Myth-busting Tours: 11 Common Misconceptions
Curated tours get a bad rep - this type of guided tourism is often compared to the coach tours of the 1980s but, at Riviera, we think nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, we see it as a chance to show our favourite places to our favourite people (it’s a growing list, one we hope you might join soon). It's also a chance for you to discover a new destination with people who share similar interests.
Let's take a look at some of the misconceptions surrounding tours:
Myths about tours:
Myth: “The price looks expensive.”
Fact: The price you pay includes everything you need!
We don't aim to be the least expensive option, but we are confident that you will not find a better-quality experience for less with someone else. Our goal is to provide our guests with a luxurious and enjoyable travel experience. Over the last 40 years, we have worked hard to build strong relationships with our suppliers to ensure that we receive the best rates possible. We then pass those savings on to our guests to ensure that their holiday is excellent value for money.
Things work best in threes, that's why we've got three price guarantees:
- If you find the same holiday cheaper with another company (you won’t!), then we'll match the price.
- As a rule, you'll get our lowest prices by booking early. But if we ever drop the price after you've booked, we'll give you the value of the difference back (we think it's the decent thing to do).
- No hidden extras - the price we quote is the price you pay.
We pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive and high-quality travel experience that exceeds our competitors. Our packages include everything we know our guests value, such as regional airport departures at no extra cost, an excursion or local tour on almost every touring day, and an experienced Riviera Tour Manager who will accompany you throughout your trip.
But don't take our word for it, 96% of guests on our independent review partner Feefo rate our service as excellent (we're working on the other 4% - just give us time)
Myth: “I won’t like the holiday itinerary and don’t want to visit all the destinations.”
Fact: We have over 180 curated tours and cruises to choose from.
With so much choice, you're sure to find the holiday that's right for you.
We have over 180 curated tours and cruises across 42 destinations throughout Africa, The Americas, Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Middle East. And we’ve been doing what we do for nearly 40 years — which means we’ve spent more than 14,000 days making and keeping our guests happy. Our itineraries are crafted by expert explorers - so you see the iconic sights and those hidden gems known only to the locals. If you don’t want to join an excursion, there’s no pressure to. You can simply explore at your own pace. P.S. Look out for our 'personalise your holiday' options to make your next adventure a little bit more tailored to you.
View all our holiday destinations
Myths: “Groups will be really big.”
Fact: Our tour groups have 50 or fewer guests.
We know that everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday is different, so you can choose between a Classic or Signature tour on most itineraries.
With a Classic tour, you'll always get to the heart of your destination on carefully planned visits and expertly guided tours with 50 or fewer guests, allowing you to discover - or rediscover - some of the most popular destinations across the globe.
A Signature small group tour adds a little something special. With smaller groups of 25 people or fewer, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience as well as enhanced Signature experiences to take your holiday to the next level. From expert insight from two knowledgeable local guides on most excursions, you can admire views from Glacier 3000 in Switzerland, the highest point of Vaudois Alps, or step into some of art's most iconic pieces on an immersive visit at Bassin des Lumières in Bordeaux.
Featured Signature experience
Myth: “I’ll be surrounded by lots of people that I won’t like.”
Fact: You'll find that other guests are actually a lot like you.
From speaking with thousands of our guests over the years, we have learned what the main difference is between Riviera Travel and others. We aren’t just a travel company: we are a well-travelled collective. Our guests are citizens of the world, obsessed with travel, interested and interesting — and always eager to get to know each other on our adventures.
You’ll probably find that other guests will be similar to you, and a lot of guests make friends while travelling. However, if you prefer to keep to yourselves, there’s no pressure to integrate with the group.
I would use Riviera again. We were a group of about 24, all good humoured and interesting, the tour manager was knowledgeable and very amusing, and we had an excellent Moroccan guide.
Myth: “I’ll be overtired from so many excursions.”
Fact: Our tours offer a balance of exploration and relaxation.
For 40 years we’ve been crafting holidays, so we know how to balance adventure and relaxation.
