Riviera Travel is making it easier than ever for UK travellers to experience its long-haul escorted tours, with the launch of new regional flights from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or Edinburgh.
*All details correct at time of publish (12 September 2025)
Customers across the North, Midlands, and Scotland can now fly to Sri Lanka, South Africa, India and Japan, via these regional departures.
These new routes build on Riviera’s existing regional departures to Morocco, reflecting growing demand beyond London and forming a key part of the company’s long-haul growth strategy.
Vicky Billing, Director of Trade & Partnerships at Riviera Travel, said: “Our long-haul touring programme is currently up 20% year-on-year, and it’s still accelerating.
“That growth is exactly why we brought Lloyd Morris on board as our long-haul champion. But we also recognised that to truly serve our customers across the UK, we needed to expand our regional presence.”
This expansion comes in response to strong customer demand and forms part of Riviera’s ongoing long-haul growth strategy. Historically, long-haul flights have departed primarily from London, but Riviera is now bringing its touring programme closer to more travellers nationwide.
New Regional Flight Destinations & Tours
SRI LANKA – new departures from Manchester and Birmingham
A 13-day journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural treasures. The itinerary includes UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the cave temples of Dambulla, Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, and Sigiriya Rock, along with a safari in Yala National Park, tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, the coastal city of Galle, and time on the island’s beaches.
Signature Tour experiences add a Mahaweli River boat trip, traditional high tea in Nuwara Eliya, and a sunset drinks reception in Habarana, all in a smaller group setting.
SOUTH AFRICA – new departures from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or Edinburgh
A 16-day tour highlighting South Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. The itinerary includes the Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum, Eswatini, a full-day Kruger safari and whale watching in Hermanus (seasonal).
Also included are wine estate visits in the Cape Winelands, and three nights in Cape Town to explore Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
Signature Tour departures (2026 only) add a Kruger sunset safari with BOMA dinner, a sundowner at Hippo Hollow, and exclusive insights into Cape Town’s history through former District Six residents, all in a smaller group setting.
INDIA – new departures from Manchester and Birmingham
A 15-day tour combining India’s Golden Triangle with Shimla. The itinerary includes the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Jaipur’s Pink City, Fatehpur Sikri, Delhi’s historic and modern landmarks, a Ranthambore National Park safari, and three nights in Shimla with a toy train journey and visit to the Viceregal Lodge.
Signature Tour departures include a guided walk through Old Delhi supported by a local charity, a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh with dinner in Agra, and specialist-led wildlife insights in Ranthambore, all in a smaller group setting.
JAPAN – new departures from Manchester and Edinburgh
A 13-day escorted tour exploring Japan’s past and present, including Tokyo’s neon-lit districts, the Meiji Shrine, and Omotesando Street; Mount Fuji and the hot-spring resort of Hakone; Kyoto’s temples, shrines, and Zen gardens; Nara’s giant bronze Buddha; and Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum.
Travel aboard the high-speed bullet train, enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony, and sample authentic cuisine. Signature Tour departures include a night tour of Shinjuku, a stroll through Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima, and the experience of a smaller group for a more intimate journey.
Vicky Billing continued: “We already operate over 17 regional flights through our River Cruise programme, and while this new expansion doesn’t match that scale yet, it’s a significant move forward for us at Riviera Travel.
“It shows just how serious we are about growing our touring portfolio. The more we sell, the more we can offer, and it’s vital that the travel trade has these options for their customers. As specialists with over 40 years of touring experience, we know it’s time to get regional flying right in this part of the business.”
Regional flights are available on selected departure dates for 2026 and 2027 tours, with supplements applying.
For full details, itineraries, and departure dates, visit rivieratravel.co.uk.
Agents can get in touch with the Riviera Travel team via agents@rivieratravel.co.uk, join the dedicated Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/rivieratravelagents and access the Riviera Explorer via www.rivexplorer.com.
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