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My Review of “Blue Danube” River Cruise in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany & The Czech Republic

• May 17, 2017
• Category: Cruise Ship & Itinerary Reviews , Europe River Cruises , Luxury & Upper Premium Experiences , River Cruises , Tauck Small Ship & River Cruises , Unesco World Heritage Sites

This was our final River Cruise itinerary to cover in Europe so  we have now completed them ALL ! 🙂

. We left the Danube River Cruise for last because it is one of the most popular to take (and according to our clients one of the most satisfactory) so we knew that we didn’t need to do this one first to give you the inside scoop, but just in case you haven’t been and are curious, then this review is for you… . …to no surprise, our “Blue Danube” River Cruise with Tauck River Cruises did not disappoint!

(More curious about the “Tauck experience” than the itinerary? If so check out our picture & video gallery of this sailing to see our experience with Tauck & learn more specific details about what sets them apart from other lines… you can also Visit Here to see why Tauck is one of the top rated River Lines in Europe!)

Here are the highlights of what we did and saw on this River Cruise itinerary including our insider tips and recommendations. 🙂

Budapest, Hungary

We have to admit, this time of year (mid April) is a little chilly but with gloves, a hat and warm layers, Budapest is still one of THE most gorgeous European cities to be seen both from the river and on land.

. Did you know that Budapest is divided by the Danube River into two distinct parts which they call Buda and Pest?

. Tauck gave us a very “Royal Welcome” to Budapest… and we are not joking about the Royal part!

. Our very first evening of our 2 night hotel stay in Budapest  they took us to the stunning & elegant ‘Akademia Club’ for a welcome reception with flowing cocktails and an opulent dinner.

. Course after course, the food was delicious and on top of that, musicians serenaded our tables as we dined and we got to know our fellow guests. It was a memorable night and a very nice welcome!

. Have a look at a couple pictures from the evening…

“Pest” side of Budapest, Hungary

The very next morning we explored Pest and took a panoramic coach tour of the city , snapped many pictures of Heroes Square (above) and the other fabulous sites  and then enjoyed a walking tour to see St. Stephen’s Basilica & the Parliament Building below:

The highlight of that day for sure though was  our visit to the inside of Budapest’s famous Opera House …

…what was a highlight for sure (as we didn’t know is was going to take place) was that two of their star performing opera singers came out and “serenaded” us with 3 beautiful songs as a little surprise . It was super special and gave us goose bumps!! 🙂

Later on an optional afternoon tour was a  “power” walking tour which we took. You always see something new when you explore with others who know the city well. So one of the guides took us on a great walk to areas we never would have found on our own!

“Buda” side of Budapest, Hungary

Day two in Budapest we spent time on the Buda side, which is on the other side of the river from Pest.

With so much to see up at “Castle Hill”, including the stunning views of the Parliament Building from “Fisherman’s Bastion” and an inside look at the “Matthais Church” (above) we worked up an appetite for our included lunch at a local Hungarian restaurant .

. Here we are at Fisherman’s Bastion…

. At 4 pm we boarded the newest ship in the Tauck fleet called the “Ms Joy”!

. To see pictures of the Joy, videos of the staterooms & suites and to get more insight into our experience check out Our Pictures and Videos of Tauck’s Ms Joy . (Make sure to read the captions under each picture/video!)

. At sail away the Captain slowed the ship as we passed the famous “Parliament Building” so we could enjoy & snap pictures of this magnificent building.

. (we were so lucky to be so close as millions of visitors each year have to cross the river and walk a ways down to get views of it… we know as we did that when in Budapest last year! 🙂

Cruising The Danube & Bratislava, Slovakia!

At 6 am we went through one of the biggest locks in Europe that raises up 66 meters and the rest of the morning we whispered down the Danube River and relaxed in the comforts of our Suite & the shi p enjoying the views and listened to commentary from a local expert about Bratislava … OH, THE LIFE!!! 🙂

After lunch we took a guided walking tour of Bratislava , the capital of Slovakia. We saw many Baroque Palaces and it’s medieval old town…

. … and Tauck took us for a treat at a local cafe where we had drinks and a traditional sweet called the “Bratislava Horn” which was yummy!!

That afternoon we took another “Power” Walking tour (optional- as is every tour) to Bratislava’s “UFO” viewing platform. You’ll see from the pictures below why they call it a UFO. 🙂  We had fantastic views of the city and beyond!!

Tonight after dinner a talented Slovakian folkloric band & dancers did a performance for us onboard that enhanced our cultural experience of the region!

. Vienna, Austria (2 day stay)

Vienna is a perfect picture of romance and old European feel with spectacular architecture at every turn… enough to give you whiplash!

. Some famous residents of Vienna included Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud which you can learn about when you visit if you desire.

. With a mix of good & sad history, the city is fascinating to visit, particularly to see the Ringstrasse, Opera House, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, City Hall and so much more.

. We took a walking tour of Vienna this morning, have a look at our pictures…

Then, for dinner we were taken to “Palais Pallavicini” for another spectacular evening  filled with delicious fine dining Viennese cuisine and an entire evening of musical entertainment from top performers!

We are talking Opera, Ballet, a 7 piece Orchestra.

What an evening to remember… WOW!!

Here are a few pictures…

Our final day in Vienna (it is April 25th and 70sF/20sC of sunshine) we had a choice of tours that included a tour of the Spanish Riding School, Hofburg Complex or Schonbrunn Palace.

. We choose a tour of the Schonbrunn Palace simply because it had a big garden for a nice walk about… very “Versaille-like”, gorgeous! 🙂

. TIP: The horse riding school… we heard from guests who attended was not very thrilling and you could not take pictures, just keep that in mind when making your decision.

