Deals of the week: Riga, Venice, Maldives

Riga: the Latvian capital (Rex)

Riga retreat

From Art Nouveau edifices to Soviet history, the Latvian capital makes for a tantalising trip. Amble through picturesque parklands or aim for the vast Central Market – a quartet of harbourside hangars selling all manner of goods and curiosities. Cities Direct has three nights' B&B at the Monika Centrum Hotel, located close to the Old Town's attractions, for £179 per person. The deal includes Ryanair flights from Stansted on Sunday 4 December. citiesdirect.co.uk

Venetian find

See the Basilica San Marco and the Doge's Palace free from the summer crowds. Citalia has a three-night break to the lagoon city departing on 7 December with easyJet flights from Gatwick and B&B at the Hotel Bonvecchiati for £265 per person. Located in the heart of Venice – a short walk from St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge – this former palazzo offers four-star accommodation and a canal-side restaurant. The deal also includes a 90-minute walking tour of the city. citalia.com

Island Idyll

Flights to the Indian Ocean and full board at a private island resort: Hayes and Jarvis has a deal that takes you from Manchester to the pristine coral reefs of the Maldives for a week's stay at the Biyadhoo Island Resort for £749 per person. Surrounded by water on four sides, the hotel boasts an on-site dive centre, along with canoeing and windsurfing facilities. The deal includes Thomson flights on 6 December with transfers. hayesandjarvis.com