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rhine river tour, black sea cruise, rhine cruise, eastern europe tours, tauck
2010 – 24 Days from $8,390
Travel like the royals of old on our Grand European Cruise, combining The Black Sea to Budapest with Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat to create an unforgettable 24-day journey through the heart of Europe including a 21-day cruise aboard one of Tauck's state-of-the-art riverboats, ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel. This remarkable Danube, Main and Rhine river tour takes you through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Glide past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, and historic citadels - as well as through the Main-Danube Canal and the Iron Gate of the Danube. Tauck's private, inclusive shore excursions take in many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in-depth exploration of cities including Amsterdam, Köln, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest. It's the ultimate European river cruise... with the Tauck Difference!

2010 Itinerary


Westbound
Click here for Eastbound itinerary.

Day 1 - Begin your Danube, Main and Rhine River tour in Bucharest
Tour starts at 6:00 PM at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel.  A transfer is included from Bucharest Airport to the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in the heart of the city. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors at tonight's welcome reception and dinner at your elegant city-center hotel near Bucharest's stunning People's Palace.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Bucharest, Romania

Day 2 - Castles and monasteries in Romania
On a choice of sightseeing in Romania today, you may opt for a full day's excursion to tour Peles Castle in Sinaia, built for Romania's royal family in the 1880s. Or take off on a morning visit to isolated Snagov Monastery - set on a tiny island in the middle of a lake, and said to be the final resting place of Vlad Tepes, the historical model for the character of Dracula. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Bucharest, Romania

