Please see below brochure cabin pricing
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- Cat. 1
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$3890
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- Cat. 2
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$4140
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- Cat. 3
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$4460
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- Cat. 4
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$4660
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- Cat. 5
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$4980
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- Cat. 6
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$5100
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- Cat. 7
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$5390
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Special Offers
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We have the best value and service on Tauck River Cruises
We have the best value and service on Tauck River Cruises
Tauck's Solo Traveler: No Single Supplement on all European River Cruise
Tauck's Solo Traveler: No Single Supplement on all European River Cruise
Promotion Details
Tauck is now offering solo travelers in Category 1 cabins - no single supplement on all European river cruises. Solo travelers also enjoy savings of $1000 per cabin in select categories on select river cruises. (Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking).
Must Book By Tue, Oct 31, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›
Contact one of our Tour Specialists for more information. Offer valid on new bookings only. Savings vary per cabin category on select river cruises. Cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount. Capacity controlled and may be removed at any time without notice. Certain restrictions may apply; ask at time of booking.
Travel along the Rhine for the holiday season, from Basel to Köln and Düsseldorf aboard ms Inspire, both perfect ways to capture all the magic of Christmas Markets in Germany and France.Along with all the inclusions that are part of every Tauck river cruise, Tauck's Christmas market experience wows you with special holiday touches like an onboard tree-trimming party... glühwein and other treats aboard the riverboat, decorated in a festive seasonal theme... a traditional European Christmas dinner with all the fixings... special evenings of onboard holiday-themed entertainment... walking in the footsteps of celebrities at the Kurhaus casino in Baden-Baden... a lecture on Alsatian storytelling traditions in Strasbourg... a cookie-making demonstration and a visit to the fanciful Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett in Rüdesheim... a traditional German lunch in Heidelberg and much more!
- Day 1Basel, SwitzerlandFri, Dec 20, 2024
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Basel. Transfers are included from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg to the riverboat where embarkation begins at 4:00 PM; guests can also transfer from Zürich Airport or Zurich Hauptbahnhof (train station) to the riverboat in Basel. Guests enjoying a pre-stay in Basel will receive a transfer from the hotel to the ship. If you arrive earlier than 4:00 PM, you might want to go into the city to see the Weihnachtsmarkt – said to be the largest and most traditional in Switzerland – and perhaps have your first taste of the traditional glühwein that is so much a part of the Christmas Market scene. Back on board the riverboat, meet your Tauck Directors at a discovery/welcome briefing, and enjoy a casual captain's welcome reception followed by dinner – and your Christmas Market cruise begins!
Meals: Dinner - Day 2Lucerne, SwitzerlandSat, Dec 21, 2024
Awaken aboard the riverboat in Basel, then set off on an excursion to Switzerland's lakeside "city of lights," Lucerne. From town, you'll head out for the heights of Mt. Pilatus via gondola; after descending the mountain by gondola, go on an orientation tour of Lucerne with your Tauck Director. Highlights include the Kappelbrucke, a covered wooden footbridge crossing the Reuss River that dates back to the 1330s; an octagonal Water Tower once used as a prison; and lovely squares like the Kornmarkt, Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz. In Altstadt Lucerne (Old Town), narrow cobblestone lanes lead to picturesque squares lined with houses painted with frescoes. Catch up with the riverboat in late afternoon. Return to the riverboat in the afternoon; this evening, we invite you to join us to celebrate with your fellow travelers at our tree-trimming party as you help decorate the riverboat's Christmas tree!
Meals: Breakfast - Day 3Strasbourg, FranceSun, Dec 22, 2024
Strasbourg - Steaming mulled wine... gingerbread... Advent wreaths... a towering Christmas tree, dwarfed by soaring Strasbourg Cathedral... nearly every street and building aglow with lights and decorations... bredle, the tiny, traditional holiday cakes of Alsace... the unmistakable sights, sounds, flavors and smells of the Alsatian holidays surround you at Strasbourg's Marchés de Noël, the oldest and largest in France. A dozen themed markets fan out from the cathedral along the Grand Rue - the original Christkindelsmärik... the Bredle Market... the Kingdom of the Wine Growers... the Children's Village... the Village of Sharing and others. Artisans show off their wares in stalls that stretch on as far as the eye can see... and the ancient heart of this canal-crossed city is bathed in gold! A lecture on local storytelling traditions is part of your unforgettable day in Strasbourg.
