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Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat
Travel aboard one of Tauck's luxury riverboats – MS Swiss Sapphire, MS Swiss Emerald or the new-for-2009 MS Swiss Jewel – on a two-week Danube, Main and Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, gliding past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, castles and vineyards. Pass through five countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, and explore legendary cities such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg, Bratislava and Budapest. Tauck's all-included private shore excursions take you to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic districts of Budapest, Vienna, and Bamberg, and the Wachau and Rhine Valleys. In Vienna, take your choice of visits to Schönbrunn Palace or the Hofburg's Imperial Silver Room, and attend a grand Imperial Evening in a traditional palace. In Amsterdam, enjoy a luncheon cruise along the city's 17th-century canals and tour the famed Rijksmuseum. Visit Köln Cathedral, Melk Abbey, medieval towns like Regensburg and Dürnstein, Budapest's Heroes' Square and much more!
If you’d like to make your European vacation last a little longer, consider a Paris City Extension before your cruise begins, or a Warsaw / Cracow City Extension after your cruise ends.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 Itinerary
Southbound
Click here for Northbound itinerary, Budapest to Amsterdam.• Indicates day of cruising
• Day 1: Embark on your cruise in Amsterdam
A transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport directly to MS Swiss Emerald, MS Swiss Sapphire or the new-for-2009 MS Swiss Jewel. Tour starts at 4:00 p.m. in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Your two-week Danube, Main and Rhine cruise begins with dinner aboard the riverboat.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 2: Art in Amsterdam
See acclaimed art by Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt's The Night Watch, at Amsterdam's renowned Rijksmuseum. Then enjoy views of Amsterdam's remarkable architectural styles on a luncheon boat cruise along Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 3: Köln, namesake of Eau de Cologne
Next stop on your Rhine cruise is Köln (Cologne), Germany. A guided walking tour includes the lofty Kölner Dom, elaborately decorated with pinnacles and buttresses – it is the tallest Gothic structure in the world, and took over 600 years to complete. Stroll through Köln's Hohe Strasse pedestrian area at your leisure in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 4: Koblenz or Marksburg Castle, and merry music machines
Dock in Koblenz, and choose either a walking tour of Old Town, or a trip to 13th-century Marksburg Castle, built high above the Rhine. Relax on an afternoon’s cruise through the scenic Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett – an eclectic collection of mechanical musical instruments housed in a 15th-century castle in Rüdesheim – precedes tonight's entertaining dinner in an old-world German restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 5: Rhine Cruise to the Main River
Visit Miltenberg, a walled medieval city with a hilltop castle and Roman roots. Then enjoy the views as your Rhine cruise continues into the Main River, through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 6: Discover Rothenburg and Würzburg
Today's travels take you to medieval Rothenburg, on Germany's "Romantic Road," to see its Gothic cathedrals and gabled houses. Later, a visit to charming Würzburg reveals the town's 18th-century Residenz and the ornate Alte Mainbrücke, a bridge over the River Main.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 7: Bound for Bamberg
Continue your cruise along the Main, then journey 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 walking tour of Old Town, you'll have time to explore this charming town on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 8: Main-Danube Canal & historic Nürnberg
Cruise the Main-Danube Canal, which ultimately links the North Sea with the Black Sea; the idea goes back as far as Charlemagne, but wasn't realized until the 1990s. Pass through 16 locks as the waterway traverses the mountains. Continue on to historic Nürnberg, where you can choose between a tour of city sites associated with World War II and its aftermath – including the famous Court House – or a tour of the walled medieval town and a visit to the home of 16th-century painter Albrecht Dürer.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 9: Ancient Regensburg
