Long-haul travel is no longer just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about seeing a destination properly, with the right balance of exploration and downtime. That’s exactly where Riviera Travel’s river cruise and tour combinations come into their own. These itineraries begin with expertly guided touring in some of Asia’s most iconic cities, before transitioning to a river cruise where the pace softens and everything is seamlessly organised for you. For travellers who want depth without the hassle of planning every detail, it’s a smart way to explore further afield.
Introducing Riviera Alba on the Mekong
A major attraction is Riviera Alba, Riviera’s first-ever owned ship, built specifically for the Mekong River. Carrying a limited number of guests, it offers a more intimate on-board atmosphere, with spacious suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows so the river remains the focal point. Public areas include a restaurant serving a mix of regional dishes and international cuisine, a comfortable lounge for evening talks and drinks, and a sun deck with a pool for relaxed afternoons between excursions.
Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Mekong River
The Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mekong River cruise mixes cultural highlights with in-depth local experiences. The journey typically begins with guided touring in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, before moving into Cambodia to explore Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap. Once on the Mekong aboard Riviera Alba, daily excursions bring visits to floating markets, riverside workshops, and traditional villages, offering insight into everyday life along the water. The contrast between busy cities and quieter river communities gives this itinerary real variety, while the cruise element ensures travel days are comfortable and unhurried.
Panoramas of China with a Yangtze River cruise
This cruise covers an impressive sweep of the country’s most significant sights. Guided stays in Beijing and Shanghai frame the experience, with time to explore landmarks such as the Great Wall and the historic Bund, while Xi’an introduces the remarkable Terracotta Army. The Yangtze River cruise provides a change of pace, sailing through the Three Gorges and past major engineering feats, including the vast dam project. Combining city stays with several nights on the river allows travellers to experience both China’s scale and its quieter, scenic stretches in one journey.
India’s golden triangle and the Ganges River
On this tour, Riviera pairs India’s most famous touring route with time on its most sacred river. The land programme takes in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, including the Taj Mahal and a range of Mughal and Raj-era architecture, all explored alongside knowledgeable local guides. The cruise along the Ganges then reveals a different perspective, calling at riverside towns and temples where daily rituals and traditions play out on the ghats. As with all Riviera’s long-haul combinations, the logistics are handled throughout, allowing guests to focus on the experience rather than the practicalities of travelling in a vast and varied country.
To book your next long-haul adventure with Riviera Travel, get in touch with your Travel Counsellor today.
A group of Travel Counsellors recently headed to Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line, setting off from Seattle aboard Norwegian Bliss. The trip gave the group a chance to experience the ship and its ports first-hand, picking up ideas and insights to share with customers planning their own cruise. And with Alaska on the bucket list for so many, there was plenty to look forward to once the ship left Seattle behind.
Some holidays are about fitting in as much as possible. Others give you the luxury of taking your time. A voyage along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and France with Cunard offers a little of both: days spent discovering great food, architecture, and historic cities ashore, balanced by unhurried time on board as the scenery changes beyond the ship. In 2027, consider a seven-night voyage from Southampton aboard Queen Anne. You can wake up ready to explore Bilbao, spend the following days discovering Galicia, and finish with a taste of Normandy, without changing hotels or repacking along the way. Two days at sea create a natural pause between these stops, giving you time to enjoy the ship rather than simply moving from one destination to the next.
Cunard’s new voyages for October 2028 to May 2029 bring together winter sun, European city stays, and far-reaching journeys across the world. Guests can mark a milestone at sea on Queen Mary 2, spend an evening in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival with Queen Anne, or join Queen Elizabeth for a 115-night World Voyage. There’s also a 10% Early Booking Saving on eligible bookings made by 30th December 2026.*
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