruise and tour operator is harnessing ambitious plans for the year ahead to keep this segment of its overall customer base growing.

Recent findings show that solo travel with Riviera Travel is particularly popular with those aged between 50 and 80 years. Another trend that has stood out amongst booking data from the last few years is that at around 80%, the majority of the company’s solo customers are currently female – with the Riviera Travel team keen to encourage more male customers to try a Solo Holiday.

Furthermore, a ‘solo survey’ conducted by Riviera Travel in May 2024 established three key findings:

1. Single person supplements and destination are the most important factors for solo travellers when choosing a holiday provider
2. If destinations and availability were comparable, 64% of customers would prefer to travel on a solo-exclusive trip rather than joining a classic group tour
3. However, more than one third of those surveyed were still happy to travel on a classic group tour, if it meant having a larger range of destinations and departure dates to choose from

Standing out for exclusively offering solo river cruise itineraries, as well as land-based touring, data has also shown that Riviera Travel’s repeat rate for solo travellers is higher than average.

The company’s Top 10 best-selling Solo Holidays for the last financial year were all European destinations, with  “Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains for solo travellers”, and “South Africa for solo travellers” being the highest performing worldwide itineraries.

Riviera Travel’s Top 5 Solo Holidays

1. Classical Spain for solo travellers
2. The Blue Danube River Cruise for solo travellers
3. The Douro, Porto & Salamanca River Cruise for solo travellers
4. Lake Maggiore, Orta & Como for solo travellers
5. Malta Uncovered for solo travellers

Vicky Billing, Head of Trade & Partnerships UK & Ireland, says, “We have seen a much higher demand for solo travellers this year, which is great, and to support the trade even further we now pay commission on solo supplements across all our classic tour products. It’s important that we recognise all the hard work that our trade partners put into selling our solo product, hence the rationale around paying on all non-commissionable items. We also have some exciting enhancements heading your way on the Riv Explorer – so watch this space!”

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

Puglia & Basilicata: Lecce, Alberobello & Matera for Solo Travellers – 8 days from £1999 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 For Solo Travellers tour is available to book via www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/puglia-basilicata-lecce-alberobello-matera-solo-travellers.

Hidden Italy: Padua, Vicenza and Mantua for Solo Travellers – 6 days from £1469 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 for Solo Travellers is available to book via www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/hidden-italy-padua-vicenza-and-mantua-solo-travellers.

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