. TIP: We walked about the Schonbrunn palace and didn’t know till afterwards that we could have payed a small fee to attend a strudel making demonstration in the Cafe. You can attend that on your free time after the Palace visit if you like… just let us know how it was, would you? But no bragging!! lol

TWO TIPS IN ONE: Take a picture of the daily schedule you receive each evening before you retire to bed, that way you have it with you all day and you can reference it whenever you want. No guessing! This serves another purpose too! When you look back at your pictures you will know which city or stop those pictures were taken because you’ll have the daily program picture taken first with the name of the stop on it. Brilliant, right??!! 🙂

Durnstein & The Wachau Valley in Austria

Dürnstein is a small picturesque medieval port town on the Danube River which made it easy for us to hop off for a great walking tour of this gorgeous destination.

It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region!

As you can tell, we like to stay active so we also took an invigorating hike up to the ruins of Kuenringerburg, a hilltop castle with fantastic views over the city. Apparently, it’s where Richard the Lionhearted was held captive at one point.

We also got to see Durnstein’s 16th Century Baroque houses, the 13th century Romanesque church and the Durnstein Monastry.

Dürnstein is also a well-known grape growing area which you see as you go down the river further and look into the valley. So naturally, we attended a wine tasting at Late Klosterkeller cellar and learned about the Wachau Vineyards as we sipped the delicious aromatic wines. Shawn is getting ready for a tasting here…

In the afternoon the captain sailed our ship down the Danube very slowly so we could see one of the most scenic parts of the river- the Wachau Valley.

We sat back, sipped Baileys and hot chocolate (very tasty combination if you have not tried- it’s a must!!) snapped LOTS of pictures and just enjoyed the views. Have a look…

. TIP: The Wachau Valley grows apricots, so look for treats to take home with apricots in it. Maybe one of the wines from the wine tasting cellar… maybe? 🙂

Salzburg, Austria OR Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Today we stopped in Linz, Austria and had a choice to go to one of the above destinations. We decided to relax as we needed a break in between our 5 weeks of traveling during this trip (we did a “Tulip Time” River Cruise with Avalon right before this trip with Tauck and an “Oceania” Cruise right after) but here is a bit of information about these two charming towns for you.

. Salzburg , with it’s views of the Eastern Alps, is where parts of The Sound of Music was filmed so you can see some of those sights as well as stroll it’s narrow lanes, old squares, unique palaces and so much more.

. The “Salz” of Salzburg stands for salt because the city had mined it here for centuries. This city is also home to the famous drink Red Bull, one of the highest selling energy drinks in the world.

. Salzburg is also the birthplace of famed composer Mozart and has a museum displaying his childhood instruments. Tauck takes you here for a visit.

. . A trip to Cesky Krumlov , a mini version of Prague they say, is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site because it is so well preserved.  

And with a river that runs through it, it makes this city even more charming and it’s valleys are dotted with well-preserved medieval buildings.

. You will get to see the 13th century Krumlov Castle that has a mixture of medieval, Renaissance and Rococo designs.

. Either option you choose above— you will have a wonderful tour that day!

Engelhartszell, Austria

. What a treat this morning!

. We visited, in small groups, a local home in Engelhartszell, Austria which is a small town along the river.

The families are so happy to have you visit so they can tell you the history of these beautiful homes that were built in 1300 and 1600 and passed down over the generations.

. The house we visited was built in 1601 and seven generations have lived in this home. With the fascinating long history in this home it was amazing to see the original woods and carvings as they were from so very long ago! We had an incredible visit. 🙂

This afternoon we took an optional 18 mile/30 km bike ride and met up with the ship in Passau, Germany. It was a 2 hour bike ride along the river and quite scenic. If you are in decent shape we would highly recommend it, but again, it’s optional!

. Vilshofen & Regensburg, Germany

Over night we stayed in Vilshofen, Germany and straight away the next morning we said our goodbyes to the beautiful “Tauck Joy” ship and the amazing staff and then we traveled to Regensburg, Germany (above) to visit this exciting city before traveling on to our final destination- beautiful Prague.

. Regensburg’s city center brings you back to medieval times and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

. Tauck treated us to Bravarian Sausages  at this Historic Sausage Kitchen of Regensburg (that was originally built in 1135 AD) which is the oldest continuously open public restaurant in the world!! Today it serves 6,000 sausages to guests daily and we highly recommend you try it!!

. . We arrived by bus to Prague at 5pm as scheduled and checked into the lovely Four Seasons Hotel .

. Before having the night to ourselves, Tauck did a short orientation walk about so we would be acquainted with Prague. We couldn’t wait to explore this spectacular city!!

. Prague, Czech Republic

. Prague truly is a fascinating city with rich history! No wonder it is the fifth most visited city in Europe.

It is the capital city of the Czech Republic and is nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” because it’s Old Town Square & Jewish Quarter holds many architectural buildings with high arches including the colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock (it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world) which gives an animated hourly show.

. The pedestrian Charles Bridge that was completed in 1402, is lined with statues of Catholic saints, it oozes history and is one of “those” bridges you just have to walk across and back , see it below…

. TIP:   Prague is a busy city and the Charles bridge is packed with people normally, so we took some sage advice and got up a little earlier and went straight to the Charles Bridge before 8am (which was steps from our hotel) so we could have the bridge to ourselves to enjoy the scenery and snap a couple pictures. Seeing the crowds later, we are SO glad we did that first thing before breakfast & the start of our daily tour…

. …with Tauck you had a choice to take a Jewish Quarter walking tour or a Walk Through the Centuries Tour.  Either one you choose if fine but we (and a few other guests) decided to “go on our own” and explore ALL those areas without commentary.  Having the time to spend together just the two of us was nice to do on our last day as well.

. After lunch we met up with the group for a walk about the Prague Castle grounds & for a private “back door” viewing of the Strahov Monastery & Library. It has the most beautiful library we have EVER seen and how special we felt to have the privilege of a visit inside while other visitors could only pier in from a roped off door….

Tauck bid us farewell by providing “yet another” memorable evening.

. We had dinner overlooking the city of Prague at the stunning Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle while a quartet played for us.  We had a delicious meal and took a walk about the castle afterwards to see the items recovered from the war.

