EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISING
2012
Tauck’s Uncommon Access... Exclusively Inclusive River Cruises
European River cruising
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MOST STAFF
ON
EUROPE’S RIVERS
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EXCLUSIVELY INCLUSIVE On our European river cruises, all shore
NETHERLANDS
excursions are included. All gratuities to Tauck
Haarlem Lisse Den Haag Delft
Directors and ship staff are included. Wine with dinner is included – in
Amsterdam Gouda
Arnhem
Schoonhoven
Maas
Rhin
fact, all meals aboard the
R
ive
e River
Venlo Albert Cana Köln l Bruges AntwerpHasselt Bonn Ghent Konigswin Maastricht Brussels BELGIUM Cochem Koblenz Bernkastel iver Trier Ma eR LUXEMBOURG Rüdeshei
riverboat are included.
r
But what you don’t see in the phrase “all inclusive” are the many intangibles that give “all inclusive” its true definition. Quality, service and style combine together to create
Mo sel
l
that elusive word “value” – and with Tauck, it’s definitely our value that defines “all inclusive.”
Luxembourg
Our premium access throughout Europe takes our all-included
Worms Speye
shore excursions and turns them into... well... an imperial evening at a palace in Vienna where dinner becomes theatre. A one-of-a-kind culinary experience in the Netherlands. A
Strasbourg Paris
FRANCE
reception and dinner at a palace in Prague. Wine tastings along the Rhône... the Rhine... the Danube... Life aboard our premium, custom-crafted riverboat fleet is truly
guests – and with 3 Tauck Directors and a Tauck Cruise Director
Basel
ver
Saô ne Ri
the good life – club-like, warm, and comfortable, with only 118
Beaune Mercurey Châlon-sur-Saône
SWITZE
to ensure your cruise is everything you expect. You’ll find four
Mâcon
times as many suites as most comparable riverboats. A choice of dining between our restaurant (open seating) and the Lido
When you cruise with Tauck, you know your final cost before
Tain-l’Hermitage Tournon
you leave home. No options sold, no extras, no hidden costs;
Rh ôn e
Lyon Vienne
Bar, alternatively offering a “taste” of your current locale.
ver Ri
Valence
just one upfront price. And now “all inclusive” defines “peace of mind”... We look forward to seeing you aboard in 2012!
Viviers Pont du Gard
Daniel W. Mahar, CEO
Avignon Arles Roussillon
Nice
Monte
RHÔNE RIVER, Avignon, France
DANUBE RIVER, Budapest, Hungary
nter
GERMANY
z Lohr
ainz im
s er
POLAND
RHINE RIVER, Lorelei Valley, Germany
MOSELLE RIVER, Cochem, Germany
Prague ver Main Ri Bamberg
Hassfurt Miltenberg Würzburg Heidelberg Rothenberg Plittersdorf Main-Danube Baden-Baden Canal
CZECH REPUBLIC
Nürnberg Regensburg Cesky Krumlov Dürnstein Melk
Passau Obermuhl Linz Salzburg
AUSTRIA
SLOVAKIA Vienna Bratislava Da n
ube R iv
Budapest
HUNGARY
ERLAND
e-Carlo
er
Kalocsa
SLOVENIA CROATIA ITALY
Mohacs Vukovar Belgrade
Iron Gate
Vidin
SERBIA
HORTICULTURAL WORLD EXPO
WHAT’S INSIDE
VENLO
HOLLAND
French Waterways and Vineyards – 10 Days
.............. 16
Cruising the Rhône River
French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris – North; 14 Days.. 22 Cruising the Rhône and Saône Rivers
The Blue Danube – East; 12 Days......................................... 28
FLORIADE 2012 Every ten years the Netherlands hosts Floriade, a World Horticultural Exposition that showcases garden-inspired exhibits from around
Cruising the Danube River
Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube – 12 Days
........ 34
Cruising the Danube River
Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure – 8 Days
..... 36
Cruising the Danube River
the globe. In 2012, over 100 horticultural businesses from more than 25 different countries are participating “in the theatre of nature” in Venlo, transforming the pastoral landscapes of this Dutch border town with their visions of a greener world. Tauck includes a full day visit to Floriade on Holland and Belgium and on limited departures of The Rhine and Moselle, giving you a choice of river cruise to experience this celebration of all things floral!
Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat – North; 15 Days...... 38 Cruising the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers
The Rhine and Moselle – South; 13 Days Cruising the Rhine and Moselle Rivers
..................... 44
Holland & Belgium featuring Floriade – North; 10 Days
.... 50
Cruising the Albert Canal, the Maas and Rhine Rivers
Budapest to the Black Sea – East; 12 Days......................... 56 Cruising the Danube River
Grand European Cruise – 24 Days ...................................... 62 Cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers All About Tauck’s Riverboats ............................................. 64
ROMANIA
River Cruise 2012 Calendar At-A-Glance ........................... 68 Small Ship Cruising Preview............................................... 70 River Cruising in Egypt and China ...................................... 72
Brasov
Tauck Travel Types ............................................................. 73 General Information ............................................................. 74 Bucharest
Snagov
iver ube R Dan
Ruse
= Tauck Bridges family travel adventure
Cernavoda Constanta
= Music Experience
= Floriade
= Food & Wine Experiences
Svishtov Arbanassi Veliko Turnovo
BULGARIA
Need more information? Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825 Visit our website at www.tauck.com
“
“
Holland and Belgium was our first tour and river cruise...
Everything on our
our riverboat was so beautifully appointed... all your staff
Danube cruise was top notch.
were thoughtful and kind, and went out of their way to make
The hotel selections were
our trip perfect. Our Captain was so pleasant, and the chef
excellent. The riverboat was
constantly amazed us with fabulous meals... everything was
absolutely lovely with its
fantastic!
state-of-the-art features, and
”
– Linda & Pablito Almira, CT
the staff went above and beyond to accommodate us. I can’t imagine a company that could be more attentive to individual needs! Our Tauck Directors each brought their own personality to their job, which added to the overall experience. Please know that every detail that your company does, from the briefings to the programs to the restaurant accommodations is so greatly appreciated! – Ellen Breslow, Ed.D., CCC, FL
”
LAND TRIPS + R IVER CRUISING...
cruise meandered along the Danube, the Main and the Rhine
For 86 years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing –
rivers, all the way from Vienna to Köln. This cruise really was
small ships and yachts in seas the world over, riverboats along
ahead of its time, and helped us to understand how we wanted
great rivers and waterways, and at home, aboard many different
to develop and grow our river cruises throughout the next two
styles of crafts on the beautiful rivers and lakes of Connecticut
decades. We didn’t want any “ordinary” river cruise experience;
and New York. Once we started taking guests on European
we wanted guests to travel the rivers in the same extra-ordinary
land trips in 1991, it was inevitable that we would blend our
Tauck style they experienced on our land trips along Europe’s
land experience with our strong passion for cruising... Our first
fantastic back roads. And as your “hotel” is traveling right along
European river cruise was in 1992, almost ten years before
with you, we needed riverboats that were custom-designed and
riverboats became one of the “hottest” ways to travel. That first
crafted to match our experience ashore...
4
“
My wife and I want
“
My wife and I took, I believe, our sixth tour with your
to express our sincerest
company, and this riverboat cruise was one of the finest in
appreciation for the hard
our experience. We have traveled extensively... and in all our
work that the Tauck
traveling, we would find it difficult to compare the services,
riverboat team put in
accommodations, and considerations provided us in this tour
to making our cruise
with those of any other. Your staff, your riverboat, and the hotels
memorable. Each of them
you chose were without flaws.
made it a point to make
– Richard D. Gilman, MA
”
my wife and I – along with each member of the group – feel welcomed and appreciated for traveling with Tauck. The entire cruise was seamless and problem-free, a true testament to the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unappreciated and unnoticed by guests! – Joshua and Audrey Wilson, CA
”
... YESTERDAY AND TODAY
and craftsmen to bring these wonderful vessels to life... to
We extensively searched to find the right company to partner
transport guests on immersive, authentic travel experiences in
with, a company that would share our values and our
towns, villages and cities found along the rivers and waterways
commitment to “do the right thing” by our guests. We found
of Europe. Take a look at the map on the previous pages for the
that partner in another family-owned company – Scylla Tours,
scope of our river cruises in 2012 – from the North Sea to the
owned by the Reitsma family. Based in Basel, Switzerland, Scylla
Black Sea, France to Hungary, and right through the heart of
is involved in the design, construction, outfitting and operations
old-world Europe – our fleet of premium riverboats takes you to
of our riverboat fleet. Together, we have custom-crafted all of
places where Tauck’s uncommon access ashore connects you
the sister riverboats in our fleet, working with an amazing group
with people, places and cultural traditions. Family owned, our
of international engineers, designers, electricians, mechanics
86+ years of experience means a river cruise unlike any other!
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
5
SEAMLESSLY CHOREOGRAPHED On the river and ashore... what’s key to Tauck’s outstanding river cruises are our all-included shore excursions, your land experience along Europe’s rivers. Our shore excursions are all about the choreography of each day, where smaller groups explore with our Tauck Directors and local guides. The art of traveling well is experiencing the moment. When you cruise with Tauck through Europe, those moments might be having a kaffee at a café, or people watching in “Old Town.” It might be meeting a maestro after a private concert, acquiring a new technique from a chef or meeting a prince... t0VSSJWFSDSVJTFBSDIJUFDUTBSFIBOETPO iSPBE UFTUJOHwFWFSZDPNQPOFOUPGFWFSZEBZUPFOTVSF HVFTUTJNNFSTFJOBVUIFOUJDJUZBOEDVMUVSBM DPOOFDUJPOT t&YDMVTJWFDVMUVSBMFYQFSJFODFTBSFBOJNQPSUBOU QBSUPGFWFSZDSVJTF NBOZPGUIFNQSJWBUFGPS 5BVDLHVFTUTPOMZ t%JOJOHPGGUIFSJWFSCPBUJTJODMVEFE QSPWJEJOH BHFOVJOFUBTUFPGSFHJPOBMDVJTJOFGPSBNPSF iQFSTPOBMJ[FEwDSVJTFFYQFSJFODF
“
My wife and I took our fourth tour with you, ‘Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube’... To see both a well-known symphony orchestra and a major opera production, in addition to all the performers we saw along the way, was a true blessing. In Passau, visiting the largest pipe organ in Europe, and touring the organ loft to have the organist explain to us about the organ and its history, was more than I could ask for. o$IFSZM%BWJE5SPTU 1" Only Tauck includes a private “Imperial Evening” at Palais Pallavicini in Vienna (top right) and a behind-the-scenes visit in Passau to see the famous organ (above)
6
”
UNCOMMON ACCESS INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES ASHORE Tauck’s shore excursions are unlike any others along Europe’s rivers; you explore Europe... with a twist. Find out what life is like at the palace… at the market… and in a private home. Taste some wine… olive oil… chocolate… and strudel. More than a concert… it’s Mozart, Chopin and Beethoven in the places that inspired their passion. Share some stories, learn from experts, and meet culinary artisans who teach you something new. Something European. Tauck takes you ashore – and you take back a day in Europe you’ll never forget.
EXCLUSIVELY TAUCK • Attend a private Imperial Evening in a private Viennese palace where aperitifs are served upon arrival, and dinner is served accompanied by an evening of classical music • In Croatia, an invitation to a private home for amazing discussions about the Croatian War of Independence – the issues, the war’s course, the impact and the aftermath – and a look to the future • You don’t just “have lunch” in the Roman grottoes of Château Neercanne in the Netherlands... it’s a treat for the eyes and a pleasure for the palate when you “lunch” as the royals did • A privately guided tour of Prague’s Baroque libraries in Strahov Monastery takes you in through the “back door” to walk among the treasured manuscripts, not just view them from the doorway • Wine tastings in unforgettable settings... and learning culinary secrets on seasonal ingredients and contrasting flavors from local chefs • Spend a day at a working farm in the Camargue, where you’ll dine on a lunch of Provençal cuisine and get a good glimpse of French cowboy life • A private cocktail reception, dinner, concert and tour at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle – where you’ll view Beethoven’s original scores
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
7
“
I am writing as a very satisfied
guest with Tauck’s river cruising. The daily schedule and information sheet placed at our cabin door each
STORIES FROM THE ROAD
evening was welcomed; the Discovery Briefings, evening entertainment, lectures on history, beer, and cheeses were appreciated. Despite the impressiveness of the large cities we visited, the smaller cities were as important as the larger. Small towns are “manageable,” and we found out that each has a story to tell that was well-worth knowing. The pacing of the trip was perfect. Thank you for eliminating the whole ‘tipping’ procedure; it really makes a difference to the flow of things. And now that we’re home, I find myself saying, ‘If you want to know history up close and personal – and if you want to feel it as well as know it – you should travel with Tauck.’ Finally, thank you for giving us the best. Our
”
tour was worth every dollar spent.
– Judith Heikes, IL
All-inclusive river cruising means just that ashore – remarkable dining at local restaurants and performances by local artists
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NO EXTRA COSTS
ALL INCLUSIVE
Virtually every European river cruise expense is included in one up-front price. No little extras. No hidden expenses. Look very carefully at what’s included in the price of your river cruise – it’s the quality of what’s included that defines the word “value”: • All private Tauck shore excursions – led by Tauck Directors, local experts and guides, and featuring Tauck Exclusives • All gratuities to the Tauck Directors & Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, drivers, local guides and local experts • Special insider sightseeing and exclusive Tauck experiences guided by our Tauck Directors and local guides • Included meals ashore at local restaurants and special venues • Local artists and cultural performances • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted • Hotel accommodations handpicked for their location • Most meals, all-day soft drinks, wine with dinner aboard the riverboat, beer with lunch and dinner onboard • Welcome & farewell cocktail parties, special evenings of local entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more • Port charges, all taxes, luggage handling and more; no hidden surcharges
NO OPTIONS SOLD A very simple, and very important point to consider when choosing a river cruise. With Tauck, all shore excursions on all river cruises are included – and that means no extra cost: • No options are sold • No sales pitches are made • No fuel surcharges • The price you pay upfront is your final price Our Tauck Cruise Director, Tauck Directors and local guides will not sell you anything – rather, they’ll give you their honest opinion and guidance. Sightseeing excursions are well-choreographed, with Tauck’s uncommon access opening doors to special experiences and guided sightseeing that enriches your days and makes them unforgettable.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
9
PERSONALIZED CRUISING Tauck’s riverboats hold fewer passengers than other riverboat companies, which means personal attention from the captain and crew. Dress is comfortable, unassuming and casual. The pace is unhurried. Your surroundings are gracious, the service has style and the club-like atmosphere is both easygoing and congenial – all the right ingredients to foster new friendships throughout your cruise. You’re welcomed back from shore excursions with a beverage and a hot or cold towel (depending on the season, of course). And most important – you know you are a welcomed guest from your first moment aboard.
“
Tauck goes beyond what it has promised. You offer a great product with a great staff to ensure the delivery of services promised. The staff could not have been any more courteous… it got to the point where the waiter knew what coffee we preferred, the bartender knew our favorite drink, and the piano player knew what music we liked and when to play it! – Robert and Deborah Zaragoza, NY
”
10
CLUB-LIKE ATMOSPHERE TAUCK S RIVERBOATS WARM AND WELCOMING Life aboard our riverboats is often called “club-like” – comfortable, relaxed, warm and inviting. Our four riverboats, ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Jewel and ms Treasures are true sister riverboats, consistent in design and upscale in décor. And what creates that club-like atmosphere?
INTIMATE, YET SPACIOUS DESIGN: • No more than 118 guests aboard each Tauck riverboat, while other riverboats hold up to 160 guests • 14 suites (300 sq. ft.) and 7 junior suites on every ship – four times more than most other European riverboats • 85% of cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies
DINING AND WINING. (OR WINING AND DINING): • Wine is included with dinner aboard the riverboats; beer is included with lunch and dinner aboard ship; unlimited soft drinks are for the asking throughout the day; and a coffee and tea station serves up fresh fruit and cookies • The Captain’s party includes an open bar, with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres passed throughout the party • Fine European dining nightly aboard the riverboat – dining is open, with no assigned seating and open hours • You have a choice of dining venue on board including alternative bistro dining in the Lido Bar featuring local cuisine and specialties • Breakfast selections vary day-to-day; room service breakfast is available in Category 6 suites • Included dining off the riverboat at local restaurants, from exclusive private evenings at castles and palaces – to trendy restaurants in cities like Budapest and Brussels – to a tavern, a winery, a bierstube, a market, a farm and many more
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
AND DON T FORGET THE AMENITIES… • 3 Tauck Directors and 1 Tauck Cruise Director means personalized attention and service • Bicycles are available for shore excursions • Fitness center aboard every riverboat with treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, stretch bands and a rowing machine • Massages are available • Cabin amenities include new pillow-top beds, 400-thread count satin bed linens, goose down or hypo-allergenic pillows, bathrobe and slippers, L OCCITANE toiletries • Informative lectures, folkloric performances and unique access create cultural connections that inspire guests on all-included shore excursions and aboard the riverboats
www.tauck.com
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“
EXPERT LOCAL GUIDES Cruising Europe’s rivers with Tauck is all about the destination. Not that life aboard the riverboat isn’t a complete vacation experience in itself, but it’s where our riverboats take you – and what you do when you’re there – that embodies the Tauck Difference in river cruising. Tauck’s local experts and guides – friendly folks who are passionate about their homelands, and eager to share them with you – put the focus on knowledge as they take you to fairy-tale castles, medieval towns and ancient villages where you learn about, and connect with, centuries-old traditions.
The “insider” expertise of our local experts infuses your desire to learn... so you’ll take home information and insights that you never would have picked up on your own. They’ll broaden your horizons and enlighten your mind at lectures, stir your soul at music and dance presentations by local performing artists, inspire your palate at cooking demonstrations and more. And they’ll introduce you to exclusive cultural and dining experiences for an authentic taste of local cuisine or wine from regional vineyards – key to Tauck’s all-included shore excursions.
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As you know, an itinerary alone, or the ship alone, doesn’t necessarily result in an enjoyable experience for travelers. The critical elements were the Tauck Cruise Director, Tauck Directors and the ship staff – they were all absolutely outstanding. Our Tauck Cruise Director was particularly important to our enjoyment – she was knowledgeable, service-oriented, friendly and an all-around delight who brightened everyone’s day. On every conceivable measurement metric, she rated a perfect score! – Herbert E. Ehlers, FL
”
PERSONALIZED SERVICE 1 CRUISE DIRECTOR 3 TAUCK DIRECTORS Our guests tell us that our Tauck Directors, Cruise Directors and ship staff made their cruises more enjoyable than they ever could have imagined. They are, in the words of David and Kate Johnson “considerate, compassionate, patient and knowledgeable... they make sure that everyone is comfortable and happy”: • 3 Tauck Directors – 1 Tauck Cruise Director on board • Tauck’s riverboat staff-to-guest ratio means personalized attention and customized service on board and ashore • Guests are treated as friends and family, from a warm reception upon each return to the riverboat to the warmth and kindness that define gracious service and hospitality • Averaging 10 years of service with Tauck, our Tauck Directors are personifications of the word “leader” • Knowledgeable professionals, they are familiar with local customs and traditions, often fluent in several languages • They manage all daily details of travel (luggage handling, etc.) and oversee your entire river cruise experience • They choreograph each day’s sightseeing on Tauck’s all-included shore excursions to make each day the best day of your river cruise • They thrive on finding creative ways to share their love of the places you’ll explore
PEACE
OF
MIND SERVICES
• Our Cruise Protection Product offers a money-back refund if you cancel, right up to the day before departure (see p. 75) • When Tauck reserves your international flights from select U.S. gateways, you enjoy peace of mind with additional benefits and value in our upfront air pricing: Fully inclusive (taxes and fuel surcharges) – no hidden fees. Significant savings on Business Class airfare. Air must be booked with Tauck – full payment not required at time of booking but deposit is required when booking. Air is fully refundable up to 60 days before departure.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
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WWW.TAUCK.COM NEW FOR 2011
–
We’ve got some big news... Introducing Tauck’s new website! Go to www.tauck.com and find yourself in Tauck’s River Cruises in Europe, China and Egypt... WHAT, WHEN AND WHERE... FIND YOUR PERFECT TRIP Just use the pull-down menus to tell us where you’d like to go, what you’d like to do and when you’d like to travel – or use our keyword search – and voilá! It’s a match!
ACCESS ALL TAUCK TRAVEL TYPES You’ll be able to search all Tauck travel types and destinations at once – small ship cruises, river cruises, family travel, active trips and classic land trips.
WHAT IS THIS SQUARE BAR CODE? COMPARE UP TO FOUR TRIPS SIDE-BY-SIDE After any search, you can now compare trips at a glance – get a side-by-side list comparing trip length, destinations, prices and more.
CONNECT WITH OTHER TAUCK TRAVELERS On our Tauck Travel Forums, chat directly with Tauck travelers, ask specific questions about upcoming trips, and even meet folks you’ll be traveling with!
FILTER OUT THE NOISE You’re a seasoned traveler, but you also know what you DON’T want in a vacation. Our new search filters let you filter and choose the best trip that’s right for you – instantly!