Stop in the well-preserved medieval town of Regensburg, once a campsite for the Roman legions. On a walking tour, see the Steinerne Brücke, a medieval stone bridge over the Danube; Altes Rathaus, the 15th-century town hall that was once the seat of the Imperial Diet; and towering Dom St. Peter.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 10: Explore Baroque Passau
Dock in the German port city of Passau, dating back to Roman times. Spend time exploring this lovely Bavarian town, known for its Baroque architecture and stained glass, on a walking tour. Cruise the Danube in the afternoon, bound for Melk, Austria.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 11: Medieval Austrian abbeys and castles
Stop in the town of Melk, Austria, for 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. Enjoy views of medieval castle ruins while cruising through the Wachau Valley. Stroll through picturesque Dürnstein on a walking tour; high above the town lie the ruins of a castle where King Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 12: Music and more in Imperial Vienna
Get an overview of Vienna, Austria, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic city. Then take your choice of a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a tour of the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Tonight, attend a private Imperial Viennese Evening at a traditional palace, which features dinner and live Viennese music.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 13: Baroque in Bratislava
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour. Highlights are Baroque palaces from the Habsburg era, along with St. Martin's Cathedral, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and a visit to Old Town Hall. Please join the Captain and crew for a farewell reception and dinner aboard your riverboat this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
• Day 14: Discover Budapest on the Danube
Explore Budapest, Hungary's capital set on both sides of the Danube River. Sites you'll see include Heroes’ Square, bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary; the Parliament building, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece; and Fishermen’s Bastion overlooking the Danube.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Day 15: Journey home
Tour ends in Budapest, Hungary. Disembark in Budapest; a transfer is included from the riverboat to Budapest's Ferihegy Airport. Allow 2 1⁄2 hours for departure flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Don’t miss the castles and cathedrals lining
these historic rivers – book your Danube, Main & Rhine cruise today!
Prices15 Day Land/Cruise prices aboard MS Swiss Jewel from $5590 plus airfare
Click here for deck plan and other ship information.
| Cat. 1 |
Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 | Cat. 6 | |||||||
| Date | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl |
| 5/3/2009* | $5890 | $5890 | $6290 | $8806 | $7190 | $9,066 | $7690 | $12,304 | $8640 | $14,688 | $9840 | $16,728 |
| 5/17/2009 | $5990 | $5990 | $6390 | $8946 | $7290 | $10,206 | $7790 | $12,464 | $8740 | $14,858 | $9940 | $16,898 |
| 6/28/2009* | $5990 | $5990 | $6390 | $8946 | $7290 | $10,206 | $7790 | $12,464 | $8740 | $14,858 | $9940 | $16,898 |
| 7/12/2009 | $5790 | $8106 | $6190 | $8666 | $7090 | $9926 | $7590 | $12,144 | $8540 | $14,518 | $9740 | $16,558 |
| 7/26/2009* | $4690 | $6966 | $5090 | $8526 | $5990 | $8786 | $6490 | $11,984 | $8440 | $14,348 | $9640 | $16,388 |
| 8/9/2009 | $5590 | $7826 | $5990 | $8386 | $6890 | $9646 | $7390 | $11,824 | $8340 | $14,178 | $9540 | $16,218 |
| 9/20/2009* | $6090 | $8526 | $6490 | $9086 | $7390 | $10,346 | $7890 | $12,624 | $8840 | $15,028 | $10,040 | $17,068 |
| 10/4/2009 | $6090 | $8526 | $6490 | $9086 | $7390 | $10,346 | $7890 | $12,624 | $8840 | $15,028 | $10,040 | $17,068 |
15 Day Land/Cruise prices aboard MS Swiss Sapphire from $5490 plus airfare
Click here for deck plan and other ship information.
| Cat. 1 |
Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 | Cat. 6 | |||||||
| Date | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl |
| 6/20/2009 | $5890 | $5890 | $6290 | $8806 | $7190 | $10,066 | $7690 | $12,304 | $8640 | $14,688 | $9840 | $16,728 |
| 8/1/2009* | $4490 | $6686 | $4890 | $8246 | $5790 | $8506 | $6290 | $11,664 | $8240 | $14,008 | $9440 | $16,048 |
| 8/15/2009 | $5490 | $6686 | $5890 | $8246 | $6790 | $8506 | $7290 | $11,664 | $8240 | $14,008 | $9440 | $16,048 |
| 9/26/2009* | $5990 | $8386 | $6390 | $8946 | $7290 | $10,206 | $7790 | $12,464 | $8740 | $14,858 | $9940 | $16,898 |
| 10/10/2009 | $5790 | $8106 | $6190 | $8666 | $7090 | $9926 | $7590 | $12,144 | $8540 | $14,518 | $9740 | $16,558 |
15 Day Land/Cruise prices aboard MS Swiss Emerald from $5390 plus airfare
Click here for deck plan and other ship information.