We were sad to say goodbye to our new friends because our experience was so amazing but we look forward to taking other tours with Tauck in the future as they offer so many choices such as river cruises, multi-generational land tours & themed event tours all over the world.

. If you would like to inquire about a River Cruise with Tauck or Land Tour with Tauck or any other River Cruise or Ocean Cruise, or have more questions about our Danube trip, don’t hesitate to call or email Shawn anytime … he is more then happy to help you plan your next memorable vacation.

. If you would like to learn more about this particular River Cruise, check out Our Blue Danube Pictures and Videos where you can see the inside of the ship, videos of the staterooms and so much more! We added a lot of thorough captions under each picture.

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Nancy & Shawn Your Trusted Cruise Experts!

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Tauck's river cruise from Vienna to Prague is a lesson in the art of travel

The old town of Regensburg is a medieval gem on the Danube.

--> BY Quentin Long

Last updated . 20 March 2024

A six-day Danube river sailing from Vienna to Prague infused with art and history proves a winning combination when it comes to enriching travel experiences.  

“If you could please wait here, I will just go and get the keys to the castle,” says Oldřiška Baloušková with complete nonchalance. No big deal, it’s just how things happen on a Tauck trip: your guide gets the keys to the Český Krumlov Castle, one of the best preserved Baroque and medieval fortresses in the Czech Republic.

That one sentence encapsulates what I believe is the art of travel: context, expertise and access. Travellers are motivated by a desire to learn, experience and feel. But it can be a frustratingly shallow experience if there is a lack of access to the important sights or institutions. Or if that expertise simply provides the information without context and insight. That is what makes my seven nights from Vienna to Prague along the Danube so magical.

The cruise begins in Vienna, one of the great cities of Europe.

Inside Vienna

This is my third trip to Vienna . Previous visits have been in the height of summer for about four or five days. But the Austrian capital rockets to the top of my must-visit European cities during this 36-hour stay in late autumn. And that’s largely thanks to the guides who provided exclusive access, context and insight.

Step inside the Kunsthistorisches Museum. (Image: Paul Bauer)

Local expert Maria navigates the thousands of artworks at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien so expertly in three hours that I am filled with a new wonder and appreciation for the collection. She has clearly spent many hours navigating the rooms and studying the artworks; my fellow guests and I profit greatly from her previous toil.

Kunsthistorisches Museum showcases art spanning five millennia. (Image: Paul Bauer)

Art lover’s guide

Classic Baroque masterpieces that seemed ridiculously irrelevant in Australian classrooms spring to life: Rubens, Dürer, Brunel, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Raffaello, Titian. Maria expertly reveals their mastery, importance and context. Johannes Vermeer’s The Art of Painting  is particularly surprising and intriguing.

Only 34 of Vermeer’s works are still in existence and The Art of Painting is not only one of the most well-known and largest, but most treasured by the artist. He never sold it even as his debts mounted.

Johannes Vermeer’s The Art of Painting, c. 1666. (Image: Alamy/World History Archive)

Its provenance is a story in and of itself. Later sold to Hitler for his Führermuseum in Linz, the work was stored in the salt mines as the tide of war turned against the Nazis. The painting was given to the Kunsthistorisches after the Second World War. The family who sold it to Hitler contested its sale after the war and sought restoration, however it was found to be a fair sale (Hitler reportedly paid top dollar for it).

Artist Klimt is synonymous with fin-de-siècle Vienna. (Image: Gustav Klimt/Beethovenfries)

That is the context and insight that makes this travel experience enriching and meaningful. And it lasted for three hours and then for six more days.

Kunsthistorisches Museum is housed within a festive palatial building. (Image: Paul Bauer)

River cruise highlights

I haven’t experienced anything that encapsulates the art of travel quite like this cruise does. I don’t say that lightly. The ship itself is wonderful, even if a little overshadowed by the excursions.

A Tauck ship sails along the Danube.

My room is spacious, and I watch the vines, castles, towns and forests glide by with the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open. The lounge is the social centre, where the knowledgeable tour directors share presentations on the art, culture and history of the communities through which we sail. The bar is always open and, being all-inclusive, pre-dinner Champagne and top-shelf local wine with dinner adds to the wonder. Each dinner is a fine affair and, while lunch onboard is rare (you are typically exploring the town du jour), the buffet has a huge variety, which means the relatively small number of guests all find something that suits their tastes.

Order traditional pastries and coffee at Demel coffee house. (Image: Julius Hirtzberger)

For the time being, Maria bids us farewell and we are welcome to roam the streets of Vienna. I wander back across the Ringstrasse (which I believe to be the grandest boulevard in Europe) and into the medieval centre of the city to re-caffeinate and contemplate at Demel, one of the more historic coffeehouses in Vienna, before feasting at Zum Schwarzen Kameel for lunch. This Viennese institution has been selling food and exotic spices since 1619. That is some history. Lunch is a perfect wiener schnitzel with potato salad washed down with beer and a bottle of Grüner Veltliner.

Zum Schwarzen Kameel is a Vienna institution. (Image: Alamy/Zoltan Csipke)

Dinner in Vienna is another moment of incredible access. The Palais Pallavicini is a Neoclassical palatial residence built between 1782 and 1784 opposite the Spanish Riding School and not open to the public. Tauck guests are given an exclusive tour of this architectural jewel. Sinead, the incredibly knowledgeable tour director, sidles up to tell me how the staircases in these palatial homes are called imperial staircases. They are wide with shallow rise height so women in their hooped ballgowns would appear to float up and down the stairs. I love this constant flow of knowledge.

After a pre-dinner prosecco, we feast on traditional Viennese dishes and wine in the gilded stucco ballroom with fantastic parquetry floors. We are entertained between courses by a chamber orchestra, opera singers and a  pas de deux  (ballet duet). It is a night of palatial fantasy.

Ringstrasse stands at the center of Vienna near the City Hall. (Image: Gregor Hofbauer)

Unlocking the experience

Two days after this unforgettable evening, Oli returns with the keys, and they look exactly like castle keys should: ornate and oversized. The 600-room Český Krumlov Castle is a result of centuries of renovations and additions and is now a collection of 40 buildings constructed from the 12th to 17th centuries.

