Tauck Christmas Market River Cruises 2022 2023
Our two most common methods for travel on Christmas Market Tours are via the classic tour packages and ever popular river cruise tours. Where Tauck normally offers both, the company has specialized in its Christmas Market River Cruises. With a few variations through 2022 and 2023, Tauck is offering Christmas Market tours and river cruises along the Danube and Rhine Rivers through such countries as France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Here are two of our favorite Tauck Christmas Market Tours and river cruises for 2022 and 2023:
Making Marzipan & More In Passau
If you think that you’ll spend the first day of your journey tromping through musty museums and dusty cathedrals, think again! After your riverboat arrives bright and early in pretty Passau, Germany, disembark for your choice of a walking tour of this Baroque Bavarian “city of three rivers” at the junction of the Ilz, Inn and Danube featuring a demonstration on how to make marzipan, a candy made from sugar and ground almonds, a geocaching tour through Passau, or a guided bicycle ride along the Inn River. After some free time to explore Passau on your own, reboard your riverboat and continue your family’s cruise to Linz, Austria enjoying lunch, a social hour, dinner and take part in “The Sound of Music” karaoke. Arrive in Linz this evening.
Enjoy A Special Tauck Visit To Budapests Opulent Hungarian State Opera House
Andrássy Avenue in the Pest section of Budapest is lined with grandiose public buildings. One of them is the Hungarian State Opera House, commissioned by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph and opened in 1884 its imposing façade is adorned with statues of great composers like Beethoven, Verdi and Mozart, and Hungarian favorite sons Ferenc Erkel and Franz Liszt greet you at the main entrance. The Emperor himself only attended one event here, but the imprint of his wife, the Empress Elisabeth , a great patron of the arts and of the opera in particular, is all over the place from the general grandeur of its interiors to the private box in which she attended many performances. If you love opera, this is the place to hear it, enjoying some of the best acoustics in Europe. But even if you dont, its sheer opulence makes it a must-see.
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Explore France Germany And More On These European River Cruises
Much of the appeal of European river cruises, especially as we emerge from the pandemic with pent-up travel demand, is the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry as many as 5,000 passengers, most river cruise ships accommodate around 150 guests, for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships, and some offer pools, spas, fitness areas, and jogging tracks.
Guests are kept busy with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.
River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns and fabled cities. You can immerse yourself in contemporary culture and learn something about the history of the towns along the continents greatest rivers, according to Ralph Grizzle of River Cruise Advisor. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotelrestaurants, bars, fitness facilities, spas, internet access, and comfortable staterooms.
Staterooms Size/views On The Amamagna
Since this ship is so unique, here is the size and number of 96 staterooms by category for comparison purposes:
1 Owners Suite 710 sq feet with balcony
6 Grand Suites 474 sq feet with balconies
46 Suites Category SA & SB 355 sq feet with balconies
34 Category AA & AB 252 sq feet with balconies
11 Category D & E 205 sq feet with fixed windows
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Sit In On An Orchestral Rehearsal In A Vienna Palace With A Musical Pedigree
Originally known as the Palais Rosenkavalier, the Baroque Palais Auersperg was built for a noble family early in the 18th century, and eventually became the setting of musical classes, concerts, and even significant events like a performance of Mozart’s “Idomeneo,” conducted by the composer himself. Over the centuries, the Palais was used not only as a residence, ballroom and concert hall but also as offices, a film studio, and even a hiding place for Resistance members during World War II. Today, you’ll sit in on a rehearsal for an orchestra performance in this historic venue.
A Choice In Drnstein & Wachau Valley
After cruising through Austria’s Wachau Valley overnight, your riverboat will be docked in the pretty medieval town of Dürnstein, known for its 13th-century abbey and 16th-century houses along twisting, narrow, cobblestone streets where you will have a choice of morning activities. One option takes you on a leisurely bicycle tour* along the Danube River and through the countryside to a local village, the other, is a walking tour of the medieval town. This afternoon, enjoy some time on your own, and if you so wish, you have the option to hike up to the hilltop ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle, for terrific vistas of the town, river and surrounding vineyards. Within the walls of this very castle, England’s King Richard the Lionhearted was held as a prisoner after the Third Crusade although he probably couldn’t enjoy the view like you can! This afternoon, your riverboat continues its Danube cruise to Vienna, arriving in Austria’s inimitable capital late this evening.
