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Travelling the world, exploring new places, and discovering different cultures is one of life’s great adventures. And if you’re naturally curious, it’s even more rewarding. Visiting a faraway place, sampling the local cuisine, and immersing yourself in the intricacies of a foreign daily life can open up your mind in a whole new way.
Real worldwide adventures involve more than just sight-seeing; they’re about being an active participant rather than a mere observer. You might connect with interesting people, or learn more about an elusive culture. Perhaps you’ll fall in love with foods you’d never heard of before, or experience an enriching journey that’ll change the course of your life.
Whatever type of journey you’d like to go on and whatever countries are calling you, the world really is your oyster. To shine a light on the many different kinds of adventures you can go on, we’ve partnered with Riviera Travel, one of the UK’s leading tour operators. Known for their balance between adventurous excursions and relaxing free time, Riviera tours are an immersive and stress-free way to see more of the world, without compromising on comfort.
So, to get you inspired, here are 10 worldwide tours for curious minds.
1. New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud
New Zealand is one of the most popular bucket list destinations in the world, and while it isn’t quick or easy to get to, it’s worth the slog. Regularly topping polls of the most beautiful countries, its landscape is astonishingly diverse, and on this 21-night tour you’ll explore the best of both North and South Islands. The tour begins in Auckland, where you’ll explore the city and learn all about the history and cultures of the Pacific people.
Then you’ll move on to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands, taking a dolphin-spotting boat trip along the coastline. The geothermal wonderland of Rotorua is next, and after tours of both Wellington and Napier, you’ll cross to the South Island. After a cruise along the Abel Tasman coastline, it’s time to discover the breathtaking landscape of the South Alps. A scenic helicopter flight over these rugged mountains and gleaming glaciers is a highlight. The tour concludes in dazzling Queenstown.
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Riviera Travel New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud*
New Zealand | 21 days
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of New Zealand with Australia*
Australia & New Zealand | 26 days
2. Grand Tour of Costa Rica
If you’re fascinated by nature and wildlife, there’s a good chance you’ve been dreaming of visiting Costa Rica. And if you have, Riviera’s Grand Tour of Costa Rica should be right up your street. This 17-day trip will take you to the country’s best national parks, giving you a chance to see crocodiles, sloths, turtles, monkeys, emperor butterflies, tropical birds like toucans and quetzals, and adorable sloths. And, when you’re not wildlife-spotting or exploring, there’ll be ample time for relaxing.
Costa Rica’s motto is pura vida (pure life), and as you tour this small yet spectacularly biodiverse country, you’ll soon see why. You can trek around the cone of Arenal Volcano, take a safari down the Rio Frio, and tour coffee, cocoa, and pineapple plantations. Spot rare birds at the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, explore sultry cloud forests, and relax at a stunning five-star resort backing onto the Pacific Ocean. An immersive tour that’s perfect for nature and animal lovers.
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Costa Rica*
Costa Rica | 17 days
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Riviera Travel Costa Rica: From the Caribbean to the Pacific*
Costa Rica | 13 days
3. Grand Journey from India's Golden Triangle to Shimla
India is one of the most captivating and colourful countries in the world, and if you’re interested in the culture, history, or even food of this remarkable place, then this next tour won’t disappoint. Riviera’s Grand Journey from India’s Golden Triangle to Shimla tour is a 15-day trip that’s a true kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, flavours, smells, and colours. You’ll experience the unique excitement of culture shock, explore the country’s astonishing contrasts, and discover its inimitable beauty.
Following the classic ‘Golden Triangle’ route, the tour kicks off with guided tours of both New and Old Delhi. Next up is Agra, where you’ll visit the majestic Taj Mahal before exploring the ancient, abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. You can take a tiger safari, visit the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and the vast Amber Fort, and explore rural Rajasthan. After a train to Shimla, you’ll learn what life was like under British colonial rule. There’s plenty of opportunities to explore in your own way too.