EASIER PRICING & AVAILABILITY Finding tour availability and pricing is quick and easy. Go directly into a tour, click on “Pricing & Availability” and it’s all at your fingertips.
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You may take a look at the image of the cell phone on the right and ask yourself – what is a barcode doing in my Tauck European River Cruising brochure...? And the answer – it’s a hot new feature called a “QR Code” that when scanned by a mobile phone or pad device, it takes you right to our website for a video preview of Tauck River Cruising! You can download a QR reader from any “app store”; open the reader, point the camera of the mobile device at the QR Code – and it snaps a picture that creates a link to go directly to the video! Our QR Codes make it easy to navigate our website; this is their “debut,” with some fun developments to follow!
RIVER CRUISING IN FRANCE
“
We’re so excited about the experiences we feature on our Rhône River cruises. A visit to Les Halles de Lyon, a tasting tour of Chalon-sur-Saône food shops, a grand dinner in Paris, wine tastings hosted by local families who open their vineyards to us... all sharing the heritage and vintage specialties of each region.
”
– Michelle Lavrado, River Cruise “Architect”
A TASTE OF LOCAL LIFE, EXPERTLY DONE La vie gourmande. Loosely translated, it suggests a life full of epicurean delights, like the tantalizing treats that make our two new riverboat cruises along the Rhône and Saône rivers so irresistibly appetizing. Cruise through vineyards lush with traditions cultivated through the centuries, docking in medieval towns and cities to taste local vintages and savor a bit of daily life. We’ll introduce you to winemakers, chefs and culinary artisans along the way so you can enjoy the fruits of their labors and learn some of their secrets. We’ll wine and dine you onboard and ashore with regional specialties that tempt the palate. And we’ll serve up a feast of activities and excursions that celebrate the region with in-depth visits led by our local guides and Tauck Directors, interactive demonstrations and exclusive cultural experiences only available with Tauck.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER? Paris and the Rhône Valley, Provence and Lyon areas enjoy a temperate climate; guests can expect generally warm, sunny weather with the occasional heat wave and rain shower during the summer months, and relatively mild weather and a pleasant climate in September & October.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
Here’s a sample of what you’ll experience on our France river cruises: t A truly grand dinner at Fouquet’s on the Champs-Elysées, the chic Paris brasserie whose exclusive elegance, classic cuisine and celebrity clientele have made it the place to dine for over a century t Savoring Beaujolais Nouveau with the winemakers themselves at a vineyard in the region that gave the variety its name t Sampling Côtes-du-Rhône and other fine Rhône Valley wines at a tasting aboard the riverboat in medieval Tournon-sur-Rhône t Enjoying regional wines and cuisine during dinner overlooking the Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, on the River Gardon t Gathering culinary secrets on seasonal ingredients and contrasting flavors at a renowned cooking school t Meeting Provençal cowboys and their prized black bulls at a working farm in La Camargue, complete with a meal featuring their organic Provençal specialties tCelebrating Châteauneuf-du-Pape at a tasting tMaking mouth-watering discoveries at Lyon’s famed Les Halles food market tExploring Cluny Abbey, Haras Nationale equestrian center, your choice of select Paris museums & more
www.tauck.com
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TAUCK VALUE t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director t All private Tauck shore excursions – $985 Value! t Reception and dinner at Fouquet’s in Paris, followed by an Illuminations tour t Ride in first class from Paris to Lyon aboard the TGV t Private wine tasting at a Beaujolais vineyard t A walking tour of historic Vieux Lyon and included tastings in France’s culinary capital of Lyon t Tasting presentation featuring seasonal ingredients and local techniques at an award-winning gourmet cooking school t Rhône Valley wine tasting t Regional culinary and wine tastings aboard your riverboat t Provençal dinner overlooking the famous Pont du Gard t Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
Tasting your way through France’s epicurean... heart begins with a memorable dinner in the amazing gastronomic city of Paris... In Lyon, traditional temptations with lyonnaise favorites from andouillette sausage to coq au vin. Set off on a Rhône River cruise whose every stop presents unique opportunities to taste the fruit of the
t 23 meals (9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners); wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge
vine... and more... in one of most celebrated wine-producing regions on Earth! Sip a Beaujolais at a vineyard in the province that gave this variety its name... a Côte du Rhône on a tasting excursion to Tournon-sur-Rhône... Provençal vintages as you dine on regional specialties beside the legendary Pont du Gard... and savor more local wines plus scrumptious cheeses and olive oil at a Valence cooking school... or chocolates in Tain-l’Hermitage...
FRENCH WATERWAYS
AND
VINEYARDS
Going inside Avignon with Tauck includes a guided walking tour in the formidable Palais du Papes
1. ARRIVE PARIS Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris. A transfer is included from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to the Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris hotel. Join us tonight for a special welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening at Fouquet’s, an iconic landmark for celebrity dining – and the French Oscars – since 1908, followed by an electrifying Illuminations tour of the city’s glittering lights – welcome to Paris! Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris – Meals D
2. PARIS,
A
CITY WITH STORIES
TO
TELL...
Parisian neighborhoods, from the grand boulevards, majestic monuments and manicured gardens of the Right Bank to the artsy Left Bank, favorite haunt of writers, thinkers, dreamers and musicians, reflect the true essence of the city. Explore one of them this morning on a guided tour of le Marais, bustling with daily life amidst a mix of stately mansions, medieval-looking, half-timbered houses, covered passageways, antique shops, art galleries and museums. Stroll its narrow cobbled streets and see Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church, Victor Hugo’s home, Hotel de Sully, Village Saint-Paul and la rue des Roisers, renowned in the 13th century as the Jewish quarter of Paris. The rest of the day is free. Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris – Meals B
3. MAKE TRACKS
FOR
Rhône, one of the largest metropolitan areas in France, has an eclectic reputation internationally for everything from silk weaving to renowned cuisine to the cinema industry. You’ll board your “floating hotel” for the next seven nights, ms Swiss Emerald, in Lyon. We invite you to join us at the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner this evening, where we’ll celebrate the start of your cruise along the wonderful Rhône in a festive fashion. Meals BD
LYON / 왎 CRUISE AWAY
After a morning at leisure in Paris, a high-speed TGV train whisks you in first class south to Lyon; this historic city on the River
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
Experience an iconic Parisian dining experience at Fouquet’s, a celebrated city landmark since 1908
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17
paris
proved to be “A Moveable Feast” for an
aspiring young writer named Ernest Hemingway back in the 1920s. Would you have been there then, you would have undoubtedly found him in serious philosophical discourse, drink in hand, in a sidewalk café or bistro in the Left Bank with the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound or Gertrude Stein. This is Paris after all and the inspiration for literature, the arts and the good life, from fabulous food and ambrosial wines to architecture steeped in ornamental riches, are all around you. We’ll give you a taste of the celebrity hang outs that still attract luminaries of all renown, during dinner at Fouquet’s, the “Oscar” of French restaurants, on a dazzling Illuminations tour when the entire city is aglow, and on an in-depth cultural tour of le Marais, home to an irresistible mélange of pâtisseries, art galleries, storied mansions... and stories.
4. 왎 SAMPLING
THE
MANY PLEASURES
OF
LYON
With France’s highest number of restaurants per capita, folks come to Lyon to eat... and they don’t leave disappointed, as you’ll discover for yourself during a city tour today, including a tasting lunch at the famous Les Halles de Lyon. This celebrated indoor food market, occupying various locations in Lyon since 1850 and currently housed in the city’s Part-Dieu district, offers an unbelievable array of breads, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, sausages, specialty spices, poultry, seafood from fish to oysters, wines, chocolates and other desserts... the list goes on. Everything is fresh and delicious, and it is said that the best chefs in Lyon shop here; during your visit, you’ll enjoy tastings of various goodies paired with appropriate wines! Markets like this one are an indispensable culinary tradition in a city famous for lyonnaise specialties! But food and wine are not the only treasures Lyon has to offer. Today’s sightseeing also includes visits to Vieux Lyon – one of the largest Renaissance quarters in Europe, and one of the first protected in France as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and 19th-century Notre-Dame de Fourvière, with its fine mosaics and stained glass. And later, travel to the famed Beaujolais wine-growing region for a wine tasting – magnifique! – before continuing your cruise along the Rhône to Vienne. Open seating at dinner tonight completes a memorable day. Meals BLD
5. 왎 THE ROMANS CALLED
IT
also hilltop castle ruins, two intact Romanesque churches and a Gothic cathedral to see. Your riverboat sets off this afternoon for more cruising, this time to Avignon. Meals BLD
6. 왎 A PALACE FIT
FOR A
POPE
IN
PROVENCE
For centuries, schoolchildren have been singing a song about dancing on the bridge of this walled medieval city that served as the headquarters for several popes in the 1300s. On a walking tour, you’ll explore the vast, fortress-like home the pontiffs built for themselves, the formidable Palais des Papes; the popes who reigned here apparently enjoyed the fruit of the vine, and cultivated the local wine industry (Châteauneuf-du-Pape). Along with the 14th-century bridge mentioned in the song, this evening you’ll visit another one just as famous – the Pont du Gard, an astonishing Roman aqueduct 160 feet high with three sets of arches spanning the River Gardon that once carried millions of gallons of water a day to the city of Nîmes. Join us for a festive Provençal-style dinner featuring regional wines, cuisine and entertainment set against the backdrop of this ancient engineering marvel. Meals BLD
“VIENNA,” BUT...
The long history of the city of Vienne on the Rhône goes back even further than the Romans; it had been the capital of the Allobroges people until it was conquered and colonized under Julius Caesar. After you excuse the initial confusion caused by the city’s original Roman name (they called it “Vienna,” like today’s Austrian capital), you’ll wake up in Vienne today to find a treasure trove of Roman ruins to check out on a walking tour and during free time in town – including a temple erected by the Emperor Claudius; the remains of roads, ramparts, aqueducts and a theatre; and the pyramid-like Plan de l’Aiguille, which one legend says may have served as Pontius Pilate’s tomb! There are
18
While a visit to the Pont du Gard is memorable in itself, wait until you have dinner here with the ancient Roman aqueduct providing an incomparable setting
voyage at a Glance 왎 7 Cruise nights Paris
TG V h Hig in Tra ed S pe
Lyon Vienne Tain-l’Hermitage Tournon
Rhô ne River
FRANCE
SWITZERLAND
Valence
Viviers Pont du Gard
Where to eat like a gourmand ITALY
Avignon Roussillon P Arles rove nce
M E DITE RRANE AN S E A
Day
With bucolic
vineyards that produce a bounty of wines, lush landscapes fed by the mighty Rhône River and towns like Lyon that entice with some of the finest gourmet cuisine anywhere, the Rhône-Alpes region is renowned for its cooking schools and culinary creativity. Master chefs perform their magic... pot au feu, quintessential quenelles, salade Lyonnaise and savory coq au vin that are perfection. A trip to the local market introduces you to the vast
Destination
1 Arrive Paris, Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris 2 Paris 왎 3 TGV to Lyon / Embark Lyon
array of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally produced cheeses, warm-from-the-oven baguettes, spicy sausages and pastries that make their way to your plate in infinitely delectable variations...
왎 4 Lyon
made all the more memorable with a glass or two of wine this
왎 5 Vienne
area is famous for the world over.
왎 6 Avignon / Pont du Gard 왎 7 Roussillion / Arles 왎 8 Viviers 왎 9 Tournon / Valence / Tain l’Hermitage 10 Depart Lyon
7. 왎 PICTURE-PERFECT
IN
ROUSSILLON & ARLES
First up today – travel to Roussillon in the Luberon region of Provence. Sitting in the middle of one of the world’s largest deposits of ochre, Roussillon is surrounded by richly colored cliffs and quarries which blaze against the azure Provençal sky. Not far away is Abbaye de Sénanque, whose austere Romanesque abbey church has stood since the 12th century; today, you’ll have views of the abbey and – depending on the time of year – the lavender fields surrounding it, tended by the monks who still live in this ancient retreat. Back in its Roman days – as the city of Arelate in Gaul – Arles was a pretty happening place. As a major cultural and religious center, it covered nearly 100 acres, had an arena, circus and triumphal arch, and served as a key port on the Rhône. In contrast, the Arles that Vincent van Gogh found in 1888 was a sleepy Provençal backwater... but with its lush fields, plentiful Roman ruins and extraordinary light, it was a perfect place to paint. Upon arrival in Arles, take a guided walking tour of this town that so inspired van Gogh with its blend of ancient and new. Tonight, your riverboat sets off for the medieval treasures in Viviers. Meals BLD
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
Tasting history along the river
In addition to its
rich gastronomic heritage, the Rhône River courses with ancient history that dates back to Roman times. You can find vestiges of Roman rule in the riverfront city of Vienne, a treasure trove of archaeological ruins that chronicle its glory days as Rome’s major wine port. You can explore it in the medieval Palais des Papes, reigning in the walled city of Avignon since the 1300s when popes ruled and cultivated local wine known as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, still favored today. You can see it when you dine on a Provençal-style dinner with views of the 14th-century Pont du Gard. And you can taste it in Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain-l’Hermitage, known for its centuries-old Côtes du Rhône vineyards and fine chocolate.
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19
Roussillon
SPECIAL CULINARY DEPARTURES If you are interested in treating your taste buds to a new level of nirvana, then join us on special river cruise departures crafted in conjunction with Churchill and Turen Ltd., named “World’s Best Culinary Tour Specialist” by Condé Nast Traveler, that focus on French cuisine and village life: April 25, June 28, August 17 & October 20. Ask for details at time of booking – highlights include: t An introduction to French cooking at the new Alain Ducasse culinary school, Ècole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse – a Tauck Exclusive! tThe Joys of Chocolate in Paris, led by Chloe Doutre-Roussel – the “rock star of chocolate” author of The Chocolate Connoisseur and former chocolate buyer at Fortnum & Mason tIn the Footsteps of Julia Child, a special walking tour
8. 왎 MEDIEVAL MOMENTS
IN
VIVIERS
The little walled city of Viviers, which is nestled between the banks of the Rhône and the hills beyond, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns that you will visit. It’s easy to gather a sense of what life was like nearly a thousand years ago as you stroll through Viviers’ ancient streets on a walking tour, dominated by its 12th-century cathedral. Your riverboat, ms Swiss Emerald, winds its way through the sun-dappled landscapes of Provence past the medieval châteaux and steep vineyard-draped hills of the ancient towns like Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain-l’Hermitage this afternoon. On-board activities while you cruise include a lecture by your Tauck Director and (weather permitting) a demonstration of the popular Provençal game of pétanque on the sun deck. Meals BLD
9. 왎 SAVORY SECRETS
OF THE
RHÔNE VALLEY
With its ancient Grand Pont and imposing feudal castle overlooking the river, Tournon-sur-Rhône is a perfect spot to start the final day of your Rhône cruise with a guided walking tour. Wind your way up to a vantage point in this medieval town made for walking and admire the views; this area is famous for its lush Côtes du Rhône vineyards and dramatic river vistas. After lunch, journey to Valence, a seat of learning since 1452, for an education in epicurean delights; the town is a major hub for fresh Rhône Valley produce and is home to some of the finest culinary artists in the country. At an award-winning restaurant and cooking school in town, attend a multi-course tasting presentation illustrating how seasonal ingredients, contrasting flavors and time-tested techniques, create local specialties that have been making mouths water for centuries – and do a little cheese tasting. Tain-l’Hermitage is known throughout Europe for its chocolate, excellent Côtes du Rhône wines and regional cheeses; you’ll have a chance to sample the chocolate on a tasting during a walking tour. Save an appetite for the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner this evening during the boat’s return trip to Lyon, marking a joyful final celebration! Meals BLD
in Paris that visits the haunts of Julia Child, including Saint-Germain-des-Prés
10. JOURNEY HOME
tMarket visit in Provence guided by 3 chefs; Provençal
Tour ends: Lyon, France. Disembark ms Swiss Emerald in Lyon; fly home anytime. A transfer from the riverboat to Lyon Airport is included; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B
lunches with local villagers who share culinary secrets from aperitifs to desserts
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“
Overall, our experience on our Tauck river cruise was near-perfect! The Swiss Emerald was far beyond our expectations – beautiful! – and the food on board was unprecedented... hold on to the chef! Our Tauck Directors and the riverboat crew could not have been more helpful and delightful.
”
– Mr. & Mrs. James R. Nolan, IL
8-DAY CRUISE-ONLY FROM $3,790 PLUS AIRFARE (7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)
10 DAYS FROM $4,590 PLUS AIRFARE (9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 8 Dinners)
Cruise Price Per Person
Date
8-DAY CRUISEONLY
DATE
CAT 1
CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 CAT 4 CAT 5 CAT 6
Apr 18 Apr 25 May 2 May 27 Jun 21 Jun 28 Jul 23 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31 Sep 25 Oct 20
$3790 $4590 $3990 $4790 $4790 $5190 $3790 $4590 $3790 $3990 $4790 $4590
MS Swiss Emerald
$4590 $5390 $4790 $5590 $5590 $5990 $4590 $5390 $4590 $4790 $5590 $5390
$4840 $5640 $5040 $5840 $5840 $6240 $4840 $5640 $4840 $5040 $5840 $5640
$5440 $6240 $5640 $6440 $6440 $6840 $5440 $6240 $5440 $5640 $6440 $6240
$5740 $6540 $5940 $6740 $6740 $7140 $5740 $6540 $5740 $5940 $6740 $6540
$6340 $7140 $6540 $7340 $7340 $7740 $6340 $7140 $6340 $6540 $7340 $7140
$7040 $7840 $7240 $8040 $8040 $8440 $7040 $7840 $7040 $7240 $8040 $7840
Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – on April 18, May 27, August 24 and October 20 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; please inquire at time of booking or visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing, additional 8-Day Cruise-Only price categories, and up-to-the-minute space availability. Cruise will be aboard ms Swiss Emerald; ask at time of booking. Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Note: This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each destination. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Product. Culinary & Wine Experiences – While all departures of this cruise celebrate regional cuisine and wines, the April 25, June 28, August 17 & October 20 departures include additional culinary- and wine-themed experiences; ask at booking. Family Departures – While children are welcome on all cruises, the June 21 and July 23 departures of this cruise are family-friendly departures; ask at time of booking for triple and quad prices and details. See page 64 for riverboat deck plans.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
21
TAUCK VALUE t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director t All private Tauck shore excursions – $1,339 Value! t Farewell dinner in Paris at the famous Fouquet’s brasserie on the Champs-Élysées t Exploration of the Rhône and Saône wine country with vineyard visits and wine tastings in Châteauneufdu-Pape and Mercurey t La Camargue excursion to meet the family of a working farm for a Provençal lunch & a cowboy demonstration with prized black bulls t Mouth-watering discoveries during a day in Lyon, France’s culinary capital, with a tasting lunch at Les Halles de Lyon t Tasting tour of local food shops in Chalon-sur-Saône t Visits to historic Cluny Abbey, Avignon’s Palais des Papes, the Hospices de Beaune and France’s renowned Haras Nationale equestrian center t Choice of art museum visits in Paris, including the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay t Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
The magic begins in Monte-Carlo, captivating hearts and imaginations with the scenic beauty of the Cote d’Azur – and the fairy-tale legacy of a real-life princess and her prince. Thus entranced, journey across the tip of France to Arles, welcoming with a history that is equally noble. The Romans were among the first travelers to be captivated with the landscapes – and lifestyles – that embrace the Rhône River. Remains of their settlements echo a love of the land
t 32 meals (13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners); wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge
that resonates still. Today you’ll discover it on a river cruise through France’s epicurean heart, stopping to sample regional specialties at a private farm in La Camargue, in vineyards where Côtes du Rhône, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and premier cru come to life, on tasting tours at the Les Halles de Lyon food market and Chalon-sur-Saône, and at famed Fouquet’s, a brasserie on Paris’ Champs-Élysées!
FRENCH ESCAPADE: MONTE CARLO TO PARIS
Tauck’s 9-night riverboat cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers aboard ms Swiss Emerald takes you to Lyon, France’s “culinary capital,” where your experiences include a visit to the centuries-old Les Halles de Lyon food market
1. ARRIVE MONTE-CARLO, MONACO Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Monte Carlo. A transfer is included from Nice Cote d’Azur Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo, where Category 6 guests will enjoy sea-view rooms. Join us for a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner this evening. Fairmont Monte Carlo – Meals D
2. MONTE-CARLO WHEN IT GLITTERS... It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic or sophisticated place than Monte-Carlo; it brings to mind jet setters, mega-yachts bobbing in the harbor, the glittering casino where the rich and famous play, and the fairy-tale legacy of Princess Grace, Prince Rainier and the Grimaldi family who have ruled the Principality of Monaco for over 700 years. It’s all part of the magic you’ll discover – along
with Monaco’s cathedral, the Place de Palais and more – on a morning orientation tour and time on your own. Fairmont Monte Carlo – Meals B
3. HAVING
A
NICE TIME / EMBARK
IN
ARLES
Time spent in Nice is always nice, as the legions of travelers who have been drawn here since the 18th century by the area’s mild Mediterranean climate and spectacular natural beauty can attest. And you’ll discover the charms of Nice for yourself, whether on today’s walking tour or while exploring on your own along the Promenade des Anglais overlooking the Bay of Angels… strolling the medieval streets of Old Town Nice… or within lively Rue de France. After lunch on your own, continue on to Arles, where you’ll embark ms Swiss Emerald and enjoy the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner tonight. Meals BD
4.
