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TAUCK RIVER CRUISES 8 Days | Romantic Rhine Northbound

BASEL TO AMSTERDAM Day 1 | Basel, Switzerland. Embark. A transfer is included from Euroairport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg or Basel SBB Bahnhof 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 for a welcome briefing, then join us for a welcome dinner this evening. (D) Day 2 | Lucerne. Welcome to Switzerland! Mountain scenery, shimmering Lake Lucerne, and forests and meadows straight out of a picture book are in store for you today if you choose to join our excursion to Lucerne. In this “city of lights,” landmarks include the Kappelbrucke, a covered wooden footbridge crossing the Reuss River that dates back to the 1330s, an octagonal Water Tower once used as a prison, narrow lanes and lovely squares, like the Kornmarkt, Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz. In Aldstadt Lucerne, narrow cobblestone lanes lead to town squares lined with houses painted with frescoes. From town, you’ll head out for the heights of Mt. Pilatus aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel train, climbing from Alpnachstad at the edge of Lake Lucerne to the very top (Oberhaupt) – nearly 7,000 ft. high. Getting to the top is definitely part of the fun, as you travel upward at a 48° angle, while soaking up views of Alpine meadows, and mountain streams, goats and flowers. Alternatively, you may prefer the pleasures of a wine tasting and lunch along the Alsatian wine route. If so, you’ll head to Château Haut-Koenigsbourg, originally built in the 1200s on a rocky promontory high above the French Alsatian plains – an ideal spot for observing comings and going. Burned, abandoned and restored to its former glory in 1899, the castle presents a picture of a mountain fortress of the Middle Ages, brimming with beautiful details. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of Alsatian wines and lunch at a local restaurant. Regardless of your choice, your day ends in Basel, which lies at the center of the “Three Corners,” where France, Germany and Switzerland meet at the Rhine. On an introductory tour of this affluent and cultured city, you’ll find green areas, parks, dozens of museums and art galleries, and chic restaurants. Along the Rhine Promenade, broad steps feature inviting cafés with views of the city skyline, dominated by the 14th-century Münster Cathedral. From the 16th-century town hall, painted in red and gold, to state-of-the-art works of architecture along the Rhine by internationally acclaimed architects like American Frank Gehry and Japan’s Yoshio Taniguchi, you’ll find a small city that has served as a major crossroads of travel and thought since the 15th century. Join us this evening for a welcome dinner aboard ship. (B,L,D) Day 3 | Strasbourg, France. You’ll wake docked on the Rhine this morning, surrounded by the hills of southern Alsace, many checkered with vineyards. The day begins in the Alsatian cultural capital of Strasbourg, France. It is home to the charming canals and half-timbered houses of La Petite France, stately city residences, a Gothic cathedral, and plenty of winstubs, traditional Alsatian beer pubs. At the City Hospital, you’ll sample a selection of Alsatian wines downstairs in its 600-year-old wine cellar; for centuries, wine was accepted in lieu of payment for services. Alsatian wines are typically white: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat. Continue on to the German spa resort town of Baden-Baden, on the edge of the Black Forest. Here you'll have a choice, the first being a visit to Caracalla Spa, a day devoted to wellness and relaxation. The spa resembles a glass temple, with facilities that include whirlpools, waterfalls, counter-current pools, massage jets and turquoise pools of warm water sourced from natural springs. Add in a sauna complex with both hot and cold rooms (some wellness treatments at additional cost) and you’ll feel re-energized at the end of your visit. Alternatively, take a scenic drive into Schwarzwald (Black Forest) to discover the ruins of Hoehenbaden Castle, known as the “Altes Schloss” (Old Castle). Its winding staircases, dark dungeons and a lookout for eagle eyes make it a must-see for castle lovers. (B,L,D) Day 4 | Speyer, Germany or Heidelberg. For centuries the Rhine River was a major transport hub and a source of wealth for many; today you’ll have a choice of visiting Speyer, a town that thrived on trade in the 10th and 11th centuries when construction on its double-domed cathedral began, or Heidelberg. On a guided visit to Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, you may be surprised by its use of natural glass windows, which pre-dated the use of stained glass, and its roof made entirely of stone – the first ever in Europe. Next, on a visit to Speyers’ impressive Technik Museum, you’ll find exhibits dedicated to every form of technology