2009 Itinerary

Southbound

Click here for Northbound itinerary, Basel to Amsterdam.

Day 1: Welcome to the Netherlands
Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport to the MS Swiss Sapphire or the MS Swiss Emerald. Your cruise on the Moselle and Rhine rivers begins when all guests check in at 4:00 PM. Welkom aan boord!
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 2: Amazing Amsterdam
As this most exciting of Moselle and Rhine river cruises begins, indulge yourself in all the many charms of this city of canals today. Discover the city's historic architecture on a sightseeing cruise of its 17th-century canals, and visit the engaging Vincent van Gogh Museum, home to over 700 works by the celebrated Dutch Post-Impressionist artist. Enjoy some leisure time to explore the Netherlands' capital on your own, and join us this evening for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 3: Works of art by Mother Nature and Vincent van Gogh
Set off for Arnhem and the 5,500-hectare De Hoge Veluwe National Park, home to many endangered plant and animal species in a unique and varied landscape. In the midst of this natural glory, you’ll find the inspiring Kröller Müller Museum, featuring works of such luminaries as Pablo Picasso, Georges Seurat and Vincent van Gogh – plus Europe’s largest sculpture garden, showcasing the creations of such noted sculptors as Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore. Rejoin the riverboat in Rees for lunch, followed by a delightful afternoon and evening of river cruising.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 4: The many faces of Bonn
Beethoven’s birthplace, the home of musicians Robert and Clara Schumann, and the capital of Germany from 1949 to 1991, Bonn is still a center of German administration and politics. Tracing its roots back to the Romans, the city engages with history spanning ancient times to the present day. Discover it all during a sightseeing tour and a walk through Old Town; enjoy a memorable lunch in a grand hotel used to host visiting dignitaries, set in an ideal location overlooking Bonn and the Rhine.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 5: In the shadow of Reichsburg Castle
This most engaging of Moselle and Rhine River cruises takes you to Cochem today, where stepping ashore is like stepping into the pages of a medieval fairy-tale. Tour picture-perfect 1,000-year-old Reichsburg Castle, which looks down on the quaint market square. Explore this jewel of a town – complete with Baroque town hall and ancient town gates – breathing in its historic charm and ambiance. Honor the area’s centuries-old winemaking with a tasting of the excellent locally produced wines at a family-owned winery before returning to the riverboat.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 6: Luxembourg bound
Dock in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, this morning for a journey to tiny Luxembourg, where you’ll explore the old town and pay a poignant visit to the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; over 5,000 American casualties of the Battle of the Bulge lie buried here, as does General George S. Patton. Return to Trier and discover this ancient city during a walking tour that includes a visit to Dom St. Peter, a historic cathedral dating from Roman times. Enjoy some special onboard entertainment this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 7: Bernkastel, a Moselle masterpiece
Charming Bernkastel, known as the both the “Pearl of the Moselle” and the “international town of vines and wine,” is known for its wines and its medieval market square surrounded by half-timbered houses. After a walking tour of the town, explore on your own; the 1608 city hall, the narrow 15th-century Spitzhäuschen (Pointed House), St. Michael’s Well, and the town museum located at the impressive Graachter Tor, an old town gate, are well worth seeing. Cruise to Boppard this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 8: To Boppard in the Middle Rhine Valley
As this most delightful of Rhine River cruises continues, explore the Middle Rhine Valley and the land of the Lorelei. During its 2,000-year history, Celts, Romans and Franconians have all called Boppard home; discover this marvelous medieval town and enjoy lunch at the Old Monastery Cellar. As your riverboat glides along the Rhine toward Worms this afternoon, you’ll hear about the legend of the Lorelei, and see for yourself why this beautiful part of the river has inspired composers, writers and artists for centuries.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 9: The Realm of The Student Prince
A full day in the historic college town of Heidelberg, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and the setting for the famous operetta, The Student Prince, awaits you today. Take a walking tour of Heidelberg for a close-up look at the Old Town and imposing Heidelberger Schloss, perched 300 feet above the city; view its examples of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch at a Heidelberg restaurant. Perhaps you’ll be as captivated by this lovely old city as America’s first travel writer, Mark Twain, was when he spent three months here with his family.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 10: Lifestyles of the rich and healthy in Baden-Baden
Your Rhine River cruise reveals that the elegant Belle Èpoque period is still alive and well in the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden. For generations, wealthy folks have flocked here to see and be seen, and to take the healing thermal waters for which the town is famous. Join us for a walking tour among some of the town's treasures, ranging from the ruins of Roman baths to the ornate 250-year-old Casino, which movie star Marlene Dietrich once described as “the most beautiful casino in the world.”
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 11: A taste of France, past and present
Your exploration of the Rhine River cruises to stunning Strasbourg, France, seat of the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights. You’ll see the Parliament Buildings before stepping back in time to discover La Petite France, noted for its medieval half-timbered houses set beside lovely canals. While visiting the famous Gothic Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, you’ll be inspired by the graceful, expressive statuary of the Pilier des Anges [Pillar of Angels], and the magnificent stained glass windows. Return to the riverboat for lunch; spend free time this afternoon exploring the "crossroads of Europe" as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 12: Beguiling Basel
This lovely Swiss city on the banks of the Rhine River will engage you today during a walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll see the bright-red Rathaus, Basel’s Town Hall. After lunch, explore more of one of Europe’s most attractive and best-preserved old towns on your own, or perhaps visit one of the city’s 40 museums. This evening, join the Captain for a farewell reception and dinner as this most impressive of Moselle and Rhine River cruises draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 13: Homeward Bound
Tour ends: Basel. A transfer is included from MS Swiss Emerald or MS Swiss Sapphire to Basel-Mulhouse International Airport; please allow 2 ½ hours for flight check-in. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals: Breakfast

Be among the first to enjoy this most enchanting of

Moselle and Rhine River cruises with Tauck!