| Cat. 1 |
Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4 | Cat. 5 | Cat. 6 | |||||||
| Date | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl | Dbl | Sgl |
| 5/10/2009 | $5790 | $5790 | $6190 | $8666 | $7090 | $8926 | $7590 | $12,144 | $8540 | $14,518 | $9740 | $16,558 |
| 8/16/2009* | $5390 | $6546 | $5790 | $8106 | $6690 | $8366 | $7190 | $11,504 | $8140 | $13,838 | $9340 | $15,878 |
| 10/17/2009 | $5490 | $6686 | $5890 | $8246 | $6790 | $8506 | $7290 | $11,664 | $8240 | $14,008 | $9440 | $16,048 |
* Indicates Budapest to Amsterdam direction.
41 meals included.
Price Includes Special Double Cabin Savings of $1000 per person, Categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 double cabins, on Jul 26 and Aug 1 departures!
Price Includes Special Singles Savings in Category 1 – the single supplement has been waived on all May and June departures. Category 1 single price is the same as Category 1 double price!
Price Includes Special Singles Savings of $1000 per person:
Category 1 – July 26, August 1, 15 & 16 and October 17 departures
Category 3 – May 3, May 10, July 26, August 1, 15 & 16 and October 17 departures.
Certain restrictions apply to all savings; ask at time of booking.
Cruise price per person 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. North and south 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 Plan.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All riverboat accommodations and transportation, motor coach transportation, port charges, sightseeing, admissions, land excursions, luggage handling, wine with dinner aboard the riverboat, and the services of the Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, ship staff, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on the first day of the cruise and provide you with transportation to the MS Swiss Emerald, the MS Swiss Sapphire or the MS Swiss Jewel (depending on your cruise departure date) regardless of the time of your arrival, provided that you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the tour departure date. If you choose to arrive earlier than the tour departure date and arrange with Tauck for additional night(s) at the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, we will provide you with transportation from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the riverboat. On the last day of the cruise, Tauck will also provide you with transportation from the riverboat to Budapest Ferihegy International Airport or to the Le Méridien Budapest if you arrange with Tauck to extend your stay at the hotel. Transportation will be provided to the airport from the hotel whenever you choose to depart.
Riverboat Accommodations – The tour price includes all riverboat accommodations. The MS Swiss Emerald, the MS Swiss Sapphire, and the MS Swiss Jewel each accommodate only 118 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin is equipped with a plasma television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and a private bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds which do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this tour.
Riverboat Accommodations – The tour price includes all riverboat accommodations. The MS Swiss Emerald, the MS Swiss Sapphire, and the MS Swiss Jewel each accommodate only 118 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin is equipped with a plasma television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and a private bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds which do slide together. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this tour.
Other riverboat facilities include a lounge with panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant which can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs and whirlpool, a sauna and solarium, a library, a fitness center and a small boutique
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
An ample cold and hot buffet breakfast is served in the spacious restaurant. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrées with several courses, or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrées is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; vegetarian and special diets are available, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.
The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 18 year old.
Tauck Director –The Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat cruise has one Tauck Director for every 40 guests and one Tauck Cruise Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Directors are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for the ship staff, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Directors will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your 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 for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, alcoholic and bar beverages not included with meals, laundry and dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, hotel transfers to and from railway stations, visa fees and services, airport and departure taxes, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures – In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
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 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, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). 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 can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to Tauck prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to Tauck as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 5:30 PM on board the riverboat in Amsterdam. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of the riverboat on the last day of the tour. Transfers to Budapest Ferihegy Airport begin at 4 AM. Please allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing to Go
Air Conditioning – All motor coaches and riverboats are air conditioned for your comfort. Several restaurants we use throughout the itinerary are not air-conditioned due to the historic significance of the buildings.
ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is always advisable. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended. 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. For the welcome reception and the farewell dinner you may wish to dress up a bit – jacket and tie for men, casually-elegant attire for ladies.
Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each riverboat cabin.
Ironing facilities and limited valet laundry services are available on board. Dry cleaning is not available
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, 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.
We recommend you pack the following items for your cruise:
- Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for on board
- Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for onshore
- Jacket and tie for men
- Casually-elegant outfit for ladies
- Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Shorts, slacks and jeans
- Tee shirts
- Socks
- Light sweater (summer), medium-weight sweater (fall)
- Light jacket (summer), medium-weight jacket (fall)
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Lightweight gloves
- Collapsible umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
- Binoculars
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Travel alarm clock
- Copies of your travel documents that should be safely secured in your in-room safe while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 1,332 ft (406 m) on the Main-Danube Canal near Nuremberg, Germany.
Health – While a cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to fully enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in fairly 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 the cobblestone streets on the hills along the Rhine; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.
Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond and Ruby decks only. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
Health – While a cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to fully enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in fairly 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 the cobblestone streets on the hills along the Rhine; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.
Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond and Ruby decks only. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.
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 the riverboat. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs on this cruise. We also cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you.
On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.
The 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 Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a U.S citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia or Hungary. 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. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited on this tour to determine whether vaccinations are required for your travel.
Luggage Restrictions –
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter each of the countries visited on this tour.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of the countries visited for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what travel documentation is required.
We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. In addition, 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 cabin while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children –
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There is usually ample opportunity to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.
Currency and Exchange Rates - Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your trip, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when sightseeing. If upon arrival you require local currency, you can visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport or use an ATM. The riverboat does not exchange currency, but does accept Euro, American Express, MasterCard and Visa as methods of settling shipboard accounts.
In those countries which are now using the Euro as the official currency – the Netherlands, Austria and Germany – major credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted, and ATMs are found in most tourist venues. In those countries which do not use the Euro – Hungary and Slovakia – credit cards and travelers’ checks are not widely accepted, fees are often charged for currency exchange, and ATMs are often not found outside of main cities. In these countries, paying cash for purchases in the local currency – and often in U.S. dollars - is preferable.
The official currency of each country and its corresponding universal currency code is listed below:
- Hungary - Forint (HUF)
- Slovakia - Koruna (SKK)
- Austria - Euro (EUR)
- Germany - Euro (EUR)
- the Netherlands - Euro (EUR)
To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website, oanda.com, by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
- Slovakia – VisaHQ.com
- the Netherlands – VisaHQ.com
- Hungary – VisaHQ.com
- Austria – VisaHQ.com
- Germany – VisaHQ.com
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
The current Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by each country on this itinerary is:
- the Netherlands 19%
- Austria 20%
- Slovakia 19%
- Hungary 25%
In lieu of a Value Added Tax, Germany levies an Import Turnover Tax of 17% on most consumer goods and services.
The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods. As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – All riverboat cabins are equipped with 220 V, 50 Hz, alternating electrical current which accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. However, the riverboat cabins are also equipped with a 110 V outlet for shavers. If you bring an electrical device that is not compatible, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Riverboats - Free Wi-Fi access is available all over the ship; a stationary computer is located in the lido bar. Please be advised that the accessibility is through cellular service and maybe spotty at times due to the ship’s location on the river. Internet connectivity recommendations and sign-up sheets for the stationary computer are available on board. You may bring your own laptop aboard the riverboats but you should be aware of the challenges with internet access on the rivers.
Le Méridien Budapest - High-speed access for a fee in public areas
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel - High-speed wired access in rooms for a fee; access in Business Center for a fee
Time Zones – The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 hours ahead.
To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – The climate along the Rhine and the Danube rivers is temperate and unpredictable. From June through August, the average high temperatures increase as you travel south along the river and range from 68 to 78°F (20 to 26°C) and the average low temperatures range from 50 to 59°F (10 to 15°C). Rainfall amounts in this region remain fairly constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wettest seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall decreases as you travel south.