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Tauck European River Cruising
Tauck offers a number of European river cruises, on the Danube, Seine, Rhone, Rhine, Moselle, Saone, Main and Main-Danube Canal. These range from the 7 night Blue Danube up to the 23 nights full Grand European Tour. The company has been in existence for 90 years, and is still family owned and run, and has even been referred to as the Worlds Most Engaging River Cruise Line. There are a couple of videos below to give you an insight into river cruising with Tauck, and example itineraries include:
There are 7 ships in the European river cruise fleet:
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Treasure The Magic Of Europe’s Christmas Markets Along The Danube
In every stop on your Christmas Markets cruise along the Danube, you’ll enjoy all the magic of your destination’s holiday markets, each of which has taken on a distinctive character of its own over the centuries. You’ll discover those local traditions like the hot mulled wine known as glühwein, served in collectible mugs unique to each market that have caught on to become an indispensable part of the holiday celebration. Experience some special holiday magic on an exclusive visit to the Thurn und Taxis family’s Palace of St. Emmeram in Regensburg. Tour this lavish Baroque family home converted from a monastery in the 18th century and browse its private Christmas Market.
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The History Of Tauck & Its Fleet
Though Tauck was founded in 1925, its river-cruise division is one of the new kids on the block. With its first vessel entering service in 2006, Tauck now operates seven ships in Europe: the 118-passenger Swiss Emerald, Swiss Sapphire and Swiss Jewel, sister ships launched in 2006, 2008 and 2009 respectively. Tauck took delivery of the elegant ms Treasures in 2011.
In 2014, Tauck took delivery of two brand-new river cruise ships that represent an entirely new class of ship: ms Inspire and ms Savor. The ms Esprit was introduced in 2015. In 2016, Tauck takes delivery of ms Grace and ms Joy.
In addition to standard staterooms, each ship has 14 suites measuring 300 square feet with floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, and marble baths with full-size tubs. Wi-Fi access is offered throughout. All cabins have a flat-screen TV, minibar, radio, safe, and LOccitane toiletries.
The additional 45 junior suites and cabins on Tauck riverboats range from 150 to 183 square-feet, and 85 percent of all accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies.
The ships also feature a bistro-style Lido, providing a more casual dining alternative to the main restaurant. The 180-degree wraparound glass wall in the Lido can fully retract, turning an indoor space into a beautiful outdoor retreat.
Winemaking Traditions In Portugals Douro Valley
White-painted quinta estates sprawling farms surrounded by terraced vineyards are a particularly popular feature of Portugals historic Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its multicultural heritage, the unique grape varieties that grow in its fantastic climate, and a winemaking culture that stretches back centuries. The region entices with museums and historic sites in Porto, its chief port on the Atlantic ancient monasteries and castles along the river picture-perfect villages like Pinhão and Pocinho and lush winemaking estates set within cliff-lined riverscapes.
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River Cruisers Should Know
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner.
- Dining is open-seating at tables for four or six.
- The onboard currency is the Euro.
- All Inclusive: Taucks river sailings include all gratuities and airport transfers. No options are sold.
- Intimate, 118-guest ships provide a highly personalized experience
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Day 11iron Gates Serbia
The Iron Gates is a gorge on the river Danube. It forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania . In the broad sense, it encompasses a route of 134 km. At this point in the Danube, the river separates the southern Carpathian Mountains from the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. The Romanian side of the gorge constitutes the Iron Gates natural park, whereas the Serbian part constitutes the ÃÂerdap national park.
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Highlights Of The Rhine River
A Rhine River cruise takes you into the heart of Middle Europe, where stately castles, fairytale villages and cultural centers have long been witnesses to history. The rivers banks are brimming with historic treasures, natural beauty and vibrant capitals. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:
- Amsterdams charming canals and gabled houses
- Windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Colognes Gothic Dom
- Multicultural Strasbourg
The Best Place To Unwind After A Day Of Adventures
The Panorama lounge and bar is the sole lounge found onboard ms Emerald. Sporting an extensive cocktail menu, grab a drink, join fellow passengers and sit on one of the many plush chairs and couches, taking in the breathtaking views of the river as it passes by. During cocktail hour, enjoy the soft and relaxing sounds of the piano as a pianist plays live music, radiating throughout the lounge as a perfect compliment to the days events that preceded.
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Dinner In One Of The World’s Largest Buildings In Bucharest
Bucharest’s Parliament Palace, a.k.a. the People’s Palace, is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world an army of laborers and architects worked around the clock for five years trying to fulfill Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s vision of a seat of power that would reflect his importance. But his plans were thwarted by the Romanian Revolution of 1989, when he and his wife were arrested and executed. Today the Romanian government and the National Museum of Contemporary Art occupy part of the palace, and as a Tauck guest you’ll attend an exclusive gala dinner in one of its astounding rooms!
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Christmas Markets Along The Danube Eastbound
Depending on departure date, guests will find themselves aboard one of two beautiful Tauck river cruise ships: ms Joy or ms Savor. Christmas Market river cruises with the added Tauck flair will make any holiday vacation beyond special. Expect to visit the finest Christmas markets of Germany and Austria along the Danube River with noted destinations like Melk Abbey, St. Emmeram, Palais Pallavicini and more.