Get the keys to the castle. (Image: Quentin Long)

After Oli unlocks the door, we climb a small set of steps (definitely not an imperial staircase) to enter the colourful and lively Masquerade Ballroom. The Baroque frescoes depict a range of masquerade characters and bend the barrier between fantasy and reality in the candlelit space. So much so, that some guests reportedly had conversations with these portraits before realising why the conversation was relatively one-sided.

Cloak Bridge stands on massive stone pillars. (Image: Alamy/Alex Archontakis)

From the ballroom we traverse the Cloak Bridge. The three-storey hallway sits atop an imposing 40-metre-high stone arched bridge that connects the lower castle and ballroom to the upper castle and its greatest feature: the most well-preserved Baroque theatre in the world. The 18th-century set dressings are still in situ and create such an illusion that you can feel how magical a performance would have been to guests who have never experienced electricity, let alone broadcast media.

Explore an old Baroque theatre in Český Krumlov. (Image: Quentin Long)

Oli takes us under the stage for exclusive access to the restored machinery. Huge wheels connect to ropes and stages that would have been used to move items and objects around on stage. Some of the machine’s purpose or actions are still a mystery to theatre historians.

Český Krumlov Castle, as seen from the charming cobbled streets. (Image: Unsplash/Leonhard Niederwimmer)

After the castle tour, Oli steers us through the streets of Český Krumlov before leaving us to enjoy lunch in one of the many local restaurants on our own. By retaining elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras of history and sliced in two by the bubbling Vlata River before it makes its way to Prague, the town is of such incredible beauty that it’s one of the most visited in the country.

Musikverein is Vienna’s centre for classical music.

I count my blessings I am here in the first week of November as there are few other visitors and not hordes of sharp-elbowed tourists rushing around. Sure, I visualise how sitting on the banks of the river in the beer garden on a summer’s evening would be sublime. But a feast of pork knuckle, sausages and meat cooked over woodfired coals in the cave-like restaurant is an equally delightful experience that would be wasted in summer.

Small moments

I do get an afternoon of feasting and drinking beer in the sun in Regensburg, a Bavarian city with a gem of a medieval old town. After exploring on yet another highly informative walking tour, I am drawn to the Historic Sausage Kitchen. The small squat building was originally a kitchen to feed the workers on the strategically significant stone bridge across the Danube. Built in the 12th century, the bridge created an important trade route from Venice to the north of Europe and so the city became incredibly wealthy and home to many of Europe’s richest merchants.

And thankfully, 867 years later, the Historic Sausage Kitchen is still serving food. The small pork sausages are the size of a Mont Blanc pen and come in plates of six, eight or 10 with sauerkraut and baskets of small dinner rolls. The tradition is to smother the sausages in the sweet mustard Regensburg is famous for. Three of us manage to devour 20 sausages and three steins of beer in what is a magical al fresco moment.

I would never have visited Regensburg or Česky Krumlov if left to my own devices. I would never have appreciated the Dutch masters if I wandered the Kunsthistorisches Museum on my own. The key to such a special experience was in the expertise and access of others.

Feast on Bavarian sausages. (Image: Alamy/Michael Snell)

A traveller’s checklist

Tauck runs a full season of river cruises across Europe. You can choose from itineraries that sail along the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine and Douro Rivers.

For more information, visit   tauck.com.au

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Tauck River Cruise

The Tauck World Discovery tour company was founded in 1925 by Arthur Tauck Sr. In 1958, his son Arthur Tauck Jr. took the reins of the brand and expanded it; the company didn’t start their river cruising division with their own vessels until 2006. By 2013, the river cruise line had expanded to four ships, and has continued to grow since then.

How Many Passengers : From 98 to 130 passengers.

Personality : Each custom-built ship exudes a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Spaces are finished with teak, marble, glass, and wrought iron. Staff is welcoming and friendly, and the ship exudes a high-end feel.

Fellow Passengers : Guests are mostly older and well-traveled. Most have visited Europe before. Tauck is one of the best river cruise lines for multi-generational families with young kids, too, as there are some activities specifically targeted towards them.

Cabins : Every cabin aboard the ships is an exterior, and most have floor to ceiling windows. Each has a flat-screen television, bathrobes and slippers, a mini bar, and soft beds with high thread count sheets and down pillows. All ships have an unusual-for-riverboats amount of large suites too: 14 on the Jewel-class and 22 on the Inspiration-class. Suites include French balconies, walk-in closets, and marble baths with a full tub. 

Dining Experience : Dining onboard is open seating in the main dining room, with flexible dining times. There is a buffet, a choice of menus with regional-inspired dishes, and themed dinners as well. For lighter fare at breakfast and classic favorites at lunch and dinner, there is an alternative dining venue. When the weather is nice, meals may also be served on the sun deck.

Amenities : Expert enrichment lectures, nightly piano music, culinary demonstrations, local entertainment, and themed activities. Kids will also enjoy cooking classes, storytelling, and cultural explorations that the whole family can take part in together.

Best For : Older couples, well-traveled guests that enjoy upscale luxury, multi-generational families.

Included Alcohol : Unlimited wine, beer, and premium spirits

Gratuities : Included

Where They Go : Rhône, Saône, Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Seine, and Main Rivers.

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

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Tauck or Amawaterways

By Susanb10567 , November 8, 2021 in River Cruising

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Susanb10567

Trying to decide between booking Tauck or Ama for the Danube…I was ready to deposit  Tauck for 2023 when my TA told me to consider Ama..

any thoughts between the two?

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Host Jazzbeau

I would rank Tauck and AMA in the top 5 [along with Crystal, Scenic and Uniworld].  Each of those has unique strengths, but all are so good that you can't go wrong.  Compare itineraries closely, as there will be minor differences especially with the included excursions.  Also compare cabin sizes and layouts to see which appeal more to your taste.  Then go by price...