VAN
GOGH S ARLES & CAMARGUE COWBOYS
Ancient Arles was there long before the Romans found it... but you can still see a lot of what they left behind as you explore the city this morning, including the Roman arena from the 1st century BC – still being used for bullfights and plays. Look beyond Arles’ medieval streets and walls to see why the surrounding landscapes were such an inspiration to Vincent van Gogh; the quality of the light is amazing! An excursion to the Camargue region features a traditional Provençal lunch at a working farm, complete with a private demonstration by local cowboys and the famous Spanish black bulls they raise. Cruise to Avignon tonight. Meals BLD Spend time getting to know Monaco on a two-night stay in Monte-Carlo
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
23
The gardians, as the cowboys of La Camargue are known, invite you into their unique world in this wild corner of southern France along the western edge of Provence... a seemingly endless expanse of tall grass and swampy marshland known for its beautiful wild horses and the prized black bulls the gardians wrangle on farms or ranches (called manades) like the one you’ll visit with Tauck. The best of the bulls are chosen for the course camarguaise, the popular and humane Provençal bull games in which players attempt to grab paper tokens, or attributs, from the bulls’ horns. It’s all part of a proud and colorful Provençal tradition that you’ll learn about firsthand when you join the gardians and owners of a family-owned farm in the Camargue for a festive meal featuring local Provençal specialties, wine, folklore and fun.
5. STORIES
OF
POPES (& WINE)
IN
6. BACK
AVIGNON
voyage at a Glance 9 Cruise Days
Day
SWITZERLAND
Lyon Vienne Tain-l’Hermitage Tournon Viviers
CamLa argu e
Rhô ne River
FRANCE
Saô ne R ive r
Mâcon
Beaune
Avignon Arles
ITALY
Destination Monte-Carlo to Paris
MONACO
M E D I TE R R A N E A N S E A
VIVIERS
Day Destination Paris to Monte-Carlo 1 Arrive Paris
2
Monte-Carlo
2 Paris
Hilton Arc de Triomphe
3
Nice / Embark Arles
3 Beaune / Embark Lyon
4
Arles / La Camargue
4 Chalon-sur-Saône / Mercurey
5
Avignon / Châteauneuf-du-Pape
5 Mâcon / Cluny
6
Viviers
6 Lyon
7
Tournon / Tain-l’Hermitage
7 Vienne
8
Vienne
8 Tournon / Tain-l’Hermitage
9
Chalon-sur-Saône / Mercurey
10 Mâcon / Cluny 11 Lyon 12 Disembark Lyon / Beaune / Paris Hilton Arc de Triomphe
Nice
IN
Arrive Monte-Carlo Fairmont Monte Carlo
13 Paris 14 Depart Paris
24
TIME
1
Paris
Mercurey Châlon-sur-Saône
IN
In the Middle Ages, the town of Viviers on the banks of the Rhône had two distinct parts which reflected the equally distinct social divide of the time. “Common folk,” artisans and tradespersons lived on the river plain, while the bishop and his upwardly mobile friends lorded over them from the hilltop above. Go back a thousand years as you explore this medieval city – one of the best-preserved in Europe – and its unusual castle-like cathedral on a walking tour with Tauck’s local guides; you’ll be delighted by its authenticity. Spend the rest of the day cruising the Rhône aboard ms Swiss Emerald, bound for Tournon-sur-Rhône; onboard activities include a demonstration of the Provençal game of pétanque (weather permitting). Meals BLD
Lovely Avignon might still be something of a backwater had it not been for the popes who moved the papacy here when things got “uncomfortable” in Rome around 700 years ago. Although the pontiffs reigned here for less than a century, they built themselves one humongous palace; the fortress-like Palais des Papes, which you’ll visit today, is one of Europe’s largest and most significant Gothic buildings and the centerpiece of this walled medieval city. Avignon’s popes all shared a fondness for wine, produced in this region for over 2,600 years; sample the locally grown Châteauneuf-du-Pape (which translates to “new castle of the Popes”) on an afternoon wine tasting in a hilltop setting overlooking the village for which the variety is named. Meals BLD
9 Viviers 10 Avignon / Châteauneuf-du-Pape 11 Arles / La Camargue 12 Disembark Arles / Nice / Monte-Carlo Fairmont Monte Carlo 13 Monte-Carlo 14 Depart Monte-Carlo
7. TOWNS AND TASTINGS ALONG THE RHÔNE As you awaken in Tournon-sur-Rhône and embark on a walking tour, look up – you can’t miss the huge castle atop a rock high above the river, or the stone bridge that was once the largest of its kind in the world. Just across the river, stroll through Tain-l’Hermitage – known for the fine chocolate it produces as well as for its excellent Côtes du Rhône wines, which you’ll have a chance to sample during a tasting. Sail on to Vienne tonight, arriving in time to take an evening stroll. Meals BLD
8. ROMAN VIENNE &
ON TO THE
SAÔNE
At one point in time, the Romans seemed to have been everywhere in this region, including Vienne (which they called “Vienna” in their day). Today you’ll check out the ruins they left behind, as well as other historic sites, on a walking tour; you’ll also have some free time to browse in Vienne’s boutiques or spend as you please. Reboard ms Swiss Emerald to continue cruising along the Rhône, past Lyon and into the Saône River, arriving overnight in Chalon-sur-Saône. Meals BLD
9. CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE & MERCUREY Most similar cruises end in Chalon-sur-Saône... but with Tauck, you’ll explore this Burgundy town known as the birthplace of photography and one of its earliest pioneers. Inventor and Chalon-sur-Saône native son Nicéphore Niépce produced both the first photoetching and the first permanent photograph from nature here in the 1820s... so whisper a quiet “thank you” as you snap pictures of the town’s Romanesque churches and monuments on a walking tour. Savor your way through town as you sample local culinary offerings on a guided tasting tour of some of Chalon-Sur-Saône’s noted food shops. Later, enjoy a wine tasting at a premier cru vineyard in Mercurey, largest wine-producing area in the Côte Chalonnaise. Meals BLD
The Rhône Valley, with a flavor all its own... The Rhône River Valley’s role as one of the world’s most important wine-growing regions is intertwined with a rich gastronomic heritage and a long history that dates back to the ancient Romans, which you’ll discover while cruising – and tasting – your way along the river. Find it in Vienne, whose archaeological treasures chronicle its glory days as Rome’s major wine port. Explore it at the medieval Palais des Papes, dominating the walled city of Avignon since the 1300s when popes ruled here, and taste it in the local wine they first cultivated, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Experience it while sampling fresh local meats, cheeses and more at the famous Les Halles de Lyon food market in Lyon, and among various local food shops on a tasting tour of Chalon-sur-Saône. And savor it at a vineyard in Mercurey in the Côte Chalonnaise, or while sipping a Côtes du Rhône and other varieties at tastings aboard ms Swiss Emerald.
The Rhône Valley food and wine culture thrives in Tournon-sur-Rhône
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
25
DINING IN PARIS IS considered among the ultimate culinary experiences anywhere, ranging from sidewalk bistros to some of Europe’s most exclusive restaurants. Tauck includes a farewell dinner at Fouquet’s – the quintessential Paris brasserie on the Champs-Élysées whose elegance and classic cuisine have made it a celebrity favorite for more than a century.
10. FROM
AN
ABBEY
TO A
RIDING SCHOOL
Nine arches grace the Pont-de-Vaux spanning the Saône River in Mâcon, and history lives along its Heritage Trail. Along with a walking tour of the town, you’ll visit the Romanesque Cluny Abbey – once among the most significant Benedictine monasteries in Europe – and France’s renowned Haras Nationale equestrian center. Cruise to Lyon this evening. Meals BLD
11. A DAY
IN
LYON, WHERE FOOD
IS
KING
If you’re a foodie, the city of Lyon is the place for you! For lunch, sample the best of “France’s culinary capital” at the historic Les Halles de Lyon indoor food market, with tastings of the freshest breads, cheeses, meats, produce and more paired with local wines. Your day also includes visits to medieval Vieux Lyon and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The Lyonnais often wash down their meals with a local Beaujolais – like those you’ll sample at a tasting in that famed region today. Back aboard the riverboat, join us for the Captain’s farewell dinner tonight. Meals BLD
12. GOOD WORKS
IN
BEAUNE & ON
TO
PARIS
Back in the 1400s, an almshouse and hospital for the poor was established in the town of Beaune; 600 years later, it still exists. After disembarking in Lyon and traveling to Beaune, you’ll visit the Hospices de Beaune – where a museum in the Hôtel-Dieu, one of the finest examples of 15th-century French architecture, preserves the heritage of this charitable work, now carried on in modern facilities. Continue to Paris for a two-night stay. Hilton Arc de Triomphe – Meals B
13. PARIS AS YOU PLEASE, MUSEUMS & FOUQUET S Learn, see, explore... it’s all about Paris on a guided morning tour, followed by free time to pursue what interests you most. You also have a choice of museum visits from a selection of the city’s best, including Musée du Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay (subject to availability). Tonight offers a farewell dinner to remember at the chic Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées! Hilton Arc de Triomphe – Meals BD
14. JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Paris, France. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Hilton Arc de Triomphe to Charles de Gaulle Airport is included; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in. Meals B
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10-DAY CRUISE-ONLY FROM $4,790 PLUS AIRFARE (9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches & 9 Dinners)
14 DAYS FROM $5,790 PLUS AIRFARE (13 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches & 11 Dinners)
Date
10-DAY CRUISEONLY
Cruise Price Per Person
DATE
CAT 1
CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 CAT 4 CAT 5 CAT 6
Mar 31* Apr 9 May 9* May 18 Jun 3* Jun 12 Jul 5* Jul 14 Jul 30* Aug 8 Sep 7* Sep 16 Oct 2* Oct 11
$4790 $5190 $5790 $5790 $5790 $5790 $4990 $4990 $4990 $4990 $5790 $5790 $5790 $5190
MS Swiss Emerald
$5790 $6190 $6790 $6790 $6790 $6790 $5990 $5990 $5990 $5990 $6790 $6790 $6790 $6190
$6040 $6440 $7040 $7040 $7040 $7040 $6240 $6240 $6240 $6240 $7040 $7040 $7040 $6440
$6640 $7040 $7640 $7640 $7640 $7640 $6840 $6840 $6840 $6840 $7640 $7640 $7640 $7040
$6940 $7340 $7940 $7940 $7940 $7940 $7140 $7140 $7140 $7140 $7940 $7940 $7940 $7340
$7540 $7940 $8540 $8540 $8540 $8540 $7740 $7740 $7740 $7740 $8540 $8540 $8540 $7940
$8240 $8640 $9240 $9240 $9240 $9240 $8440 $8440 $8440 $8440 $9240 $9240 $9240 $8640
*Indicates Paris to Monte-Carlo southbound direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; please inquire at time of booking or visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing, additional 10-Day Cruise-Only price categories, and up-to-the-minute space availability. Cruise will be aboard ms Swiss Emerald. Special Single Savings – $1000 per cabin – on Mar 31, Jul 5, Aug 8 & Oct 11 departures, Categories 1 & 3 only. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Note: Guests in Cat. 6 suites aboard ms Swiss Emerald enjoy sea-view rooms at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Product. See page 64 for riverboat deck plans.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
27
TAUCK VALUE t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director t All private Tauck shore excursions – $785 Value! t Two nights each in Prague and Budapest at centrally located hotels in the heart of the cities t Tauck Exclusive – Private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna featuring dinner and Viennese performers t Tauck Exclusive – Private aperitif and dinner in Prague at Lobkowicz Palace, Prague Castle t Tauck Exclusive – A private tour of Prague’s Baroque libraries, Strahov Monastery t Choice in Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg t Choice of a full day in Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov t Evenings of local performing artists and classical music aboard the riverboat t Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted t 27 meals (11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners); select meals in local restaurants; wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges
Palais Pallavicini You’re in Vienna, and you’re spending the evening at a palace. Not just any palace, but Palais Pallavicini. You are served an aperitif upon arrival, stimulating the appetite for what has only begun... A magnificent dinner where every plate is revealed simultaneously... sumptuous ball gowns... an orchestra... Mozart (this is, after all, Vienna)... a ballet... all those fairy tales finally coming to life... And what of the palace itself? An incredible tale of a Baroque palatial legend that somehow became the home of Harry Lime in the film The Third Man...
THE BLUE DANUBE
Where you go, what you see, and who you meet – uncommon access is the Tauck Difference in river cruising along the Danube, from an evening at a palace to exclusive private visits with no waiting in lines, no crowds...
1. ARRIVE PRAGUE Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Prague Marriott Hotel. A transfer is included from Prague’s Ruzyne Airport to the Prague Marriott Hotel, ranked among the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World, for a memorable two-night stay in the historic “city of a hundred spires.” Tauck brings you inside Prague’s soaring cathedrals and city architectural riches with sightseeing hosted by local guides. Begin your amazing trip with a royal welcoming reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Immerse in an evening of classical cultural treasures – music and art played an important role in the aristocratic world of the Lobkowicz family. Meals D
2. DISCOVER PAST & PRESENT PRAGUE Exquisite European architecture awaits on a guided excursion that takes you to the Hradcany (Castle) district and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus. An exclusive private tour of the grand libraries of Strahov Monastery is a highlight. Spend time at leisure exploring the courtyards and squares of Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, or join us on a walking tour through ethereal Old Town; see the famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, iconic Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Lantern-lit streets set the mood for dinner on your own tonight, tempting with cafés and restaurants that serve up some of the region’s best dishes... schnitzels, dumplings, strudels, goulashes... paired with local wine and beer. Meals B
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
3. REGENSBURG / EMBARK RIVERBOAT Drive to the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg, Germany, nestled on the banks of the River Danube. Walking here is a delight, and is the only way to view its historic sights up-close. A local guide will lead the way as you see the town’s 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Germany’s oldest surviving stone bridge), the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the Roman wall. Enjoy lunch on your own – this medieval town is famous for its Bavarian sausage – before embarking your riverboat; join us this evening for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner. Meals BD
4. PICTURESQUE PASSAU One of our guests told us that The Blue Danube is like taking a magic carpet ride through a parade of picturesque places, getting on and off in towns that just beg to be explored! An early arrival in Passau this morning lets you do just that when we disembark for a walking tour with a local guide whose passion for his hometown makes your time spent there even more special. Sights include Dom St. Stephan (St. Stephan’s Cathedral) and its magnificent church organ, and the 14th-century Town Hall. Spend some free time in Passau, where pedestrian walkways take you through tunnels and archways and along ancient cobblestone streets – the town is located on a hill. Board your riverboat and spend the afternoon cruising to Linz, Austria; there’s entertainment on board this evening. Meals BLD
www.tauck.com
29
strahov monastery Most people visiting Prague do not get a private tour of the exquisite Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery – they only view the famous library from a doorway located at the end of the main gallery. Uncommon access à la Tauck takes you in through the back door... where you then have the extraordinary opportunity to walk among the treasured manuscripts and artifacts. Books, castles, monasteries... this is Prague.
5. 왎 A CHOICE – SALZBURG
OR
6. 왎 WACHAU VALLEY CRUISE / DÜRNSTEIN
CESKY KRUMLOV
On-board commentary enriches this morning’s leisurely cruise past lush vineyards, fairy-tale castles and ancient monasteries in the Wachau Valley, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes – it is the perfect scenic appetizer for your stop in the charming little village of Dürnstein in Austria’s wine country. Take a closer look at its 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church as you stroll down its one main street or take an invigorating climb up the steps to the ruins of hilltop Kuenringerburg Castle for great views. A wine tasting back in town at an authentic tavern celebrates local cultural traditions and new friendships. Meals BLD
Your boat stays docked in Linz today, with a choice of how you spend your day – full-day excursions to Salzburg, Austria, or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Salzburg on the Salzach River is the hometown of Austria’s beloved composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a parade of beautiful Baroque architecture, painted wrought-iron signage, ornate church towers and grand palaces. You’ll visit Mozart’s birthplace and the very cleverly designed Mirabell Gardens, with some free time in Salzburg before rejoining the riverboat for dinner. Alternatively, travel through beautiful wine-producing country to Cesky Krumlov. This town has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site roster – and that’s the entire town – due to its incredibly well-preserved medieval heritage. A walking tour includes Krumlov Castle; the many steps are worth it to get a look at the mix of medieval, Renaissance and Rococo designs. Free time precedes your return to the riverboat. Meals BLD
voyage at a Glance 왎 7 Cruise Days
POLAND Maximum Elevation: 1,200 ft.
GERMANY Prague Regensburg Passau
CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA
Cesky Krumlov Linz
Dürnstein
Bratislava
Salzburg
ITALY
30
AUSTRIA
SLOVENIA
River
HUNGARY
Budapest
OF
VIENNA
Wake up in Vienna, inspiring romantic visions of “Old Europe.” A choice of sightseeing today features a tour of the Habsburgs’ Schönbrunn Palace, an architectural masterpiece and Austrian
Day
Destination Prague to Budapest 1
Arrive Prague Prague Marriott Hotel
2
Prague
Day
Destination Budapest to Prague 1
Arrive Budapest Budapest Marriott Hotel
2
Budapest
왎 3
Embark Regensburg
왎 3
왎 4
Passau
왎 4
Bratislava
왎 5
Cesky Krumlov or Salzburg
왎 5
Vienna
왎 6
Wachau Valley, Dürnstein
왎 6
Vienna
왎 7
Vienna
왎 7
Dürnstein, Wachau Valley
왎 8
Vienna, Bratislava
왎 8
Cesky Krumlov or Salzburg
Bratislava
왎 9
Passau
왎 9
D
Vienna a nu be
7. 왎 THE IMPERIAL CITY
Embark Budapest
10 Disembark Budapest Budapest Marriott Hotel
10 Disembark Regensburg, Prague Prague Marriott Hotel
11 Budapest
11 Prague
12 Depart Budapest
12 Depart Prague
Inside Bratislava Today Slovakia –- to understand the country that is known as Slovakia today, you need to delve into the past. Martin Sloboda, our resident expert, takes you inside contemporary Slovakia for a look at politics, the economy, religion, the social order, preservation and emergence of the arts, and much more – at the end of your visit, you will find yourself culturally connected to one of Europe’s hottest emerging destinations.
cultural treasure, or the amazing Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg, Austria’s official presidential residence. Nothing quite compares to the royal treatment – and pageantry – you will experience tonight at our private Imperial Evening in a historic Viennese palace. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede a spectacle of beautiful ball gowns, and a musical performance that celebrates the rich legacy of Mozart... Meals BLD
8. VIENNA / CRUISE
TO
SLOVAKIA
Spend some time pursuing what interests you most in Vienna today – outstanding museums, magnificent boulevards, the intriguing Prater... the choice is yours. Return to the riverboat for an afternoon cruise to neighboring Slovakia. Dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and an on-board performance by a talented troupe of Slovakian dancers. Meals BLD
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
31
Private Palace There is nothing that quite says Old World Europe like a night at the Palace... The Blue Danube begins in Prague with a wine reception and dinner at Lobkowicz Palace, a privately owned part of Prague Castle. For centuries, the Lobkowicz family were connoisseurs of fine art... decorative arts... original musical manuscripts... which you’ll see on a private tour
9. BRATISLAVA / DANUBE CRUISE Our local expert, Martin Sloboda, shares insider anecdotes about Bratislava before you embark on a walking tour of this cobblestoned, vehicle-free city. See 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, site of the coronation of many Hungarian kings and queens, and sample some of Slovakia’s delectable almond pastry at a local café. Back aboard ship, get ready to celebrate tomorrow’s arrival in Budapest and the end of your Danube riverboat cruise – with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner. Meals BLD
10. DISEMBARK BUDAPEST / EXPLORE BUDA Disembark this morning in Budapest, Hungary’s capital, divided by the mighty Danube River into Buda and Pest. The architecture throughout Budapest is cause for amazement with its grandeur and style. A guided walking tour of the city’s Buda section includes Castle Hill, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church (may be closed on some days), with lunch at a local café. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free. Meals BL
11. FASCINATING PEST
AND A
SPECIAL FAREWELL
Your tour of Pest includes patriotic Heroes’ Square, Váci Utca, the Parliament building, tree-lined Andrássy Avenue, where magnificent mansions and villas reflect some of Europe’s most elegant 19th-century architecture, and a special visit to Hungary’s State Opera House. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore – so much to see, from unique museums to an amazing zoo! Budapest has acquired quite an excellent reputation for its cuisine; tonight’s special farewell dinner is at the grand Akademia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Meals BD
12. JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Budapest, Hungary. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Budapest Marriott Hotel to Budapest Ferihegy Airport; you should allow a minimum of three hours for check-in at the airport. Meals B
Fishermen’s Bastion 32
“
This was our first Tauck experience, and I can only describe it as marvelous. Every aspect of the trip was organized and handled efficiently. I must compliment the tour leaders and
Cruise Director; they were the most professional travel directors we have ever experienced. No one could surpass their professionalism, knowledge and interest.
