Why now: With ongoing global uncertainty, fully escorted touring offers security, ease and peace of mind

Mental wellbeing: Shared experiences, nature and connection proven to boost mood and reduce stress

Standout experience: Seamless travel across Japan – from bullet trains to UNESCO sites – all expertly taken care of

Why escorted travel – and why now

TV doctor Dr Ranj Singh has hailed escorted touring as the ultimate stress‑free way to travel after returning from Riviera Travel's 13‑day Icons of Japan tour, saying “there's never been a better time” to let experts take the lead.

With uncertainty continuing to affect travel planning, Dr Ranj says having a holiday guaranteed, professionally managed and guided throughout removed anxiety entirely – allowing travellers to focus on enjoyment, enrichment and connection.

“Having someone travelling with you, managing everything and guaranteeing the experience makes all the difference – especially right now,” says Dr Ranj.
“You can just switch off and enjoy being there.”

The Icons of Japan experience

Japan has long captivated travellers and Riviera Travel's Icons of Japan itinerary is designed to showcase the country's most unforgettable contrasts.

Guests journey from the ultra‑modern energy of Tokyo and Osaka to the serene, traditional beauty of Kyoto and Nara, travelling effortlessly by coach and the iconic Shinkansen bullet train.

“Japan genuinely has it all,” says Dr Ranj.
“The contrast between the high‑tech cities and the peaceful, traditional places is mind‑blowing – and being able to experience it all in one seamless trip is incredible.”

The itinerary includes flights, hotels, transport, guided excursions and most meals, offering clarity on costs and exceptional value in a destination often associated with complexity and expense.

“When you look at everything that's included, it's genuinely great value for money,” Dr Ranj adds.
“You know what you're paying upfront – and the quality is absolutely there.”

Mental well-being, connection & shared experience

For Dr Ranj, a passionate advocate for mental well-being, the benefits of escorted touring extend far beyond sightseeing.

Research consistently links nature, movement and social connection to reduced stress and improved mood – something Japan delivered in abundance. Over two‑thirds of the country is covered by forests and mountains, meaning green spaces are woven into even the busiest urban areas.

“For anyone feeling disconnected or lonely, this kind of travel is incredibly powerful,” he explains.
“You're walking every day, surrounded by green spaces, and sharing experiences with others – all of that is massive for your mental wellbeing.”

Ease of travel – even in an 'intimidating' destination

Despite Japan's reputation for being complex for first-time visitors, Dr Ranj says Riviera Travel removed every potential barrier.

“This trip is perfect for anyone,” he says.
“You get to experience somewhere totally new without the fear of having to plan or work everything out.”

A professional tour manager guided the group throughout, bringing Japan's thousands of years of history, etiquette and culture to life – including visits related to its 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

“Our tour manager was exceptional,” says Dr Ranj.
“The history, the culture, even the little etiquette details – it transformed the experience.”

Group travel surprise: “like travelling with family”

Initially unsure about group travel, Dr Ranj found it became one of the trip's biggest highlights.

“I was apprehensive at first,” he admits.
“But it's been one of the best parts. Sharing these moments together felt like travelling with a big family.”

Guests could socialise as much or as little as they liked, while always feeling supported – something Dr Ranj believes makes escorted tours ideal for solo travellers as well as couples and friends.

Final verdict

“It's been one of the most well‑organised and enjoyable trips I've ever been on,” says Dr Ranj.
“Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with friends, the Riviera Travel Icons of Japan tour really is top tier.”

Icons of Japan – Riviera Travel
13‑day fully escorted tour including flights, accommodation, expert tour manager, guided excursions and bullet train journeys
More information: https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/asia/japan/icons-of-japan

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Notes to Editors

Media contact
PublicRelations@Rivieratravel.co.uk

About Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel is the UK's leading river cruise and tour operator. Founded in Burton-on-Trent, England, by Michael Wright in 1984, for 41 years the travel experts have been bringing to life the world's most fascinating destinations.

Today, Riviera Travel operates in 66 countries and offers 90 European tours, 52 worldwide tours, 19 ocean cruises, 55 solo traveller holidays, and 50 river cruises. Dedicated agents personally select every aspect of the holiday for their guests, ensuring that each itinerary is thoughtfully balanced to include both time to explore and time to relax.

With a focus on quality not quantity, Riviera Travel has won multiple awards including Which? Recommended Provider for River Cruises and Escorted Tours in 2024, and numerous other recognitions from the Food and Travel Awards, British Travel Awards, Wave Awards, Travel Weekly Globe Awards, The Times Travel Awards and many others over the years. Operating through a majority direct and travel agent model in the UK, in 2017 Silverfleet Capital took over the ownership of Riviera Travel and continued to build its sector-leading proposition. The company operates internationally in North America and the Republic of Ireland.