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If you’re passionate about travel, seeing the world probably involves more than just visiting new places. One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is discovering new cultures, learning about local history, immersing yourself in authentic experiences, and gaining a deeper insight into how others live.
To highlight the joys of immersive travel, we’ve partnered with Riviera Travel, one of the UK’s leading tour operators. Known for their culture-rich escorted group tours, Riviera holidays allow you to savour the stories and flavours of different destinations while learning about the art, food, and folklore that make each place unique.
Because Riviera knows that people are unique too, there are options for solo travellers. Travelling solo doesn’t have to mean being alone, and if you’re keen to see the world with like-minded people, there are many solo traveller holidays to choose from. With small group sizes, no regional flight supplements, private rooms, excursions, and local guides, there are plenty of benefits for solo travellers.
All Riviera tours include expert guides and thoughtfully curated itineraries that allow you to dive beneath the surface of each destination. You’ll return home not only with memories that’ll last a lifetime but a richer understanding of the world around you. And, because everything is arranged for you, you can sit back and relax, and focus on enjoying your trip.
So, to get you inspired, here are 10 immersive group tours with local cultures and experiences.
1. The Best of Japan
Japan is a land of contrasts—a place where futuristic bullet trains rush past ancient temples and tranquil Zen gardens sit beside soaring skyscrapers. On Riviera’s Best of Japan tour, you’ll delve into the country’s rich history of emperors, samurais, and geishas, immersing yourself in this fascinating cultural paradox. Over 13 days, the tour takes you to neon-lit cities, mirror-like lakes, and hot-spring mountain towns.
The capital Tokyo is on the agenda, as is Nara and historic Hiroshima. But it’s not all cities; you’ll also visit Lake Kawaguchi, relax in Hakone resort, and be awed by Mount Fuji. In Kyoto, the former imperial capital, you can join a Japanese tea ceremony, learn about geishas, explore the famous bamboo forest, and enjoy a traditional ‘kaiseki’ multi-course dinner. You’ll also get to ride on the iconic bullet train.
2. Deep South USA Plus Texas
If you’re fascinated by Americana, Riviera’s 14-day Deep South USA Plus Texas tour may be for you. This is your chance to soak up the unique culture, history, and music of America’s Deep South, and immerse yourself in the charms of Texas. Music enthusiasts will love exploring the jazz, rock n’ roll, blues, and country music scenes, while foodies can enjoy sampling the best of Creole and Cajun cuisine.
Some of America’s most iconic cities are on the itinerary, including Austin, Nashville, Memphis, Houston, and New Orleans. As you travel, you’ll learn about some of the most important times in US history, from the civil rights movement and JFK to the Apollo Moon landings. There’s plenty of nature, too: tour Tennessee’s rolling farmlands, Louisiana’s moss-covered bayous, and the vast South Texas plains.
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Riviera Travel Deep South USA Plus Texas*
USA | 14 days
3. Imperial Cities of Morocco
Marrakech might be Morocco’s most popular destination, but it’s one of four beautiful imperial cities. Riviera’s eight-day Imperial Cities of Morocco tour takes you to Rabat, Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech, and as you explore the narrow streets and medieval medinas, their rich histories and captivating cultures will come alive. If that weren’t enough, Casablanca, with its cool, colonial charm, is also on the agenda.
Enjoy a tour of Marrakech, visiting royal palaces, mosaic-lined courtyards, and the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. In the capital Rabat, you can admire dazzling blue houses and stroll along the vibrant coastline, while, in Fez, you’ll visit its extraordinary medina, and enjoy a traditional meal in a riad palace. Drive through olive-grove-speckled hills to tour Meknes, then learn about Roman history at ancient Volubilis.
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Riviera Travel Imperial Cities of Morocco*
Morocco | 8 days
4. Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer
Canada has one of the most diverse and dramatically beautiful landscapes in the world and, on Riviera’s eight-day Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer tour, you’ll see the best of it. Climb aboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train for two days of travel through truly breathtaking scenery, enjoying dazzling views of snow-capped peaks, emerald green lakes, wild-flower meadows, and dense pine forests.
Set off from the plains of Calgary to Banff, where you’ll spend three nights. From here, visit the region’s most impressive sights, from Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields to the Athabasca Glacier, which, weather permitting, you can ride over in a Snocoach. In cosmopolitan Vancouver, you can immerse yourself in Canadian culture, enjoy scenic coastal walks, and visit the totem poles of Stanley Park.
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Riviera Travel Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer*
Canada | 9 days
5. Grand tour of South Africa
If you’re interested in a nature- and wildlife-focused tour, Riviera’s 20-day Grand Tour of South Africa may be the break for you. This action-packed adventure takes you on an epic journey, travelling from golden plains and rugged mountains to verdant wine valleys and captivating coastlines. A particular highlight is a safari in Kruger National Park, where you can spot lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalos, and elephants.