”
– Stanton L. Meltzer, NJ
8-DAY CRUISE-ONLY FROM $3,290 PLUS AIRFARE (7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)
12 DAYS FROM $4,290 PLUS AIRFARE (11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches & 9 Dinners)
Date
DATE May 10* May 17 May 31 Jun 7* Jun 14 Jun 28 Jul 1* Jul 8 Jul 12 Jul 26 Aug 9 Aug 16* Aug 23 Sep 6 Sep 13* Sep 20 Sep 27* Oct 4 Oct 18
8-DAY CRUISEONLY
MS Swiss Jewel, MS Treasures
CAT 1 $3990 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4390 $3690 $3290 $3290 $3290 $3290 $3290 $3490 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4390 $3990 $3290
CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 CAT 4 CAT 5 CAT 6 $4990 $5240 $5840 $6140 $6740 $7440 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $4690 $4940 $5540 $5840 $6440 $7140 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740 $4490 $4740 $5340 $5640 $6240 $6940 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $5390 $5640 $6240 $6540 $7140 $7840 $4990 $5240 $5840 $6140 $6740 $7440 $4290 $4540 $5140 $5440 $6040 $6740
Cruise Price Per Person
* Indicates Budapest to Prague westbound direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; please inquire at time of booking or visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing, additional 8-Day Cruise-Only price categories, and up-to-the-minute space availability. Cruise will be on ms Swiss Jewel or ms Treasures; ask at time of booking. Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – on May 10, May 31, July 1, July 26, August 23 and October 18 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with all dinners aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. Please go to www.tauck.com for Budapest to Prague day-by-day details; east and west itineraries are similar. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Note: This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city. July 26 and August 16 departures will have dinner on day 1 or day 11 at a Hungarian palace instead of the Akademia Club. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Product. See page 64 for riverboat deck plans & specifications.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
33
MUSICAL MAGIC ALONG THE BLUE DANUBE
Join Tauck’s “Maestros” and walk in the footsteps of
musical giants like Mozart, Beethoven, Bartók, Wagner, Liszt, Strauss, Haydn and others as you cruise the Blue Danube! Visit homes they lived and composed in, concert halls and palaces where they performed and more... enveloped by their glorious music throughout your magical journey!
GERMANY Prague
Maximum Elevation: 1,200 ft.
CZECH REPUBLIC Regensburg Passau Salzburg
ITALY
The music of Mozart and other giants fills the air at Tauck’s private gala Imperial Evening at a historic private palace in Vienna
voyage at a Glance 7 Cruise Days aboard ms Swiss Jewel
DAY 1
DESTINATION Arrive Budapest Budapest Marriott Hotel
2
Opera House / Liszt House / Concert
3
Musical History Museum / Bartók House / Embark Ship
4
Bratislava – Opera House Tour / Folk Wedding
5
Vienna – Bösendorfer Visit / Musikverein
6
Orchestral Rehearsal / Imperial Evening
7
Cruising – Melk Abbey Tour / Onboard Concert
8
Salzburg – Mozart Tour / Lunch & Opera Scenes
9
Passau – Pipe Organ Tour & Concert
10
Disembark Regensburg / On to Prague Prague Marriott Hotel
34
11
Prague – Estates Theatre / Lobkowicz Palace Gala
12
Depart Prague
SLOVAKIA
Vienna Bratislava Melk
AUSTRIA
Danub
eR iver
HUNGARY
Budapest
SLOVENIA
Already a known musical prodigy
at the age of five, little Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart reportedly capped a performance for Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace by hopping onto the monarch’s lap and giving her a kiss! Stories such as that one linger like a favorite melody as Tauck’s knowledgeable musical Maestros accompany you on a riverboat cruise along the Danube River – complete with exclusive onboard performances, workshops, seminars and more – to destinations where Europe’s great musical giants lived, worked, composed and played... and where their musical legacies live on. Some 60 years apart, both Mozart and Liszt performed as children on the same Bratislava street... and you’ll stroll it with your local guide. In Budapest, you’ll “see” Liszt at the piano in his apartment, and Bartók in his 1924 home as you listen to a recital of his works. Picture little Mozart again... at the beginning in Salzburg, both at his birthplace and during lunch at a centuries-old restaurant where he may have dined. Feast your eyes on Beethoven’s handwritten scores as your ears delight to his music during an exclusive private tour, concert and dinner in Prague. If Europe had an official “musical capital,” it would be Vienna, where melodies follow you everywhere... behind the scenes in the Bösendorfer piano salon and at the Musikverein, Vienna’s grand concert hall... sitting in on an orchestral rehearsal in the historic Baroque Auersperg Palace... at a gala evening at a private palace filled with music and magic. And we’ve only begun... Go to www.tauck.com for completed cruise details and pricing.
TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES: t All private Tauck shore excursions – $1,385 Value! t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Directors and “Maestros”
t Tauck Exclusive – Interactive onboard workshops, seminars and performances by Tauck’s “Maestros”
t Tauck Exclusive – A Q&A session with a former opera director at the historic Opera House in Bratislava
t Tauck Exclusive – Interactive Folk Wedding, dinner and musical performance at 15th-century Slovakian winery From Europe’s largest pipe organ in Passau to a special visit to Vienna’s Bösendorfer piano salon, the music never stops...
t Tauck Exclusive – Private Imperial Evening at a Vienna palace with gala dinner and performance
t Tauck Exclusive – Behind-the-scenes visit to the Bösendorfer piano salon & to Vienna’s Musikverein
t Tauck Exclusive – Private gala dinner, tour & concert at Lobkowicz Palace featuring Beethoven’s original scores
t Performance at a premier concert venue in Budapest
MEET TAUCK’S “MAESTROS”
t Music-themed sightseeing in Budapest, Bratislava,
Along with your Tauck Cruise Director and Tauck Directors, your journey is accompanied throughout by Tauck’s “Maestros.” Active music scholars and performers, Maestros include current doctoral candidates in music history who are passionate and knowledgeable about European classical and operatic music and the various destinations you’ll visit. They’ll guide your explorations ashore and enrich your onboard experience with interactive music workshops, seminars and performances.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Note: This cruise includes a fair amount of walking.
t Airport transfers upon arrival and departure t 26 meals (11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners); select meals ashore, and wine with all dinners on the riverboat; service charges, taxes and porterage
12 DAYS FROM $4,890 PLUS AIRFARE
Single prices start at 40% over the double price; please inquire at time of booking or visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing, day-by-day itinerary and up-to-the-minute space availability. Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Maestros, Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, and on all included meals.
Vienna, Salzburg, Prague and other cities
(11 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 9 Dinners)
Cruise Price Per Person
Date
DATE May 24 Jul 19 Aug 30 Oct 11
MS Swiss Jewel
왎 CAT 1 $5990 $4890 $5990 $4890
왎 CAT 2 $6240 $5140 $6240 $5140
왎 CAT 3 $6840 $5740 $6840 $5740
왎 CAT 4 $7140 $6040 $7140 $6040
왎 CAT 5 왎 CAT 6 $7740 $8440 $6640 $7340 $7740 $8440 $6640 $7340
Become a “wedding guest” at an interactive traditional Slovak folk wedding at a historic Bratislava winery
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Product.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
35
BLUE DANUBE: FAMILY RIVERBOAT ADVENTURE Maximum Elevation: 1,200 ft.
GERMANY
POLAND CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA
Regensburg
Passau Dürnstein Bratislava Linz Vienna a nu be
D
Salzburg
AUSTRIA
River
Budapest
HUNGARY ITALY
3. 왎 VIENNA
Tauck’s uncommon access ashore provides experiences your family will never forget, such as an exclusive evening at a Viennese palace (left) and a visit to Schönbrunn Palace.
1. ARRIVE BUDAPEST / 왎 BEGIN CRUISE Tour begins: 2:00 PM, Budapest, Hungary. A transfer is included from Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport directly to the ms Swiss Jewel. Join us at 2:00 PM for a sightseeing tour including Heroes’ Square and Fishermen’s Bastion. Aboard the riverboat, meet your shipmates at the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner. Meals D
2. 왎 RAFTING* &
MORE FUN IN
BRATISLAVA
The ms Swiss Jewel arrives in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, with its lovely Old Town and 1,700 years’ worth of stories to tell. Play detective on a scavenger hunt; look up, down and sideways when following clues! Shoot the “rapids” on a controlled whitewater rafting course* used to train Olympians. (Note: Minimum age for rafting is 12; an alternate activity will be provided for guests under 12.) Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy a Slovakian cultural presentation and Slovak specialties for dinner. Meals BLD
36
AND
SLOVENIA
SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE
Welcome to Vienna, Austria – a grand old European city with a rich history as the capital of the old Habsburg Empire, but with a definitely modern, 21st-century side, too. City sightseeing today takes in celebrated boulevards like the Ringstrasse, beautiful gardens and parks, and Vienna’s famous architecture. Ever dream about what it would be like to live in a palace? A visit to Schönbrunn Palace, where future French queen Marie Antoinette and other royal Habsburg kids grew up, is a start. Once upon a time, only the Imperial family was allowed to walk through the garden Maze. Today, you and your family will, too – and have a great time looking for its hidden secrets. Tonight, have another royal experience during Tauck’s exclusive Imperial Evening at a traditional palace featuring Viennese entertainment. Meals BLD
4. 왎 PRATER,
CARRIAGE RIDE
&
STRÜDEL-MAKING
Today’s the day for family fun at the Vienna Prater, one of the world’s oldest and most famous amusement parks! The Prater boasts more than 250 attractions including the 100+ year old Giant Ferris Wheel (which film buffs will recognize from the 1940s classic, The Third Man), ghost trains and modern hi-tech roller coasters! Later, go back to Vienna’s Imperial days on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old Town, then spend a free afternoon checking out some of Vienna’s more than 100 museums and cultural institutions. Back aboard the riverboat, take part in a hands-on strüdel-making demonstration. Meals BLD
5. 왎 DÜRNSTEIN & BIKE
THE
DANUBE
TO
KREMS
Wake up in Dürnstein; its twisting cobblestone streets are lined with 16th-century houses. Take off on your next adventure – a leisurely bike ride* along the Danube to the country town of Krems to spend a little time before biking back to Dürnstein. The Wachau Valley is known for its vineyards, and we’ve included a wine tasting today. If you wish, hike high above the town to the ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle where Richard the Lionhearted was once held for ransom. Spend the late afternoon cruising; enjoy Austrian entertainment tonight. Meals BLD
Tauck Bridges Family Value Includes:
8 DAYS FROM $3,290 PLUS AIRFARE (7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)
• All private Tauck shore excursions – $793 Value – on this 4-country, 7-night Danube River cruise aboard ms Swiss Jewel • An exclusive Imperial Evening featuring welcome drinks, dinner and entertainment at a traditional private palace in Vienna
BEGINS BUDAPEST Jun 23
Jul 7
Aug 4
Go to www.tauckbridges.com for up-to-the-minute space availability.
CRUISE PRICE PER PERSON
• Bike ride on a scenic path along the Danube River and a private tour of the magical surprises at Hellbrunn Castle
Aboard ms Swiss Jewel
• A scavenger hunt and a visit to a water sports center used for Olympic training for whitewater rafting in Bratislava
June 23 Double
Single
Triple
Quad
• Marzipan-making workshop in Passau and strüdel-making lesson on the riverboat
Category 1 Category 2
$3490
$4886
$3890
$3490
$3740
$5236
N/A
N/A
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
Category 3 Category 4
$4340
$6076
$4740
$4340
$4640
$7424
N/A
N/A
Category 5 Category 6
$5240
$8908
N/A
N/A
$5940
$10,098
$4626
$3970
• 20 meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners); gratuities to Tauck Director, drivers, local guides and ship staff; applicable fuel surcharges, porterage, taxes, and service charges
July 7, August 4
6. SALZBURG
AND TRICKY
HELLBRUNN CASTLE
Dock in Linz for an excursion to Salzburg, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s alpine hometown. Just outside of town, take a private tour of a place that has to be seen to be believed – Hellbrunn Castle, built centuries ago for the amusement of the wealthy Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, who had an odd sense of humor. As you and your family stroll through this summer palace of fun, filled with trick fountains, grottoes, hundreds of statues, and water-driven 18th-century animatronics, you’ll find out firsthand how the Archbishop surprised and befuddled his guests! You can also visit the pavilion made famous as the setting for the song Sixteen Going on Seventeen in the movie The Sound of Music, also located on the castle grounds. Spend free time in Salzburg before returning to the riverboat for dinner. Meals BLD
7. MARZIPAN-MAKING
AND MORE IN
PASSAU
Arrive in Passau, Germany, for a walking tour through the tunnels, archways and cobblestone streets of this Bavarian town on the Danube and Inn rivers – including a stop at St. Stephen’s Cathedral for a performance of the largest pipe organ outside of the United States! A highlight of your visit is a marzipan demonstration at the famous Café Simon; after learning how this sweet confection is made from sugar and ground almonds, you’ll have a chance to “make a face” by rolling and shaping your own marzipan treat! Celebrate your family’s memorable adventures along the River Danube at tonight’s festive farewell dinner aboard ms Swiss Jewel as she makes her way to Regensburg. Meals BLD
8. JOURNEY
HOME
Tour ends: Regensburg, Germany. Disembark ms Swiss Jewel; fly home anytime after 2:00 PM. A transfer is included from Regensburg to Munich Airport; you should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
Double
Single
Triple
Quad
Category 1 Category 2
$3290
$4606
$3690
$3290
$3540
$4956
N/A
N/A
Category 3
$4140
$5796
$4540
$4140
Category 4 Category 5
$4440
$7104
N/A
N/A
$5040
$8568
N/A
N/A
Category 6
$5740
$9758
$4493
$3870
Note: Children under 18 must be booked in a cabin with at least one adult; exceptions may be granted under certain circumstances with parental consent. Triple and quadruple accommodations in Categories 1 and 3 consist of two adjacent, but not combining, double cabins. Triple and quadruple accommodations in Category 6 consist of a double-bedded suite featuring a full-sized pull-out couch and are not available for more than two adults, aged 18 or older, sharing a cabin. Gratuities to Tauck Director, local guides, driver & ship staff included. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). Departure tax is not included and is additional. Recommended age: 8+ (Note: Minimum age for whitewater rafting on day 2 is 12 years; an alternate activity will be provided for guests under 12). Your family’s comfort is important to us. Ask us about booking an additional hotel night before or after your journey and be sure to consider our Cruise Protection Product. See General Information for details. *For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day descriptions, participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be required. Itinerary Changes: Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. See page 64 for ms Swiss Jewel deck plans and specifications.
www.tauck.com 37
TAUCK VALUE t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
“
My recent Tauck riverboat cruise from
Budapest to Amsterdam was excellent. Everyone on your team was very helpful. It is always a pleasure to travel with Tauck. – Lois Booth, CO
”
t All private Tauck shore excursions – $1,025 Value! t A private Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna featuring dinner and Viennese performers t In Amsterdam, a private canal cruise and a guided tour of the famed Rijksmuseum, home to many masterpieces t Day exploring Nürnberg, the walled medieval town whose history is forever intertwined with World War II t Choice of sightseeing in Vienna – a visit to the Imperial Silver Room in the Hofburg or to Schönbrunn Palace t Memorable visits to Melk Abbey, Kölner Dom, and Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett in Rüdesheim t Guided sightseeing in the historic European capitals of Bratislava, Slovakia, and Budapest, Hungary
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my city...” t Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
It’s a greeting, heartfelt and sincere, that you’ll hear time and again from Tauck’s local guides and experts throughout your cruise as you set out to explore cities and towns along the Danube, Main and
t All meals (41; 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners); wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge
Rhine. They mean it, too. Because they’re not only knowledgeable about the communities they live and work in (and often grew up in), but are extremely passionate about sharing the compelling stories and legacies that seem to inhabit every archway, cobblestone and half-timbered house of their hometown. After all, who better to tell you the tales of those imposing Hungarian leaders towering above you in Budapest’s Heroes’ Square... what ill-fated royal was born in that bed in Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace... or why that weathered little cherub has been hovering over that doorframe in Bratislava for 500 years...
BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM BY RIVERBOAT
Amsterdam’s network of concentric 17th-century canals offers a unique view of the Dutch capital’s historic center from the inside out... enjoy it on Tauck’s included canal cruise
1. ARRIVE BUDAPEST Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Budapest, Hungary. Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s capital city. A transfer is included from Budapest Ferihegy Airport directly to the riverboat on the Danube River in Budapest; embarkation begins anytime after 4:00 PM. Enjoy dinner aboard Tauck’s premium riverboat this evening as you settle into your floating hotel for a memorable cruise. Meals D
including Heroes’ Square, dominated by statues of leaders from Hungarian history and surrounded by museums and stately embassy buildings; the Gothic-Revival home of the Hungarian Parliament, an iconic feature of the Budapest skyline along the Danube; and Fishermen’s Bastion, standing watch like a sentinel over the river. Please join us onboard the riverboat this evening for the Captain’s reception and welcome dinner. Meals BLD
2. BOTH SIDES
3. ACROSS
OF
REMARKABLE BUDAPEST
Standing on opposite banks of the Danube, Budapest’s two distinct sections – Buda and Pest – were once independent cities, but in the mid-19th century were linked by the construction of the Chain Bridge to become a single city, today Hungary’s capital. Explore both Buda and Pest on a guided tour featuring a mix of architectural masterpieces and monuments
THE
CENTURIES
IN
4. AN IMPERIAL EXPERIENCE
A walk up to Dürnstein’s castle ruins rewards with great stories & views
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
BRATISLAVA
An ancient city with a modern vibe, Slovakia’s capital boasts an Old Town brimming with history but devoid of cars, and one of the youngest average populations of any city in Europe. Our local expert shares insider anecdotes about Bratislava before you embark on a walking tour of its cobblestoned city center, where you’ll observe 17 centuries of Slovak heritage eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, site of the coronation of many Hungarian kings and queens. Back onboard, enjoy traditional Slovakian entertainment and regional cuisine tonight. Meals BLD IN
OLD VIENNA
Once the capital of the old Habsburg Empire, Vienna still inspires romantic visions of “Old Europe” and ranks among Europe’s greatest cities. Wake up aboard your riverboat in Vienna for a day of sightseeing that includes your choice of a guided visit to the Habsburgs’ Schönbrunn Palace, an architectural masterpiece and Austrian cultural treasure, or a tour of the Imperial Silver Room at the Hofburg, today Austria’s official presidential
www.tauck.com
39
Feast your eyes on a pageant of Baroque architecture inside and out when Tauck takes you to visit Melk Abbey on the Danube, a major center for culture and learning in Austria’s Wachau Valley for nearly a thousand years
residence. Tonight, nothing quite compares to the royal treatment and pageantry you’ll experience at our private Imperial Evening in a traditional Viennese palace. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede a spectacle of elegant finery and a musical performance that celebrates the legacy of Mozart. Meals BLD
5. BACK
IN
TIME
IN
DÜRNSTEIN
AND
MELK
The twisting medieval lanes of Dürnstein – and the hilltop ruins of Kuenringerburg, the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionhearted was once held for ransom during the Crusades – invite your exploration in the heart of Austria’s vineyard-covered Wachau Valley. Cruise on to Melk to visit the town’s 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey and its impressive Baroque buildings. A wine tasting and local entertainment enliven the night. Meals BLD
6. GOING
FOR
BAROQUE
IN
PASSAU, GERMANY
bridge), the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), the towering Dom St. Peter (home to the famous Regensburger Domspatzen boys’ choir), and the remains of the Roman wall. You might want to try some of the town’s tasty Bavarian sausage, too. Meals BLD
8. THE MAIN-DANUBE CANAL
Renowned for its stained glass, a wealth of church architecture and beautiful Baroque buildings, Passau sits at the juncture of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers. Explore this ancient Bavarian town on a guided walking tour; inside St. Stephan’s Cathedral, you’ll see the world’s largest cathedral organ, dressed in gold and boasting over 17,000 pipes. Cruise on to Regensburg. Meals BLD
9. TAKE
7. REGENSBURG,
10. ROMANCE
A
MIX
OF
OLD
AND
NEW
Growing from a Roman encampment on the Danube into a cultural and trading center, the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg boasts more than 1,400 original historic buildings. Walking here is a delight and is the only way to view the sights up-close. A local guide will lead the way as you see the town’s 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Germany’s oldest surviving stone
40
TO
NÜRNBERG
When it opened in the 1990s, the Main-Danube Canal made navigation between the North Sea and Black Sea possible. Learn all about it during your transit of its 16 locks en route to Nürnberg. Choose between guided excursions offering perspectives on the events of World War II, with visits to the Courthouse, the Zeppelinfeld rally grounds and the Documentation Center – or a stroll through Nürnberg’s medieval ramparts to the Imperial Castle and the old city. Sample traditional Bavarian favorites during dinner tonight at a local restaurant. Meals BLD TO THE
HILLS
IN
BAMBERG
Perched atop seven hills, Bamberg is home to a magnificent, four-towered Romanesque cathedral from the 13th century; see it, along with more of this charming medieval city’s unique architecture and colorful gardens, during a walking tour of Old Town... and take some time to explore as you please. Meals BLD IN
ROTHENBURG & WÜRZBURG
Rothenburg, on Germany’s “Romantic Road,” lives up to its reputation as Europe’s “most perfect fairy-tale town”; view its Gothic cathedral, towered walls and gabled houses. Continuing to Würzburg, visit the Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a wine tasting in the wine cellar of this Baroque masterpiece. And an oompah band plays aboard ship tonight! Meals BLD
voyage at a Glance 왎 14 Cruise Days
Maximum Elevation: 1,332 ft.