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Riviera Travel Grand Journey from India's Golden Triangle to Shimla*
India | 15 days
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Riviera Travel Southern India's Coastal Route: Tamil Nadu to Kerala*
India | 15 days
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Riviera Travel Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and Amritsar’s Golden Temple*
India & India. | 15 days
4. The Best of Japan
If you’re more drawn to the Far East, Riviera’s Best of Japan tour might be for you. This action-packed 13-day trip takes you to three of Japan’s capitals, both past and present, allowing you to step back into the history of this fascinating country while also getting a vision of its future. Japan is a land of contrasts, a place where high-speed, futuristic bullet trains are as valued as ancient, serene temples – and on this tour you’ll experience both.
In the capital Tokyo, you’ll explore its different districts and visit the main sites, before travelling to the countryside. The beauty of Mount Fuji will leave you awed, as will the serenity of Lake Kawaguchi. You can relax in the hot-spring mountain resort of Hakone before hopping on a bullet train to Hiroshima, where you’ll learn about the horrors of atomic bombs. Then, Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is the ideal place to dig deep into Japanese culture and enjoy trying the delicious local food!
5. Sri Lanka
Located off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Home to blindingly white beaches, azure waters, tropical rainforests, and ancient ruins, this 13-day Sri Lanka tour takes you to all the major attractions. From learning about Buddhist culture and exploring national parks to meeting locals and feasting on delicious food, this is an action-packed tour – yet it finishes with two blissful days on the Indian Ocean.
History buffs will enjoy exploring the 5th-century rock fortress at Sigiriya, as well as Dambulla cave temple, while nature enthusiasts will love getting up close to orphaned elephants. The city of Kandy is also on the itinerary, and throughout the tour you’ll pass through some spectacular landscapes – from shimmering paddy fields to swaying coconut groves. The trip concludes with a break on one of Sri Lanka’s famously idyllic beaches.
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Riviera Travel Grand Journey of Sri Lanka & the Maldives*
Sri Lanka | 18 days
6. Classic California
If you’ve been dreaming of California, then Riviera’s 14-day Classic California tour is the ultimate chance to explore the Golden State. Not only will you visit the three biggest cities in the state – Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego – but you’ll also get a chance to experience the vast variety of landscapes. From thundering waterfalls and soaring mountains in Yosemite National Park to the famously beautiful Pacific coastline, California’s diversity will take your breath away.
The tour kicks off in San Francisco, from where you’ll head to Napa and Sonoma, two of the state’s top wine-making destinations. After sampling plenty of wines, you can marvel at the towering sequoias in Calaveras National Park before heading to Yosemite. After hiking through fragrant forests, it’s back to the coast, where you’ll spend several days exploring gorgeous beach towns. You’ll have two full days in Los Angeles, before the tour ends in sunny San Diego. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
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Riviera Travel Classic California*
California | 14 days
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Riviera Travel California and the Golden West*
California | 15 days
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of California & the Golden West*
California | 17 days
7. Grand Tour of Indochina
If you’ve always wanted to visit Southeast Asia and discover the unique beauty, history, and culture of this part of the world, this next tour could be for you. Riviera’s Grand Tour of Indochina is a 20-day, three country trip that takes you to all the major sights of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. During this tour you’ll explore colourful, vibrant cities, travel through spectacularly beautiful landscapes, visit ancient temples and ruins, and – of course – enjoy the mouthwatering local cuisine.
In Vietnam, you’ll tour the capital Hanoi, cruise along the otherworldly Ha Long Bay, delve into the past in historic Hue, explore the exhilarating Ho Chi Minh City, and take a boat trip on the mighty Mekong delta. Cambodia is next; you’ll tour Phnom Penh, admiring the French colonial architecture, visiting markets, and learning about the city’s painful past. Then it’s on to Siem Reap, home to the stunning Angkor ruins. Finally, you’ll spend four nights in Laos’ ancient capital Luang Prabang.