that moves, from vintage cars to a Boeing 747 jumbo jet and a German U9 submarine that you can go inside, and the Russian BURAN space shuttle. Afterward, relax over a refreshing bier at one of the town’s many inviting biergartens, a Rhine summer delight. Alternatively, you may spend the day on an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Narrow lanes, shops and pubs housed in 17th-century structures in the Aldstadt are kept lively by the cadence of student life. On the hillside above the city, you’ll visit the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle; thecastle is an imposing ensemble of buildings, from different architectural periods, surrounding a central courtyard; from its terrace and gardens, the sweeping views impress along with the feel of 600 years of history. A special evening awaits at Reichenstein Castle, complete with a working drawbridge and a grilled door built to be lowered quickly in the event of a 14th-century attack. The castle sits on a rocky ridge high above the Rhine, in the deep Lorelei Valley, where the mythical siren, “Lorelei,” was once said to bewitch passing sailors.(B,L,D) Day 5 | Koblenz. Rudesheim. A morning of sailing precedes arrival in Koblenz. Welcome to Deutsches Eck, the “German Corner” where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and the beautiful city of Koblenz stands. The city’s roots go back to the Middle Ages, when its location made it a powerful one as the controller of trade along these major waterways. Your morning offers a choice of activities: a drive along the castle route of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or cycling* along the Rheinradweg bicycle route. On the castle route, you’ll visit one of the many historic castles lining the river’s banks and tour the Aldstadt in Koblenz, a mix of delightful town squares, tucked-away corners, medieval churches, baroque residences and cozy wine taverns. If you choose to go cycling (a countrywide passion in Germany), you’ll follow easy riverside trails through forest, meadows and Riesling winelands, taking in views of the passing pleasure boats and freighters. The afternoon is spent back onboard your riverboat, cruising through the quiet Rhine River Valley, past small cities, churches, ancient walls and castles, as you make your way to Rüdesheim, a historic city of winegrowers. (B,L,D) Day 6 | Köln. Sightseeing in Köln begins with a guided tour of the immense twin-towered Cologne Cathedral, whose construction took a mere six centuries. Completed in 1880, UNESCO declared this Gothic “Dom” a World Heritage Site in 1995, recognizing its cultural value as “a testament to the longevity of faith.” You’ll explore this intimately scaled city by coach and on a walking tour, with an optional visit to the Romano-Germanic Museum adjacent to the cathedral. The collection contains impressive examples of art, culture and everyday Roman life along the Rhine. Highlights include the Dionysus Mosaic, once the floor of a Roman banquet hall (which lies exactly where it was found in 1941, when workers were digging a World War II bomb shelter), the world’s largest collection of Roman glass, and a miniature portrait of the Roman Emperor, Augustus. Depart Köln early afternoon as one of our newest Amsterdam river cruises sails toward the final days.(B,L,D) Day 7 | Amsterdam, Holland. In a city indelibly linked to water, it’s fitting that your day begins with a cruise on its 17th-century grachten (canals) which fan out in crescent-shaped rings from the northern waterfront. On the drive to board your canal boat, you’ll get an orientation to the city, which at its heart feels more like a village than the compact center of a cosmopolitan city. Landmarks include Centraal Station, built at the end of the 19th century and still a place in constant motion – with people, bicycles, trams and buses; De Waag (Weigh House), once a fortified gate that today houses a popular outdoor café; and the Mint Tower, a gate in the city wall (circa 1400) that marks the intersection of two canals, tram paths, a pedestrian-only shopping street, and the city flower market – an ever busy, ever interesting crossroads. Aboard the canal boat, you’ll glide beneath curved bridges carrying walkers and cyclists – sometimes trams and cars – and by narrow merchant homes, whose goods were once pragmatically stored on the upper floors. After a guided visit to one of Amsterdam’s museums, return to your riverboat and cruising through the gentile Dutch countryside. Join us tonight for the Captain's farewell reception and dinner, a fitting finale to an fantastic week and one of the most amazing Amsterdam river cruises! (B,L,D) Day 8 | Amsterdam. Disembark. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport or Central Station. 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 hotel. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents. Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