Strasbourg would like you to think of it as the "Capital of Christmas" and it is, after all, the "Capital of Europe" in a sense – being the home of the European Union. Before a walking tour through this ancient French Alsatian city, whose entire center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gain some insights about storytelling traditions with an expert local guide during a lecture aboard the riverboat. The setting of Tauck's Christmas Market tours – around Strasbourg's Gothic Cathedral de Notre-Dame – is breathtaking. After a walking tour of the Christkindlmarkt, you'll have leisure time to explore on your own – and have lunch in town or return to the riverboat on one of the shuttles that will run between the city and the dock for most of the afternoon. Back aboard the riverboat, join your Tauck directors for a discovery briefing before a festive dinner tonight.
Please Note: Operating dates for the Christmas Markets could be subject to change; every effort will be made to visit as scheduled.
Meals: Breakfast - Day 4Baden-Baden, GermanyMon, Dec 23, 2024
Baden-Baden - The Black Forest's special magic casts its spell over the Christmas Market of this famous spa town, set adjacent to its sumptuous Belle Époque casino complex – the Kurhaus – which screen icon Marlene Dietrich called "the most beautiful casino in the world." Cheered by the strains of local choirs and bands performing holiday music – or perhaps by the baaaas of bleating sheep from the market's "living Nativity" – wind your way to booth upon booth of carved wooden toys and ornaments, silver jewelry, decorative candles and goodies galore. Join us for a guided visit inside the 19th-century Kurhaus, and explore more of Baden-Baden's holiday charms as you wish. A favorite destination of our Christmas Market tours along the Rhine.
The riverboat docks for an excursion to Baden-Baden; this famous Black Forest spa town is the ideal setting for a winter fairy tale at Christmastime. The tempting aromas of glühwein and gingerbread linger among the labyrinth of stalls in the Weihnachtsmarkt. With its natural springs reputed to have healing powers, Baden-Baden has long attracted the wealthy elite, who come to take the waters and play in the magnificent Belle Époque casino, the Kurhaus, adjacent to the Christmas Market; get a taste of what being one of "the in-crowd" feels like as you visit the complex. Discover more of Baden-Baden on your own, perhaps indulging in more gingerbread and glühwein. Continue cruising this evening; you'll visit Heidelberg tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast - Day 5Heidelberg, GermanyTue, Dec 24, 2024
Heidelberg –With thousands of stars twinkling in the trees... hundreds of booths sprawling across five city squares... and an ice rink glistening in the shadow of Heidelberger Schlöss... you'll think you've stepped inside a snowglobe at this shining Weihnachtsmarkt! Festooned with figures from the city's history, the glowing Christmas Pyramid dominates the Marktplatz. On the Universitätsplatz, a carousel turns, and the scent of almonds and glühwein fills the air. Watch skaters whirl to holiday tunes at the rink on the Karlsplatz... hunt for crafts at the Anatomiegarten... or stroll past the crèche on the Kornmarkt. Explore iconic Heidelberger Schlöss (Heidelberg Castle), ride a funicular to the medieval Old Town for a walking tour, and enjoy a traditional German lunch at a local restaurant.
A day in Heidelberg promises both holiday cheer at its Weihnachtsmarkt and insights about life here past and present. A tour of Heidelberger Schlöss high above the city reveals theruins of this mighty medieval castle and a sense of what it might have beenlike to live there so long ago. A funicular ride leads to a walking tour of the city's Old Town and Heidelberg's Christmas Markets, winding up with a traditional German lunch – featuring award-winning local beer – in the heart of the city. Spend some free time in the hometown of Germany's oldest university before catching up with the riverboat for tonight's cruise; enjoy live jazz onboard this evening.