NETHERLANDS Amsterdam
GERMANY
Nijmegen
POLAND
BELGIUM
ive Rhine R
Köln Würzburg
r
Koblenz Main Marksburg Castle Lohr River Bamberg CZECH REPUBLIC LUX. Rüdesheim SLOVAKIA Nürnberg Miltenberg Regensburg Dürnstein Rothenburg Melk FRANCE Passau Bratislava r Main-Danube Danube Rive Vienna Canal AUSTRIA Budapest
HUNGARY
royals weren’t
only ones who got to live in palaces during Vienna’s
Day
Destination Budapest to Amsterdam
Day
왎 1
Embark Budapest
왎 1 Embark Amsterdam
old Imperial days, but it did help to be “to the
왎 2
Budapest
왎 2 Amsterdam, Nijmegen
manner born.” Although really grand digs like the
왎 3
Bratislava
왎 3 Köln
Hofburg or Schönbrunn Palace were exclusively
왎 4
Vienna
왎 4 Koblenz, Rüdesheim
reserved for Imperial personages of the ruling
왎 5
Dürnstein, Melk
왎 5 Aschaffenburg, Lohr, Worth
Habsburg family, plenty of other folk of noble birth
왎 6
Passau
왎 6 Rothenburg, Würzburg
왎 7
Regensburg
왎 7 Bamberg, Ebelsbach, Zeil am
왎 8
Nürnberg
왎 8 Nürnberg, Roth
왎 9
Bamberg
왎 9 Regensburg
attend our exclusive Imperial Evening during your
왎 10 Würzburg, Rothenburg
왎 10 Passau, Grein
visit to Vienna. We’ll transport you back to the days
왎 11 Lohr
왎 11 Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna
of the Habsburg Empire in all its grandiose glory
왎 12 Rüdesheim
왎 12 Vienna
with an evening featuring an elegant dinner and
왎 13 Koblenz, Köln
왎 13 Bratislava
performances by Viennese musicians... for a bit of
왎 14 Nijmegen, Amsterdam
왎 14 Budapest
15 Disembark Amsterdam
Destination Amsterdam to Budapest
the
15 Disembark Budapest
who had the cash often built and lived in private palaces of their own... like the one in which you’ll
the “royal treatment” that you just might get used to.
Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Würzburg Germany
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
41
GETTING TO THE HEART of a city’s or country’s culture is part of what a Tauck river cruise is all about. It’s why we take you to explore the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, home to a priceless collection of Dutch and European art... Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), one of Europe’s greatest Gothic cathedrals... or the medieval center of Old Nürnberg in the heart of Bavaria...
Kölner Dom, Köln, Germany
11. 왎 ALONG
THE
RIVER MAIN
TO
LOHR
A glassblowing demonstration shows how it’s done as you cruise the Main to historic Lohr, nestled along the slopes of the Spessart mountain range in lower Franconia; see the Bayersturm (the town’s 14th-century watchtower), half-timbered houses and other sites on a walking tour. Meals BLD
12. 왎 A CRUISE
TO
RÜDESHEIM & MUSICAL MAGIC
Relax and enjoy your riverboat’s amenities as it cruises from the Main on into the Rhine River to Rüdesheim; visit Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett, an eclectic museum displaying one of the world’s largest collections of mechanical musical instruments in a centuries-old castle. Have dinner in an old-world restaurant tonight. Meals BLD
13. 왎 CASTLES, CATHEDRALS &
THE
LORELEI
In Koblenz, choose a walking tour of Old Town or get a taste of medieval life at 13th-century Marksburg Castle. Continue your Rhine cruise through the Lorelei Valley to Köln (Cologne); check out Kölner Dom, among Europe’s greatest Gothic cathedrals, with a local guide. Party with your cruisemates at the Captain’s farewell dinner tonight. Meals BLD
14. 왎 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE AMSTERDAM Amsterdam... the name itself conjures up images of the Dutch capital’s myriad cultural treasures, from gabled houses, markets and cafés to awe-inspiring museums housing a treasure trove of world-famous art – and it’s all yours to enjoy today. View a host of impressive works by the Old Masters, from Vermeer and Hals to Rembrandt, including Rembrandt’s famous painting, The Night Watch, at the Rijksmuseum. Get a unique taste of daily life in this easygoing city on a luncheon cruise along its tree-lined 17th-century canals. You’ll have an opportunity to savor the riches of the Museumplein as you wish before rejoining the ship this afternoon. Finally, a special musical performance makes your last night on board one to long remember! Meals BLD
15. JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Disembark your riverboat this morning; a transfer is included from the ship to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Fly home anytime. Allow 3 hours for flight check-in. For guests wishing to spend more time in Amsterdam, ask at booking about extending your stay with an additional hotel night at Tauck’s selected hotel. Meals B
42
Nürnberg Bridge, Germany
15 DAYS FROM $5,990 PLUS AIRFARE (14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches & 14 Dinners)
Date
DATE Apr 28 May 8 May 27 Jun 5* Jun 10* Jun 19 Jul 17* Jul 31 Aug 28* Sep 11 Oct 9* Oct 23
Cruise Price Per Person MS Swiss Sapphire, Ms Swiss Jewel, ms treasures
CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 CAT 4 CAT 5 CAT 6 $5990 $6290 $6790 $6790 $6790 $6790 $5990 $5990 $6590 $6790 $6590 $5990
$6390 $6690 $7190 $7190 $7190 $7190 $6390 $6390 $6990 $7190 $6990 $6390
$7290 $7590 $8090 $8090 $8090 $8090 $7290 $7290 $7890 $8090 $7890 $7290
$7790 $8090 $8590 $8590 $8590 $8590 $7790 $7790 $8390 $8590 $8390 $7790
$8740 $9040 $9540 $9540 $9540 $9540 $8740 $8740 $9340 $9540 $9340 $8740
$9940 $10,240 $10,740 $10,740 $10,740 $10,740 $9940 $9940 $10,540 $10,740 $10,540 $9940
* Indicates Budapest to Amsterdam direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing and up-to-the-minute space availability. Cruise will be on ms Swiss Jewel, ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Treasures; ask at time of booking.
Special Single Savings – $1000 per cabin – on May 8, Aug 28, and Oct 23 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. Cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. South and north itineraries are similar; go to www.tauck.com or ask at booking. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Note: This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Product. See page 64 for riverboat deck plans & specifications.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
43
TAUCK VALUE t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director t All private Tauck shore excursions – $605 Value! t Insider tour of the Gothic-Renaissance Heidelberger Schloss, a cable car ride and lunch at a popular local restaurant t Wine tasting at a family-owned winery in Cochem t A scenic cruise along the canals of Amsterdam t A very special luncheon in Bonn at a historic grand hotel overlooking the River Rhine t A guided tour in Luxembourg and a visit to the American War Cemetery and Memorial t Excursion to De Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Kröller-Müller Museum to view world-famous art t Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted t All meals (12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners); wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge
Fairy tale landscapes romance the imagination all along the Rhine River. You’ll find German castles that have stood sentry for hundreds of years, Roman ruins that evoke images of empires long gone, forested baths that soothe body and spirit, idyllic gingerbread houses, and vineyards where the grapes flow like the waters that nourish them. While the Rhine has been transformed from the days of knights and feudal heraldry into an international highway, legends live on here, incarnated into poetry, song and historic sites. Be inspired by the story of the Lorelei as you cruise the Middle Rhine Valley. Listen for the rhapsodic notes of Beethoven and Schumann in Bonn. Revel in the architecture of Heidelberg chronicled in Gothic walls, Renaissance buildings and Baroque homes. And drink in scenic beauty that has enchanted travelers for centuries.
THE RHINE AND MOSELLE
Dock in Strasbourg, the “Crossroads of Europe,” for in-depth exploration of La Petite France
1. ARRIVE AMSTERDAM Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Schiphol International Airport to your riverboat for the start of your cruise; check-in for all guests aboard the riverboat is 4:00 PM. Meet your riverboat crew and join us for a discovery briefing before dining at your leisure aboard the riverboat tonight. Meals D
impressive collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Select departures will have the option of spending the morning in Venlo experiencing the Floriade, a world horticulture showcase that is held only once every ten years. Meet your riverboat in Rees. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the River Rhine. Meals BLD
2. RIJKSMUSEUM & CANALS
4. CULTURAL GEMS
AMSTERDAM
What better way to begin your cruise than in a city that rivals Venice for the number of canals that are found here. Join us this morning for an informative cruise along Amsterdam’s tree-lined 17th-century canals – there are 160 of them in this capital city, spanned by more than 1,200 bridges. Glide by gabled Golden Age merchants’ houses that speak to Amsterdam’s storied past to the gardens, walkways and museums of Museumplein. Enjoy an eye-opening visit to the famed Rijksmuseum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of artwork by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. Return to your riverboat for lunch or spend free time exploring the city sights on your own. Have dinner aboard ship tonight as your riverboat cruise gets underway for the journey to Nijmegen. Meals BLD
OF
BONN
Cruise to Bonn this morning, boasting a 2,000-year history dating back to Roman times. Renowned for its rich political, intellectual and musical heritage, this lovely city lays claim to being the
HORTICULTURAL WORLD EXPO
OF
VENLO
HOLLAND
3. NIJMEGEN / KRÖLLER-MÜLLER MUSEUM Venture into the countryside today for a visit to De Hoge Veluwe National Park. The largest nature reserve in the Netherlands entices with wildlife-rich forests, grasslands and sand dunes – and world-renowned art at the Kröller-Müller Museum (subject to weekly Monday closures). See the sculpture garden featuring works by Rodin and others, and go inside to view an
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
Visit the Floriade in the fall on select cruise departures
www.tauck.com
45
Honor life in Luxembourg, past and present, in its well-preserved Old Town, and at the American War Cemetery and Memorial
birthplace of legendary composer Ludwig von Beethoven and home to musicians Robert and Clara Schumann. Sightseeing here includes a walk through Bonn’s Old Town, followed by a special luncheon experience in a grand hotel overlooking the River Rhine. Back aboard ship, your Tauck Directors share insights about life along Germany’s longest river and busiest waterway; dock in Koblenz this evening. Meals BLD
5. 왎 FAIRY-TALE LANDSCAPES
OF
COCHEM
Romantic legends and folk tales come to life as you cruise through the fairy-tale landscapes of the Moselle Valley to Cochem. Exploring Cochem, famous since the Romans first became enthralled with its scenic beauty, is like stepping into a history book. Tauck makes the past come alive during a walking tour and a visit to Reichsburg Castle; evoking images of Walt Disney’s Cinderella, the 1,000-year-old Gothic castle was destroyed by Louis XIV’s troops in 1689, but rebuilt in the 19th century. Tauck takes you to a family-owned winery in Cochem’s vineyard-covered hills for a tasting of some of the best locally harvested wines in the region – a cruise highlight! Meals BLD
6. 왎 ALL
ABOUT
LUXEMBOURG
Dock in Bernkastel for an excursion to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. En route, stop at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, final resting place of over 5,000 U.S. troops from World War II. Drive through Luxembourg’s banking district before exploring its well-preserved old town on a walking tour that includes the Cathedral, the Palace of the Grand Duke, the Parliament and its centuries-old fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local performers entertain aboard ship tonight sharing time-honored traditions. Meals BLD
7. 왎 TRIER / BERNKASTEL THROUGH
THE
AGES
A morning visit takes you to Trier, Germany’s oldest town, nestled in a basin in the Moselle Valley. Its importance in ancient times is showcased by its impressive Roman ruins, found nowhere else north of the Alps. View the treasures of Bernkastel this afternoon on a walking tour through 700 years of history. See its famous half-timbered houses, its Renaissance-era city hall, its fortress-like 14th-century church, and the castle ruins that stand guard over the town. Cruise to historic Boppard. Meals BLD
46
voyage at a Glance
NETHERLANDS
왎 12 Cruise Days
Amsterdam
Day
Arnhem Rees
Nijmegen Rh
i ne Ri v
Düsseldorf
er
GERMANY
BELGIUM
Bonn Cochem Trier
Luxembourg
ose
lle
M
LUXEMBOURG
Koblenz Boppard
Bernkastel Worms Speyer
Heidelberg
Plittersdorf Baden-Baden
Strasbourg
FRANCE Maximum Elevation: 1,036 ft.
Basel
8. 왎 TREASURES
OF
Destination Amsterdam to Basel
Day
Destination Basel to Amsterdam
왎 1 Arrive Amsterdam
왎 1
Arrive Basel
왎 2 Amsterdam
왎 2
Basel
왎 3 Nijmegen
왎 3
Strasbourg
왎 4 Bonn, Koblenz
왎 4
Baden-Baden
왎 5 Cochem
왎 5
Speyer, Heidelberg
왎 6 Bernkastel, Luxembourg
왎 6
Boppard
왎 7 Trier, Bernkastel
왎 7
Cochem
왎 8 Boppard
왎 8
Bernkastel, Luxembourg
왎 9 Heidelberg, Speyer
왎 9
Bernkastel, Trier
왎 10 Baden-Baden
왎 10 Bonn
왎 11 Strasbourg
왎 11 Nijmegen
왎 12 Basel
왎 12 Amsterdam
SWITZERLAND
BOPPARD
13 Depart Basel
13 Depart Amsterdam
On a guided shore excursion in Boppard, you’ll learn something about the legacies of the Celts, Romans and Franconians in this 2,000-year-old town on a walking tour. Hear about the legend of the Lorelei as you cruise aboard your riverboat through the Middle Rhine Valley, home to castles, medieval towns and vineyards, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its powerful influence on writers, artists and composers. Meals BLD
A legacy of Art in the
9. 왎 HISTORIC HEIDELBERG
minds of locals and visitors alike, and in architecture
Go ashore in Worms for an excursion to Heidelberg. A guided walking tour of the Old Town fascinates with insights about its medieval Gothic walls and gates, Renaissance buildings and 17th-century Baroque homes, and a ride on a funicular up to
Netherlands and Germany comes to life in portraits meticulously immortalized by Dutch Masters, in landscapes abloom with flowers, plants and grape-rich vines, in traditions proudly passed down through the generations, in music that dances into the hearts and dazzling with an array of building styles and designs. You’ll see it up-close in the Rijksmuseum and the Kröller-Müller Museum, the Netherlands’ answer to world-class art venues like the Louvre and the Prado. You’ll view it in floral showcases like the Floriade, and in vineyards lush with wine – and family traditions. You’ll hear it in the musical heritage of Bonn and during on-board performances. And you’ll celebrate it on walking excursions past a parade of buildings etched with history and charm.
Ride a funicular up to Heidelberg Schloss where treasured views await
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
47
SCHLAGKAMP WINE MUSEUM celebrates eleven generations of the Schlagkamp-Desoye family’s wine-making traditions in the fertile landscapes near Cochem. Over 10,000 objects, all having to do with wine production, are on display here for a fascinating visual walk through history... which, when followed by a tasting, makes you appreciate their skills even more! Bonn, Germany
Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) rewards with panoramic views of the river and town. Meet your ship in Speyer after lunch at a local restaurant and spend a relaxing afternoon aboard ship. Meals BLD
10. 왎 ELEGANT BADEN-BADEN Disembark in Plittersdorf for a morning trip to the spa town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest. Its healing waters were said to have attracted an arthritic Roman emperor centuries ago before it was rediscovered by European nobility in the 19th century and immortalized by Tolstoy in a scene in Anna Karenina. Today, Baden-Baden has become one of the most elegant celebrity playgrounds in Germany and still evokes an aura of privilege. Accompany our local guide on a walking tour to see the castle ruins, the Roman baths, and its richly decorated Belle Èpoque Casino, once described by Marlene Dietrich as “the most beautiful casino in the world”. The afternoon is spent at your leisure in Baden-Baden or back on the riverboat. Meals BLD
11. 왎 STRASBOURG, CROSSROADS Trier, Germany
OF
EUROPE
Your riverboat docks today in Strasbourg, France, the capital of the Alsace wine-growing region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its fairy-tale charm. View its European Parliament buildings en route to La Petite France, enchanting with historic canals, medieval watchtowers and half-timbered houses. Visit the 11th-century Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, enticing with beautiful 12th- to 14th-century stained glass windows and a ‘dancing’ astronomical clock, and enjoy time to explore on your own. There are cobblestone streets to stroll, works of art by Rubens and Rembrandt to discover in the Palais de Rohan, and pâté de foie gras to sample in the town credited with the original recipe for this delicacy. Meals BLD
12. 왎 OLD TOWN BASEL A morning arrival in Basel is followed by a guided tour of this quintessentially Swiss town, including the red-painted Rathaus (city hall) in Old Town. Please join us for the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner tonight. Meals BLD
13. DISEMBARK SHIP / JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Basel. Fly home anytime. Transfers to Basel-Mulhouse Int’l Airport are included upon disembarking your riverboat this morning. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in. Meals B
48
13 DAYS FROM $4,890 PLUS AIRFARE (12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches & 12 Dinners) Cruise Price Per Person
Date
DATE May 3 May 15* Jul 10 Jul 22* Aug 19 Aug 31* Sep 12 Sept 24* Oct 6 Oct 18*
MS Swiss Sapphire
CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 CAT 4 CAT 5 CAT 6 $4890 $5190 $4890 $4890 $5190 $5790 $5790 $5790 $5590 $5390
$5240 $5540 $5240 $5240 $5540 $6140 $6140 $6140 $5940 $5740
$6040 $6340 $6040 $6040 $6340 $6940 $6940 $6940 $6740 $6540
$6475 $6775 $6475 $6475 $6775 $7375 $7375 $7375 $7175 $6975
$7295 $7595 $7295 $7295 $7595 $8195 $8195 $8195 $7995 $7795
$8295 $8595 $8295 $8295 $8595 $9195 $9195 $9195 $8995 $8795
* Indicates Basel to Amsterdam direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing and up-to-the-minute space availability. Cruise will be on ms Swiss Sapphire. Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – on Jul 22 and Oct 18 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. Cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. South and north itineraries are similar; go to www.tauck.com or ask at booking. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Tours of Aug 31 and Oct 6 will not visit the Kröller-Müller Museum. Note: This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city. Visit the Floriade – Cruise departures of Aug 31, Sep 12, Sep 24, Oct 6 and Oct 18 will visit the Floriade; ask at booking. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Product. See page 64 for riverboat deck plans & specifications.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
49
TAUCK VALUE • Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
“
It was an absolutely lovely cruise. The food on board was an A+; the presentation superb, the service superb; I especially liked the open seating. The food away from the ship was also A+... very nice. Good choices by your staff – Château Neercanne was an especially memorable experience; terrific ambiance! – Martha Bohn, FL
”
• All private Tauck shore excursions – $756 Value! • Overnight stay in Brussels at the Conrad Brussels • Tauck Exclusive: Interactive culinary experience at Château Neercanne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site • Visits to the Floriade, Keukenhof Gardens or Haarlem, and the Aalsmeer Flower Auction • A scenic cruise along Amsterdam’s canals • View world-famous art at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam • A cheese-weighing demonstration in Gouda and porcelain making in Delft • Visits to the World War II Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek, or Arnhem’s Kröller-Müller Museum • A visit to the Netherlands American Cemetery • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted • 25 meals (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners); wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge
In the Netherlands, flowers are a way of life You’ll see flower boxes abloom with tulips and an array of colorful potted plants in villages and towns all over Holland. Gardens grace the landscapes everywhere you look, paying homage to an economy which is largely horticultural based. The tulip is perhaps the most definitive image of the Netherlands, along with daffodils and hyacinths, and with more than nine billion bulbs produced every year, two thirds of which are grown for export to countries around the world, it’s not hard to see why. Visits to the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, and the Floriade, held once every ten years, showcase a shared national pride in horticulture and expressive traditions best said with flowers.