Gourmet Gal

Go to the link above for some comparisons.  Though there is not a direct Ama to Tauck comparison you can glean a lot of info.  I don’t think Ama is quite in the same luxury category as Tauck but they have a double wide ship on the Danube that allows for larger cabins.  At the same time, that ship carries quite a few more passengers which could be get tiresome.  Agree that itinerary should be your first consideration after you decide what level of luxury you would like travel.

Tauck is going to include more (tips, more drinks) and is considered a higher quality line.

sharkster77

Is Uniworld still as highly regarded now as in the past?  IIRC, these boards have contained posts where Uniworld's quality has been described as not up to snuff, as it was in the past.

17 hours ago, Susanb10567 said: Trying to decide between booking Tauck or Ama for the Danube…I was ready to deposit  Tauck for 2023 when my TA told me to consider Ama.. any thoughts between the two?

Tauck will offer you a more amenities and fewer passengers than Ama but they will charge more too. 

• 1 month later...

Pilot_Author

Buyer beware. Tauck cancelled the Christmas Markets trip to Germany and Austria leaving Dec 6, 2021 for my daughter and me. I did NOT cancel.  Tauck is keeping $1,400 of my money. Again, they cancelled, not me. I spoke to Courtney their guest relations representative. She was curt and refused us a refund. Tauck's motto is that they leave the porch light on. In our case, we were left in the dark with our pockets picked. Courtney told us we were "nobody special." My daughter and I waited a lifetime to go. Her late father and I went to the markets when he was stationed in Europe during the Cold War. She grew up with my stories. While I understand Covid is not Tauck's fault, my many reassurances from the company within 3 weeks of our departure that the trip was proceeding has caused me to lose a considerable amount of money on train tickets and other aspects of this trip. Lufthansa is refusing to reimburse our airfare and, of course, Tauck will do nothing to help. I am disappointed and shocked that Tauck would attempt to keep almost $1,400 when we have hung in there with them for 2 years. They cancelled it in 2020 too. We attempted to book the SAME cruise for next year but ALL THOSE CHRISTMAS MARKET TOURS ARE BOOKED. They want us on a different tour on different dates. This doesn't work for us, but they don't care. Please know, dear buyer, that if you purchase a trip from Tauck and THEY cancel, you will lose money. A lot of it. And don't expect email replies or kindness.

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you’re losing $700 per person which would happen if you were to cancel, correct?   Can you be waitlisted for the market cruises next year or is there another cruise you’d be interested in?  And are your Lufthansa tickets at least changeable?  Does your travel insurance cover any of these potential losses? 

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The Meandering Traveler

A Travel Blog with Travel Tips and Interesting Facts

Tauck River Cruise Update for 2025. What’s New?

During 2025, Tauck will introduce a new 14-night “ Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris ” river cruise itinerary. If you’re interested in an enticing new Tauck river cruise, this is a great one to consider.

Here’s how the journey will flow. Guests will start in Prague, the Czech Republic , with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel . Next up is a nine-day, luxurious, pampering river cruise.

Boarding either the 130-passenger Savor or sister vessel Joy,  Tauck’s guests will sail from Regensburg, Germany, to Trier, Germany. This itinerary will travel the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers as well as the Rhine-Main Canal.

Guests will then disembark and travel overland to Luxembourg. There, they’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Luxembourg City.

Then they’ll board a train to Paris . The trip concludes in “The City of Light” with a two-night stay at the L’Hotel du Collectionneur, considered an Art Deco masterpiece.

(Shown in the photo above is Schlosshotel Kronberg where Tauck’s guests will enjoy a private reception and dinner. Photo by Tauck.)

Tauck River Cruise: New Itinerary Highlights

During this vacation, travelers will sail on a vessel accommodating just 130 guests, compared to the 150 or up to 190 passengers carried by other European river vessels of a similar size.

In addition, Tauck’s guests will enjoy enriching activities and experiences. For instance, here are a few:

• Private evening ashore in Germany with a reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg.
• Visit to t he legendary Nurburgring motorsports complex in Germany.
• Scenic, private boating excursion on the Seine River.
• Underground walking tour of historic Prague.

Fortunately, travelers will have great flexibility in picking a departure date. Tauck will offer 10 departures of this new “ Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris ” river cruise itinerary from April through October of next year.

At press time, fares started at $9,790 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare. Talk with your personal travel planner about accommodations and timing that’s best for you to travel.

Tauck River Cruise: Esprit Redeployed

So, what else is new for Tauck on European rivers? In addition to the new itinerary outlined above, Tauck also said this week that it will redeploy its intimate, 98-passenger Esprit riverboat to France’s River Seine.

This year, that vessel is operating on the Rhine and Danube rivers. “But Tauck believes that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris will generate greater demand for vacations in France next year,” says Shelby Steudle , president, Pavlus Travel .

“So, the line will smartly double its capacity there,” she emphasizes. “We believe that’s a great move to help assure that loyal Tauck travelers as well as first-time Tauck guests will have more Seine River opportunities.”

In 2025, Esprit (along with Sapphire ) will operate all four of Tauck’s Seine River cruises. Here are links to those itineraries, ship features, accommodations details, pricing and other information.

• “Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy”
• “Rendezvous on the Seine”
• “Cruising the Seine, plus London & Paris”
• “Family Fun Along the Seine: Paris to Normandy”

More About Tauck

This week Tauck also announced two new small-ship ocean cruise itineraries elsewhere in Europe . Founded in 1925, Tauck is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 land tours, safaris, river cruises and small-ship ocean cruises to 70+ countries and all seven continents.

In each of the last 26 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrating the very best in luxury tours, cruises, hotels and more.”

Want to learn more about Tauck’s offerings? Check out the Tauck official website .

Did you know that  Pavlus Travel is the top global seller of Tauck? It’s true. So, that means that Pavlus’ skilled personal travel planners truly know the Tauck products. And that provides travelers with great service!

To discuss planning a Tauck river cruise for 2024, 2025 or even beyond, follow the contact details below.

