Grand European Cruise - Eastbound
24 days
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
River Cruise
Explore stunning riverscapes by riverboat from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Set off on a grand 3-week cruise through nine European countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube, plus two nights at a city-center hotel in Bucharest.
Overview
Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule
Highlights
- 21-night cruise plus 2-night-stay in Bucharest
- exclusive Imperial Evening in Vienna
- VIP dinner in Bucharest's Parliament Palace
- passage through the Iron Gate of the Danube
- guided Rijksmuseum tour
- private visit to Belgrade's Royal Palace of Dedinje
What's this trip about?
Explore stunning riverscapes by riverboat from the North Sea to the Black Sea. Set off on a grand 3-week cruise through nine European countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube, plus two nights at a city-center hotel in Bucharest.
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAmsterdam, Netherlands
End CityBucharest
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director All private Tauck shore excursions - $2,168 Value! A private Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna featuring dinner and Viennese performers In Amsterdam, a guided tour of the famed Rijksmuseum, home to many masterpieces Day exploring Nürnberg, the walled medieval town whose history is forever intertwined with World War II Choice of sightseeing in Vienna - a visit to the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments in the Hofburg or to Schönbrunn Palace Memorable visits to Melk Abbey, Kölner Dom, and Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett in Rüdesheim Guided sightseeing in the historic European capitals of Bratislava, Slovakia, and Budapest Two nights at a hotel in Budapest and two nights in Bucharest at a hotel with an ideal location next to the Parliament Palace Dinner at the massive Parliament building (the "People's Palace") in Bucharest Visit with a Croatian family in their private home in Vukovar Private piano performance on a visit to the Béla Bartók Memorial House in Budapest A visit to the city of Pécs in Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Passage through the Iron Gate on the Danube River Choice of Romanian excursions exploring the story of Vlad Tepes, 15th-century inspiration for Bram Stoker's "Dracula" Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks. Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 67 meals (23 breakfasts, 22 lunches & 22 dinners); some meals in local restaurants; beer and wine with lunch and dinner on the riverboat, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharge
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Day 1 Embark on your cruise in Amsterdam
Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Schiphol International Airport or Amsterdam Centraal Station to your riverboat for the start of your cruise; check-in for all guests is 4:00 PM. Meet your riverboat crew, then join us for the Captain's welcome dinner on board this evening. MEALS : D LODGING : Aboard the Riverboat PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam
Day 2 Great art, a canal cruise and more in Amsterdam
You'll disembark in Amsterdam for a guided visit to the Rijksmuseum, viewing works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Hals. Head next to Centraal Station to board a boat cruise on the Zaan River, ending in Zaandam where picturesque homes and windmills carry on in traditional Dutc...
Day 3 Modern and ancient history in Köln
After a morning of cruising and lunch aboard the riverboat, your explorations continue in Köln (Cologne), the oldest city in Germany. A guided walking tour of city sights includes a visit to twin-spired Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), boasting one of the world's largest ...
Day 4 Cruising the Rhine... the Lorelei and a visit to Rüdesheim & the merry music machines
The perfect Rhine cruise... glide along the river until early afternoon, and relax as your Tauck Director shares a tale or two during the cruise through the scenic - and literally legendary - Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where an ent...
Day 5 A full day cruising the Main
Enjoy the views as your Rhine cruise continues into the Main River, for a full day of cruising through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns. A Bavarian-themed dinner aboard the riverboat tonight precedes a demonstration of the time-honored...
Day 6 Rothenburg or Würzburg, plus a wine tasting
Spend the morning cruising and have lunch aboard the riverboat before arriving in Würzburg for choice of sightseeing. You can choose an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, on Germany's "Romantic Road," to see its Gothic cathedral and gabled houses on a walking tour, and en...
Day 7 Along the Main to Bamberg
Your riverboat cruises along the Main to the Bavarian town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop seven hills. After discovering the town's lovely gardens, medieval architecture and 13th-century Gothic cathedral with its four imposing towers on a guided w...