There tends to be one excursion a day with a planned guided tour or visit. However, if you’re tired, there’s no pressure to join all of them - it's completely up to you. Plus, many tours include time - or even days - at leisure where you can continue to explore or unwind and recuperate in the accommodation on your luxury ship or hand-picked hotel.
Myth: “Excursions will be with unknowledgeable, not local and boring guides.”
Fact: We work with local guides.
With Riviera, you'll be travelling in great company. On our guided tours, we only work with local guides who really know the area and speak the native language. You'll learn more about what life is like in each destination through personal anecdotes from actual residents and uncover local secrets all while enjoying their great sense of humour!
Very interesting trip, with a balance of history, sightseeing and culture. Group wasn't too big and the guide knew her stuff.
Myth: “We’ll just be taken to the tourist traps on excursions.”
Fact: We show you all the best bits.
Don't want the stress of haggling for the best price or researching the best destinations? No problem! Drawing on 40 years of experience, our team of experts have crafted the perfect itinerary, combining world-famous landmarks and top-secret local spots. From a walking, food or boat tour, to a visit to a national treasure, you'll enjoy a variety of excursions alongside friendly locals, giving you an authentic insight into the culture of your chosen destination.
You can take a guided walking tour of the overlooked Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, with a local guide, sample delicious pintxos (Spanish bar snacks) at a traditional bar on a Spain tour, San Sebastián or meet the residents of villages of Ranthambore National Park on a fascinating rail journey through India.
Excursions are included in your holiday, but there is also no pressure to join – you can simply explore at your own pace.
Myth: “I won’t get any free time or be able to delve into the culture myself.”
Fact: Our tours are the perfect combination of exploration and relaxation.
Our team of experts take planning the perfect itinerary pretty seriously, ensuring that every guest gets to explore and relax as much as they want. Each itinerary is packed full of authentic experiences - from shopping shoulder to shoulder with the locals in the side streets of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter on our tour of China to meeting the pottery-making villagers of Avanos in Turkey, and a wine-tasting experience in one of the largest and oldest classical wine cellars in Slovenia and wider Europe. Add to that free time and evenings spent dining in local restaurants at leisure and you'll have plenty of opportunity to experience the culture.
Myth: “I don’t want to be on a coach for ages getting to the next place or keep packing my bag.”
Fact: On a Rivera tour, you'll usually spend 2 or 3 nights in each hotel.
Our tours are not just another name for coach tours - generally speaking, you'll spend a few nights in each destination. Our team of experts hand-pick the best central location, close to all the action, to minimise travel. But, when we do travel, you'll enjoy a superior level of comfort - coaches have come a long way since the 1980s!
If you'd prefer to bring your boutique hotel with you as you travel, why not check out our river cruises?
Myth: “I’m worried that the hotels won’t be very nice.”
Fact: All our hand-pick hotels are 3 to 5 stars.
Wit h over 40 years in the travel industry, we've built strong relationships with our hotel partners to ensure you get the best value every time. All our hotels are hand-picked by our team of experts - and they have exceedingly high standards. They look for the perfect combination of location and comfort so whether you're exploring Maritime Canada or relaxing by the Red Sea in the Middle East, we know you'll enjoy every stay.
Myth: “I won’t know where’s good to eat in the evening.”
Fact: Your Tour Manager is on hand to help!
On evenings when dinner has not been arranged, you have the freedom to explore the culinary culture of your chosen destination for yourself - we think it's part of the fun of travelling! But, if you want an insider's opinion on where to eat, just ask your Tour Manager. Our boots on the ground know all the local secrets from the best place to eat, along with recommendations of the best dishes to try - from the perfect tortellini dish in France's Bologna to the perfect place to try cheese fondue in Lausanne, Switzerland.
So, now you know the facts, would you like to try a Riviera tour?
Eager to start your next adventure? Check out our best late escapes:
Still have questions about a Rivera tour? Get in touch with a friendly, expert team:
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