• Day 3 - Bucharest or the Black Sea before boarding
More choices in sightseeing await you today. Before embarking your riverboat, you can choose to explore Bucharest and tour the massive People's Palace - home to the Romanian Parliament, and the world's second-largest building after the Pentagon - as well as visit the Romanian Athenaeum. Or drive to the resort town of Mamaia, set at the edge of the Black Sea, and stroll along Europe's only pure-white sand beaches. Then travel to Cernavoda and board ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel to launch the cruise portion of your Danube, Main and Rhine river tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 4 - Big day in Bulgaria
Arrive in Ruse, Bulgaria, for excursions to nearby towns. In Arbanassi, known for its richly ornamented architecture, you'll have an opportunity to meet and share local specialties with your Bulgarian contemporaries at a private, home-hosted lunch. Continue on to Bulgaria's medieval capital of Veliko Turnovo, whose ancient walled fortress and castle are set atop three hills overlooking the Yantra River. Rejoin the riverboat in Svishtov, and enjoy a Bulgarian cultural performance aboard ship this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 5 - Danube cruising and Iconography Demonstration
Kick back and enjoy the views of fields and vineyards studded with medieval towns as your Danube, Main and Rhine river tour cruises through the scenic heartland of Eastern Europe today. Learn all about Iconography during an on-board lecture and demonstration prior to arriving in Vidin, where you can join us for a walking tour through its cobblestone streets.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 6 - King Decebalus and the Iron Gate of the Danube
On another relaxing day on your Danube cruise, sail along the Bulgarian / Romanian border, enjoying great views of the Transylvanian Alps. As you glide along, keep an eye out for a kingly face carved into the Danube's rocky bank on the Romanian side; it's a monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus, who defended his kingdom from the invading Romans - and it's the tallest rock sculpture in Europe. Glide through Romania's Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube, a spectacular two-mile-long series of gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, en route to Serbia.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 7 - Serbia's cosmopolitan capital, Belgrade
Dock in Belgrade, Serbia's modern capital at the juncture of the Danube and Sava rivers. Sightseeing includes visits to Tito's Memorial, St. Sava Church, and the formidable Kalemegdan Fortress. Also view busy Slavija Square (now one of the city's major squares, but once a large pool where residents hunted wild ducks!), Parliament, Republic Square and City Hall. Return to the riverboat, where a Serbian folkloric group entertains you this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 8 - Discover Croatia's historic cities
Your lower Danube cruise crosses the border from Serbia to Croatia and arrives in historic Vukovar. A mix of old and new, this venerable 10th-century city once showcased opulent 18th-century Baroque mansions, and now poignantly symbolizes the effects of the 1990s war as it rebuilds. Continue this extraordinary Danube, Main and Rhine river tour to Hungary tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 9 - Baroque treasures, horses and folkways in Hungary
Sail along the Danube to Kalocsa, Hungary - known for its folk art and its paprika - where you'll visit the beautiful Baroque Bishop's Palace Library, housing one of the finest early collections in Europe. Then visit the Equestrian Center in Solt to see colorfully garbed Puszta horsemen demonstrating traditional skills; ride a horse-drawn wagon back to the riverboat, and enjoy a cocktail reception and dinner aboard ship tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 10 - Indulge at a spa or explore Budapest
Cruise to Budapest, Hungary's capital city divided into two sections by the Danube; you can spend a relaxing day on a visit to one of the city's famous spa, or join us for some guided sightseeing among the landmark sites of this fascinating city as your Danube, Main and Rhine river tour sails on.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 11 - Discover Budapest on the Danube up close
Explore both sections of Budapest - Buda and Pest - on a sightseeing tour today. Sites include Heroes' Square, bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary; the Parliament building, a neo-Gothic masterpiece; Fishermen's Bastion; and 700-year-old Matthias Church, with its famous stained-glass windows. Note: Matthias Church may be closed on some departures due to services.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 12 - Baroque in Bratislava
Today's port of call is Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour. Highlights are Baroque palaces from the Habsburg era, St. Martin's Cathedral, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and a visit to the Old Town Hall. Back on board the riverboat, Slovakian performers entertain you after dinner; continue your Danube, Main and Rhine river tour to Vienna this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 13 - Music and more in Imperial Vienna
Get an overview of grand old Vienna, Austria, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic city, once the center of Europe's Habsburg empire. Then take your choice of a tour of grandiose Schönbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a visit to the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg - the former Imperial Palace and today the residence of Austria's president. Tonight, you'll receive the royal treatment with a private Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna featuring a sumptuous dinner and live Viennese music.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 14 - Medieval Austrian abbeys and castles
Your riverboat continues along the Danube to Dürnstein, whose twisting medieval lanes you'll explore on a walking tour. High above the town lie the ruins of Kuenringerburg, the castle where English King Richard the Lionhearted was held prisoner during the Crusades; an invigorating walk up the hill to the ruins leads to beautiful vistas of the river, town and surrounding countryside. Enjoy more great views of castles and lush vineyards from the top deck or through the panoramic windows of your riverboat while cruising through the wine-growing Wachau Valley. Stop in Melk 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. Your evening aboard the riverboat includes a wine tasting and a performance by local entertainers.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 15 - Explore Baroque Passau and cruise the Danube
After crossing the border from Austria to Germany, dock in the Bavarian town of Passau, set on the Danube and Inn rivers, whose history dates back to the days of the Roman empire. A walking tour reveals the Baroque treasures of this lovely riverside town, known for its stained glass, its many churches and its unique architecture. Your Danube, Main and Rhine river tour continues as the riverboat sails to Regensburg.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 16 - Along the Danube to ancient Regensburg
It's on to the well-preserved medieval town of Regensburg, once a campsite for the Roman legions, today. Our local guide leads you on a delightful walking tour of Old Town including the Steinerne Brücke over the Danube, the oldest stone bridge in Germany; massive Dom St. Peter, the town's 14th-century Gothic cathedral; and Altes Rathaus, the 15th-century town hall that was once the seat of the Imperial Diet.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 17 - Main-Danube Canal & Nürnberg
Today your riverboat negotiates the Main-Danube Canal, which makes your Danube, Main and Rhine river tour possible, ultimately linking the North Sea with the Black Sea; learn about the canal's history from a local expert during your transit. The idea goes back as far as Charlemagne, but wasn't realized until the canal's completion in the 1990s; pass through 16 locks as the waterway traverses the mountains. Arrive in historic Nürnberg; see the city's sites associated with World War II and its aftermath, followed by a walking tour of the walled medieval Old Town. Sample Nürnberg's traditional sausage at dinner aboard the riverboat tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 18 - Bound for Bamberg
Awaken in Bavaria's charming town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop seven hills. See the town's magnificent 13th-century cathedral with four imposing towers, its lovely gardens, and its unique medieval architecture during a walking tour and time to explore as you please.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 19 - Treasures of Rothenburg and Würzburg
Today's travels take you to medieval Rothenburg, on Germany's "Romantic Road," to see its Gothic cathedrals and gabled houses. In charming Würzburg, discover the town's 18th-century Residenz and the ornate Alte Mainbrücke, a historic bridge over the River Main. And you'll know you're cruising through Bavaria when an oompa band plays for you aboard the riverboat this evening!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 20 - Cruising the Main to Miltenberg
Meander along the River Main, through through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns, to the ancient town of Miltenberg; en route, enjoy an on-board glassblowing demonstration by practitioners of this time-honored craft. Enclosed by a wall with gate towers under a steep hill crowned by a castle, Miltenberg boasts many half-timbered houses and a charming Marktplatz.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 21 - From the Main to the Rhine & Rüdesheim
Leave the Main River behind you today as your riverboat - and your Rhine River tour - continues on to Rüdesheim. 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 a local German restaurant with an old-world ambiance.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 22 - Koblenz or castles & Köln, a.k.a. Cologne
Arrive in Koblenz, where you can choose a walking tour of its Old Town or a visit to Marksburg Castle; set high above the Rhine, it dates back to the 13th century and offers a taste of medieval life. Your Rhine River tour continues through the scenic Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Köln (Cologne). A guided walking tour includes the lofty Kölner Dom, elaborately decorated with pinnacles and buttresses; the tallest Gothic structure in the world, it took over 600 years to complete. Have a great time celebrating a remarkable three-week cruise at the Captain's farewell dinner aboard the riverboat tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