Important Notes from  Pavlus Travel

• For information about the best deals, sign up for Pavlus’ email newsletter, which  spotlights terrific pricing  on a multitude of cruise and travel options. Readers can simply add their email to the sign-up box on the top right corner of the  Pavlus Travel website .
• If anything tweaks your interest in this blog above, and you DO have questions about specific pricing, brochures, savings, accommodations, accessible options and so on, please contact us at   800-528-9300. 
• Or  visit us online at Pavlus Travel’s official agency Web site;  t here you can “live chat” with us online too!
• This blog site provides “basic, general information” about travel. It’s not staffed by travel advisors.
• Any price examples and included vacation features in blogs are subject to change. They also don’t represent the full range of options; a travel advisor can assist with additional information.
• Please don’t use the Reply Section below if you are asking for pricing, travel dates, accommodations, brochures or other specific requests. Please use the 800 number or online link. 

Susan J. Young

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Tauck River Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

How UK cruisers fell in love with the Danube (and how to do it)

F ollowing the twists and turns of the Danube River through some of Europe ’s most noble nations unlocks a wealth of historical and cultural riches stretching across centuries.

From the mountains of Germany’s Black Forest, where it slices through 10 countries across Europe’s heart to the Black Sea, the Danube breathes life into the grandiose glories of imperial empires and kingdoms that shaped these lands in times past.

Two millennia ago, this artery formed the frontier of the Roman Empire and was the lifeblood of the Austro-Hungarian realm ruled by the all-powerful Hapsburg dynasty, while in more recent times its route behind the Iron Curtain through Bulgaria , Romania and Hungary served as a fascinating insight into Communist rule and the legacy of Ottoman rulers before that.

The Danube is acclaimed as the only river in the world to flow through four capital cities: Vienna , Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade on its path through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia, adding a unique flavour to its appeal, which has grown to make it the most popular river for UK cruisers, overtaking the Rhine.

The highlights

This is a waterway inextricably linked to music, forever immortalised by Johann Strauss in the Blue Danube Waltz. Its other abundant cultural riches include grand statuesque palaces and imperious castles that vie with chocolate-box medieval towns and spellbinding scenery.

Sailing past the Gothic splendour of Budapest’s majestic parliament building and the distinctive towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion lookout opposite is an undisputed highlight of Danube cruises, while the night-time view of the city’s illuminated skyline has to be one of the best sights on any river.

The Danube is Europe’s second-longest river after Russia’s Volga, and cruises are generally split between the Upper Danube running westwards between Budapest and Regensburg in Germany and the Lower Danube leading eastwards between Budapest and Romania.

Upper Danube

Travelling through Bratislava and Austria, past Vienna and the gently rolling hills of the gorgeous Wachau Valley with its historic settlements, vineyards, cycle paths and hiking trails, the Upper Danube is the most popular stretch of the river and where the majority of river vessels sail. 

Along this tract of waterway lies the ruins of Kuenringer Castle, also known as Durnstein castle. Clinging to a hilltop, it is best known as the place where Richard the Lionheart was incarcerated in 1192.

For the musically inclined, Salzburg can be visited on day trips from Linz. Here, guests waltz into the city to immerse themselves in the life and classical mastery of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born and lived here, or to soak in the feel-good vibe from Oscar-winning classic The Sound of Music which was filmed in and around the city.

Lower Danube

The Lower Danube, with its staggering mountainous backdrop and dramatic Iron Gate Gorge, carries the added fascination of exploring Eastern Europe’s former Communist nations: Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia.

As well as stopping at the capital of Belgrade, many cruises offer additional insight into Serbia. Visit Djerdap National Park where one of the country’s – and indeed the continent’s – most important archaeological sites is located; one of Europe’s oldest settlements. Plunge further on into Romania and experience the lush biodiverse wilderness of the Danube Delta, where the river flows into the Black Sea attracting a rich proliferation of birdlife.

The best Danube cruises

Take your time.

Most cruises along the Upper Danube tend to be for a week, but a new nine-night voyage with Scenic enables guests to enjoy a more in-depth experience. Starting in Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city, the medieval walls and cobbled streets of the Old Town resonate with the aura of the Middle Ages explored on walking tours that also delve into its torrid Second World War history. Discover the region’s Jewish heritage in Regensburg and Budapest and gain an insight into the brutal regime at the wartime Mauthausen Concentration Camp near Linz. 

Tick off two countries in one go on a cross-border ebike ride along the Inn River at Passau from Germany to Austria or follow the same route along the river on a kayaking tour. Guests can try sausage-making in Regensburg, torte-baking in Linz and even turn their hands to making potato dumplings in Bratislava.

How to do it: The ten-day Danube in Depth voyage (0808 301 8277; scenic.co.uk ) between Nuremberg and Budapest includes stops at Vienna, Bratislava and Melk; departs April to October. From £3,795pp including flights, suite with butler service, excursions, a private classical concert, drinks and gratuities. 

Explore the kingdoms of the Danube

An imperial evening featuring a gala dinner and classical music performance at a Viennese palace that once hosted composers Beethoven and Schubert is one of the exclusive highlights of a new Tauck cruise-and-stay. The trip begins in Bavaria with two nights in Munich and two on the shores of Lake Riessersee, where a cogwheel train ride whisks you to the summit of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. 

During the one-week sailing that follows, a traditional Bavarian lunch at the Benedictine Weltenburg Abbey near Vilshofen – whose monastic brewery dating from 1050 is thought to be the oldest in the world – gives guests a chance to sample amber nectars. From Linz, hop across the border into the Czech Republic to visit the riverside gem Cesky Krumlov where the stone streets brim with beautifully preserved Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architectural treasures.

How to do it: The 11-night Danube Kingdoms package (0800 810 8020; tauck.co.uk ) comprises a four-night stay in Bavaria and one-week sailing from Vilshofen to Budapest; departs May to October. From £5,590pp including shore excursions, gratuities and drinks. Excludes flights.