BELGIUM & HOLLAND Featuring Floriade
Amsterdam’s historic canals showcase a parade of quintessentially charming Dutch sights
1. ARRIVE BRUSSELS Tour begins: 7:00 PM, Conrad Brussels. A transfer is included from Brussels Airport to the Conrad Brussels. Your grand hotel is ideally located on fashionable Avenue Louise. We invite you to join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner. Meals D
2. BRUGES
OR
GHENT / EMBARK SHIP
You have a choice of guided sightseeing excursions today. Travel with us to Bruges in the heart of Belgium’s Flanders region. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bruges is renowned for its extraordinary medieval Gothic architecture and its reputation as the birthplace of Flemish painting. Enjoy a tour before exploring its flower-rimmed canals, cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and ancient arched bridges on your own. Or visit the Flemish city of Ghent, where a visit to St. Baafskathedral reveals a maze of Gothic architectural details and one of Europe’s most remarkable paintings, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, painted in 1432 by Jan van Eyck. Everyone meets in Antwerp this afternoon for embarkation on Tauck’s riverboat. A Belgian beer reception and Belgian-style dinner aboard the riverboat tonight introduce a buffet of regional delights. Meals BD
shipmates at the Captain’s welcome reception, followed by a discovery briefing and a shipboard welcome dinner. Meals BLD
4. MAASTRICHT / CHÂTEAU NEERCANNE Maastricht is said to contain more than 1,400 historic buildings and monuments. An Old Town walking tour includes the remains of the city’s medieval fortifications and Helpoort, a steep-roofed gateway built in 1229. On lively Vrijthof Square, visit the 16th-century Spanish Government House and the 1,000-year-old, Gothic-style Basilica of Saint Servatius. Your sightseeing continues with a poignant visit to Margraten’s Netherlands American Cemetery, the only World War II cemetery
3. ANTWERP / ALBERT CANAL A half-day sightseeing tour of the port city of Antwerp includes the 1905 Centraal Station, the opera house and Grote Markt. Visit Antwerp’s historic Jewish quarter – one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities. Return to the ship and set off on a cruise through the Albert Canal to Maastricht in the Netherlands. Join your fellow
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
See wheels of gouda ready for sale at the Cheese Weighing Market in Gouda
www.tauck.com
51
Château Neercanne It’s the only terraced castle in the Netherlands and it’s home to Baroque gardens, magnificently restored, a private vineyard and a very cool wine cellar in caves, and scenic views that never fail to whet the appetite for amazing cultural discoveries. Dining here is an event, made even more memorable during a chef’s-hat-on lunch experience that makes you part of a very interesting and ultimately delectable culinary presentation.
6. 왎 AIRBORNE MUSEUM / DE HOGE VELUWE
for fallen U.S. troops in Holland. Lunch today is a Tauck Exclusive, a memorable culinary experience at 17th-century Château Neercanne, the only terraced castle in the Netherlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll don a chef’s hat and enjoy an extraordinary meal in the castle’s Roman grottoes. Return to Maastricht and dine onboard ship tonight. Meals BLD
5. 왎 VENLO & THE MAGNIFICENT FLORIADE
Your riverboat will be docked in Arnhem today for a choice of sightseeing excursions. Choose a visit to the World War II Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek and a tour of Arnhem’s battlegrounds, or travel to De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Holland’s largest nature reserve and home to scenic forests, drifting sand dunes and grassy plains. Your tour includes a visit to the park’s Kröller-Müller Museum, where you will find over 275 works by Vincent van Gogh, including his famous Café Terrace in Arles; outside, the sculpture garden entices with works by Rodin and other renowned sculptors. Rejoin the ship at Deventer and continue cruising to Schoonhaven, where you’ll enjoy a special on-board music performance by La Strada. Meals BLD
Nature speaks in a universal language at Floriade, held only once every ten years. You’ll have an opportunity to “be a part of the theatre in nature” as you spend the entire day in this floral wonderland, strolling through green-inspired pavilions and garden exhibits from over 25 different countries. An optional afternoon excursion explores its host town of Venlo on a walking tour, followed by a scenic Yellow Roads drive along the fragrant “route of the roses.” Everyone meets back at the riverboat this evening for a discovery briefing and dinner. Meals BLD
voyage at a Glance 왎 8 Cruise Days
Haarlem
Gouda
Arnhem
Delft Schoonhoven
Hasselt
Albe rt C
Brussels
FRANCE
a na
l
as River Ma
Antwerp
GERMANY Venlo Floriade
Maastricht
Day
Destination Brussels to Amsterdam
BELGIUM
GOUDA
Destination Amsterdam to Brussels
왎 1
Arrive Amsterdam Embark Amsterdam
왎 2
Amsterdam
왎 3
Keukenhof Gardens or Haarlem, Schoonhoven
왎 4 Maastricht
왎 4
Gouda, Delft, Den Haag
왎 5 Venlo
왎 5
Arnhem
왎 6 Arnhem, Schoonhaven
왎 6
Venlo
왎 7 Delft, Gouda, Den Haag
왎 7
Maastricht
왎 8 Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens or Haarlem
왎 8
Antwerp
왎 2 Bruges or Ghent Embark Antwerp
10 Disembark Amsterdam
LUX.
IN
Day
왎 9 Amsterdam
Maximum Elevation: 190 ft.
52
DELFT & CHEESE
왎 3 Antwerp
Amsterdam
Lisse Den Haag
Ghent
IN
Iconic images of Holland come to life today in villages where Dutch cheese, pottery and The Hague take center stage. A walking tour of
1 Arrive Brussels Conrad Brussels
NETHERLANDS
Bruges
7. 왎 PORCELAIN
9
Disembark Antwerp, Bruges or Ghent Brussels Conrad Brussels
10 Depart Brussels
Gouda introduces you to a pretty little town that takes its name from its home-produced cheese. Visit a cheese-making facility and taste this traditional food favorite, before exploring on your own. After lunch, we’ll travel to Delft for a tour of the porcelain factory where this distinctive blue and white tin-glazed pottery is made. This town has changed little since Vermeer painted the View of Delft in 1660. Quintessential sights continue to delight on a drive along the Yellow Roads to coastal Den Haag (The Hague) to see its impressive sand dunes. The Hague, best known as the seat of Dutch government was a city originally built on the dunes. Chart a course for Amsterdam tonight. Meals BLD
Every ten years the Netherlands hosts Floriade, a World Horticulture Exposition that showcases garden-inspired exhibits from around the globe. In 2012, over 100 horticultural businesses from more than 25 different countries are participating “in the theatre of nature” in Venlo, transforming the pastoral landscapes of this Dutch border town with
8. 왎 DISCOVER VIBRANT AMSTERDAM
their visions of a greener world. Tauck includes a full
Arrive in Amsterdam, where your riverboat will dock for two nights; the Netherlands’ lively capital is a vibrant blend of the
day visit to Floriade on cruise departures between April and October, giving you ample opportunity to see, feel and experience nature in different ways. In 2012, you can discover: tFive separate themed areas dedicated to the Environment, Green Engine, Relax & Heal, Education & Innovation, and the World Stage Show t163 acres of indoor and outdoor plant shows t The Netherlands’ longest and highest cable car t Interactive exhibits on the benefits of nature t Live cultural programs of music, dance and theatre
Bruges, Belgium
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
53
DEN HAAG (“The Hague” in English) is not only the third-largest city in the Netherlands, it is also known as the political capital of the region. There’s history here and a lot of it, chronicled in an old castle, an elegant shopping arcade, and museums, old and new, filled with Flemish paintings – and Rembrandts. Not to be outdone, Mother Nature flaunts her talents on nearby
View world-famous art by the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
coastal beaches lined with gently rolling, uncommonly scenic, sand dunes.
historic and the contemporary, from its medieval core and 17th-century canals to the bustling shops, cafés and rich cultural life of a 21st-century European metropolis. Open only until May, Keukenhof Gardens in nearby Lisse blooms with millions of tulips from hundreds of varieties, narcissi, daffodils, hyacinths, bluebells, crocuses, lilies, amaryllis, and many others every spring. Cruise departures through May will have an opportunity to visit the gardens; other departures will continue on to Haarlem via the scenic flower route through Holland’s bulb country. A true Yellow Roads experience, drive past impeccably manicured villages, yards and gardens bursting with colorful flowers from May through October. Spend the morning in Haarlem, home to one of Holland’s premier art museums. Free time enables you to explore this quaint town as you wish; Amsterdam’s little sister city in history and charm, this is where Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael, and Pieter Saenredam painted many of their famous portraits, landscapes, and church interiors. Spend the afternoon in Amsterdam and join us tonight for our farewell dinner. Meals BLD
9. 왎 AMSTERDAM CANAL CRUISE / RIJKSMUSEUM Early morning risers may want to take the opportunity to see the colorful sights and sounds of the Aaslmeer Flower Auction (closed weekends). The largest of its kind in the world, more than 20 million flowers and plants are auctioned here each weekday. The day continues with a guided city orientation tour of Amsterdam including a private canal cruise through Amsterdam’s network of centuries-old waterways and a visit to see works by the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum, one of the world’s most beloved museums. World-famous art housed here includes Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, as well as paintings by the Old Dutch Masters Jan Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen. There are more than 400 17th-century masterpieces on display in the museum, along with a wealth of antique Delftware and silver. Meals BLD
10. JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Disembark ship at 8:30 AM. Fly home anytime; a transfer from your riverboat to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is included. Allow 3 hours for flight check-in. For additional hotel nights in Amsterdam (or Brussels), inquire at time of booking. Meals B
Den Haag
54
Delftware, in various distinctive incarnations from tin-glazed tiles to plates, bowls and vases to door portals and lintels, has been produced in Delft since the 17th century
10 DAYS FROM $3,890 PLUS AIRFARE (9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches & 9 Dinners)
Date
DATE
Apr 1 Apr 3* Apr 6 Apr 8* Apr 12 Apr 13* Apr 17 Apr 19* Apr 22 Apr 24* Apr 29* Jun 24 Jul 1* Aug 3 Aug 10*
Cruise Price Per Person Ms Swiss Sapphire, MS Swiss Jewel, ms Treasures
CAT 1 $3890 $3890 $4190 $4190 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4390 $4190 $3890 $3890 $3890
CAT 2 $4175 $4175 $4475 $4475 $4675 $4675 $4675 $4675 $4675 $4675 $4675 $4475 $4175 $4175 $4175
CAT 3 $4860 $4860 $5160 $5160 $5360 $5360 $5360 $5360 $5360 $5360 $5360 $5160 $4860 $4860 $4860
CAT 4 $5200 $5200 $5500 $5500 $5700 $5700 $5700 $5700 $5700 $5700 $5700 $5500 $5200 $5200 $5200
CAT 5 $5885 $5885 $6185 $6185 $6385 $6385 $6385 $6385 $6385 $6385 $6385 $6185 $5885 $5885 $5885
CAT 6 $6685 $6685 $6985 $6985 $7185 $7185 $7185 $7185 $7185 $7185 $7185 $6985 $6685 $6685 $6685
* Indicates Brussels to Amsterdam direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; inquire at time of booking or visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing, and up-to-the-minute space availability. Cruise will be on ms Swiss Jewel, ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Treasures; ask at booking. Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – on April 1, 3 and July 1 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, and on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. North and south itineraries are similar; go to www.tauck.com or ask at booking for the Amsterdam to Brussels itinerary. Note: Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays; tours of Apr 3, 6, 23 and Aug 3 will not visit Gouda Cheese Weighing Market. Tour of Apr 12 will not visit the Kröller-Müller Museum. Tours of Apr 6, 13 and Aug 3, 10 will not visit Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Tours of Jun 24, Jul 1, Aug 3, 10 will not visit Keukenhof Gardens. This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Product. Go to www.tauck.com for riverboat deck plans and specifications.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
55
TAUCK VALUE t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
“
I had not heard of Tauck until an old school mate invited me to
join her on your Budapest to Black Sea cruise. I was most impressed with everything arranged on the tour. Our Tauck Directors were very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, as were the local guides and drivers.
”
And the days aboard the riverboat were very enjoyable indeed. – Marion Pool, England
t All private Tauck shore excursions – $614 Value! t Two nights at a hotel in Budapest and two nights in Bucharest at a hotel next to Parliament t Visit with a Croatian family in their private home in Vukovar t Private piano performance on a visit to the Béla Bartók Memorial House in Budapest t Visits to Bucharest’s massive People’s Palace and to the Baroque Bishop’s Palace Library in Hungary t Private visit to the Royal Palace of Dedinje in Belgrade, once home to Serbian kings t Passage through the celebrated Iron Gate, a dramatic series of gorges and narrows on the Danube River t Choice of Romanian excursions – to Bran Castle in Transylvania, or to Snagov Monastery, reputed burial place of the original Dracula, and Caldarusani Monastery t Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
How often do you visit a Transylvanian Castle? Especially one with a connection to the real-life model for Dracula? In case you wondered if there really
t 28 meals (11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners); wine with dinner on the riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge
is a Transylvania – a mysterious land so often identified in the popular imagination with vampires and gothic horror stories – it not only exists (in the Carpathian Mountains of central Romania), but we’ll take you there. You can choose to visit Bran Castle, used as a fortress by the 15th-century Romanian prince, Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula... or the remote monastery, set on a tiny island in a Romanian lake, where the infamous Vlad’s remains are believed to be buried.
BUDAPEST
TO THE
BLACK SEA
Built to honor medieval fishermen who defended part of what is now Budapest, Fishermen’s Bastion is all about the views... of the Danube and the beautiful city beyond... and is among the must-see sites you’ll visit with Tauck
1. ARRIVE BUDAPEST Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Le Méridien Budapest. A transfer is included from Ferihegy Airport to Le Méridien Budapest. Join us for a special welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the Akademia Club in Budapest’s Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Le Meridien Budapest (or similar property) – Meals D
2. BUDAPEST, TWO CITIES
IN
ONE
Once both independent cities on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest joined together when linked by the Chain Bridge in the mid-19th century to become Hungary’s cosmopolitan capital, Budapest. Join Tauck’s local guides for sightseeing in Pest starting with a visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest’s neo-Renaissance cathedral completed in 1905. Continue on to experience Pest’s impressive mix of architectural masterpieces and historic monuments as you view City Park, patriotic Heroes’ Square with its statues of Hungarian leaders through the ages, the Gothic-Revival Parliament building and tree-lined Andrassy Avenue; and make a stop to shop at bustling Central Market Hall. Le Meridien Budapest (or similar property) – Meals B
section. The legacy of Béla Bartók lives on in his 1924 home on the outskirts of Buda, now a museum and memorial dedicated to the beloved Hungarian composer and musicologist; listen to melodies by Bartók in a piano recital during your visit. Go back to the days of World War II and the Cold War at the Sziklakórház or “Hospital in the Rock,” a museum recreating underground military medical and civil defense facilities in a former secret nuclear bunker and hospital beneath Buda Castle that was used both during the war and the 1956 Hungarian Uprising. Take a walk up to Castle Hill to visit the imposing 19th-century Fishermen’s Bastion overlooking the Danube; have lunch on your own and explore the area as you wish. Board ms Treasures in Budapest for the start of your cruise, and meet the crew at the Captain’s welcome reception aboard ship tonight. Meals BD
3. HISTORIC BUDA / 왎 EMBARK RIVERBOAT Budapest is considered one of Europe’s most fashionable cities, perfect for spending a morning as you please before Tauck takes you to span the centuries with guided sightseeing in the Buda Keep your camera handy... because you never know when that perfect photo op might pop up... like this one in front of Budapest’s Hungarian Parliament
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
57
The royal palace of Dedinje in Belgrade, Serbia – former home of King Alexander I and King Peter II of Yugoslavia, and now the residence of HRH Crown Prince Alexander II of Serbia and his family – is the setting for Tauck’s exclusive private visit in Belgrade. Your visit and private tour of the opulent rooms of this Serbian-Byzantine-style palace, constructed between 1924 and 1929 for King Alexander I and set within parklike grounds featuring terraces, pavilions and pools, follows a lunch in Belgrade featuring Serbian specialties.
Wind your way past relics from centuries past as ms Treasures cruises through the heart of old Europe along the Danube, the “river of kings”
voyage at a Glance 왎 7 Cruise Days
Maximum Elevation: 1,776 ft.
AUSTRIA
Da nu be
SLOVENIA CROATIA
SLOVAKIA River
HUNGARY
Budapest
ROMANIA
Kalocsa Mohacs Vukovar
Belgrade Iron Gate
The Royal Palace of Dedinje
SERBIA
Snagov Bucharest Constanta Svishtov Ruse Dan Cernavoda ube River Arbanassi BLACK
BULGARIA
Day
왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎
Destination Budapest to Bucharest
1 Arrive Budapest Le Méridien Budapest (or similar) 2 Budapest 3 Embark Budapest 4 Kalocsa, Mohács 5 Vukovar 6 Belgrade 7 Cruise Kazan Narrows & Iron Gate 8 Veliko Turnovo, Arbanassi, Ruse 9 Cernavoda, Black Sea Coast 10 Disembark Cernavoda / Bucharest JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel 11 Bucharest 12 Depart Bucharest
Brasov
Day
왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎
Veliko Turnovo
SEA
Destination Bucharest to Budapest
1 Arrive Bucharest JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel 2 Bucharest 3 Bucharest / Constanta Embark Cernavoda 4 Ruse, Arbanassi, Veliko Turnovo 5 Vidin 6 Cruise Iron Gate & Kazan Narrows 7 Belgrade 8 Vukovar 9 Mohács, Kalocsa 10 Disembark Budapest Le Méridien Budapest (or similar) 11 Budapest 12 Depart Budapest
4. PAPRIKA, PALACES & MORE
IN
HUNGARY
Celebrated both for its paprika and its folk art, Kalocsa, Hungary, is home to the Paprika Museum, where you’ll gain insights on the colorful history of this popular spice made from bell peppers and its production in Hungary during your visit. Tauck also takes you inside the magnificent Rococo-style paneled library within the 18th-century Baroque Bishop’s Palace in Kolocsa, considered to be among the ten finest libraries in Europe. Continue on to a Hungarian winery to enjoy a wine tasting featuring local vintages before rejoining the riverboat; dine aboard ship tonight. Meals BLD
5. LOOKING BACK IN CROATIA & ON TO SERBIA Croatia’s turbulent history takes center stage today – first with an enlightening on-board presentation on the country’s past and present by a local expert, then on your memorable excursion to the 10th-century city of Vukovar. Once renowned for its elegant 18th-century Baroque mansions and now recovering from the devastating effects of the 1990s war, the city today is a mix of old and new. On a visit to a private home, meet a Vukovar family who have recently returned after years of conflict to rebuild their lives, and enjoy the homemade refreshments they’ll share with you. Reboard ms Treasures for lunch and cruise to Serbia this afternoon, with commentary from your Tauck Director. Meals BLD
6. SAMPLING SERBIAN CULTURE
IN
BELGRADE
Set at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, Belgrade has roots going back to a Celtic settlement in the 3rd century BC. Awaken dockside in Serbia’s cosmopolitan capital, where a lecture aboard ship paves the way for guided sightseeing that includes visits to Tito’s Memorial and Kalemegdan Fortress; see Slavija Square, Parliament, St. Sava Church, City Hall, Republic Square and the National Theatre. After a special Serbian lunch at a former prince’s residence, Tauck takes you for a very special private visit to the beautiful Royal Palace of Dedinje in Belgrade, built in the 1920s for the Yugoslavian royal family and now home to HRH Crown Prince Alexander II of Serbia and his family. Return to the riverboat, where Serbian music and dance follows dinner this evening. Meals BLD
7. THROUGH
THE
DANUBE S IRON GATE
There’s something to be said for just “kicking back” and watching the scenic heartland of Eastern Europe unfold during a leisurely morning on the Danube River today, enjoying picture-perfect vistas of the passing shore. Winding lazily for much of its length, the Danube suddenly narrows into a series of high cliffs to create four steep, spectacular gorges comprising the Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube. Pass through these dramatic landscapes after saying goodbye to Serbia and cruising along the Romanian-Bulgarian border. Look for a monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus, a Romanian national hero, carved into the Danube’s rocky bank; it’s Europe’s tallest rock sculpture, completed in 2004 after a decade of work by a dozen sculptors. Savor great views of the Transylvanian Alps as ms Treasures continues cruising to Svishtov, Bulgaria. Meals BLD
8. WELCOME
TO
BULGARIA!
Onboard activities throughout your cruise, such as special lectures and presentations, cooking demonstrations or music and dance performances, are an important part of the Tauck river cruising experience. Today, for example, as the riverboat approaches Bulgaria, those guests fascinated by imagery and symbolism in visual arts – themes featured in a series of popular novels in recent years – will have an opportunity to explore the subject further by attending an onboard lecture and demonstration on Iconography this morning. Today ms Treasures arrives in Svishtov, Bulgaria, for culturally rich visits to nearby Bulgarian towns. First, you’ll travel to Veliko Turnovo, which served as Bulgaria’s capital in medieval times. The sight of its ancient walled fortress and castle nestled atop three hills on the Yantra River is memorable; have lunch, followed by time to explore, snap some pictures and perhaps shop for local crafts. In neighboring Arbanassi, visit the Konstant-Salieva House and the Archangels Michael & Gabriel Church. Catch up with the riverboat in Ruse; enjoy an onboard music and dance performance and a look at traditional Bulgarian customs tonight. Meals BLD
The second-largest building in the world (after the Pentagon), Romania’s People’s Palace is so vast that some parts of it have never been completed! You’ll have a chance to explore it with Tauck on your visit to Bucharest
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
59
ROMANIA S COLORFUL culture comes to life on Tauck’s included shore excursion to the historic port of Constanta on the Black Sea... at performances of traditional music and dance... and through the commentary of your Tauck Directors as you cruise past the sculpture of Romanian national King Decebalus, carved into the Danube’s bank...
