Long-standing tour operator Tauck recently announced the creation of a brand-new for 2014 itinerary along the Danube, bringing the company’s total river cruise offerings along the famous European waterway to seven.
Named Danube Reflections, Tauck’s new 10-day itinerary operates eastbound between Regensburg, Germany and Vienna, Austria, or westbound from Vienna to Regensburg. Along with a seven-day cruise along the Danube, a two-night stay at the ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton Vienna is included alongside guided sightseeing of this fascinating Austrian city and an “Imperial Evening” featuring a cocktail reception, dinner and live music and dance performances in a private Viennese palace.
“Our other cruises featuring the Danube, either alone or in combination with other waterways, range from 12 to 24 days. At just ten days, the new ‘Danube Reflections’ is a great option for travelers with less vacation time,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. “Our new itinerary also has a greater focus on Vienna, one of Europe’s true gems and a perennial favorite among our guests, and we’ve built in sightseeing choices during many of our port visits.”
Along the river cruise, numerous touring options include the choice of a walking tour with a local expert in Bratislava, or an excursion outside the city for a wine tasting and castle visit. In Germany guests can opt for a tour of World War II-related sites in Nurnberg, or a walking tour in medieval-themed Regensburg. And in Austria, guests can disembark in Krems to visit Graffenegg Castle and Gottweig Abbey (a mountaintop Benedictine monastery), or stay on board and travel to Durnstein for a guided walking tour of the town and the ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle perched high on the hillside, where Richard the Lionheart spent an unscheduled stay in 1192 after being captured by Duke Leopold V.
Tauck’s new itinerary also offers ample time to fully enjoy the stunning array of attractions and cultural experiences in Vienna, from visits to the Belvedere Museum, the interactive House of Music, or the Kunsthistoriches, or fine arts museum. Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without a visit to the city’s historic coffee houses for a quick drink or the chance to linger over lunch, Viennese-style.
Just like Tauck’s other river cruises, this new Danube Reflections itinerary will include all shore excursions – even optional ones – in the standard cruise fare, along with all gratuities, onboard beverages including alcohol and premium spirits, airport transfers and selected meals ashore.
Tauck has also carved a name out for itself in the river cruise industry thanks to the company’s highly-affable Tauck Directors. Three directors typically accompany guests during every step of the land and river cruise program, while a fourth Tauck Director is onboard the river cruise ship to assist with any needs guests might have.
Eight departures will be offered between July and October of 2014, aboard Tauck’s brand-new ms Savor, which will enter service next spring.
More information on Tauck, its fleet and unique cruise tours can be found by viewing our complete Tauck profile here on River Cruise Advisor.