Inclusive Prices

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All riverboat accommodations, riverboat and motor coach transportation, port charges, sightseeing, admissions, land excursions, luggage handling, wine with dinner aboard ship, 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 the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and provide transportation to the MS Swiss Diamond, provided Tauck has received accurate air arrival information at least two weeks prior to the tour departure date. At the end of the tour, Tauck will also provide you with transportation from the MS Swiss Diamond to Basel-Mulhouse International Airport on the day of your departure.

Riverboat Accommodations – The tour price includes all riverboat accommodations. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available riverboat accommodations without sacrificing value. The MS Swiss Diamond accommodates only 114 guests. Your well-appointed, outside-facing cabin features a color television, mini-bar, radio, international direct-dial telephone, safe, robes, slippers and hair dryer. Your cabin also features adjustable air-conditioning and a private bathroom with shower. On the MS Swiss Diamond all but two cabins have two twin beds which cannot be joined together to form one bed, one room whose two beds can be joined together and one room with a queen bed. There are no triple accommodations available on this tour.

Other onboard facilities include a lounge with panoramic bar and dance floor, a spacious restaurant that can accommodate all guests in one seating, a large sun deck with deck chairs and whirlpool, a sauna and solarium, a library and a small boutique.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

A formal lunch is not included on the first day; however, beverages, snacks, and a light lunch of soup and sandwiches will be served from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. in the riverboat lounge.

An ample cold and hot buffet breakfast is served in the spacious restaurant. At lunch, you are presented with a choice of entrée with several courses, or a delicious buffet. Dinner’s choice of entrée is accompanied with an international selection of wines. Please let us know about your special dietary requirements when booking your cruise; we will be pleased to meet them whenever possible.

Tauck Director – The Rhine and Moselle riverboat cruise is conducted by three Tauck Directors and one Tauck Cruise Director who will remain with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are professional, fully trained employees of Tauck.

Gratuities Included – All appropriate gratuities for the ship staff, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director are included.

No Options Sold - Tauck Directors assist 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, 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 Tauck Travel Protection for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, alcoholic and bar beverages not included with meals, laundry and dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, 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, or 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 wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov.

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 the cruise line several months 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 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 forecasted at the time of printing.

Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 4:00 PM aboard the MS Swiss Diamond in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you disembark form the riverboat in Basel, Switzerland. When departing from Basel, 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 – The riverboat and motor coaches are air conditioned for your comfort.

ATM and Credit Cards – We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on your journey 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 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 outfit for ladies - but certainly be comfortable.

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin.

The hotels provide valet laundry and dry cleaning services. The riverboat provides limited valet laundry services and no dry cleaning; ironing facilities are 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, 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.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your cruise on the Rhine and Moselle rivers:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for on board the ship
• Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant outfit for ladies
• Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Shorts, slacks and jeans
• Tee shirts
• Socks
• Medium-weight sweater
• Medium-weight jacket
• Raincoat and rain hat
• Lightweight gloves
• Collapsible umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film or memory cards
• Binoculars
• Day pack for camera equipment
• Travel clock with alarm
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your cabin while traveling

Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 1,036 ft (316 m).

Health – While a cruise from Amsterdam to Basel 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 fair amount of walking during our land excursions, often along cobblestone streets. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

The MS Swiss Diamond has three decks: Emerald, Ruby and Sun. The elevator travels between the Emerald and Ruby decks and does not travel to the sun deck; however, there is a chair lift from the Ruby deck to the Sun deck.

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 onboard 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 or scooters 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 help you.

Aboard 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 MS Swiss Diamond 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, Luxembourg, France or Switzerland. 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, U.S.A. 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 to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.


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 all of the countries visited on the cruise.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa to enter any country 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.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

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, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as the front and back 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. 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

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., would 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 or group functions. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your cell phone service extends to the cities visited on this cruise along the Rhine and Moselle.

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 Euros, American Express, MasterCard and Visa as methods of settling shipboard accounts.

In The Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg, the official currency is the Euro. In Switzerland, it is the Swiss Franc. Major credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted, although fees may be charged, and ATMs are found in most tourist venues.

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 –If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the United States at the end of your tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the alcohol that can be part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits by clicking here.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance.

The current Value Added Tax (VAT) levied by each country on this itinerary is:

• The Netherlands 19%
• Germany 16%
• Luxembourg 15%
• France 19.6%
• Switzerland 7.6%

The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods. As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) 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 – The electrical current onboard the MS Swiss Diamond is 220 V, 50 Hz, AC, which accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. However, shipboard 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 in the Lido Bar aboard the MS Swiss Diamond. Wireless access is available throughout the ship.

Time Zones – All the countries visited on this cruise 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 Moselle rivers is temperate and unpredictable. From May through October, the average high temperatures increase as you travel south along the rivers and range from average high temperatures of 63 to 71 °F (17 to 22 °C) in Amsterdam to 67 to 78 °F (19 to 26 °C) in Basel. The average low temperatures increase from 45 to 53 °F (7 to 12 °C) in Amsterdam to 48 to 57 °F (9 to 14 °C) in Basel. 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. Opposite of temperature, rainfall decreases as you reach Basel.

To determine 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 our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers Tauck Travel Protection .

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

Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.

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