Visit the Black Sea resort of Constanta, Romania
9. DISCOVERING ROMANIA S BLACK SEA COAST ms Treasures arrives in Cernavoda, Romania, for a day trip to the beautiful Black Sea coast. Take a guided tour of the key port city of Constanta, originally the ancient Greek colony of Tomis and home to numerous Greek and Roman antiquities, an Art-Nouveau casino, and a monument to the Roman poet Ovid, who was exiled here by the Emperor Augustus. Travel to a seaside resort on the Black Sea for lunch. After returning to the riverboat, bid farewell to the crew at the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner aboard ship this evening. Meals BLD
10. DISEMBARK & ON
TO
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Upon disembarking the riverboat in Cernavoda, set out through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest for a two-night stay. After lunch at a local restaurant, join Tauck’s local guides for a sightseeing tour of Romania’s capital, once regarded as “the Paris of the Balkans,” which includes Revolution Square and the granite Triumphal Arch, a smaller copy of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Your day also features a visit to Bucharest’s humongous People’s Palace, home to the Romanian Parliament; it’s so big, some parts of it are still unfinished! JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Meals BL
11. HAUNTS
OF THE
ORIGINAL DRACULA
Vlad Tepes (a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler), the 15th-century Romanian prince who served as the historic inspiration for the fictitious Dracula, ruled in this area and has connections to your sightseeing choices today. You can take a full-day excursion to tour 14th-century Bran Castle in Transylvania, which was used as a fortress by Tepes during his campaigns in the region and is now a national monument. Or take a boat across Snagov Lake to tiny Snagov Island and visit isolated Snagov Monastery, on whose grounds Tepes is believed to be buried, and see art-filled Caldarusani Monastery. Please join us this evening for our farewell dinner at your hotel. JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – Meals BLD
12. JOURNEY HOME Tour ends: Bucharest, Romania. Fly home anytime. A transfer from the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel to Bucharest Airport is included; allow 3 hours for flight check-in. Meals B Europe’s largest rock sculpture honors Romanian hero King Decebalus along the Danube
Explore the lower Danube River aboard Tauck’s newest riverboat, ms Treasures
8-DAY CRUISE-ONLY FROM $3,590 PLUS AIRFARE (7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners)
12 DAYS FROM $4,590 PLUS AIRFARE (11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches & 9 Dinners)
Date
8-DAY CRUISEONLY
Cruise Price Per Person
DATE
CAT 1
CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 3 CAT 4 CAT 5 CAT 6
May 20 May 27* Aug 12 Aug 19* Sept 23 Sept 30*
$4290 $4290 $3590 $3590 $4290 $4290
MS treasures
$5290 $5290 $4590 $4590 $5290 $5290
$5540 $5540 $4840 $4840 $5540 $5540
$6140 $6140 $5440 $5440 $6140 $6140
$6440 $6440 $5740 $5740 $6440 $6440
$7040 $7040 $6340 $6340 $7040 $7040
$7740 $7740 $7040 $7040 $7740 $7740
* Indicates Bucharest to Budapest direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; please inquire at time of booking or visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing, additional 8-Day Cruise-Only price categories, and up-to-the-minute space availability. Cruise will be aboard ms Treasures; ask at time of booking. Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – on May 20 and August 19 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking. Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. For Bucharest to Budapest itinerary, go to www.tauck.com for details – east and west itineraries are similar. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Note: This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Product. Note: On Aug 12 departure, the welcome reception and dinner will be held at the Festetics Palace See page 64 for riverboat deck plans and specifications.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
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GRAND EUROPEAN CRUISE
NINE COUNTRIES, 24 REMARKABLE DAYS... For centuries, the ruling families of Europe preferred riverboating as the most comfortable and expedient way to hop around the continent – but navigating clear across the heart of Europe by water was just an impossible dream... until the completion of the Main-Danube Canal in the early 1990s. Now, you can do something that all those august crowned heads could never do – cruise almost all the way from the North Sea to the Black Sea – on Tauck’s grand 24-day European adventure featuring a 21-day riverboat cruise aboard Tauck’s new-for-2011 ms Treasures... combining Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat and Budapest to the Black Sea in one extraordinary cruise! Visit nine European countries for in-depth cultural discoveries in historic cities along the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers – including Amsterdam, Köln, Nürnberg, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest – on Tauck’s all-included, privately guided shore excursions. Glide past Gothic cathedrals, fairy-tale castles and medieval monasteries, through the Iron Gate of the Danube, and transit the same Main-Danube Canal that makes this incredible cruise possible. Special experiences include Tauck’s private gala Imperial Evening in a traditional palace, featuring a sumptuous dinner and musical entertainment, and tours of Schönbrunn Palace or the Hofburg’s Imperial Apartments in Vienna... a stroll through the ancient cobblestone streets of Bratislava with a local guide... visits to Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, Melk Abbey, Kölner Dom, Würzburg’s Residenz, Budapest’s neoClassical State Opera House, and Bucharest’s massive People’s Palace... a guided tour of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade... a discussion about contemporary Croatia at a private home... a traditional Romanian folk wedding performance in a Black Sea resort... wine tastings, museum tours, and much more... culminating with two nights in Bucharest at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. Truly a Grand European Cruise... Go to www.tauck.com for day-by-day itinerary.
62
voyage At a Glance 왎 21 Cruise Days
DAY
DESTINATION
왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎 왎
Embark Amsterdam
1 2
Amsterdam, Nijmegen
3
Köln
4
Koblenz, Rüdesheim
5
Aschaffenburg, Lohr, Worth
6
Rothenburg, Würzburg
7
Bamberg, Ebelsbach, Zeil am
8
Main-Danube Canal, Nürnberg, Roth
9
Regensburg
10
Passau, Grein
11
Melk, Dürnstein, Vienna
12
Vienna
13
Bratislava
14
Budapest
15
Budapest
16
Kalocsa, Mohács
17
Vukovar
18
Belgrade
19
Cruise Kazan Narrows & Iron Gate
20
Veliko Turnovo, Arbanassi, Ruse
21
Cernavoda, Black Sea Coast
22
Disembark Cernavoda / Bucharest JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel
23
Bucharest
24
Depart Bucharest
TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES: t Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Amsterdam
Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
Maximum Elevation: 1,776 ft.
Nijmegen
t All private Tauck shore excursions – $1,632 Value!
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
iv e r R h i ne R
t Private Imperial Evening in Vienna; visit to a private home in Croatia; Romanian folk wedding performance & more
Köln
BELGIUM
Koblenz Marksburg Castle
Würzburg Main River
Lohr
Rüdesheim Miltenberg FRANCE Rothenburg
Bamberg
CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA
Nürnberg
Main-Danube Canal
t 67 meals (23 breakfasts, 22 lunches & 22 dinners); wine with dinner on riverboat; service charges, taxes, porterage & airport transfers upon arrival & departure
Regensburg Melk
Passau
Dan
Dürnstein
ube River
Vienna
Bratislava
SLOVENIA
HUNGARY
Budapest
AUSTRIA
ROMANIA
Kalocsa
CROATIA
Mohacs Belgrade
Vukovar
Iron Gate
Brasov Snagov Bucharest
SERBIA
Svishtov Dan ube Riv er
BULGARIA
Constanta Cernavoda Arbanassi Ruse
BLACK SEA
Veliko Turnovo
24 DAYS FROM $9,790 PLUS AIRFARE (23 Breakfasts, 22 Lunches & 22 Dinners)
Cruise Price Per Person
Date *Indicates Bucharest to Amsterdam direction. Single prices start at 40% over the double price; please inquire at time of booking or visit www.tauck.com for complete single pricing and up-to-the-minute space availability. Ask at booking for details. Special Singles Savings – $1000 per cabin – May 8 and August 19 departures. Certain restrictions apply; ask at time of booking.
ms Treasures
DATE
왎 CAT 1
왎 CAT 2
왎 CAT 3
왎 CAT 4
왎 CAT 5
왎 CAT 6
May 8 May 27* Jul 31 Aug 19* Sep 30*
$10,790 $11,290 $9790 $10,390 $11,090
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
$12,940 $13,440 $11,940 $12,540 $13,240
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
$15,290 $15,790 $14,290 $14,890 $15,590
$17,190 $17,690 $16,190 $16,790 $17,490
Land / cruise price per person, based on double occupancy, includes cruise fare, most meals, port charges, wine with dinner aboard ship, shore excursions, applicable fuel surcharges, and gratuities to Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides & drivers, as well as on all included meals. International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability). Itinerary Changes – Although not expected, Tauck reserves the right to alter the sequence of ports or omit or substitute scheduled ports or attractions at any time without prior notice. Museums and attractions may be subject to closure due to state, local or religious holidays. Note: This cruise includes a fair amount of walking in each city. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before or after your cruise, or about our Cruise Protection Product. See page 64 for deck plans & specifications.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
An evening at Palais Pallavicini – dinner and the finest classical music entertainment
www.tauck.com
63
TAUCK’S PREMIUM RIVERBOATS
AMENITIES & DINING t Open dining, with no assigned seats; tables seat 4 and 6; flexible dining times on select evenings
t Wine with dinner, unlimited soft drinks, and beer with lunch and dinner included aboard the riverboat; vegetarian meals are available
t Alternative bistro dining available featuring local specialties in the Lido Bar
t American room service breakfast available in Cat. 6 suites t Complimentary snack baskets served from 2:00 PM to midnight
t Complimentary Internet & E-mail available in Internet Corner of the Lido Bar; Nintendo Wii games available
t Themed Happy Hours in the bar / lounge; piano music nightly
t Fitness center; massages available; putting green on sun deck; whirlpool on sun deck, available 24 hours
t On-board entertainment programs include movie nights, cooking demonstrations, local entertainment, themed game nights and more
t Bicycles available aboard each riverboat for use ashore t Tauck Director audio commentary available in cabins t Laundry service (limited); ironing available 64
DESIGNED WITH YOUR COMFORT IN MIND...
MORE SUITES, GREAT VIEWS & MUCH MORE...
From the moment you step aboard one of Tauck’s four custom-
Step inside one of the 14 lush 300-square-foot suites aboard
designed sister riverboats – ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire,
every Tauck riverboat, and besides all that room, you’ll find
ms Swiss Jewel and ms Treasures – you’ll feel welcomed...
amenities that take your comfort a step further. Cozy furnishings
comfortable... well cared-for... at home.
feature brocade upholstery. Roomy walk-in closets make everything easier. Spacious marble baths with full-size tubs
It all starts with consistent design throughout each ship’s four passenger decks: comfortable, upscale accommodations like those you would expect at a premium hotel... except that this “hotel” floats, every cabin faces outside, and most feature French
invite you to luxuriate a bit. French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows look out on idyllic riverscapes. Add 7 junior suites to the mix aboard every riverboat, and Tauck’s ships offer four times more suites than most other riverboats on Europe’s rivers.
balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the views. We’ve designed our ships to accommodate up to 118
Public spaces throughout our riverboats play a key role in your total
guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160; you’ll
Tauck river cruise experience, too... offering exceptional views from
have plenty of room to relax and feel at home in a spacious
a spacious restaurant with panoramic windows, to bistro dining in
cabin (150 sq. ft.), junior suite (183 sq. ft.) or suite (300 sq. ft.),
the Lido Bar with its opening 180º glass wall, to a sun deck with
enjoying plasma TV, minibar, adjustable air conditioning and
24-hour Jacuzzi. A lounge, library, boutique, fitness center and
private bathroom with shower, L OCCITANE toiletries and more.
available massages help take care of the body, mind and soul.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
65
SHIP SPECIFICATIONS Newly Built: 2006 – 2011 Registry: Swiss Length: 361 ft. (110 meters) Width: 37 ft. (11 meters) Draft: 4 ft. (1.2 meters) Maximum Number of Guests: 118 Crew Members: 29 Crew Nationality: Mostly European Number of Decks: 3 plus a sun deck Fully air conditioned: Yes Elevator: Yes – between the Ruby and Diamond decks; stairs (12 steps) between the other decks Internet: Send / Receive
66
BRAND-NEW... Here’s comfort you could really get used to... wrapping yourself up for a great night’s sleep in Tauck’s redecorated riverboat accommodations for 2012! We’ve upgraded all of our cabins and suites aboard every Tauck riverboat with sumptuous new bedding that envelops you in the comfort of 400-thread-count satin bed linens made from the finest combed cotton. Luxuriate in fluffy white duvets of very fine mako cotton, with a hypoallergenic 90% down filling... pillows filled with 100% Hungarian goose down... pillow-top beds of 100% cotton... 100% cotton blankets, temperature balancing and so soft to the skin... and thick comfort-top mattresses...
Category 6 Suite – 300 sq. ft.
Category 3 Cabin – 150 sq. ft.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
67
MS SWISS JEWEL
MARCH / APRIL
MAY
JUNE
French Escapade: Paris to Monte-Carlo Paris to Monte-Carlo (South) Mar 31
French Waterways and Vineyards Paris to Lyon May 2, 27
French Escapade: Paris to Monte-Carlo Paris to Monte-Carlo (South) Jun 3
Holland & Belgium featuring Floriade Amsterdam to Brussels (South) Apr 1, 6, 12, 17, 22
MS SWISS SAPPHIRE
MS SWISS EMERALD
MS TREASURES
The Rhine and Moselle Amsterdam to Basel (South) May 3 Grand European Cruise Amsterdam to Bucharest (East) May 8
Belgium & Holland The Blue Danube featuring Floriade Budapest to Prague (West) Amsterdam to Budapest Brussels to Amsterdam (North) Jun 7 by Riverboat Apr 3, 8, 13, 19, 24, 29 Amsterdam to Budapest (South) French Escapade: May 8, 27 French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris Monte-Carlo to Paris Monte-Carlo to Paris (North) French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris (North) Jun 12 Paris to Monte-Carlo Apr 9 Paris to Monte-Carlo (South) The Blue Danube May 9 French Waterways and Vineyards Prague to Budapest (East) Paris to Lyon Jun 14, 28 The Blue Danube Apr 18, 25 Budapest to Prague (West) Amsterdam to Budapest May 10 Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat The Rhine and Moselle by Riverboat Amsterdam to Budapest (South) Amsterdam to Budapest (South) Basel to Amsterdam (North) Jun 19 May 15 Apr 28 French Waterways and Vineyards The Blue Danube Paris to Lyon Prague to Budapest (East) Jun 21, 28 May 17, 31 French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris Monte-Carlo to Paris (North) May 18
Holland & Belgium featuring Floriade Amsterdam to Brussels (South) Jun 24
Budapest to the Black Sea Budapest to Bucharest (East) May 20
Tauck Bridges – Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure Budapest to Regensburg (West) Jun 23
Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube Budapest to Prague (West) May 24 The Black Sea to Budapest Bucharest to Budapest (West) May 27 Grand European Cruise Bucharest to Amsterdam (West) May 27
68
Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to Amsterdam (North) Jun 5, 10
2012 TAUCK RIVER CRUISE CALENDAR
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
DECEMBER
The Blue Danube Budapest to Prague (West) Jul 1
Holland & Belgium featuring Floriade Amsterdam to Brussels (South) Aug 3
The Blue Danube Prague to Budapest (East) Sep 6, 20
French Escapade: Paris to Monte-Carlo Paris to Monte-Carlo (South) Oct 2
Christmas Markets Along the Danube Nürnberg to Vienna (East) Dec 1
French Escapade: Belgium & Holland Paris to Monte-Carlo Tauck Bridges – Blue Danube: The Blue Danube featuring Floriade Paris to Monte-Carlo (South) Prague to Budapest (East) Family Riverboat Adventure Brussels to Amsterdam (North) Oct 4, 18 Sep 7 Budapest to Regensburg (West) Jul 1 Aug 4 The Rhine and Moselle Amsterdam to Budapest French Escapade: Amsterdam to Basel (South) by Riverboat French Escapade: Paris to Monte-Carlo Oct 6 Amsterdam to Budapest (South) Monte-Carlo to Paris Paris to Monte-Carlo (South) Sep 11 Monte-Carlo to Paris (North) Budapest to Amsterdam Jul 5, 30 Aug 8 by Riverboat The Rhine and Moselle The Blue Danube Amsterdam to Basel (South) Budapest to Amsterdam (North) The Blue Danube Prague to Budapest (East) Sep 12 Oct 9 Prague to Budapest (East) Jul 8, 12, 26 Aug 9, 23 The Blue Danube French Escapade: Tauck Bridges – Blue Danube: Budapest to Prague (West) Monte-Carlo to Paris Belgium & Holland Sep 13, 27 Family Riverboat Adventure Monte-Carlo to Paris (North) featuring Floriade Budapest to Regensburg (West) Oct 11 Brussels to Amsterdam (North) French Escapade: Jul 7 Aug 10 Monte-Carlo to Paris Musical Magic Monte-Carlo to Paris (North) The Rhine and Moselle Along the Blue Danube Budapest to the Black Sea Sep 16 Amsterdam to Basel (South) Budapest to Prague (West) Budapest to Bucharest (East) Oct 11 Jul 10 Aug 12 Budapest to the Black Sea Budapest to Bucharest (East) The Rhine and Moselle French Escapade: The Blue Danube Sep 23 Basel to Amsterdam (North) Monte-Carlo to Paris Budapest to Prague (West) Oct 18 Monte-Carlo to Paris (North) Aug 16 The Rhine and Moselle Jul 14 Basel to Amsterdam (North) French Waterways & Vineyards French Waterways & Vineyards Sep 24 Paris to Lyon Budapest to Amsterdam Paris to Lyon Oct 20 French Waterways & Vineyards by Riverboat Aug 17, 24, 31 Amsterdam to Budapest Paris to Lyon Budapest to Amsterdam (North) The Rhine and Moselle by Riverboat Sep 25 Jul 17 Amsterdam to Basel (South) Amsterdam to Budapest (South) The Black Sea to Budapest Aug 19 Oct 23 Musical Magic Bucharest to Budapest (West) Along the Blue Danube The Black Sea to Budapest Sep 30 Budapest to Prague (West) Bucharest to Budapest (West) Jul 19 Grand European Cruise Aug 19 Bucharest to Amsterdam (West) The Rhine and Moselle Grand European Cruise Sep 30 Basel to Amsterdam (North) Bucharest to Amsterdam (West) Jul 22 Aug 19
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine Köln to Basel (South) Dec 2 Christmas Markets Along the Danube Vienna to Nürnberg (West) Dec 8 Christmas Markets Along the Rhine Basel to Köln (North) Dec 9
French Waterways and Vineyards Budapest to Amsterdam Paris to Lyon by Riverboat Jul 23 Budapest to Amsterdam (North) Aug 28 Amsterdam to Budapest Musical Magic by Riverboat Along the Blue Danube Amsterdam to Budapest (South) Budapest to Prague (West) Jul 31 Aug 30 Grand European Cruise The Rhine and Moselle Amsterdam to Bucharest (East) Basel to Amsterdam (North) Jul 31 Aug 31
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
69
MORE WAYS TREASURES
OF THE
TO
MEDITERRANEAN
7-Night Cruise on Le Ponant; 2 nights Monaco, 1 night Malta May, June, August, October; 11 days from $7220 plus air
Sail away to fun and sun in the Mediterranean islands on an exclusive week-long cruise aboard your private yacht, Le Ponant, plus hotel stays in Valletta and Monte-Carlo. Cruise northbound from Malta or southbound from Nice for excursions on the islands of Elba, Corsica, Ponza, Lipari, Sicily and Malta. Discover the lovely Amalfi Coast, see volcanic Stromboli erupt at night, visit Napoleon’s home in exile and much more!
SICILY,
THE
AMALFI COAST & ROME
7-Night Cruise on Le Ponant; 2 nights Rome, 1 night Malta September; 11 days from $7890 plus air
Immerse yourself in Italian culture from Sicily to the lush Amalfi Coast, to a stay in Rome and Tauck’s special after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel! Sail aboard Le Ponant to Mediterranean islands and harbors bigger ships can’t reach – like Lipari, Siracusa and Taormina in Sicily, and Valletta on Malta. Experience la dolce vita in modern Rome... explore its ancient glories and the ruins of Herculaneum and Segesta... and watch Stromboli’s fiery show.
ICELAND: LAND
OF
FIRE
AND
ICE
7-Night Cruise on Le Boreal
July; 8 days from $5990 plus air Discover Iceland’s ice caps, glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls and pristine wilderness from aboard the yacht Le Boreal. In this land of volcanoes and glaciers, puffins and whales, cosmopolitan cities and tiny villages near the Arctic Circle, adventure and enrichment are everywhere. Discover amazing natural wonders and explore a culture rich in legends, customs and traditions from the Blue Lagoon in the south to Grímsey Island in the far north – and take a walk across the Arctic Circle!
ANTARCTICA 10-Night cruise on Le Boreal; 15 night cruise on L’Austral; 2 nights Buenos Aires January and February; 13 days from $8865 plus on-tour air January; 18 days from $11,815 plus on-tour air
Antarctica is unlike any destination on earth. Your voyage is accompanied by a select expedition team of naturalists, scientists and polar explorers, Cruise the Antarctic Archipelago to discover floating castles of ice, penguins, seals, whales and numerous birds – and step foot on what is for many, their 7th continent. Go to www.tauck.com for details on our special January 3 departure that includes the Falkland and South Georgia islands.