• Day 23 - Art and more in Amsterdam
Dock in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, where you'll take a close-up look at acclaimed works by the Dutch Masters - including Rembrandt's The Night Watch and many others - at the world-renowned Rijksmuseum. Then enjoy views of medieval architecture on a sightseeing cruise along Amsterdam's 17th-century canals, and spend time exploring this fascinating city as you please.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 24 - Homeward bound
Your Danube, Main, and Rhine river tour ends in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Disembark your riverboat in Amsterdam; a transfer is included from ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Allow 2 1/2 hours for departure flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast

Quiet medieval landscapes and central Europe's greatest cities beckon on this extraordinary Danube, Main and Rhine River tour aboard an exclusive Tauck riverboat - book today!


 

Inclusive Prices


Cruise prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All riverboat and hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, port charges, land excursions, admissions, entertainment, special dinners, wine with dinner aboard the riverboat, all-day soft drinks, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of the Tauck Directors, Tauck Cruise Director, hotel and ship staff, local guides and drivers are included.  Transportation from Airport in Bucharest  to the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel are included, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Transportation from the riverboat to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will also be provided on the last day of the tour. Transportation will also be provided from the Renaissance Amsterdam to the airport whenever you choose to depart, if you have booked additional nights at the hotel through Tauck.Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.

Hotel and Riverboat Accommodations – The cruise price includes all hotel and riverboat accommodations. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
 
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 an en suite bathroom with shower. Most cabins have two twin beds that may be separated or combined. Triple accommodations are only available in Category 6 on this cruise.

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

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
An ample buffet breakfast, both hot and cold, is served in the spacious restaurant on board the riverboat. 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; vegetarian and special diets are available with advance notice, however kosher meals cannot be accommodated. We will be pleased to meet your special dietary requirements whenever possible.

Complimentary all-day soft drinks, coffee and tea service, cookies and fruit are available in the Lido Bar on the riverboat. A continental breakfast of muffins, pastries, fruit and yogurt is served here daily.

The legal drinking age aboard the riverboat is 21 years old.
Tauck Director – Grand European 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. Because of the length of this tour, there will be two teams of Tauck Directors devoted to this journey; the first team will accompany you from Amsterdam to Budapest, the second team will replace them in Budapest and continue on to Bucharest.

Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel, retaurant and 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 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 us for travel originating in the United States. 
Hotel Rooms Before and After Cruises – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your cruise. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the cruise cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your cruise.

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, riverboat, airline, train 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 on this webpage for more information.

Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:  
  • Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
  • Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
  • Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
  • Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
  • Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
  • File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
  • Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
  • Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary
Your Tauck Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.

Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
 

Additional Information


Airline Security Measures – 
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.

