Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure - Eastbound 2024
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
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Tuesday, Jul 02, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 09, 2024 | $4,990 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Tuesday, Jul 09, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 16, 2024 | $4,990 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
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.Unpack only once as you travel from Munich, Germany to Austria, Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary, with shore excursions specially designed for families. Play medieval games on a visit to Devin Castle in Slovakia. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, which Empress Maria Theresa and her daughter Marie Antoinette once called home. Go bicycling along the Danube and discover magical secrets – and The Sound of Music locations – at Schloss Hellbrunn in Salzburg. End your family's fun Danube River tour in Bratislava, Slovakia with a scavenger hunt through Old Town!
Bratislava , Budapest , Durnstein , Passau , Salzburg , Vienna , Vilshofen , Wachau Valley
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Day 1
Welcome aboard in Vilshofen or Straubing
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Vilshofen, Germany. A transfer is included from Munich's Franz Josef Strauss International Airport or Munich Train Station directly to your riverboat in Vilshofen. Board your riverboat, settle in, and meet fellow families at the Captain's welcome reception followed by dinner aboard ship tonight.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Making marzipan & more in Passau
If you think that you'll spend the first day of your journey tromping through musty museums and dusty cathedrals, think again! After your riverboat arrives bright and early in pretty Passau, Germany, disembark for your choice of a walking tour of this Baroque Bavarian "city of three rivers" at the junction of the Ilz, Inn and Danube featuring a demonstration on how to make marzipan, a candy made from sugar and ground almonds, a geocaching tour through Passau, or a guided bicycle ride along the Inn River. After some free time to explore Passau on your own, reboard your riverboat and continue your family's cruise to Linz, Austria – enjoying lunch, a social hour, dinner and take part in "The Sound of Music" karaoke. Arrive in Linz this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 3
Tricky Hellbrunn Castle & Mozart's Salzburg
Today, disembark in Linz for a full day of fun in and around lovely Salzburg, or stay aboard and explore Linz. Once upon a time, there was a Prince Archbishop of Salzburg who really liked playing practical jokes... and was maybe a little bit crazy. His many guests were astounded both by the Baroque beauty they found at his home, Schloss Hellbrunn (or Hellbrunn Castle), and the tricks he played on them in his "pleasure grounds" filled with gardens, fountains and gadgets that were a kind of 18th-century animatronics. Whether or not his guests found his pranks as funny as he did is another matter... but today, you'll find out for yourselves what surprises Schloss Hellbrunn has in store... and you may be as amazed by what you experience as his guests were! You'll also find some locations made famous by the movie The Sound of Music, including the pavilion that was the setting for the song Sixteen Going on Seventeen. Later, discover how much there is to see and do in beautiful, historic Salzburg, as you explore the Baroque hometown of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as you please. Join your Tauck Director for a stroll through beautiful Mirabell Gardens. Maybe you'll even find all 14 of the ancient drinking fountains scattered around the Old City... or have fun trying! Reboard the riverboat back in Linz for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 4
A choice in Dürnstein & Wachau Valley
Enjoy a morning cruising through Austria's Wachau Valley, before docking in the pretty medieval town of Dürnstein, known for its 13th-century abbey and 16th-century houses along twisting, narrow, cobblestone streets where you will have a choice of morning activities. One option takes you on a leisurely bicycle tour* along the Danube River and through the countryside to a local village, the other, is a walking tour of the medieval town. This afternoon, enjoy some time on your own, and if you so wish, you have the option to hike up to the hilltop ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle, for terrific vistas of the town, river and surrounding vineyards. Within the walls of this very castle, England's King Richard the Lionheart was held as a prisoner after the Third Crusade – although he probably couldn't enjoy the view like you can! This afternoon, your riverboat continues its Danube cruise to Vienna, arriving in Austria's inimitable capital late this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 5
Catacombs, city sights & an Imperial Evening in Vienna
Whether you call it Wien (as the Austrians do) or Vienna, this grand Imperial city is famous as the former capital of the Habsburg Empire and much more. A sightseeing tour views magnificent boulevards like the Ringstrasse, beautiful gardens and parks, and Vienna's famed architecture. Then take a fascinating tour of the catacombs beneath St. Stephen's Cathedral, once a burial ground for cardinals, royalty – and common folk afflicted with the Black Plague! – and enjoy a carriage ride. Tonight brings another highlight on your family's Danube river cruise... a visit to the historic Palais Pallavicini, a traditional private Baroque palace in the heart of Vienna, for an exclusive Imperial Evening. Welcome drinks are followed by a special dinner and some extraordinary Viennese entertainment in a grand ballroom for a wonderful night of family fun!
