40 Years of Exceptional Journeys
For over 40 years, we've been crafting unforgettable journeys across Europe and beyond, combining deep local knowledge with world-class service. From showcasing the very best of iconic cities to uncovering the hidden gems most tourists miss, we've helped millions of travelers see more of the world. Here's a look at the last 40 years:
1980s:
Riviera Travel began in the early 1980s with a handful of tents on a campsite in the south of France and a bold vision: to share the magic of Europe with curious, discerning travelers. Our founder, Michael Wright, combined his extraordinary passion for travel, history, and customer service - and from that spark, Riviera Travel was born. By 1984, the first coach journey was to Paris, in collaboration with the Burton Mail.
1990s:
Over the next decade, we expanded our offerings throughout Europe. Athens to Amsterdam, Berlin to Budapest and beyond, our early years were defined by expertly guided escorted tours across Europe.
2000s:
By the mid-2000s, we were operating our first long-haul programmes exploring remote destinations. Back then. There were no direct flights to South Africa, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, giving our guests that off-the-beaten-track feel.
2009 was a landmark year for Riviera Travel. We launched our first river cruises, taking guests on a journey through ancient castles, terraced vineyards, historic cities, and cobbled wine villages. Since those early days, we've added more cruises along more of the continent's most beautiful waterways, including the Danube, Rhône, Seine, Main, and Dutch Waterways. We've also built our own ships - which are some of the most luxurious vessels in Europe - with spacious cabins, French balconies, and curated itineraries. We're redefining river cruising - combining comfort, culture, and seamless service.
2010s:
Expanding into yacht cruising seemed like a natural evolution for us. With itineraries that explore the dramatic coastline of Croatia, our guests enjoy the freedom of exploring the Adriatic aboard a deluxe yacht that feels like it's all their own.
In 2014, over 110,000 guests traveled with Riviera, making us the UK's largest escorted tour operator and a major river cruise provider.
2020s:
After a false start, thanks to a global pandemic, we've bounced back stronger than ever.
We're only at the mid-point of another record-breaking decade. From new destinations to new ways to travel - including our combination cruises, Signature small group tours, and Grand tours - our guests can enjoy more choice than ever before, and we've got even bigger plans in the works. As we grow globally, our values remain rooted in the same commitment to thoughtful service, enriching experiences, and a deep love of travel.
Discover more expert tips, destination highlights, and behind-the-scenes stories from Riviera Travel.