When people think of the legendary waterways of Europe, often the most famous one that springs to mind is the Danube. The second-longest river after Russia’s Volga, the Danube stretches from the Black Forest in Germany and continues until it reaches the Black Sea. Besides being an important trade and transportation route, the Danube has captured the imagination of citizens and travelers for centuries. It even boasts its own “theme song” composed by Austrian Johann Strauss, On the Beautiful Blue Danube, or more commonly just The Blue Danube.
If you’ve always wanted to explore this fascinating region of the world, Tauck offers a compelling reason to do so next year by combining a spectacular itinerary operated by it’s newest vessel, the elegant MS Treasures.
Christened just this past August, the MS Treasures carries just 118 fortunate guests aboard a ship that is as comfortable as it is attractive. A full 85 percent of all staterooms feature full floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies, and all cabins boast a new modular design for bedding that allows two single beds to be transformed seamlessly into a fully integrated king size bed. Four-hundred thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and luxurious Hungarian down-filled pillows help ensure that your time aboard will be as comfortable as it is adventurous..
On board MS Treasures, Tauck has chosen amenities from the refreshing L’Occitane toiletries found in the staterooms. Weather also need not play a factor in your cruise enjoyment: MS Treasures has an attractive Lido Bar located at the stern of the vessel that features a remarkable 180-degree glass wall that opens to create an indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge when weather permits.
Guests looking for a little more space will obviously be delighted to learn there are 14 suites measuring 300-square feet and equipped with marble baths, flat-screen televisions, walk-in closets, and floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies.
Complementing the nautical beauty of the MS Treasures is the natural beauty of the legendary Danube and the historic sights of some of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Departing May 10, June 7, July 1, August 16, September 13, and September 27, 2012, this itinerary includes time to expore both Prague and Budapest in-depth. But it’s also noteworthy for combining port calls in cities like Vienna alongside smaller ports like Durnstein, which are sometimes passed over on other itineraries.
Be sure to take part in the journey to storybook-like Cesky Krumlov; it is an experience you won’t soon forget!
The full itinerary, offered aboard MS Treasures and the equally elegant MS Swiss Jewel:
DAY | PORT | ACTIVITY |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Budapest | Arrival & hotel transfer |
Day 2 | Budapest | Discover the amazing landmarks of Budapest |
Day 3 | Budapest | Explore & embark your river cruise ship |
Day 4 | Bratislava | Explore baroque Bratislava |
Day 5 | Vienna | Imperial Music & More |
Day 6 | Vienna / Durnstein | Explore Vienna & sail to Durnstein |
Day 7 | Durnstein | Explore Durnstein and sail the Wachau Valley |
Day 8 | Salzburg / Cesky Krumlov | Explore Salzburg or beautiful Cesky Krumlov |
Day 9 | Passau | Spend the day exploring Passau, then sail the legendary Danube |
Day 10 | Regensburg / Prague | Disembark and explore Regensburg before continuing on to Prague |
Day 11 | Prague | Behind-the-Scenes in Prague |
Day 12 | Prague | Transfer to Prague Airport and fly home |
Aboard Tauck, all gratuities are included in the price of the river cruise, along with all Tauck shore excursions and two nights in both Prague and Budapest. Three Tauck Exclusive experiences are also included on this itinerary: in Vienna, a private evening at an imperial palace features dinner and Viennese performers; while guests are treated to a private aperitif and dinner at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague. Guests are also treated to a private tour of Prague’s Baroque libraries and the Strahov Monastery.
Frankly, this is one itinerary that has us humming The Blue Danube and daydreaming a little. What about you?
For more information about Tauck, its fleet of four elegant river cruise ships and itineraries, be sure to read our Tauck River Cruises profile right here on River Cruise Advisor.
Rolaxblom79 says
Yeah! we just finished our vacation on the Blue Danube from Sept. 8 – 19 2011 ( Prague to Budapest ) we boarded the Swiss Jewel the Treasures was booked already when we called. Hopefully we can board Ms Treasures in the future! Looking forward to it.