If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.

For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.

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.

Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are 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 us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do 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). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking 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 us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.
 
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all cruises as advertised. We reserve 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 us. 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 6:00 PM at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel on the first day of the tour. 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 the riverboat on the last day of the tour. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
 
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your cruise for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.

 

Preparing to Go

Travel Document Requirements –

If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the countries visited on this cruise. 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.
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 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, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey 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 ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels.

There are no babysitting services available on the riverboat. 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 during the cruise. By traveling with us, 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. 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 (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.

Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.

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 (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
 
Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.

We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.

Air Conditioning - The riverboat and motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort. Most hotels we use also provide air conditioning. However, European air conditioning in hotels should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air-conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home.

ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this cruise 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 - Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.Onboard the riverboat, resort casual attire is appropriate. At the beginning of the cruise, your Tauck Directors will host a welcome reception and dinner.  Also included on the itinerary is a private Imperial Viennese evening at a traditional palace featuring dinner. On these occasions, Tauck suggests jackets for men and casually elegant attire for ladies; however, we also wish you to be comfortable.

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each guest room at the hotels and in each cabin on board the riverboat.

Irons and ironing boards are either located in your hotel guest room or are available immediately upon request. Onboard the riverboat, valet laundry and pressing services are available for a fee; there is no dry cleaning on board.
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. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your Grand European Cruise:
  • Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
  • An optional jacket and tie for men
  • Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Swimwear
  • Gym wear
  • A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
  • Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and/or plenty of film
  • Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Battery-operated travel alarm clock
  • Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
  • Zipper-lock bags
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

Elevation - The maximum elevations on this tour are found in the castle towns of Germany and are approximately 1500 ft (450 m).

Health - While a cruise on the Danube,  Main and Rhine is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, To enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.  There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions. Many of the Old Towns of Europe are well preserved and are designated pedestrian zones. However, the cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and inclines are challenging to travelers who are used to more modern, flat, paved roadways and sidewalks.  

Your riverboat has four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond and Ruby decks only and does not go to the Emerald or Sun decks. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

On the Emerald deck of the riverboat, you will find a Wellness Center, which is complimentary and available on a sign-up basis by obtaining a key from the Font Desk. The center includes a tanning bed, Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and toilet.

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. 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 require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.

The water on board the ship is potable, and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

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.

Your 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 inform us at time of booking.
If you are a resident of the U.S. , no vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania or Bulgaria. 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 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.

Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict 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 that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of 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. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here.

We 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 that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
 

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 while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria.

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, use an ATM, or exchange currency at your hotel. The riverboat does not exchange currency, but does accept Euro, American Express, MasterCard and Visa as methods of settling shipboard accounts; debit cards are not accepted.

In those countries which are now using the Euro as the official currency – The Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, 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, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria – 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:
  •  Bulgaria  Lev (BGN)
  • Romania  New Lei (RON)
  • Serbia  Dinar (CSD)
  • Croatia  Kuna (HRK)
  • Hungary   Forint (HUF)
  • Slovakia  Euro (EUR)
  • 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, www.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.

You may view customs regulations for each country by logging on to the Internet site, www,visahq.com, by clicking here. You may then access the desired country from an alphabetical list.
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.

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%
  • Bulgaria 20%
  • Croatia 22%
  • Germany 19%
  • Hungary 25%
  • Romania 19%
  • Serbia 18%
  • Slovakia 19%
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 Value Added Tax (VAT) refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.

Electrical Current – All cabins on the riverboats are equipped with 220v, 50Hz, AC, which accommodates European two-pronged plugs. However, state rooms are equipped with an 110v outlet for shavers. Travelers who bring other electric devices that are not compatible 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.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel - High-speed wired and wireless access in guest rooms; wireless access in public areas
Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam- High-speed wired access in rooms for a fee; access in Business Center for a fee

Time Zones – The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); Romania and Bulgaria are 2 hours ahead. From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 and 3 hours ahead respectively.

To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.timeanddate.com, by clicking here.