Salzburg Austria Linz Austria
Your boat stays docked in Linz today, with a choice of how you spend your day full-day excursions to Salzburg , or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or remaining in Linz. A setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg is enticing with Baroque architecture, painted wrought-iron signage, ornate church towers, and grand palaces.
Our walking tour explores Old Town, Mirabell Gardens, and Mozart’s birthplace with time on your own to have lunch and experience the sights as you wish. Alternatively, travel with us through beautiful landscapes to Cesky Krumlov, which has been called a living gallery of elegant Renaissance-era buildings with a well-preserved medieval heritage and charming ambiance. A walking tour takes you to part of Krumlov Castle it’s worth climbing the many steps to see firsthand the medieval, Renaissance and Rococo design found inside, along with the stunning views of the town below.
A third option today provides an opportunity to remain in Linz for time explore as you please on your own before returning to the riverboat for dinner.
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Tauck River Cruising Experience
Tauck river cruises take you to treasured destinations along Europes inland waterways to discover fabled villages and immensely enchanting castles.
Start each day of your river cruise experience with a new port of call. All Tauck river cruise travel packages feature a well-paced mix of informative and fun-filled travel. Some day tours will take you to two or three different places along your tour route. Other day tours start with guided visits to historic villages where the riverboat is docked.
On most days, you can join the Tauck Director and local travel experts ashore on well-choreographed day tours that have earned Tauck the reputation of being the worlds top tour operator. You can also savor the picturesque sights atop the riverboats Sun Deck as it meanders gently past grand cathedrals, centuries-old cities and medieval sites while en route to your next storied stop.
Riverboat cruises allow you to indulge in a relaxing holiday vacation without the need to pack and unpack as you move from one holiday destination to another. Add to that the fine dining experience and unmatched services of Tauck Directors, and you will definitely find the river cruise as the perfect way to travel.
Taucks vessels boast more than four-times the number of suites and junior suites typically found on riverboats. Suites feature 300 square-feet of living space with floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets and marble baths with full size tubs.
See Ralph Grizzles A Look At Taucks ms Savor
Tricky Hellbrunn Castle & Mozart’s Salzburg
Today, disembark in Linz for a full day of fun in and around lovely Salzburg, or stay aboard and explore Linz. Once upon a time, there was a Prince Archbishop of Salzburg who really liked playing practical jokes… and was maybe a little bit crazy. His many guests were astounded both by the Baroque beauty they found at his home, Schloss Hellbrunn , and the tricks he played on them in his “pleasure grounds” filled with gardens, fountains and gadgets that were a kind of 18th-century animatronics. Whether or not his guests found his pranks as funny as he did is another matter… but today, you’ll find out for yourselves what surprises Schloss Hellbrunn has in store… and you may be as amazed by what you experience as his guests were! You’ll also find some locations made famous by the movie The Sound of Music, including the pavilion that was the setting for the song Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Later, discover how much there is to see and do in beautiful, historic Salzburg, as you explore the Baroque hometown of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as you please. Join your Tauck Director for a stroll through beautiful Mirabell Gardens. Maybe you’ll even find all 14 of the ancient drinking fountains scattered around the Old City… or have fun trying! Reboard the riverboat back in Linz for the evening.
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What Could Be Better Than A Leisurely Bicycle Ride Along The Danube
A leisurely bicycle ride through countryside along the Danube River with your local guide is a perfect way to experience the centuries-old castles and lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley wine-growing region declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes. Our river cruises offer numerous opportunities for cycling along Europe’s rivers every Tauck riverboats has bicycles aboard for use by guests ashore.
Health And Safety Protocols On Tauck River Cruises
Traveling with Peace of Mind Our commitment never wavers to earn your trust by always doing the right thing. As we explore the world together again, this will be more important than ever as we adapt to living and traveling in the presence of COVID-19. Tauck is 97-years young this year, and our ability to weather many storms over the decades is a result of our values and beliefs as a family and as a family-owned and led company. In addition to the guiding light of these values, our extensive experience, local knowledge and global support network help to ensure your safety on every Tauck journey. Building upon our bedrock of award-winning guest care, we have worked tirelessly to prepare for your return following the COVID-19 hiatus in travel. With guidance from leading experts, including the CDC and WHO, together with our internal Global Response Team and, most importantly, with feedback from thousands of our guests, we have redefined how we will conduct our experiences as we resume travel.
Hotels Our hotel partners all have world-class health and safety protocols. However, these guidelines may vary depending on local situations and regulations. Here are some typical examples:
Ships and Riverboats We have worked closely with our cruise partners to ensure the best possible health and safety protocols and to ensure the care and service you expect from Tauck:
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