Traverse the Iron Gorge

Hungary’s evocative history and traditions come to the fore on a new Viking Cruises sailing along the Upper and Lower Danube that spends two days in Budapest. Passengers can explore the haunting history of the Jewish Quarter, dominated by its grand synagogue and Jewish Museum, or visit so-called horse-country outside the capital where Hungarian riders show off skills handed down generations. 

Serbia’s capital Belgrade is one of Europe’s oldest cities and tours of the graceful Royal Palace give a taste of aristocratic life over the centuries. Meanwhile, during a behind-the-scenes visit to the country’s National Theatre, home of the Serbian Opera, visitors are treated to an exclusive operatic performance. 

The dramatic scenery of the Iron Gate Gorge wows as you sail towards Bulgaria, the river cutting through the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Here you can spot Roman remains on the Serbian banks of the river and the immense rock sculpture of Dacian king Decebalus on the Romanian side.

How to do it: The 16-night Capitals of Eastern Europe cruise (0800 319 6660; viking.com ) sails between Bucharest and Vienna, calling at Bratislava, Vukovar in Croatia, Pleven in Bulgaria and Constanta in Romania; departs April to November. From £4,695pp including flights, drinks with meals, an excursion in each port and gratuities.

Old world meets new ship

Amadeus River Cruises’ latest ship, Amadeus Nova, is the first of a new generation of more sustainable river craft that will be sailing into Europe’s historic heart along the Danube in 2024. The hybrid diesel-electric vessel claims to cut its carbon footprint by reducing emissions and virtually eliminating pollutants, while solar panels provide electrical power.

Due to launch in the spring, the ship’s Danube sailings will visit grand Baroque Melk Abbey which, since the 11 th century, has been home to a community of Benedictine monks. A walking tour of Bratislava reveals the Slovak capital’s old city walls and the summer residence of the archbishop, while trips outside the city reveal the magnificence of the 18 th century Schloss Hof Estate, once owned by Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa.

How to do it: The eight-day round-trip Danube Rhapsody sailing (0800 035 6411; amadeus-rivercruises.co.uk ) from Passau includes stops at Emmersdorf, Budapest, Vienna and Linz; departs April. From £1,614pp including drinks with meals, Wi-Fi and use of onboard bikes. Excludes flights.

Burn it all off

There can’t be many better ways to work off the fine wines and dining of Danube river cruises than to join the latest fitness craze. AmaWaterways’ ship AmaMagna is double the width of nearly all other river cruise vessels on the Danube and this extra space has enabled it to install a pickleball court where players can run off calories in friendly (or competitive) knockabouts. 

On an itinerary between Budapest and Vilshofen, discover the enchanting appeal of Austria’s Wachau Valley where travelling through the verdant sweeping hills provides an abundance of pretty postcard views. The region benefits from its own microclimate which enables apricots to grow in abundance to produce jams, chutneys, sweets and skin creams, which guests can sample during a stop at Krems. If you like to keep active, opt for energetic options such as hiking up Budapest’s Castle Hill, touring Vienna by bike and cycling along Linz’s famed Cultural Mile to admire the striking architecture.

How to do it: The one-week Magna on the Danube cruise (0800 520 2250; amawaterways.co.uk ) departs regularly between February and December. From £1,612pp  including drinks with meals, excursions, bike tours and Wi-Fi. Excludes flights.

Spend Christmas in Vienna

September marks the launch of Viva Cruises’ third river ship Viva Enjoy, which carries 190 passengers. The three restaurants include the main venue, Riverside, the alternative Bistro and Moments speciality restaurant. 

The new ship will spend the remainder of 2024 on the Danube where sailings include a festive voyage over Christmas that should capture the continental yuletide spirit. The sailing promises to get off to an atmospheric start in Vienna, where the legacy of the city’s imperial past has blessed it with a host of romantic backdrops that lend themselves to its yuletide markets and swathe of special events. 

Christmas Eve is spent amid the spiritual surroundings of Melk Abbey, while on Dec 25, you arrive at the town of Linz, noted for the striking Baroque buildings lining the city square. Boxing Day is spent in Passau, where guests can stride off festive excesses on a walking tour.

How to do it: The five-night Danube Christmas market cruise from Vienna to Regensburg (0330 818 7271; viva-cruises.com ) calls at Durnstein and Melk; departs December 22. From £995pp including drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.

Anyone looking to cruise solo should try Avalon Waterways’ Danube sailings where single supplements have been waived on selected departure dates. Among these are Active & Discovery sailings which feature an extensive choice of excursions at each stop offering Classic, Discovery or Active options. At the Hungarian castle town of Visegrad sure-footed enthusiasts can hike up to Count Dracula’s prison tower where Vlad the Impaler was incarcerated or take a canoeing trip along the picturesque Danube Bend where the river dramatically curves. 

A visit to the Hapsburg dynasty’s private art collection in Vienna is the Classic option for the Austrian capital, while the Discovery alternative is a morning walking tour complete with breakfast in a Viennese café. For something Active, cyclists can discover the city highlights on a bike tour. At Engelhartszell you can also hop on a bike to a local trappist monastery or visit the Rococo-style Engelszell Abbey to explore its sensory garden and stone labyrinth. Be sure to sample the cheese and beers made by the resident Trappist monks.

How to do it: The one-week Active & Discovery Danube cruises (0330 808 4747; avalonwaterways.co.uk ) sail between Budapest and Vilshofen; departs May to September. From £3,203pp based on single occupancy including drinks with meals and Wi-Fi. Excludes flights.

Take the kids

Uniworld’s Generations voyages are aimed at families and this Danube sailing promises plenty of kids’ appeal with special activities and excursions aimed at younger cruisers. Join a magical history tour of Vienna on a fascinating romp through the centuries at the Time Travel Museum or absorb imperial life at the Schonbrunn Palace where youngsters can dress up as princes and princesses. 