• River Cruising

Tauck Rhine River cruise review

By PK227 , October 6, 2008 in River Cruising

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Returned recently from our Tauck Rhine/Mosele river cruise. Here's my review (have never done one before, so please be nice or ask questions, ok?). Trip to Basil Switzerland was LONG. Missed our connection in Paris (hung up in Atlanta) and it ended up taking about 27 hours to get there from Arizona. We were very tired. Keep forgetting to stop someplace along the way on these long trips, rather than attempting to do it in one day.

The ship. The Diamond. Don't have much to say because Tauck is no longer going to use this boat. It was charming, old and had very little cabins. Since they have chosen to not contract with this boat again, there's not a lot of point in discussing it further other than to say that the crew was amazing. They knew it was the 3rd to last cruise with Tauck and couldn't have been more accommodating, fun, helpful, etc. Food was great. Service was wonderful. Hats off to all of them.

The people. I was frankly surprised. The average age was probably around 70. The time of year might have been a factor since it was Sept when the kids are back in school. Nice people but usually total silence in the lounge at about 9 pm. Overwhelmingly American with a few Canadians and Brits thrown in.

The locks. Maybe I'm the only person who didn't know about them, but there were, reportedly, over 40 locks on this trip. Not a big deal, other than being stuck sitting around occasionally while waiting for other boats to clear, but we were surprised nobody mentioned them. We were told that there are 72 locks on the Danube trip. Wow. The only negative was going through the locks at night with the window open....phew.

Tauck: We had a travel coordinator and 3 Tauck guides with us on the boat (about 100 people on the boat). Generally did a great job. The off-ship luncheons were in very nice places.... first class castles, chateaus, etc. Tauck does a really nice job. Coaches were on time. Everything was on time. All tours and gratuities were included. Very nice. Cost of drinks, etc. on the boat were reasonable and free wine, beer and soft drinks were included with meals (well, maybe not booze at breakfast...never asked). Felt we got a lot for our dollar. Hotel, transfers, etc. were handled flawlessly.

Tours: Most stops were small villages (charming). Travel on the boat was mostly at night and tours started somewhere between 8 and 9 am. Either coaches would be there or it would be a short walk to meet the local tour guides...who were the usual local tour guides. Some good some not so good. Tauck provided earphones which helped a lot on the tours. There was a LOT of walking which is interesting considering the average age on the ship (but most were in great shape). Our group of 6 was quite a bit younger and got pretty tired of walking after about 10 days. Most tours ended so that people could return to the ship for their free lunch. We usually stayed in town and skipped the free lunch. Beautiful scenery, pretty towns.

Dress: The brochure said for men to bring a jacket. Totally not necessary. Dress was casual. No sloppy, but casual. We brought too many things for dinner and not enough warm clothes (had a little cold snap for a few days). Comfortable walking shoes are critical.

Don't have a lot more to say. We all enjoyed the trip. Probably wouldn't go on that particular boat again (walked into our cabin and said to hubby...."where's the rest of it?"). But it was fine. We were able to find places to put things but it was certainly no place to spend any amount of time. Hope this fills some of the void of reviews on Tauck Riverboat tours. They did a great job (as Tauck does). We did notice, however, that often Viking had better docking places. It appears they are the "big dog" on the Rhine. But Tauck, being Tauck, made sure that buses dropped people as close as possible to the boat. I know nothing about the prices for Viking or if they have the "everything included" package that Tauck does. Please let me know if you would like more info.