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Average Temperature
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Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Bamberg, Germany
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
|
40 / 31
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4 / -1
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35 / 25
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2 / -4
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February
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42 / 31
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6 / -1
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39 / 26
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4 / -3
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|
March
|
48 / 34
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9 / 1
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47 / 31
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8 / -1
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April
|
55 / 38
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13 / 3
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56 / 27
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13 / -3
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May
|
63 / 45
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17 / 7
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65 / 45
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18 / 7
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June
|
68 / 50
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20 / 10
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71 / 51
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22 / 11
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July
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71 / 53
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22 / 12
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74 / 54
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23 / 12
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August
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71 / 53
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22 / 12
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73 / 53
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23 / 12
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September
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66 / 49
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19 / 9
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67 / 48
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19 / 9
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October
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58 / 44
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14 / 7
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57 / 40
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14 / 4
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November
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48 / 37
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9 / 3
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44 / 33
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7 / 1
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|
December
|
42 / 33
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6 / 1
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37 / 27
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3 / -3
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Vienna, Austria
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Budapest, Hungary
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
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36 / 27
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2 / -3
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34 / 24
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1 / -4
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|
February
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39 / 28
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4 / -2
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40 / 28
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4 / -2
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March
|
49 / 35
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9 / 2
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50 / 35
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10 / 2
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April
|
57 / 41
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14 / 5
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61 / 43
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16 / 6
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May
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67 / 49
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19 / 9
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70 / 51
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21 / 11
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June
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72 / 55
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22 / 13
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75 / 57
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24 / 14
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July
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77 / 59
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25 / 15
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79 / 59
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26 / 15
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August
|
77 / 59
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25 / 15
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78 / 58
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26 / 14
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September
|
69 / 53
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21 / 12
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71 / 52
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22 / 11
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October
|
57 / 43
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14 / 6
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61 / 44
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16 / 7
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November
|
44 / 35
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7 / 2
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46 / 35
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8 / 2
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December
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39 / 30
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4 / -1
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37 / 28
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3 / -2
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Average Rainfall
|
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Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Bamberg, Germany
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Month
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Incheas
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Millimeters
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Inches
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Millimeters
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January
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2.7
|
69
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1.8
|
46
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February
|
1.9
|
48
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1.5
|
38
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March
|
2.6
|
66
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1.8
|
46
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April
|
2.1
|
53
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1.9
|
48
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May
|
2.4
|
61
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2.5
|
64
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June
|
2.8
|
71
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3.0
|
76
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July
|
3.0
|
76
|
2.7
|
69
|
|
August
|
2.8
|
71
|
2.6
|
66
|
|
September
|
2.6
|
66
|
2.0
|
51
|
|
October
|
2.9
|
74
|
1.8
|
46
|
|
November
|
3.2
|
81
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
December
|
3.3
|
84
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
|
|
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Vienna, Austria
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Budapest, Hungary
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||
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Month
|
Inches
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Millimeters
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Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
1.5
|
38
|
1.3
|
33
|
|
February
|
1.7
|
43
|
1.2
|
30
|
|
March
|
1.6
|
41
|
1.1
|
28
|
|
April
|
2.0
|
51
|
1.5
|
38
|
|
May
|
2.4
|
61
|
2.2
|
56
|
|
June
|
2.9
|
74
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2.5
|
64
|
|
July
|
2.5
|
64
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
August
|
2.3
|
58
|
2.0
|
51
|
|
September
|
1.8
|
46
|
1.6
|
41
|
|
October
|
1.6
|
41
|
1.3
|
33
|
|
November
|
2.0
|
51
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
December
|
1.7
|
43
|
1.6
|
41
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To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website weather.com by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties reduced. Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-30 days before departure
50% of the cost of the tour per person
29-1 days before departure
100% of the cost of the tour per person
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-30 days before departure
50% of the cost of the tour per person
29-1 days before departure
100% of the cost of the tour per person