Meals: Breakfast - Day 6Rüdesheim, GermanyWed, Dec 25, 2024
There's more Weihnachtsmarkt fun waiting for you in the romantic town of Rüdesheim in the Rhine Valley this morning. After a stroll through the Christmas market near the pier, walk or ride a mini-train (weather permitting) to Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett, a museum featuring an impressive collection of mechanical musical instruments, some dating back centuries, housed in the Bromserhof, a 16th-century castle. Enjoy a demonstration into how to make the special Rüdesheim coffee – with a touch of local brandy mixed in – and a tasting. After some free time, return to your riverboat for an afternoon of cruising through the Middle Rhine Valley with commentary provided by your Tauck director.
Travel back in time as you make your way from Rüdesheim to Köln and Düsseldorf on a historic cruise along the River Rhine… Glide past rolling green hillsides and see the magnificent castles of centuries past… each with its own unique story to tell… Your Tauck Director will give you insights into that history, before sharing the tale of the enchantress Lorelei, who lured lovelorn sailors to their demise with her beauty and song… See lasting remnants of the Altstädte, or Old Towns, of German cities, many restored to their former glory after World War II… Experience what the river has to offer… from the comfort of your riverboat.
Meals: Breakfast - Day 7Köln, GermanyThu, Dec 26, 2024
Arrive early morning in Köln (Cologne). Enjoy a guided tour of this historic cultural center of the Rhineland in Köln – with its Christmas Market adjacent to the Gothic, twin-spired Kölner Dom. Spend time in Köln this afternoon as you please, then join us for the captain's farewell reception followed by dinner tonight as your riverboat spends the evening cruising to Düsseldorf. You may want to raise one last cup of glühwein and toast the wonderful time you've had discovering Christmastime along the Rhine.
Meals: Breakfast - Day 8Cologne GermanyFri, Dec 27, 2024
Tour ends: Düsseldorf. Fly home anytime. Transfers are included from the riverboat to Düsseldorf Airport or train station. Guests enjoying a post-stay in Düsseldorf will receive a transfer from the hotel to the airport. Please allow three hours for airport check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Countries Visited
Rivers Visited
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Inclusions
Travel along the Rhine for the holiday season, from Basel to Köln and Düsseldorf aboard ms Inspire, both perfect ways to capture all the magic of Christmas Markets in Germany and France.Along with all the inclusions that are part of every Tauck river cruise, Tauck's Christmas market experience wows you with special holiday touches like an onboard tree-trimming party... glühwein and other treats aboard the riverboat, decorated in a festive seasonal theme... a traditional European Christmas dinner with all the fixings... special evenings of onboard holiday-themed entertainment... walking in the footsteps of celebrities at the Kurhaus casino in Baden-Baden... a lecture on Alsatian storytelling traditions in Strasbourg... a cookie-making demonstration and a visit to the fanciful Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett in Rüdesheim... a traditional German lunch in Heidelberg and much more!
- Visits to Christmas Markets in Rüdesheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and Strasbourg*
- All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors & Tauck Cruise Director
- All private Tauck shore excursions - $1,453 Value!
- Walking tours of market cities and towns with local guides
- Visits to Old Town Heidelberg and historic Heidelberger Schlöss (Heidelberg Castle)
- *Please note: Operating dates for the Christmas Markets could be subject to change; every effort will be made to visit as scheduled.
Health and Safety Protocols for Tauck
Traveling with Peace of Mind
Our commitment never wavers – to earn your trust by always doing the right thing. As we explore the world together again, this will be more important than ever as we adapt to living and traveling in the presence of COVID-19.
Tauck is 97-years young this year, and our ability to weather many storms over the decades is a result of our values and beliefs – as a family and as a family-owned and led company. In addition to the guiding light of these values, our extensive experience, local knowledge and global support network help to ensure your safety on every Tauck journey. Building upon our bedrock of award-winning guest care, we have worked tirelessly to prepare for your return following the COVID-19 hiatus in travel. With guidance from leading experts, including the CDC and WHO, together with our internal Global Response Team and, most importantly, with feedback from thousands of our guests, we have redefined how we will conduct our experiences as we resume travel.