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You have done a fine job of presenting Tauck. Thank you for hitting many of the points I was curious about. We had been on Uniworld and loved it...but were wishing we had windows that would open. However, your point about having the windows open in the locks helps me get over the disappointment of no open windows. ( We did all 70+ locks, some during the day and many at night. ) I know that Tauck is fairly new to the riverboat business - compared to Uniworld and Viking, so it makes sense that the docking might be a little less desirable. However, it's good to know that they handled the land operations with their characteristic excellence. I'm glad you enjoyed your adventure! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Thank you for your review. I really appreciate you taking the time to write one. We haven't taken a river cruise yet as we're still in the learning process.

[email protected]

Thank you for posting your trip report. It was very good. We have only taken Tauck land tours before and they have been wonderful. We have taken 2 river cruises--one on Viking about 4 years aog, down the Danube and Rhine. We loved it. Last April we took Uniworld for the tulips and windmills cruise. Loved it too! someday we hope to do a Tauck River Cruise. I think their company is top notch.

Thanks again.

Thank you very much for your assessment!

We will be taking our first river cruise with Tauck next year so your insights are appreciated!

We have taken Tauck land tours and found them to be outstanding...thus, the reason for choosing Tauck for the river cruise.

Only concern I had was Tauck's not being primarily a river cruise company like Viking, Scenic Tours, GCT and others.

After reading some of the comments on the comment boards regarding some of the river cruise companies it appears that Tauck is a good choice and you have validated that decision!

Thank you again

Emma Chisit

Thanks, appreciate the review as Tauck doesn't seem to be reviewed much. Defintely considering a cruise with them sometime, depending on itinerary.

Thanks for the review of Tauck. We will be on the Swiss Saphire next August, and I have been looking for info. Obviously, this will be a much newer boat and owned by Tauck, but if your experience was so good ours hopefully will be better because of the bigger cabins and continuity with Tauck. Could you please comment on the dining experience at dinner. We are Regent and Silversea cruisers and prefer eating as two. My understanding is this is not possible. Are there lines at dinner as suggested in other reviews on this board?

I did a Tauck Black Sea to Budapest trip on the Swiss Sapphire in June of this year (2008). Meal times are pretty strict. If breakfast is 7:30-10:00, you'd better be done by 10:10 because you'll be asked to leave. I believe the Restaurant Manager told us that under their contract with Tauck ("they" being the company from whom Tauck leases the boats) that there are 2 hours allotted for dinner. There are no lines, the dining room can seat all passengers in one sitting. Our particular trip was about thirty passengers below capacity, so it was possible for some solo dining at dinner.

I'm 43 and I was travelling with my 73 year old mother. Other than a couple of teenagers travelling with their parents, I was clearly the youngest person on the boat. While older than me, most of the other passengers were in fabulous shape (some better than me), and I found it absolutely fascinating to talk with them about their past travel experiences (3 conversation starters on any Tauck trip...have you travelled with Tauck before, where was your last trip and where is your next trip...these draw some really interesting info about places I've been or like to go). We usually prefer to eat alone but made fast friends with some other folks and spent most nights enjoying their company at a table for six.

The Tauck Tour Directors were all fabulous. Everything was on time and if there were any logistical glitches, they were invisible to us.

This was our first riverboat trip and first Tauck trip, and we were very impressed. The Sapphire is a beautiful ship. The food is great. You'll enjoy it very much. We experienced a few problems with the ship staff, mostly related to the fact that the ship and crew had only been running for two months. Tauck seemed to be a top notch operator. With a great ship and tour company, you should be in for a fabulous time!

Happy cruising!

Karen, Thank you so much for your reply. I have heard nothing but positives about Tauck and so was not dismayed to pony up the extra $$ for this trip. You give me even more reassurance.

• 2 months later...

I too thank you for your review. I'm hoping you all can give me some more help.

We planned to do a Rhine/Moselle trip on Viking in October (have already gotten the air). I should have done my research first but I didn't. Now I'm reading a lot of negetive comments about them and also about Uniworld (which I thought I'd transfer to). Some of the comments said the food was mediocre with rushed service, tour groups were large, and there was a lot of pressure to "stay with the group" rather than explore on one's own.