Weather – The most favorable months for riverboat travel in Eastern Europe are in late spring and summer. During those months the temperatures range from highs of 63 to 73 ºF in May (17 to 23 ºC) and 71 to 83 ºF (22 to 28 ºC) in July. The overnight temperatures range from 45 to 50 ºF (7 to 10 ºC) in May and 53 to 60 ºF (12 to 16 ºC) in July. The temperatures decrease as you travel up the Rhine and the Main to the Danube and finally on to Amsterdam.

Rainfall averages during these months range from 2.4 to 2.8 in (61 to 71 mm) in May, 2.8 to 3.6 in (71 to 91 mm) in June, and 2.5 to 3.0 in (64 to 76 mm)  in July.
 
Average Temperature

 
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Bamberg, Germany

Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
40 / 31
4 / -1
35 / 25
2 / -4
February
42 / 31
6 / -1
39 / 26
4 / -3
March
48 / 34
9 / 1
47 / 31
8 / -1
April
55 / 38
13 / 3
56 / 27
13 / -3
May
63 / 45
17 / 7
65 / 45
18 / 7
June
68 / 50
20 / 10
71 / 51
22 / 11
July
71 / 53
22 / 12
74 / 54
23 / 12
August
71 / 53
22 / 12
73 / 53
23 / 12
September
66 / 49
19 / 9
67 / 48
19 / 9
October
58 / 44
14 / 7
57 / 40
14 / 4
November
48 / 37
9 / 3
44 / 33
7 / 1
December
42 / 33
6 / 1
37 / 27
3 / -3
 
 
 
Vienna, Austria

Belgrade, Serbia

Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
36 / 27
2 / -3
38 / 27
3 / -3
February
39 / 28
4 / -2
43 / 31
6 / -1
March
49 / 35
9 / 2
53 / 37
12 / 3
April
57 / 41
14 / 5
63 / 46
17 / 8
May
67 / 49
19 / 9
72 / 53
22 / 12
June
72 / 55
22 / 13
77 / 59
25 / 15
July
77 / 59
25 / 15
81 / 61
27 / 16
August
77 / 59
25 / 15
81 / 61
27 / 16
September
69 / 53
21 / 12
74 / 55
23 / 13
October
57 / 43
14 / 6
64 / 46
18 / 8
November
44 / 35
7 / 2
51 / 39
11 / 4
December
39 / 30
4 / -1
41 / 31
5 / -1
 
 
 
Bucharest, Romania

 
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
 
 
January
34 / 22
1 / -6
 
 
February
39 / 26
4 / -3
 
 
March
50 / 32
10 / 0
 
 
April
64 / 42
18 / 6
 
 
May
73 / 50
23 / 10
 
 
June
80 / 57
27 / 14
 
 
July
83 / 60
28 / 16
 
 
August
83 / 59
28 / 15
 
 
September
76 / 52
24 / 11
 
 
October
64 / 42
18 / 6
 
 
November
50 / 34
10 / 1
 
 
December
38 / 27
3 / -3
 
 
 
 
Average Rainfall

 
Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Bamberg, Germany

Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
2.7
69
1.8
46
February
1.9
48
1.5
38
March
2.6
66
1.8
46
April
2.1
53
1.9
48
May
2.4
61
2.5
64
June
2.8
71
2.6
66
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
 
 
 
Vienna, Austria

Belgrade, Serbia

Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
1.5
38
1.9
48
February
1.7
43
1.8
46
March
1.6
41
2.0
51
April
2.0
51
2.3
58
May
2.4
61
2.8
71
June
2.9
74
3.6
91
July
2.5
64
2.6
66
August
2.3
58
2.0
51
September
1.8
46
2.0
51
October
1.6
41
2.0
51
November
2.0
51
2.1
53
December
1.7
43
2.3
58
 
 
 
Bucharest, Romania

 
Month
Inches
Millimeters
 
 
January
1.6
41
 
 
February
1.4
36
 
 
March
1.5
38
 
 
April
1.8
46
 
 
May
1.8
46
 
 
June
2.8
71
 
 
July
3.0
76
 
 
August
2.5
64
 
 
September
2.3
58
 
 
October
1.3
33
 
 
November
1.9
48
 
 
December
1.7
43
 
 

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

 

If You Have to Cancel


Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.

If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the cost of the deposit)

59-30 days before departure
Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise not including air (if applicable), per person

29-1 days before departure
Loss of 100% of the cost of the cruise not including air (if applicable), per person

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