Flying into Johannesburg, the tour will take you to South Africa’s most fascinating sights, from the Zulu War battlefields to the Cango Caves. In Wineland, take a scenic boat ride down Breede River, travel on Route 62, and, of course, go wine tasting in local wineries. Spot whales in Hermanus, watch penguins on Boulders Beach, visit quirky local villages, and soak up the sophistication of culture-rich Cape Town.
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of South Africa *
South Africa | 20 days
6. Peru
Peru is arguably the most intriguing country in South America, boasting beautiful scenery, fabulous cuisine, and a truly fascinating cultural heritage. On Riviera’s 13-day Peru tour, you’ll learn about the country’s rich history, from the colonial heritage of the Spanish Conquistadors to the colourful culture of the Incas. A high point is a visit to Machu Picchu, the mystical ‘Lost City’ perched upon jungle-swathed mountains.
Tour the capital, Lima, as well as Arequipa, one of the continent’s loveliest colonial cities, and enjoy time in Cusco, the former Incan capital. From here, you’re perfectly placed to explore the Sacred Valley, the spiritual centre of the Inca empire. At Lake Titicaca, take a boat trip to meet indigenous communities, while, in Colca, you can trek through the magnificent canyon and spot condors circling ahead.
7. Grand Tour of Indochina
If Southeast Asia is calling you, Riviera’s Grand Tour of Indochina is a wonderful way to discover this beautiful part of the world. This epic 19-20 day, three-country tour takes you to the best sights of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, from exhilarating capital cities to mist-shrouded mountains. Enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong River, uncover historical secrets, and feast on the mouthwateringly fragrant local cuisine.
Begin in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour by cycle rickshaw. Then, cruise along the stunning Ha Long Bay, step back in time in historic Hue, and explore vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Next, head to Cambodia, travelling from the capital, Phnom Penh, to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor ruins. The last four nights are spent in Laos, where you can soak up the culture in historic Luang Prabang.
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Indochina*
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos | 19 days
8. Classic California
If you’re drawn to beautiful coastlines, Riviera’s Classic California tour might be for you. Over 14 days, visit the Golden State’s most beautiful attractions, from soaring sequoia forests and sweeping beaches to the three biggest cities: glitzy Los Angeles, trendy San Francisco, and sunny San Diego. The awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park, with its giant granite monoliths and thunderous waterfalls, is a real highlight.
From San Francisco, head to Napa and Sonoma, California’s most famous wine-producing regions, to go wine tasting. Hike through Calaveras National Park and drive through Yosemite before touring the beach towns of the Pacific Coast. Spend two days in Los Angeles, where you’ll take a guided tour of the iconic sights, and finish in San Diego, visiting the historic Gaslamp district and enjoying plenty of free time.
9. India and Nepal
Riviera’s 15-day India and Nepal tour takes you on an extraordinary journey through two of Asia’s most compelling countries. This trip contrasts the intense energy of India with the natural serenity of Nepal, and, as you travel, you’ll have many chances to soak up the vibrant culture and enjoy the flavourful cuisine. Tour colourful cities, hike through mesmerising scenery, and even fly over Mount Everest.
In India, you’ll dive into the country’s rich culture with visits to Delhi, Agra, and the spiritual capital, Varanasi. The Taj Mahal and temples of Khajuraho are on the itinerary, and you can get a taste of local life on a Ganges boat ride. Things slow down in Nepal; admire the beauty of the Himalayas, enjoy a safari in Chitwan National Park, meet sherpas and Gurkas, and take a scenic boat ride across Lake Phewa.
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Riviera Travel India and Nepal *
India & Nepal | 15 days
10. New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud
Finally, if you’re after a far-flung adventure on the other side of the globe, what about Riviera’s New Zealand tour? Over 21 days, you’ll see the best of both the North and South Islands, exploring rugged mountains, dramatic fjords, scenic national parks, and cosmopolitan cities. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful countries, the diversity of the scenery here may leave you speechless.
On the North Island, tour the cities of Auckland, Napier, and Wellington as you learn about Kiwi culture. Go dolphin-spotting in the Bay of Islands, visit Hobbiton, explore geothermal Rotorua, and then cross to the South Island to be awed by the dazzling South Alps. A scenic helicopter ride over jagged peaks and glittering glaciers will leave you feeling exhilarated, while adventure abounds in cinematic Queenstown.
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Riviera Travel New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud*
New Zealand | 21 days
Final thoughts…
While these 10 tours take you to very different parts of the world, they all have one thing in common. On these Riviera tours, you don’t only see the main attractions, you get to dive beneath the surface and enjoy a host of authentic experiences.
As you discover new cultures, meet local people, and sample delicious food, you’ll gain a meaningful insight into how other people live, and will return home with lifelong memories, as well as gorgeous photos. With carefully crafted itineraries, immersive local experiences, excellent rates, and expert tour managers to guide you, you won’t just see the sights but also experience them.
Are you tempted by any of these immersive group tours? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences, so please leave us a comment below.