Please Note: To preserve your sightseeing experience in Vienna and maximize our time there, we may rotate our activities on Days 5 and 6 on some departures.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 6
Schönbrunn & more in Vienna
Your family's day in Vienna begins with a guided visit to the huge – it has 1,441 rooms! – Schönbrunn Palace, the permanent summer residence of the Austrian Imperial Family, the Habsburgs, from Empress Maria Theresa's time in the 18th century until 1918. Once, only the Imperial family (which included future French queen Marie Antoinette, who grew up here) was allowed to walk through the garden maze. Today, it's your turn; look for its hidden secrets! Your visit also includes a Marionette Theater performance. Have lunch aboard the riverboat, or spend the afternoon in Vienna. Enjoy dinner tonight on the riverboat. Overnight, your riverboat sails on to Bratislava, Slovakia.
Please Note: To preserve your sightseeing experience in Vienna and maximize our time there, we may rotate our evening activities on Days 5 and 6 on some departures.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 7
Bratislava, a castle & medieval games
As the day begins, your riverboat arrives in Bratislava, modern Slovakia's ancient capital city. Once ashore, head outside the city to the partially restored ruins of Devin Castle, perched high above the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers. Explore the castle and enjoy a trip back to the Middle Ages with a knight tournament and medieval games, a fencing show, medieval dancing and more. Return to Bratislava for a fun interactive walking tour that includes a scavenger hunt through the city's pedestrian-only Old Town, which harbors more than 17 centuries' worth of stories to tell, and a knighthood ceremony; you'll have time this afternoon to do some exploring on your own, too. Back aboard the riverboat for your final night aboard ship, enjoy Slovak cultural entertainment and a farewell cocktail party followed by dinner onboard as you wind your way toward beautiful Budapest, Hungary.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
Journey Home
Tour ends: Budapest, Hungary. Disembark your riverboat in Budapest. Fly home anytime after 11:30 AM. A transfer from the riverboat to Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Airport or Keleti train station is included. Be sure to allow 3 hours for check-in formalities at the airport. Guests who have booked a post-stay with Tauck in Budapest can enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of this historic city, which until the 19th century was actually two independent cities divided by the Danube River, Buda and Pest; learn about its turbulent history and see iconic sites such as Heroes' Square and Fisherman's Bastion.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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.Unpack only once as you travel from Munich, Germany to Austria, Slovakia and Budapest, Hungary, with shore excursions specially designed for families. Play medieval games on a visit to Devin Castle in Slovakia. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, which Empress Maria Theresa and her daughter Marie Antoinette once called home. Go bicycling along the Danube and discover magical secrets – and The Sound of Music locations – at Schloss Hellbrunn in Salzburg. End your family's fun Danube River tour in Bratislava, Slovakia with a scavenger hunt through Old Town!
- TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - An Imperial Evening in a Viennese palace featuring dinner, music, dancing and more
- 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
Health and Safety Protocols for Tauck Tours
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.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
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We were very impressed with Tauck Tours and would book with them through you again!
We spent more money on this Tauck tour than a Luxury Gold trip to Spain and Portugal (top of the line) which required international travel and was for a longer duration. Also, I've said this before about Tauck. Although a good company, there is too much food offered and too much time spent sitting down to a meal when we could be sightseeing.
Our goals were met and exceeded by Affordable Tours.
Wonderful Tauck Tours..we will travel with them again..thank you for the suggestion..
This is our 7th Tauck tour/river cruise and they have never disappointed.
Our trip was amazing and we had to he most amazing guide Leah she went above and beyond
Ms Lawren Farias was our agent. She went out of her way to make sure that everything went smoothly and it did I would defiitely use her again. She was outstanding.
Maya was absolutely wonderful! I only want to book with her for any future travel.
The Tauck tour exceeded our expectations.Our tour director was exceedingly well informed and organized.She was the best.
The tour was one of our best. Tauck's attention to detail and covering nearly 100% of our costs or fees and booking 5* hotels is why we liked the trip.
Fantastic vacation! Exceeded all our expectations! Trip of a Lifetime!!!
Tauck delivered as promised and more. The tour director was very helpful and knowledgeable. We wouldn't hesitate to book with them again.
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Always enjoy traveling with Tauck, this trip was no different. Our tour leasder was one of the best we have encountered. Weather cooperated very well for a perfect trip.