The Danube River, “the king of rivers”, has supported transport, trade and travel since the dawn of time. River cruises on the Danube offer everything from immersive, one-off sightseeing to dining evocative of a gilded age. Expect medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals, Christmas markets, charming riverside villages, the Imperial treasures of the Habsburgs, lush Wachau valley vineyards, and the music of Mozart.

The Duoro River meanders through one of the oldest wine regions, producing fine wines for nearly 2,000 years. Stunning scenery, historic towns, vignettes of Spanish and Portuguese culture, and the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, home to the famous Port wine, is part and parcel of a cruise on the Douro.

Since Roman times, the Rhine River has been a crucial link between southern and northern Europe on its journey from high in the Swiss Alps to the North Sea. It flows through Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. A delightful stretch of quaint towns, castle ruins and winegrowing villages alongside the Rhine in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tamed by locks, the Rhône River pulses with cultural treasures and scenic pleasures from the Swiss Alps to Lyon, the culinary capital of France, and the sunny landscapes of Provence and the Mediterranean. Celebrate Greek and Roman ingenuity, centuries-old winemaking traditions, a papal palace, architectural prowess, regal châteaux, and towns that inspired artists.

The Seine River originates in the Burgundy wine region and winds its way to the English Channel. It flows through the heart of Paris past charming villages and medieval towns to the coast. Discover history and art along its banks, the iconic landmarks of its capital city, the streets of Rouen, and the famous beaches of Normandy.

To truly connect with a destination, you need to experience it with all the senses… feel the breeze coming off the water, gaze upon a familiar skyline, absorb local language, and taste regional food.

To that end, it’s not what you know but who you know, and the Tauck family’s connections have shaped the Tauck point of difference. Itineraries draw on deep connections, exclusive access, behind-the-scenes surprises.

See the sights when the crowds are elsewhere. Go behind the scenes in places not usually open to the public. On several of the Danube River cruises, experience an exclusive, private Imperial evening at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini, a silver service dinner in a gilded ballroom, music by a chamber ensemble and a dance performance guaranteed to transport you to another era.

It’s not often that you’re invited to join Bohemian nobility for dinner in their own private palace, The Lobkowicz family, custodians of the 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle, rolls out the red carpet when Tauck is in town, opening their palace and personal art collection –paintings, hand-annotated manuscripts by famous composers, and a priceless array of historic treasures – for lucky passengers.

Food is always at the heart of a trip through Europe, both onboard and onshore. Tauck cruises offer dining when and how you wish, no reservations or assigned seating required.

Explore the authentic tastes of the regions you visit with exclusive sampling displays – from French Apero to Hungarian sausages and peppers. Enjoy wine presentations from local vintners, showcasing the finest regional wines and providing insights into the winemaking traditions and stories behind each bottle. Join your fellow passengers for cocktail parties and dessert demonstrations that transform your evening in the lounge into a festive gathering among friends. 

Extend your culinary experiences beyond the riverboat with exclusive visits to vineyards and breweries and meals served in extraordinary venues open only to Tauck guests. Make pastry at Le Cordon Bleu, take a foodie walking tour in Paris, visit a famous food market, taste truffle farm delicacies and enjoy private wine tastings in Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Last month [subs: March] Tauck announced the names of the two new ships joining its award-winning fleet of riverboats in 2026. The ms Serene (maximum 124 guests, 62 cabins), facilitating Tauck itineraries along the River Seine, and the ms Lumière (up to 130 guests in 68 cabins) operating Tauck’s cruises along the Rhône River.

The ms Serene and ms Lumiere bring the European riverboat fleet to 11. Each has an aesthetic that sets them apart. New additions include a pool and sun deck, fitness centre and a casual eatery.

The name of Tauck’s new ship on the Rhône, Lumière, evokes images of light, inspiration and discovery, said Tombaugh, noting that the Rhône is a faster-flowing and more lively river, “akin to a spark of inspiration.” Tombaugh added that Lyon, a popular destination on Tauck’s Rhône River cruises, is home to the Festival Lumière, which celebrates classic cinema and honors the Lumière brothers, pioneers in cinema who were raised and educated in Lyon. Each December the city also hosts the Fête des Lumières, or Festival of Lights, featuring decorative and artistic light installations throughout the city.

NEW RENDERINGS HINT AT SHIPS’ INTERIOR, EXTERIOR FEATURES
Along with the names, Tauck has also released the first artist renderings for the new ships, with four detailed images showing the ship’s full exterior, Sun Deck, wellness area and Category 5 Tauck Suite. The Sun Deck rendering reveals an attractive, well-appointed space featuring a swimming pool, full-service bar, and a generous allotment of shaded day beds. Also on the Sun Deck, a number of four-top tables with comfortable seating provide the perfect spot for alfresco dining, enjoying a glass of wine, or simply relaxing and taking in views of the river.