You’ll Find Our Spacious 300
Of a total of 67 cabins aboard our 443-foot , 130-passenger riverboats, we offer 22 “Tauck Suites” the most of any riverboat on any European river our 361-foot riverboats feature 14 Tauck Suites. Guest amenities in these lush, 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include separate seating areas, roomy walk-in closets, large bathrooms with separate showers and rainfall shower heads, and two French balconies with sliding floor-to-ceiling windows… they’re as cozy as they are spacious.
Our Gala Imperial Evening At A Private Palace In Vienna
Built in 1784, the sumptuous Palais Pallavicini is a grand private palace in the heart of Vienna whose magnificent Baroque touches transport you to another time. Join us at the Palais for a gala evening featuring a reception, dinner and classical performances sure to sweep you off your feet… and let you experience firsthand how Europe’s cultured classes lived and were entertained centuries ago. And film fans will note that the Palais and its elegant facade served as rogue Harry Lime’s postwar Vienna apartment in the Cold War classic “The Third Man.”
Taucks Private Departures Are Open For Sale
Guest safety and comfort has been top of mind at Tauck for over 95 years and has taken on even greater importance in light of the challenges travelers face today.
Thats why they are excited to launch Tauck Private Departures, offering you the opportunity to hand select a group of your family and friends for a private Tauck trip with all the advantages of traveling in the Tauck bubble for your group only. To make a private trip more attainable, theyve simplified their pricing tier, while passing along additional savings of a free seat for the 11th person. Whats more, each group will enjoy More Time Together with a free hotel night before or after their private trip!
Taucks dedicated private departure team stands ready to help us book you on your their dream vacation, ensuring you the personal service and attention youve come to expect with Tauck. Some of the thing you may expect to enjoy with Tauck include:
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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld’s one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locales they visit, making their luxurious ships a destination in themselves. Billed as “the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line,” Uniworld offers in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities.
Their eight-day “Enchanting Danube” cruise aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa begins in Budapest with a choice of touring by bicycle or walking. A stop in Vienna includes a Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace, a city tour, and a taste of local delicacies. The cruise ends in Passau with a choice of bicycling, walking, or hiking to explore the city and a special captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
Itineraries Demographics And Fleet
Viking has the largest fleet, by far, in Europe, with 46 nearly identical Scandinavian-inspired Longships. The boats are relatively new, and vessels can accommodate up to 190 passengers. Viking ships sail all of Europe’s major rivers, including the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Main, Moselle, Seine, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde and Dutch waterways. Viking also has five smaller “Baby Longships,” which sail the Douro River in Portugal and the Elbe River in Germany. Then, there are the ships in Egypt, China, Vietnam, Russia and Myanmar , which the line either owns or charters. All told, the fleet stands at 64.
In contrast, Tauck has nine ships, with its four newer Inspiration-class vessels carrying 130 passengers — the lowest number of passengers for a ship its size. . Starting in 2017, the line is revamping its five older Jewel-class ships, which are smaller than the Inspiration vessels, and reducing the capacity from 118 to 98. The line sails only on the major European rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle. Another difference is that Tauck ships are actually owned and run by Scylla, a Swiss-owned company. The only Tauck employees onboard are the four cruise directors.
Choose Viking if you want lots of itinerary choice.Viking has more weeklong cruises than Tauck and sails in more places and on more dates. If you want flexibility, the line is hard to beat.
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Enjoy Cocktails At The Top Of Europe With An Exclusive Tauck Reception At The Jungfraujoch’s Ice Palace
As your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps, you’ll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europe’s highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch . Here, at “the top of Europe,” you’ll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerland’s “jewel in the crown.” And you’ll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive… a private cocktail reception at the Ice Palace taking time. of course, to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch surrounding you!
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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Shore Excursions And Enrichment
Viking River Cruises includes at least one shore excursion in every port you visit. These are guided by local experts who know the history and culture since Viking has so many river cruises going at any one time and provides a more stable stream of employment, the company is often able to scoop up some of the better guides in a town. Viking also has optional shore excursions that it sells in some ports these excursions generally are limited to small groups and take you into smaller venues or provide immersive experiences that expose passengers to a port’s culture and traditions on a deeper, often hands-on, level. Some of the shore excursion options are truly special, such as truffle hunting in Bordeaux, visiting Highclere Castle where “Downton Abbey” was shot or cognac blending in Camus.
Tauck’s shore excursion program is a little more comprehensive . Passengers often get a choice of excursions, both of them included. The line also hands out 20 euro per person if the tour takes place over lunch. One of the Tauck tenets is “lagniappe,” or a little something extra, such as a Champagne reception in the Baden-Baden casino or roses to put on the graves of veterans at an American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. Tauck also makes sure there’s at least one special event in the evening per cruise, where passengers are taken to a castle, restaurant or historic venue for a dinner or concert performance.
Inspired By The Destination
For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no “ordinary” river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe’s rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to “do the right thing” by our guests… and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.