Like another member, we too are Regent/Seabourn cruisers. What we liked about them was basically excellent food served slowly enough to enjoy getting to know new table companions, and excellent service. I know riverboat cruising is an entirely different thing but am still hoping to find one that has these qualities. Then I read about Tauck and am wondering from all of you who have taken one of their cruises if this would fit the bill for us. (We did take a Deilmann cruise about 5 years ago and although it had it's faults, we would do them again if they had the places we wanted to go.

One of the negatives about Tauck is that there are only twin beds which cannot be put together.

What do you guys think? This is probably are last trip to Europe so I hope everyone (who is as picky as we are :) and who's been on this cruise will let me know which way to go. Thanks!

Thanks for that wonderful review.We recieved the Tauck brochure and are planning to do there Amsterdam to Budapest for July or August for 2010. We are allready booked this summer for 14 day Med cruise on Oceania. Would like to read your review when you get this summer NEWLONDON.

There is a role call for the Viking cruise for the 19th of April. If you post on that we will give reviews and honest assessments. Have been on both Uniworld and Viking--never found food mediocre. We have owned a restaurant and are "picky" eaters. Don't want to hi-jack the thread, so why don't you start a new one--am sure you will get good responses. Pat

I notice that you took a Viking River Cruise on the Rhine and Danube in 2004. Was it Amsterdam/Budapest or the reverse? We are booked on this itinerary for next June and would love to hear your impressions. How were the tours?

We took Viking's round trip Vienna/Black Sea in 2003 and really enjoyed it. Thanks in advance.

In response to the negative feedback about Viking - here is my opinion. We just returned from the Danube Christmas Market Tour with Viking. While the food was fine, there was not the variety found on large cruise ships. There was ABSOLUTELY NO PRESSURE to stay with the tour groups. In fact, we left the group many times and had fun on our own. The rooms were very clean, as was the entire ship. The staff was very nice and easy to work with. We had a wonderful time, and I'm sure you will, too.

Oceans&Rivers

I did a Tauck Black Sea to Budapest trip on the Swiss Sapphire in June of this year (2008). Meal times are pretty strict. If breakfast is 7:30-10:00, you'd better be done by 10:10 because you'll be asked to leave.

I hope passengers were notified of that before the first meal. Customarily, posted times are times of entry to the dining room, meaning the latest you may enter the dining room would be 10:00 if times are 7:30-10:00, but you'd then be able to finish in more time than a ghastly ten minutes. :eek:

I've love to hear your assessment. I'm new to this...how do I get to the Viking roll call page? Thanks!

The roll call for the Apr 19th sailing is on this page. Title: Treasures of the Rhine Apr 19. Also try the search engine, it is supposed to be updated. Still have had only one bad meal on a river cruise and that was in Egypt. It is difficult to make shoices for others. Good luck. Pat

Having been unable to post due to a week+ without power in our ice storm, I'm just catching up. We did not hear or see anything about beds not being pushed together. In fact if you go to the Tauck site and drill down to the article on the Saphire the pictures look just the opposite. Acrusa we'll post our impressions next Sept. if the stock market doesn't tank even further.

• 2 weeks later...

Hi newlondon,

After your river book cruise with Tauck, would you please post here and on the Tauck board since we are booking the same cruise for 2010. Love to hear your comments. Which way are you doing -- North or South?

We are going South. Assuming the stock market doesn't do another negative 40% will review upon our return.

To newlondon,

WOW - Someone finally said something a bit negative about Tauck.