Day 8 Historic Nürnberg and the Main-Danube Canal
Tauck's Main, Danube and Rhine cruise arrives this morning in historic Nürnberg, where you'll have a choice of a walking tour through Nürnberg's medieval ramparts to the Imperial Castle and the old city, or view the Courthouse, Zeppelinfeld rally grounds, and other sites...
Day 9 Ancient Regensburg and on to Passau
With its roots as a Roman encampment on the Danube, the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg is home to 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 se...
Day 10 Explore Baroque Passau & cruise the Danube
The riverboat docks in the port city of Passau, dating way back to Roman times. Spend time exploring this lovely Bavarian town - well-known for its Baroque architecture including unique four-story homes, scores of churches and marvelous stained glass - on a walking tour;...
Day 11 Melk's Baroque abbey... and an Imperial Evening in a Vienna palace
Your next destination is the town of Melk, Austria, where you'll step back in time on a guided tour of its 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop above the river. Inside this Baroque masterpiece are fine frescoes, early manuscripts, and a high altar. ...
Day 12 An "Imperial" day in Vienna
Get an overview of Vienna, Austria's capital and one of Europe's greatest cities, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic former capital of the Habsburg Empire. Take your choice of a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a guided visit to the ...
Day 13 Across the Centuries in Bratislava, Slovakia
Depart Vienna after breakfast, and spend the morning cruising to Slovakia. Arrive early afternoon in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour led by a local guide. Highlights include Baroque palaces from the Habsburg...
Day 14 Both sides of remarkable Budapest
Arrive in Budapest today. Standing on opposite banks of the Danube, Budapest's two distinct sections - Buda and Pest - were once independent cities. Explore both on a day of sightseeing that includes views of patriotic Heroes' Square in Pest, dominated by statues of grea...
Day 15 Sightseeing in Budapest, then your cruise of the lower Danube River begins
Sightseeing in Budapest today includes the Hungarian Parliament building, a 19th-century neo-Gothic masterpiece on the Danube (when open). Spend some time exploring as you please before joining your riverboat for your cruise of the lower Danube River. Set out for Kalocsa this evening. MEALS : B, L, D LODGING : Aboard the Riverboat PORTOFCALL : Budapest
Day 16 Antiquities and more in Hungary
Arrive in Mohacs this morning for an excursion to Pecs and a tour of its 11th-century cathedral. Here you'll also explore the fascinating Christian Necropolis, a complex dating back to the 4th century that includes underground burial chambers and chapels adorned with ear...
Day 17 Visit historic Vukovar, Croatia and on to Novi Sad in Serbia
Your riverboat exploration of the lower Danube cruises into Croatia; an onboard lecture by a local expert provides insights into the country's culture and history. Dock in the Baroque city of Vukovar, once showcasing opulent 18th-century mansions, but now poignantly symb...
Day 18 The sights of Belgrade and a private palace visit
Awaken in Belgrade, where an onboard lecture paves the way for visits to Tito's Memorial and Kalamegdan Fortress. See Slavija and Republic squares, Parliament, City Hall, the National Theatre and tour the Royal Palace of Dedinje, today home to the Serbian royal family. S...
Day 19 The Iron Gate of the Danube, King Decebalus and more
Watch the scenic eastern heartland unfold as you spend the day cruising to Bulgaria; en route, fields and vineyards reveal ways of life here that harken back to an earlier age. A highlight is your passage through the Kazan Narrows and Iron Gate, a gorge where the Danube ...
Day 20 Bulgarian art & architecture in Ruse or Ivanovo
Your journey along the lower Danube cruises to Bulgaria; largely off limits during four centuries of Ottoman rule and decades behind the Iron Curtain, the country's rich natural beauty and history is yours to discover today. Disembark after lunch in Ruse - often referred...