Tauck is Prepared for the Unexpected
For decades, Tauck has operated in over 70 countries in all 7 continents. Over this time, our staff and network of supplier partners have always been there to support our guests and team on the road. Our guests travel with a comprehensive, built-in support system that starts with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and extends to our network of partners around the world, including hoteliers and transportation companies.
At the core of our ability to quickly and effectively respond to the unexpected is our Global Response Team - a group of over 50 employees across all departments who stand ready to spring into action around the world. This team has plenty of experience, from weather events, high and low water on rivers, earthquakes, volcanic ash, civil unrest and work stoppages. They have also dealt with past virus outbreaks including the SARS and Zika viruses.
The Tauck Travel Well Pledge
Before we operate tours and cruises, all Tauck employees, our supplier partners and our guests will take Tauck’s Travel Well Pledge.
As a company, we will follow our enhanced protocols with diligence and rigor; review them frequently as the landscape changes and always make common-sense decisions grounded in purpose and pride. We embrace these new and necessary measures to combat COVID-19 and will do our very best to provide the Tauck care we have been honored to deliver for 97 years.
OUR NEW HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Consistent with our commitment to the well-being of our guests, we are implementing enhanced health and safety protocols. These protocols may vary by geographic regions and will certainly evolve over time, as science and society respond to new realities:
Tauck Staff
Prior to interacting with guests, each member of Tauck’s field staff is trained in enhanced protocols and participates in a personal health screening.
Once on tour, our Tauck Directors and supporting staff are responsible for maintaining these protocols with a special focus on cleanliness and physical distancing. They will relay critical information regarding requirements, advise when protocols are mandatory – such as wearing a face covering in group settings – and help facilitate guest care through communication with appropriate parties should a guest become ill on tour. All Tauck staff will adhere to the same requirements.
Guest Responsibility
When joining a Tauck journey, every guest is responsible for their own health and, in turn, the protection of their fellow travelers, the Tauck staff, our suppliers and the places we visit. Guests will pledge to follow the direction of the Tauck staff and adhere to health and safety protocols.
Guests are expected to wear face coverings in all group settings, to wash their hands frequently and to adhere to supplier and government regulations. While supplies of face coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer will be available, guests are asked to bring such personal items for their own comfort.
Small is BIG
For many years, Tauck has emphasized and invested in more choices of activities, resulting in smaller groups for activities like sightseeing and events. This is consistent with our mantra that “Small is Big” – small groups and smaller ships with fewer guests.
We initially focused on these elements to improve the guest experience. Yet today they take on an additional dimension; small group experiences and more personal space are critical in providing the peace of mind our guests expect. Accordingly, we are offering even more small group experiences and limiting guest numbers across all of our journeys.
We have been working diligently with our partners to be prepared to welcome you back when the time is right.
Tauck has worked meticulously with our global supplier partners to plan for every itinerary following the hiatus in travel. All partners, whether they be a hotel, museum, small ship/riverboat, restaurant or other partner, have been thoughtful about how to provide a Tauck experience in this environment.
And while it's impossible to list all of the enhanced health and safety protocols for the hundreds of Tauck partners across the globe, we would like to share a representative sample of what you can expect:
Hotels
Our hotel partners all have world-class health and safety protocols. However, these guidelines may vary depending on local situations and regulations. Here are some typical examples:
- Upon-arrival, health questionnaires and temperature checks may be required. Some hotels may even require daily temperature scans.
- Social distancing may be required in public areas, bars and restaurants.
- High-touch areas such as railings, door handles and elevators will undergo enhanced cleaning.
- In-room measures may include removal of tent cards and magazines. Common use items, such as coffee makers and minibar amenities may be on demand.
- High-touch areas, such as light switches, thermostats, remote controls and door handles will be subject to enhanced and frequent cleaning.
- Guests will have the option to determine housekeeping frequency.
- All hotel staff will undergo daily health screenings.
Ships and Riverboats
We have worked closely with our cruise partners to ensure the best possible health and safety protocols and to ensure the care and service you expect from Tauck:
- Guests on cruises and river journeys will be required to complete a health questionnaire and will undergo a temperature check prior to boarding. In some instances, our ship partners will conduct daily temperature checks.
- Face coverings and physical distancing will be required in most public spaces for guests and crew alike.
- Meals may be offered at staggered times and self-serve buffets will be eliminated.
- In-cabin measures include removing common use items. Coffee makers, minibar amenities and housekeeping will be on demand at guest discretion.
- Ship staff will undergo daily health screenings.
- All vessels will have medical staff onboard.
Sightseeing and Local Activities
Many of our experiences are exclusive and/or private and that’s important in taking care of you. Whether it be a guided tour, a visit to an iconic museum or private home, a musical performance, or any other special Tauck activities, we are applying the same rigor to health and safety protocols:
- Tauck listening devices will be sanitized thoroughly and frequently.
- Sightseeing is being adjusted to ensure proper physical distancing.
- Admission times at venues may be altered to ensure no crowding.
- Paper tickets, handouts and the like may be eliminated.
Dining
Tauck has always been known for a la carte dining; having more freedom to decide when and with whom to dine now has more value than ever. Additionally, our partners whether they be hotels, ships, special venues or restaurants, are raising their already rigorous hygienic standards. Here are some examples:
- Waitstaff will likely be wearing face coverings and gloves.
- Seating will be adjusted to accommodate physical distancing.
- Self-serve buffets will be eliminated. Common use menus will no longer be used unless sanitized.
On-Tour Transportation
Keeping on-tour transportation safe is a major focus of our team who has worked with hundreds of partners to ensure continuity in health and safety protocols:
- On motorcoaches and other on-tour ground transportation, such as airport transfers, guest should expect physical distancing and will be required to wear face coverings.
- Prior to each trip, our motorcoaches, vans, airport transfer vehicles and on-tour aircraft will undergo a deep sanitizing process.
- Luggage may also be sanitized at each movement.
- Drivers will wear gloves and face coverings during all guest-facing interactions.
- Drivers will frequently clean handrails, door handles, arm rests, tables, seats, air conditioning/HVAC units, restrooms and overhead storage areas.
Our Supplier Partners are ready for you
Tauck is proud to have worked closely with our partners around the world, many of them for decades, to deliver the quality, comfort and safety you expect. Whether it be hotels and resorts, riverboats and small ships, restaurants, event venues or transportation companies, their meticulous health and safety protocols reflect their leadership and well-earned respect in the travel industry. The following are some select health and safety protocols. We will update these on a regular basis.
In addition to our supplier partners, we have also been actively engaged with global travel organizations to standardize health and safety protocols throughout the travel industry. TourCare is one example:
TourCare are health and sanitation guidelines developed by the tour industry's major global associations: the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), The Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO) and the European Tourism Association (ETOA). Tauck, and our supplier partners, meet and exceed these guidelines that require members to adhere to the highest standards in the industry.
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Ship Information
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Cabins
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Life on Board
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Questions & Answers
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
The river cruise will be conducted in English only.
Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.6
Itinerary
4.6
Professional Staff
4.3
Repeat with Operator
4.2
Value for Money
4.3
Tauck tours are always very professional and first class. The river boat that Tauck leased was gorgeous, with large bathrooms and well appointed cabins. The food was ample and very good, with a reasonable selection for all palates. The ports of call were lovely; while we did not stop at some of the larger cities such as Cologne, it allowed us to often be the only river boat at each port for many of the ports of call. The tours on land were diverse and interesting, and the Tauck tour directors made sure that the tours were informative and top notch.
kudos to Tauck - You get what you pay for........
AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Tauck. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.
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Very good itinerary and great on board staff, including the Cruise Director, who was immensely helpful when my partner became ill with bronchitis. Local guides in Colmar, Stuttgart, and Amsterdam were very, very good too. Food and drink were plentiful and well-prepared.