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Indochina*
Vietnam | 20 days
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Riviera Travel A Journey on the Mekong*
Vietnam & Cambodia | 15 days
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Riviera Travel Vietnam and Cambodia*
Vietnam & Cambodia | 15 days
8. Peru
Peru is arguably the most intriguing and diverse country in all of Latin America. It has something for everyone, whether you’re an avid hiker, a keen historian, an intrepid explorer, a culture vulture, or even a foodie. During this 13-day tour of Peru you’ll learn about the country’s fascinating history, from the extraordinary civilization of the Incas to the colonial heritage of the Spanish Conquistadors. You’ll explore modern cities, the Amazonian jungle, vast, gleaming lakes, and the mesmerising Andes.
The tour begins in the capital Lima, from where you’ll fly to Arequipa, one of South America’s loveliest colonial cities. After, you’ll explore Colca, one of the world’s deepest canyons, where condors can be seen swooping through the air. The vast, deep blue Lake Titicaca is next; here you can visit the famous floating islands where indigenous communities live. Then it’s onto Cusco, the former capital of the Inca empire, where you’ll explore the Sacred Valley, and – of course – the legendary Machu Picchu.
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Peru & the Amazon*
Peru | 16 days
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Riviera Travel South America Highlights with Peru*
Argentina, Brazil & Peru | 16 days
9. Grand tour of South Africa
South Africa is another unusually diverse country. If you want to see the varied landscape, learn about the tumultuous history, spot lions, rhinos and elephants, and sample the fabulous wine, then an escorted tour is the way to do it. Riviera’s 20-day Grand Tour of South Africa takes you to the country’s most awe-inspiring sights and cities, and through the most dazzling scenery – from mountains and plains to verdant wine valleys.
After exploring Johannesburg, you’ll head to Kruger National Park to look out for the Big Five on a safari drive. This is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll have several days to soak up your surroundings. The tour will take you to South Africa’s most popular sights, from the Cango Caves to the Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana. You’ll also go wine tasting in Wineland, take scenic drives, visit quirky villages, and explore sophisticated Cape Town and its stunning coastal surroundings.
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of South Africa*
South Africa | 20 days
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Riviera Travel South Africa with Rovos Rail*
South Africa | 19 days
10. Highlights of Australia
Australia is a country on many people’s bucket list, but its sheer size – and distance from the UK – mean many of us don’t turn our Aussie dreams into reality. But that’s why it makes sense to take an escorted tour of the Land Down Under. This continent-sized country has plenty to offer, from blissful beaches and incredible marine life to cosmopolitan cities and mist-wrapped mountains…and on Riviera’s 17-day tour, you’ll visit them all.
You’ll tour the main cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and Melbourne – learning about their histories, taking guided tours, and enjoying free time to explore at your leisure. Venture into the Blue Mountains to see another side to this vast country, and take a scenic rail trip through the rainforest to the mountain village of Kuranda. Along the way, get up close to cuddly Koalas, sail over the Great Barrier Reef, drive the Great Ocean Road, and have plenty of time to soak up the sun. The perfect taster of Australia.
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Riviera Travel Highlights of Australia*
Australia | 17 days
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of Australia*
Australia | 20 days
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Riviera Travel Grand Tour of New Zealand with Australia*
Australia & New Zealand | 26 days
Final thoughts…
These 10 tours are all very different, but they have one thing in common. Instead of just showing you the sights, they allow you to experience them too. With expert tour managers to guide you, you’ll learn all about the culture and history of every place you visit.
Prepare to return home with lifelong memories as well as incredible photographs – and perhaps lifelong friends, too. Whether you’re a solo traveller who enjoys exploring by yourself or you’re looking to meet new people, escorted tours are tailored to the individual – and you’ll have lots of free time to explore in your own way.
From floating on the Dead Sea in ancient Jordan to admiring the astonishing biodiversity of Costa Rica, these diverse tours offer something for everyone.
Whichever one of these tours caught your eye, you can feel confident that it’ll live up to expectation. With outstanding itineraries, authentic local experiences, and excellent rates, Riviera’s award-winning reputation speaks for itself. Now you just have to decide where in the world you want to go. Explore all Riviera has to offer, from river cruises to worldwide tours, by requesting a free brochure.
Are you tempted by any of these escorted tours? Or have you taken an escorted tour before? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences, so please leave us a comment below!