Day 21 Constanta & Mamaia on Romania's Black Sea coast
Walk off the ship in Cernavoda, Romania, for a day trip to the 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; sights include an Art-Nouveau casino, and ...
Day 22 Disembark for a visit to an immense palace & more in Bucharest
Disembark your riverboat in Cernavoda and travel across fertile plains to Bucharest, capital of Romania and once regarded as the "Paris of the Balkans." A sightseeing tour of city landmarks includes Revolution Square and the Triumphal Arch; erected to commemorate Romania...
Day 23 A choice of excursion to Transylvania, Targoviste or Peles Castle in the Carpathian Mountains
A choice of sightseeing today echoes the legacy of 15th-century Romanian prince Vlad Tepes (a.k.a. "Vlad the Impaler"), thought to be the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. You may choose to take an excursion to Transylvania's 14th-century Bran Castle, which Tep...
Day 24 Journey home
Tour ends in Bucharest, Romania. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport and Bucuresti Gara de Nord; please allow 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. MEALS : B PORTOFCALL : Bucharest
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Price From $10,090
Price per day$420
Last Updated: 2/22/2018
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Tauck Reviews & Ratings
Other Tauck Reviews
Nine Tours and Done
Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done o...
Skip this cruise - not worth it
My husband and I went on the Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles Trip jn October 2022. This was our third Tauck cruise with Ponnant but our first post covid and the...
Tauck/Aon terrible travel insurance
Tauck partners with Aon for travel insurance. We bought this insurance through Tauck specifically to cover us in case of a positive for test for Covid and could not ...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.
In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.
Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.
Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.
youtube_video_1
twitter_1
What they’re known for
Fun group tours and cruises that are culturally-focused and great for families and seniors on vacation.
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.
Save time
Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.
Save money
Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.
Travel confidently
Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.
Logistics
Ship & cabin information
MS SWISS JEWEL, MS TREASURES, MS ESPRIT
MS SWISS JEWEL One of five 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, ms Swiss Jewel accommodates no more than 118 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious marble baths with full-size tubs, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports seven 183-square-foot cabins, similarly furnished. Standard cabins (150 square feet) are cozy and comfortable and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries. - See more at: http://www.tauck.com/river-cruises/river-cruise-ships/ms-swiss-jewel-overview.aspx?#sthash.GEW4ZGiE.dpuf. MS TREASURES One of five 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, ms Treasures accommodates no more than 118 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious marble baths with full-size tubs, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports seven 183-square-foot cabins, similarly furnished. Standard cabins (150 square feet) are cozy and comfortable and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries. MS ESPRIT One of five 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, ms Esprit accommodates no more than 118 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious marble baths with full-size tubs, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports seven 183-square-foot cabins, similarly furnished. Standard cabins (150 square feet) are cozy and comfortable and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries.
MS SWISS JEWEL MS TREASURES MS ESPRIT
MS SWISS JEWEL One of five 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, ms Swiss Jewel accommodates no more than 118 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious marble baths with full-size tubs, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports seven 183-square-foot cabins, similarly furnished. Standard cabins (150 square feet) are cozy and comfortable and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries. - See more at: http://www.tauck.com/river-cruises/river-cruise-ships/ms-swiss-jewel-overview.aspx?#sthash.GEW4ZGiE.dpuf. MS TREASURES One of five 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, ms Treasures accommodates no more than 118 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious marble baths with full-size tubs, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports seven 183-square-foot cabins, similarly furnished. Standard cabins (150 square feet) are cozy and comfortable and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries. MS ESPRIT One of five 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck's Destination Fleet, ms Esprit accommodates no more than 118 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious marble baths with full-size tubs, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports seven 183-square-foot cabins, similarly furnished. Standard cabins (150 square feet) are cozy and comfortable and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries.
MS SWISS JEWEL MS TREASURES MS ESPRIT
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-RXE2016
Become a member
(it's free)
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations
