Touring vs River Cruising – What’s the Difference?

A quick and easy guide taking agents through Riviera Travel’s two main business areas: Touring and River Cruising. 

Riviera Travel offers both escorted tours and river cruising; it’s essential to understand the key differences between the two, so you can help your clients make an informed decision when planning their dream getaway. 

A Snapshot

A Riviera Travel river cruise offers a relaxed, immersive journey with guided excursions, stunning scenery, and exceptional onboard service. In contrast, an escorted tour is more dynamic, using various transport options to explore multiple destinations, with full-day itineraries and diverse accommodations and activities included. 

Two Unique Travel Styles: A Comparison

Explore the key differences between river cruising and escorted tours with Riviera Travel, divided into key areas for easy comparison.

01. Travel Mode & Itineraries

Escorted Tours

Riviera Travel’s escorted tours typically involve coach, rail, and flight travel between cities or regions, with a well-paced, well-structured itinerary, perfect for clients who love exploring multiple landmarks and attractions each day.

River Cruising

Riviera Travel’s river cruises focus on a more relaxed and immersive experience. Clients cruise along scenic rivers, enjoying panoramic views with relaxed excursions to picturesque towns. There is plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the facilities on board.

02. Stay Experience

Escorted Tours

Customers will stay at specially selected 3-4 star hotels, often changing accommodation throughout the trip depending on the itinerary and location. They may need to check in and out each time they move from one destination to another.

River Cruising

River cruise clients enjoy luxury accommodation on board the ship itself, with well-appointed cabins with large windows and scenic views. They only need to unpack once and can return to the ship and their private room whenever they want.

03. Pace & Itineraries

Escorted Tours

Itineraries are well-planned and structured, often back-to-back with early starts and scheduled visits to key landmarks, museums, and historical sites. Tours can be ideal for clients who enjoy seeing as many attractions as possible.

River Cruising

River cruises offer a mix of scheduled excursions and free time to explore. While there are expert-led excursions in every port, clients can also enjoy plenty of downtime on board to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take part in the onboard activities.

04. Destinations

Escorted Tours

Clients will explore a wide range of destinations, covering diverse terrain and offering a broader view of a region or country in one trip. Perfect for clients who prioritise seeing as much as possible, though travel between destinations can be more demanding.

River Cruising

Focusing on specific regions or rivers, offering access to scenic, often less-travelled destinations, for a slower, more immersive exploration of riverside towns, cities, and villages, allowing clients to enjoy the journey with less time spent on travel.

05. Comfort vs. Adventure

Escorted Tours

On a traditional tour, clients check in and out of new hotels, adjusting to different environments and often moving quickly between destinations. This is ideal for those who prefer adventure and the thrill of discovery.

River Cruising

With river cruising, clients return to the same ship and its stunning interiors after each day’s exploration, unpacking once and enjoying familiar amenities and excellent service. This creates a sense of stability and comfort despite sailing to new destinations each day.

Key Differences & Tips For Agents

Quick sales-boosting insights to keep in mind when recommending Riviera Travel itineraries.

Key Similarities

Whether your clients choose a river cruise or an escorted tour with Riviera Travel, both offer a high level of convenience and inclusivity. Here are the key similarities:

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01/05

Flights, Transfers & Transportation
Both options include flights or rail, airport transfers, checked luggage and all transportation.
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Meals & Drinks
Breakfast is included and some lunches and dinners, while on a river cruise, meals with drinks are provided on board. 
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03/05

Local Guides & Concierge Services
Both options offer the expertise of local guides and a concierge for a hassle-free experience.
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04/05

Excursions & Sightseeing
Both experiences include a range of guided excursions and sightseeing opportunities.
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Comfortable Accommodation
Accommodations at 3- or 4-star hotels or onboard Riviera Travel’s elegant ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions agents might hear - or be asking themselves.

Can clients combine both in one trip?

Yes! Many agents build tailor-made holidays combining a river cruise with a pre- or post-tour land extension. Riviera Travel’s flexible itineraries make this easy.

  • River Cruises: Around 140 guests, with a relaxed and sociable onboard experience.
  • Escorted Tours: Typically 25–40 people, offering a more intimate group dynamic with plenty of guide interaction.

Absolutely. Riviera Travel offers dedicated Solo Tours with no single supplements and a welcoming group format. Many standard tours also include a limited number of solo cabins or rooms.

River cruises are lower-paced with mostly optional walking tours. Escorted tours involve more travel and sightseeing but are designed with comfort and accessibility in mind.

Yes. Both include flights, transfers, accommodation, daily excursions, and expert guides. Cruises also include full board; tours include selected meals (usually breakfast and some dinners).

Types of Travellers

Both Riviera Travel’s escorted tours and river cruises cater to a wide range of customers!
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Luxury Seekers

Typically mature travellers who value comfort, scenic views, and all-inclusive experiences.
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Active & Leisurely Travellers

Those who enjoy exploring multiple hidden gems off the beaten path at their own pace.
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Cultural Explorers

Travellers with a passion for history, local cultures, and authentic experiences.
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Organised Tour Seekers

Customers who want a stress-free experience with everything planned, from guided tours to meals. 

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Active Retirees

Older travellers who prefer a structured itinerary with a balance of sightseeing, light adventure, and relaxation. 

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Families & Multi-Gen Groups

Travellers who appreciate the ease of having accommodations, meals, and activities all pre-arranged.

Riviera Explorer

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Browse Riviera’s collection of assets, toolkits and marketing solutions designed to help travel agents craft the perfect itinerary and make that sale!

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