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Tauck River Cruise Destinations
The companys ships cruise the Danube, Rhine, Mosel, Main, Rhone and Saone rivers, as well as the scenic canals of the Netherlands and Belgium in spring.
Tauck also offers cruises on Chinas Yangtze River, on board the chartered Yangzi Explorer. Renovated in 2008, the ship carries 124 guests who all travel in staterooms equipped with mini bar, bathrobes and slippers, and TV.
Egypt travels are also offered, combining a Nile cruise with a couple of days in Jordan.
Is There A Dress Code For Tauck River Cruises
The dress code on a Tauck river cruise is typically casual during the day to allow for guests to be comfortable when exploring their destination. During the evening, patrons sometimes put on nicer outfits, which includes wearing collared or button-down shirts with slacks for men and skirts or slacks and blouses for women. It is also advised that no t-shirts, jeans, thongs and sneakers should be worn in the main dining room on evenings.
In addition, one-week Tauck river cruises and longer have a gala night where guests are asked to dress in formal wear. This off-ship experience typically held at a stunning estate or palace usually has men wearing jackets and women dresses.
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Beautiful Baroque Passau The City Of Three Rivers
The charming Bavarian riverside city of Passau situated at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers is the kind of town in which you’ll set off on a walking tour with a local guide and your guide’s passion for his or her hometown makes your visit that much more special. Must-sees in this “City of Three Rivers” include the 17th-century Baroque Dom St. Stephan , with its magnificent pipe organ the largest in Europe and the 14th-century Town Hall. Enjoy time on your own exploring Passau’s pedestrian walkways through tunnels and archways and along ancient cobblestone streets, to find its wealth of Baroque architecture and beautiful churches, many of which are known for their exquisite stained glass.
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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Enjoy A Special Tauck Visit To Budapest’s 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 don’t, its sheer opulence makes it a must-see.
Winemaking Traditions In Portugal’s Douro Valley
White-painted quinta estates sprawling farms surrounded by terraced vineyards are a particularly popular feature of Portugal’s 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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Exploring Kln On The River Rhine
One of Germany’s oldest cities , Köln was once a Roman provincial capital, and later a wealthy medieval trading port the city was almost totally destroyed during World War II, but many of its architectural treasures have been restored including the towering Kölner Dom , a twin-spired masterpiece of High Gothic architecture that is the centerpiece of the city. With Tauck, you’ll visit this imposing cathedral, along with the nearby Roman Germanic Museum, housing extraordinary exhibits of archaelogical finds from the Köln region.
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.
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New: Cruising The Dutch Waterways
Ingenuity in the Netherlands thats what Taucks newest 8-day river cruise discovers, and inspires, along the amazing canals and rivers. Beginning and ending in Amsterdam, unique shore excursions explore the powerful cultural landscape forever intertwined with the force of nature and include a visit to the once-in-a-decade Floriade, worlds fair of horticultural exhibitions.
Heart of the Danube: Budapest to Bavaria
A seven-night cruise through the heart of the mighty Danube River is a wonderful sampling of the best of Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Germany highlighted by an Imperial Evening at a private evening at a Viennese palace and private wine tastings. 2022 Departures: April, May, June, August, September, October
The Romantic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
Explore historic cities, towns and countryside vestiges of history, sharing a common link the Rhine in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. From Basel to Amsterdam, diverse cultural traditions of Old World Europe unfold in one amazing week. 2022 Departures: May, June, August, September, October
8-Day Family River Cruises
Our family river cruises feature a balanced mix of guided sightseeing, special experiences, shore excursion choices and walk on and off the boat flexibility along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône and Douro a great way for families to travel together, with memories to last a lifetime. 2022 Departures: June and July
History’s All Around You In Heidelberg
In Heidelberg Germany’s oldest university town narrow cobblestoned lanes, shops and pubs housed in 17th-century structures in the Altstadt are kept lively by the cadence of 21st-century student life. On the hillside above the city, visit the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, celebrated in writing by many, including the German poet Goethe and American writer Mark Twain, who both spent time here. Twain wrote about the striking red sandstone ruins of Schloss Heidelberg in “A Tramp Abroad” they were a magnificent residence for Bavarian royalty from the 13th to 18th centuries. The castle is an imposing ensemble of buildings, from different architectural periods, surrounding a central courtyard from its terrace and gardens, the sweeping views impress along with the feel of more than 600 years of history.
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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 continent’s 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.”
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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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
An Exclusive Evening At A Rheingau Wine Estate Overlooking The Rhine
The Rheingau is one of Germany’s most important wine regions, where viticulture dates back to the time of Charlemagne , and where many significant winemaking innovations have been developed over the years. As you cruise through the Rhine Valley and visit the region, you’ll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive evening featuring a special reception, dinner and entertainment at a historic Rheingau wine estate perched in the mountains overlooking the Rhine, and surrounded by vineyards that have been producing local wines for centuries.
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