In Passau, families can join a geocaching guide on a treasure hunt or spend the afternoon messing about on the water with canoes and paddle-boards on the River Ilz. Colouring book fans can visit the renowned family-owned Faber-Castell headquarters near Nuremberg to see its famous wooden pencils being made and explore the grounds dominated by its medieval-style castle.

How to do it: The nine-night Authentic Danube & Prague Generations package (0808 168 9231; uniworld.com ) includes a one-week voyage from Vienna to Nuremberg and a two-night stay in Prague; departs Aug 7. From £3,599pp including excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities and drinks. Excludes flights.

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Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure

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Select the river cruise direction, and the year, you would like to travel.

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – An Imperial Evening in a Viennese palace featuring dinner, music, dancing and more

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Directors, drivers, local guides and ship staff

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,019

Visit four countries on a 7-night cruise 

An Imperial Evening in a Vienna palace

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Selected as one of the "10 Best River Cruises" by Fodor's Travel... there is no better way to experience the heart of Europe with your family than on a leisurely Tauck Bridges Danube river tour and cruise aboard one of Tauck's custom-designed riverboats.

Tauck exclusive – imperial evening at palais pallavicini, our gala imperial evening at a private palace in vienna.

Fairy tales come true when you and your family dress up for a royal evening at a private palace in Vienna – the Baroque, 18th-century Palais Pallavicini – just for Tauck Bridges families that transports you to another time. Dinner is served in a ballroom gilded in gold and bathed in the glimmering light of crystal chandeliers. Dancers in traditional dress waltz into the ballroom while musicians play their instruments with regal precision and harmony. And those childhood dreams of meeting a prince or being a princess? This is where they become real.

Jam-packed family fun on every day

Our danube family river cruise has something for everyone.

Discovering new destinations like the locals do is the best way to learn about different cultures and traditions. From guided bicycle rides to "Sound of Music" karaoke to catacombs tours and a step back into the Middle Ages with a "knight tournament," our Danube family river cruise is designed to have a little something for everyone, and plenty to do as a whole family.

Making marzipan in Passau

A family marzipan making experience in riverside passau.

Marzipan is a sweet candy confection – traditionally made from sugar or honey and ground almonds, and often formed into pastries or shapes – that can be found around the world. Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and most regions of Europe all have marzipan-making traditions. And you'll discover Germany's love affair with this sweet concoction with a demonstration in Passau that lets you try your hand at making your own tasty tidbit in the shape of a face... very popular in this "city of three rivers."

The River of Kings – The Danube

We saw memorable and historical sites on a our danube trip but tauck managed to make it so much fun for our three generations traveling together..

Tauck Traveler Review

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All the information you need to begin your travel plans is right at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights, and more; download, print or share and your cruise dreams become reality!

Download, print or share deck plans and additional information for your vessel, such as specifications and cabin descriptions. 

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(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

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Eastbound: Munich → Budapest

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of these countries for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy of each of the countries visited – Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary – to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN:  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $659   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

Please advise your Tauck Director on tour if you or the children traveling with you have any serious allergies. Also, adults may want to bring along children's aspirin or medicines as a precaution, as access to these may be limited.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S., no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary to determine whether additional vaccinations are required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

While a cruise on the Danube is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator connects the Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald decks. There is no elevator to the Sundeck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks. 

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor on board. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate along the Danube River is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures decrease as you travel west along the river and range from 69 to 79°F (21 to 26°C) and the average low temperatures range from 51 to 59°F (11 to 15°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall increases as you travel west.

To read about current weather conditions, click here .

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Tauck reveals new 2025 river and ocean cruising itineraries; doubles Seine capacity

Tauck is launching three new itineraries for 2025, and redeploying its riverboat, esprit, to the river seine, doubling its capacity on the famed northern french river..

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In total, Tauck will operate 20 small-ship ocean cruise itineraries in 2025 aboard 18 vessels in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Antarctica.

New itineraries for Tauck

The 14-day Aegean Voyage: Istanbul to Athens begins with three nights at the InterContinental Hotel Istanbul before guests board Windstar Cruises’ 312-passenger  Star Legend .

An eight-day cruise includes ports of call at Lemnos, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Santorini and Itea, before disembarking in Piraeus and ending with two nights in Athens at the Grande Bretagne Hotel.

Shore inclusions (included in the trips) include guided sightseeing in Athens, a guided visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site of Delphi, a cruise along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, and a choice of excursions in Lemnos, a hidden gem of the Aegean. Departures are in April, September and October 2025.

The 12-day  Rome, the Amalfi Coast & Sicily begins with two nights in Rome, followed by a seven-day cruise aboard a Ponant Explorer-class ship ( Le Dumont d’Urville  or  Le Bougainville ) with shore excursions at Amalfi, Trapani, Palermo, Taormina, Siracusa and Gozo. End with two nights in Valletta, Malta.

The new itinerary includes a choice of visits to privately owned palaces in Palermo, and a tour of the Ggantija Temples that pre-date the Egyptian pyramids. There’s also an optional visit to private villa Schiavi Castle (featured in  The Godfather ), and an exclusive farewell dinner in Valletta at the historic La Sacra Infermeria. There are six departures in May, June, September and October 2025.

Cruising the Seine

A new 14-day itinerary on the River Seine, Romantic Capitals: Paris to Prague begins in Prague with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel, followed by a nine-day river cruise from Regensburg to Trier along the upper Danube, Main-Danube Canal, Main, Rhine and Moselle.

Guests then travel overland to Luxembourg for a walking tour of its capital city, before boarding a train to Paris and staying for two nights at the L’Hotel du Collectionneur.

Included is dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg, a visit to the Nürburgring racetrack, a private boating excursion on the Seine, and an underground walking tour of Prague. There will be 10 departures from April to October with sailings aboard Savor  and  Joy  riverboats.

The addition of Esprit , following its 2024 operating season along the Rhine and Danube rivers, will double Tauck’s capacity on the Seine. The move comes ahead of an anticipated increase in bookings to France following the Paris Olympics later this year.

For more information, visit Tauck .

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