Go to www.tauck.com for complete day-by-day itineraries
70
CRUISE WITH TAUCK TREASURES
IN
OF THE
2012
AEGEAN
7-Night Cruise on Le Levant; 3 nights Istanbul, 3 nights Athens / Peloponnese
May through September; 14 days from $7790 plus air “Cruising to the Greek Isles”... the phrase alone conjures up a magic all its own – captured on a two-week journey that brings traces of ancient civilizations to life in amazing places like Epidaurus, Mycenae, Delos, Bodrum and Ephesus! Experience all the comforts of an intimate yacht aboard Le Levant as you sail to the legendary Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes as well as the Turkish Riviera, and enjoy unforgettable stays amidst timeless treasures of classical Greece in Athens and icons of Turkish culture in Istanbul.
THE PANAMA CANAL & COSTA RICA 6-Night Cruise on Le Levant; 2 nights Panama City, 2 nights San José January and February; 11 days from $5990 plus air
Once-in-a-lifetime thrills like crossing the Panama Canal and visiting remote destinations where few have gone before are the norm on this extraordinary cruise! Transit the Panama Canal aboard Le Levant, ideally suited for 360-degree viewing of this engineering wonder... explore pristine Pacific and Caribbean islands with on-board naturalists... visit a village in the Darien Province and a working coffee plantation... hike through eco-rich rainforests... meet the people of the San Blas Islands... and enjoy 2-night stays in Panama City and San José. Please visit www.tauck.com for complete itinerary and details.
VENICE &
THE
DALMATIAN COAST
7-Night Cruise on L’Austral; 2 nights Venice
May, June, September; 10 days from $6390 plus air Ancient walled cities... the Adriatic’s most beautiful ports... a stay amidst the treasures of Venice... just a taste of what awaits on an unforgettable cruise from Venice aboard L’Austral along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, reminiscent of the Riviera 100 years ago. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Sibenik’s Cathedral of St. James, Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace in Split and the maritime city of Kotor, Montenegro... as well as the island of Korcula, a Hvar winery, and more! 2012 Tauck Small Ship Cruising collection! You’ll find the cruises on these pages – and more – in our 2012 collection of voyages to some of the world’s most popular cruise destinations... Antarctica, Iceland, Italy, the Galapágos Islands and the Panama Canal, as well as the Baltic, Aegean, Adriatic and Mediterranean seas!
Go to www.tauck.com for complete day-by-day itineraries
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
www.tauck.com
71
Egypt or egypt & Jordan Two journeys featuring a River Nile cruise aboard Nile Adventurer
Lifeline of the “Land of the Pharaohs,” the River Nile has wound its way through the desert, sustaining the civilization that built Egypt’s ancient pyramids, temples and tombs for more than 5,000 years. Explore its timeless banks as you cruise aboard the Nile Adventurer on two Tauck journeys led by Tauck’s expert Egyptologists and our professional Tauck Directors – and stay in Egypt’s finest hotels, with Pyramid-view rooms in Cairo! Our 12-day Egypt: Jewels Along the Nile begins and ends in Cairo and features a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan and 1 night in Alexandria. Egypt & Jordan: Timeless Treasures, Ancient Lands, a 13-day journey exploring antiquities of both Egypt and Jordan, spotlights a 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and visits Wadi Rum, ancient Petra and the Dead Sea.
EGYPT: JEWELS ALONG THE NILE 12 DAYS FROM $5,300* PLUS ON-TOUR AIRFARE (11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches & 9 Dinners)
BEGINS CAIRO:
January – April; September – December
Visit www.tauck.com or call Tauck for departure dates and availability, detailed itinerary, complete seasonal pricing, cabin classes, and deck plans. *LAND/CRUISE PRICE ON-TOUR AIR (2 flights) TOTAL PER PERSON FROM: Double $5300 $490 $5790 Single $6455 $490 $6945 International airfare is additional; subject to availability.
Cruise aboard the Nile Adventurer,
a sleek, elegant cruiser with the feel of a private yacht – and an intimate atmosphere ideal for exploring the legendary Nile. Her five spacious decks include a full-service restaurant offering an international gourmet menu, upper and lower Sun Decks, swimming pool, outdoor bar, lounge, library, and game room, complemented by well-appointed staterooms including two Deluxe Cabins and two Presidential Suites. Fully air conditioned and outside-facing, all of Nile Adventurer’s staterooms overlook the Nile and feature private bathrooms with bathtub, shower and hair dryer; color TV, CD player and minibar. The ship’s seasoned crew and attentive staff anticipate your needs, ensuring that your cruise to the treasures of the Nile will be most memorable!
EGYPT & JORDAN: TIMELESS TREASURES, ANCIENT LANDS 13 DAYS FROM $5,775* PLUS ON-TOUR AIRFARE (12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches & 10 Dinners)
BEGINS CAIRO:
January – April; September – December
Visit www.tauck.com or call Tauck for departure dates and availability, detailed itinerary, complete seasonal pricing, cabin classes, and deck plans. *LAND/CRUISE PRICE ON-TOUR AIR (2 flights) TOTAL PER PERSON FROM: Double $5775 $915 $6690 Single $6715 $915 $7630 International airfare is additional; subject to availability. Jordan River
M EDITERRANEAN S EA
Alexandria
Great Pyramid of Cheops Giza Cairo Sphinx Sakkara Memphis
er N
E GYPT
ile
ISRAEL
S UDAN Maximum Elevation: 1,200 ft.
Abu Simbel Temple of Queen Nefertari
ISRAEL
Great Pyramid Giza of Cheops Sphinx Sakkara Memphis
Karnak Temple
ile
Temples of Ramesses II
Amman Madaba
JORDAN Bethany B ethany beyond et the tth he Jo Jordan Petra Ammam Madaba M Mad aba Wadi Rum Kerak K eAqaba era k P Petra C Cairo Wad Wa ad di Rum Rum Wadi Aqaba qaba
er N
Temple of Horus Temple of Philae
Karnak Temple Luxor R ED S EA Edfu Kom Ombo Aswan
M EDITERRANEAN S EA
Jerash
Ri v
Valleys of Kings and Queens
72
Dead Sea
Ri v
L IBYA
Mount Nebo
E GYPT
Valleys of Kings and Queens
Temple of Horus Temple of Philae Temples of Ramesses II
Luxor R ED S EA Edfu Kom Ombo Aswan Abu Simbel
Temple of Queen Nefertari
Maximum Elevation: 3,000 ft.
CRUISING THE NILE & YANGTZE RIVERS
WITH
China, The Yangtze River & Hong Kong
CHINA
TAUCK
Beijing
Tauck’s classic 16- or 17-day China discovery Xi’an
Whitewashed villages, steep gorges and terraced mountains offer a visual feast along the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, as you cruise aboard Yangzi Explorer on Tauck’s 16-day (East, featuring a 3-night cruise) or 17-day (West, including a 4-night cruise) journey that takes you from Beijing’s Forbidden City to the wonders of Hong Kong as only Tauck can. Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world... meet families in a dam relocation village... ride a sampan on Shennong Stream... and try your hand at calligraphy, making dumplings and properly preparing Chinese tea during onboard demonstrations. All this plus special experiences like a guided insider visit to Beijing’s vanishing hutongs... insights from experts at Xi’an’s Terra Cotta Warriors and Shaanxi History Museum... a private introduction to Shanghai on the VIP viewing platform of the city’s Urban Planning Center, and more. Ask about our special Small Group Departures averaging 24 guests!
The Yangzi Explorer ranks among the most
spacious ships on the Yangtze and boasts one of the highest ship staff-to-guest ratio on the river, carrying no more than 124 guests, with a crew of 130 providing exceptional service. Offering amenities comparable to those of a premium hotel, she features a fitness center, multi-language library, spa facilities, theater, lounge and espresso bar. All cabins provide the utmost in spaciousness and comfort, and include a minibar, bathrobes and slippers, telephone, private safety box, TV, hair dryer and private balcony. International buffets are offered for breakfast and lunch, while dinner tempts with a variety of international and Chinese specialties.
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
Shanghai
e gtz Yaniver R Yichang
Chongqing
Guilin Li River Maximum Elevation: 1,900 ft.
Hong Kong
CHINA, THE YANGTZE RIVER & HONG KONG 16 DAYS FROM $5,190* PLUS ON-TOUR AIRFARE (15 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches & 11 Dinners)
BEGINS BEIJING:
April – June; August – October
Note: Westbound departures of China, the Yangtze River and Hong Kong begin in Hong Kong, are 17 days, start from $5290 per person double plus on-tour air, and include a 4-night cruise aboard Yangzi Explorer.
Visit www.tauck.com or call Tauck for departure dates and availability, small group departures, detailed itinerary, complete seasonal pricing, cabin classes, and deck plans. *16-DAY LAND/CRUISE PRICE ON-TOUR AIR TOTAL PER PERSON FROM: Double $5190 $1200 Single $7198 $1200 Triple $4902 $1200
(5 flights) $6390 $8398 $6102
International airfare is additional; subject to availability.
www.tauck.com
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GENERAL INFORMATION Inclusive Prices 2012 cruise prices are per person in U.S. dollars. Prices include all accommodations, airport transfers as detailed in tour, entertainment, special dinners, land and cruise transportation, sightseeing, shore excursions, luggage handling, and services of local guides, Tauck Cruise Director and Tauck Directors. Meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Hotel & Ship Accommodations – Tauck’s price includes all hotel & ship accommodations. Twobedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort; aboard ship, triples are accommodated with a pull-out sleeping couch in limited Category 6 suites. Tauck Director / Tauck Cruise Director – Each European river cruise is conducted by a Tauck Cruise Director and one Tauck Director for every 39 guests. They are professional employees of Tauck. Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, ship staff, local guides and drivers are included. Tauck Director and Tauck Cruise Director gratuities are included on all European river cruises. Luggage Handling & Restrictions – Luggage handling is included in the tour or cruise cost; however, due to space limitations aboard motor coaches, we ask that you limit your checked luggage to only one averagesize suitcase per person. Most airlines require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs. per piece. Luggage exceeding the maximum restrictions is subject to expensive overage fees or is at risk of being left behind. Many airlines are now charging fees for checked luggage, regardless of the number of bags. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently, and often without notice; therefore Tauck cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to verify current number, size and weight limits. Additionally, guests on tour should limit their hand luggage to a small carry-on piece and only those items needed during the day. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in overhead racks is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, small camera bags, etc. Items too large to fit underneath seats or in overhead racks must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Not Included Airfare to the cruise departure point and from the cruise ending point is not included. Airport tax and departure taxes are not included. Hotel Rooms Before or After Cruises – To avoid jet lag, many guests prefer to make hotel arrangements before their cruise departs. As a service, Tauck will make hotel reservations before or after your trip on a space available basis upon request. Hotel charges will be added to your cruise cost. Note: Airport transfers are included for these bookings; ask for details when booking. Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry,
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airline excess luggage charges and other optional incidental extras are not included. Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important to have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. See Tauck’s “Cruise Protection.”
Before You Go Itinerary Changes & Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate all cruises and tours as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, ports, hotels, and / or conveyances as deemed necessary. Due to changing weather conditions, navigation along the rivers and passage under bridges may be impacted by high or low water levels, necessitating a change in itinerary to complete our journey. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Note: Although not expected, prices in this brochure may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of printing. Passports / Visas – For international travel, U.S. citizens need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond completion of the cruise or tour. NonU.S. citizens should contact their booking agent or appropriate consulate for information on all necessary documents required. Visas may also be required; contact your travel agent or appropriate consulate for documentation information. Airline Security Measures – The Transportation Security Administration requires all passengers to provide their name as it appears on the passport or governmentissued I.D. to be used while traveling, their date of birth and gender when making airline reservations to fly to, from and over the U.S. to the airlines. This information will be requested at time of booking for all flight arrangements made through Tauck.
transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, name changes, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss or expense incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization of a carrier or similar relief from creditors) when purchasing or using the carrier’s services. Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck’s special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck’s air services must be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Electronic ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. Should you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply. Photography and Video on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs and / or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your cruise or tour.
How To Make A Reservation To Make a Reservation, see your travel agent or phone Tauck with full first and last name (as it appears on your passport), address and hometown of all persons. We will verbally give a “Deposit Due Date” up to which time space is tentatively held.
Tauck
International Cruise Regulations – Travelers must provide their passport number and date of birth to Tauck at time of booking for all cruises. Tauck must provide this information to the cruise line before departure or you may be denied boarding.
P.O. Box 5020 Norwalk, CT 06856-5020 United States Phone: (800) 468-2825 E-mail:
[email protected]
Membership & Health – Membership will be granted to all persons. Please consult your physician for predeparture health advice. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the cruise of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Freephone: from UK: 0800-961-834 from Australia: 1-800-122-048 from South Africa: 0800-990-476 Other Countries: USA (203) 899-6500
Travelers Needing Special Assistance – Tauck regrets that it cannot provide individual assistance to a guest for walking, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, dining or other personal needs. Guests needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them. We regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters; ask at booking. Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck’s air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air
Freefax: from UK: 0800-898-931 from Australia: 1-800-145-941 from South Africa: 0800-998-265 Other Countries: USA (203) 899-6602 E-mail:
[email protected] Mon – Fri: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM New York City time Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM New York City time Sun: 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM New York City time
Cruise Pricing – Doubles are priced for two people sharing a room or cabin; two-bedded rooms or cabins are usually reserved for doubles. In hotels, triples are often a two-bedded room plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort. Triples aboard the riverboat are accommodated with a pullout sleeping couch in limited Category 6 suites. Deposit Date – To hold space up to time of “Final Payment,” a deposit for each cruise booked must be received by the “Deposit Due Date” or space is automatically released. Deposits are as follows: $600 per person – European riverboat cruises Final Payment is due at Tauck’s Norwalk, CT office 60 days before departure. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Final Documents, which may include electronic airline ticket numbers when applicable, are sent by first class mail upon receipt of final payment. They include joining instructions, ship information, hotel lists, reading list, clothing suggestions, tour or cruise itinerary, luggage tags, and other pertinent information. We recommend overnight mailing service for any reservation that is made within 30 days of the cruise or tour departure date to ensure timely delivery. The additional expense will be added to your cruise or tour cost and must be included in your final payment.
Tauck’s optional Cruise Protection Product must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Cost is not refundable under any circumstances. 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. This product is not available to residents of Puerto Rico. Travel agent commissions are not covered under these products. The above is a summary of the plan. Please refer to the Description of Coverage pamphlet provided with written confirmation of your reservation for the complete details of the policy terms, limitations and exclusions applicable to Section II of the plan. The coverages and services provided under Section II were arranged with BerkelyCare on behalf of Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, under policy number MZ0911071H0001A for cruises. *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.
Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the Cruise Protection and cancellation terms outlined herein. Cruise Interruption Fees – If you have to interrupt your cruise 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. The price charged the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation. Single Rooms & Cabins – Since hotel and cabin rates are per room, the cruise price for cabins occupied by one person is higher than those where two or more persons share the cost of a room or cabin.
If You Have To Cancel Under Tauck’s all-inclusive Cruise Protection Product, you can cancel your cruise for any covered reason up to the day before departure and receive a moneyback refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the cruise cost, based on your original method of payment. The following conditions apply: Section I – Cancellation for Non-Covered Reasons: Should you have to cancel your cruise for any reason, Tauck’s Cruise Protection Product reduces the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Section I is provided by Tauck. Section II – Cancellation for Covered Reasons: Travel Insurance and Services – Should you have to cancel your cruise due to illness, injury, death or other covered reason, cancellation or airline penalties not refunded by Tauck would be reimbursable under Section II of the plan. The plan provides 24-hour emergency assistance services as well as: tAirfare Protection – Should you need to cancel or interrupt your Tauck cruise for covered reasons, airfares and air penalties are covered. tMedical Protection – Reimbursement for covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or ill during your cruise (including pre-existing conditions if purchased at time of booking). tLuggage Protection – Reimbursement for delayed, lost, stolen or damaged luggage. The cost of Tauck’s Cruise Protection is as follows: $530 per person – European riverboat cruises
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Therefore, the fees listed herein will apply. Guests choosing to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows: Cruises 60 days or more before departure Loss of Cruise Protection fee per person 59–30 days before departure Loss of 25% of cost of cruise per person, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee 29–1 day before departure Loss of 50% of cost of cruise per person, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise Protection fee Guests choosing not to purchase Tauck’s Cruise Protection will incur cancellation penalties as follows: Cruises 60 days or more before departure $600 per person – European riverboat cruises
Special thanks for photography provided by: David Cruvant, Fred Helfst, Arthur Africano, Jeanmarie Mantabana, David Greenberg, Michael Tully, Paula Fink, Suzanne Ziontz, Howard Kreiner, Philip Frank, Arthur Nasca, Steve Dunham, Robert Traub, Dorothy Nerison, Jill & Charles Tralka, Tom Eggers / Leslie Woods, Adrian Bogaard, Hubert Joham, Jim & Lisa Engelbrecht, Scylla, Edward Staines, Gabor Cseri, Andreas Schlagkamp, Rhineland-Pfalz Tourismus GmbH, Austrian National Tourist Office, Etienne Van Sloun / Château Neercanne, Orient Royal Cruises, Marek Velcek / City of Bratislava, Atout France / CRT Bourgogne / Alaine Doire, Inter Rhone, German National Tourist Board / Rainer Kiedrowski / Jochen Keute / Bonn Tourismus & Congress GmbH, Rhone-Alps Tourisme / JB Laissard / F. Cavazzana / C.Fougeirol, Romanian National Tourist Office, Rijksmuseum, Atlantic Tours, Annalee Beckman, David Hogoboom, Rich & Marlene Drygas, Jennifer Catalano, Michelle Lavrado, Mary F. Vaichus, Peter Tanner, David Lewey, Peter Pappas, Rob White, Gloria Lane, Gary Andrews, Katharine Bonner and Carla Weston
59–30 days before departure Loss of 50% of cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable) per person 29–1 day before departure Loss of 100% of cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable) per person
Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-468-2825
To opt out of Tauck mailings, please call 1-800-468-2825. Tauck® is a registered service mark of Tauck, Inc. CST#2016001-20
www.tauck.com
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European River cruising
More of what you’re looking for in an extraordinary river cruise Tauck has been wowing guests with extraordinary travel experiences since 1925. And with the launch of our premier fleet of custom-crafted riverboats from 2006 to 2011, we’re charting a new course in European river cruising too! tMore room on Europe’s most spacious premium riverboats–/P NPSFUIBOHVFTUTPOCPBSE POPUIFSCPBUT
XJUI FMFHBOUMZBQQPJOUFETRGUTVJUFTBOEKVOJPSTVJUFT tMore ways to experience every destination –*ODMVEFETIPSF FYDVSTJPOTMFECZ5BVDL%JSFDUPSTBOEMPDBMFYQFSUTWJTJUQSJWBUF GBSNT XJOFSJFT QBMBDFTBOENPSFoPOBOEPGGUIFCFBUFOQBUI tMore connections with local culture – *OGPSNBUJWFMFDUVSFT NVTJDBOEEBODFQFSGPSNBODFT VODPNNPOBDDFTTUP DVMUVSBMFYQFSJFODFT MJLFUBTUJOHT DVMJOBSZFWFOUTBOENPSF tMore value for your travel dollar – "MMHSBUVJUJFTUP5BVDLTUBGG TIJQTUBGGJODMVEFE HVJEFETJHIUTFFJOH BENJTTJPOGFFT XJOF CFFSBOETPGUESJOLTJODMVEFEXJUIEJOOFSBCPBSETIJQ tMore staff on the riverboats – 5BVDLJTUIFPOMZSJWFSCPBU DPNQBOZXJUIB5BVDL$SVJTF%JSFDUPSBOEUISFF5BVDL %JSFDUPSTBCPBSEGPSQFSTPOBMJ[FETFSWJDF tMore dining included –.PTUNFBMTJODMVEFEPOBOEPGGUIF TIJQ UXPPOCPBSESFTUBVSBOUT XJUIUIFCJTUSPTUZMF-JEP#BS GSFTIGSVJU TOBDLCBTLFUT FBSMZNPSOJOHCSFBLGBTUPQUJPO tMore panoramic views of the passing scenery – PGDBCJOT IBWFGMPPSUPDFJMJOHXJOEPXTXJUI'SFODICBMDPOJFT EJOFXJUIB WJFXJOUIFQBOPSBNJDSFTUBVSBOUT SFMBYPOUIFTVOEFDL tMore quality bedding for your cruising comfort – 4VNQUVPVT OFXCFEEJOH XJUIDPNGPSUUPQNBUUSFTTFT UISFBEDPVOU TBUJOTIFFUT GMVGGZIZQPBMMFSHFOJDEVWFUTBOEEPXOQJMMPXT tMore on-board amenities – 8BMLJODMPTFUTBOENBSCMFCBUIT XJUIGVMMTJ[FUVCTJOTVJUFT -0DDJUBOFUPJMFUSJFT NBTTBHF BOEGJUOFTTDFOUFS DPNQMJNFOUBSZCJLFTGPSTIPSFFYDVSTJPOT
See more Inside!
For reservations and information SEE YOUR PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENT
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©2011 Tauck, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. / AGT
Source Code 5801