We toured with them several years ago for the first and last time. This was an extensive and expensive (as are all Tauck tours) trip. From day one we were treated like 6-year-olds. Of the 42 in the group there were only 8 of us who did not arrive two days earlier to overcome jet-lag. No accomodations were made for us. Although the guide kept saying how sorry she felt, she told us that the the rest were in the majority and that they needed to get up and go. That was fine, we have traveled enough to know what to expect. When we were told to meet the bus at 8am the following morning and at 7:50 we lost our bearings leaving the hotel, we were met by a condescending, nasty tour guide who told us that this "better not happen again because we were holding up the rest of the group". When I mentioned that we still had 5 minutes - she informed me "that was NOT the way Tauck did things". The entire trip was like that - there could be no diviation from what Tauck wanted...and they constantly brainwashed people by continually ccommenating how Tauck was the best. Since we had traveled with many tour groups before, I did not find them any better than some of the others. I did find 3/4 of the group clicky (which Tauck encourages) and obnoxious. Also - FYI - The repeat travelers call themselves "Tauckies" So, let the buyer beware. Although I have never done a River Cruise with the comapny...and I have no intention of ever doing one - you may have wonderful accomodatons and excellent food - but you will be back in grade school and under strict supervision before you know it.

2travellers experience certainly does not sound like fun, but maybe necessary. I have toured with other groups as well-not Tauck yet- and I can tell you that I would prefer a strict regimen rather than a laid back approach. If there is no discipline then those who abide by the rules are at the mercy of those who don't or don't care. I have had tours held up to the point that the itinerary was not completed. I have had groups slowed by less mobile folks even though the description warns of difficult terrain--etc. I agree that cliques are regrettable, but in my opinion a fact of life. Once again I'm sorry you had a bad time. I do ask friends who have done Tauck for their opinions and we are going because they were unanimously 5 star.

2travelers - just for your information, I made a negative report back in November on this board. So, some do complain about Tauck. I was treated very rudely also but if you can get by that everything else was fine.

Sorry I did not see your post before this. Got caught up in the Xmas rush!!!

Our Viking cruise was from Vienna to Amsterdam. We did the rhine, Danube and Main rivers. It was a wonderful cruise. The food was good to excellent. Tour guides very informative, except for one, who gave way too much architectural information. The group was split into very small groups for the city tours and any bus trip that we took.

The ship was spotless and the staff very helpful. You could break away from the tours if you wished to or complete the walking tour and then stay in town and go your individaul way or have lunch etc.

Everything was well organized and the group we traveled with mixed well and we met some very interesting people. You will enjoy Viking (IMO)

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Our excursion to leiden offers charming architecture, canals and tons of history both past and present, without crowds of tourists. it is the birthplace of rembrandt, has pilgrim connections, and is still home to the country's oldest university. it is packed with history but it is also incredibly charming. you will want to stroll along the canals or sit at a sidewalk café with the local students..

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If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the Netherlands and Belgium. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter either country for the short duration of this tour.

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We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver's license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

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

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

How to Book a Tour

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

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

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

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

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

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

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

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

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

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

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

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

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

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

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

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

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

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

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

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

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

Tour Interruption Fees

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

Partial Room Cancellation

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

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

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

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

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

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. ,  no vaccinations are currently required for travel to The Netherlands or Belgium. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of The Netherlands and of Belgium to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.

While a Netherlands and Belgium cruise is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Sun, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald. On some riverboats, elevator accesses the Diamond Deck, Ruby Deck, and Diamond Deck, but not the Sun Deck or Emerald Deck. On others, the elevator accesses all decks except the Sun Deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks. Please refer to your electronic personal documents for the specifics of your riverboat.

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

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

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

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

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

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

Reading List

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

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate in the Netherlands is temperate. From May through October, the average high temperatures increase as you travel south along the rivers with an average high temperatures of 63 to 71 °F (17 to 22 °C) in Amsterdam and average low temperatures from 45 to 53 °F (7 to 12 °C). Rainfall amounts are moderate in this region and remain constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wetter seasons of the year. To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. Lightweight jackets and sweaters are recommended during springtime when daily high temperatures are still about 60 °F (16 °C). Evenings are very cool as the temperatures fall into the 30's and 40's °F overnight (single digits in Celsius). Pack comfortable, yet sturdy, walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

Summer days will be warm and comfortable, but temperatures will drop in the evening. 

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual. Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men. For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable. For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers. Your journey also includes one or two special occasion meals, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested.  (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities on the riverboat are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 cabins feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

We suggest that you pack the following items for your cruise on the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium: 

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for shipboard
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

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