Tauck's Authentic Small Group Travel Experiences

TAUCK'S AUTHENTIC SMALL GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

People choose to see the world with Tauck because they want a deeper, more authentic travel experience and many guests are drawn to the specialist operator's small group trips.

As with all Tauck experiences, these journeys are seamless and all-inclusive, with all the details taken care of and no hidden extras, so guests can relax and enjoy exclusive, extraordinary moments they can only experience through Tauck.

Tauck offers many ways to travel in in a more intimate number of between 20 and 25 guests from select departures of classic land journeys and Tauck Bridges family adventures, to trips designed expressly for small groups, including culturally immersive, hands-on journeys, popular African safaris and private groups where guests can buy out a departure of a Tauck trip and travel exclusively,

Wherever Tauck travels, guests will explore the world's treasure, discover people and cultures they may not have known even existed and experience extraordinary, life-changing moments.

Tauck's drivers, local experts and guides are caring, top of the line professionals and problem solvers who take care of everything, including collection and delivery of luggage throughout, so all guests have to do is sit back and enjoy an amazing, seamless and
worry-free trip.

No tours head off at the crack of dawn and there is plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast in preparation for the activity in store. Throughout the trip, guests will select all meals a la carte – no group meals.

Tauck small group trips take in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia and will again feature an array of enticing itineraries in 2019 including:

CLASSIC ITALY, SMALL GROUPS

Tauck's 14-day Classic Italy, Small Groups is a grand Italian holiday, small group style. Averaging 24 Tauck guests, this intimate travel experience is an Italian best-seller at small, chic hotels in the heart of Sorrento, Rome, Venice and Florence, in the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's vast painted drama on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, for a Tauck Exclusive, after-hours visit, along the blue expanse of the Mediterranean traversing the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, in the lavish halls of the Doge's Palace in Venice, and in that city's great St. Mark's Basilica, site of another Tauck exclusive after-hours visit, at the haunting ruins of the Colosseum, in the passion of Renaissance scenes in the Uffizi, in the panorama of rolling vineyards from the heights of Orvieto, in a country village under the Tuscan sun, or at the first taste of Umbrian cuisine, unhurried and unherded.

Classic Italy, Small Groups is priced in 2019 from $11,990 per person twin share.

In 2019 Tauck is offering guests who pre-stay or arrive early in Sorrento an Optional Sightseeing Tour of the Island of Capri on Day 1 costing $360 per person including a private transfer from Tauck's hotel to the pier in Sorrento and back, transportation by hydrofoil from Sorrento to Capri and back, a tour of Capri by minibus and funicular and a full day with an English-speaking local guide, visits to the island's main towns of Anacapri and Capri, lunch and a visit to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting), or alternate sightseeing.

Tauck Exclusive Ferragamo Departures are priced from $14,090 per person twin share on selected tours in May, June and September 2019, including a special evening in Florence featuring a private Ferragamo wine reception on Day 10 in Florence. This exclusive Tauck experience will be hosted by a member of the family of fashion icon Salvatore Ferragamo and feature a visit to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum and a tasting of locally produced Ferragamo wines.

PARADORS OF NORTHERN SPAIN

Blessed with landscapes lush and lovely, Northern Spain entices with culinary specialities locally grown, cultural charms, unique to the region, and a history of paradors and pilgrimages continuing today.

Tauck's 14-day Paradors of Northern Spain discovers an eclectic mix of Gaudí's whimsical sites and Gothic grandeur in Barcelona, a mountain monastery in Montserrat and medieval menus in La Seu d'Urgell.

Guests will see where the bulls run in Pamplona, the surfers ride in San Sebastian and art goes wild in Balboa.

Food and wine entice in Oviedo and in Santiago de Compostela, spiritual stories are the draw.

A drive across the border to Portugal will take guests to sample port in Porto, college days in Coimbra and life in Lisbon before this two-week journey ends.

Special Tauck experiences include a choice of spa treatment or cooking demonstration at El Castell de Ciutat, a 7-course feast set within a medieval castle, a visit to the monastery atop Montserrat, a wine tasting and lunch at a Porto winery and a cruise aboard a Rabelo boat.

Paradors of Northern Spain is priced in 2019 from $8090 per person twin share.

Bookings are to be directed to your travel agent or Tauck Australia on 1300 732 300 or reservations@tauck.com.au

www.tauck.com.au

Tauck’s ms Treasures and ms Esprit return from Massive Reconfiguration

Tauck has officially welcomed ms Treasures and ms Esprit back into its riverboat fleet in April 2018 following a massive reconfiguration of the vessels' interior spaces that has resulted in enlarged cabins and reduced passenger count.

The Treasures and Esprit are the last of Tauck's four 110-metre ships to undergo the radical transformation.

Tauck's two other 110-metre ships, ms Sapphire and ms Emerald, were similarly reconfigured a year ago, and returned to service in time for their 2017 sailing seasons.

With the reconfigurations, Tauck continues to prioritise creating larger cabins and roomier public areas for its guests, rather than taking the more conventional approach of maximising passenger count.

The Treasures and Esprit were fully gutted in a 'down-to-the-studs' refurbishment, with the most dramatic change occurring on their Ruby (middle) Decks, where 30 14-square-metre cabins in each ship's original configuration were replaced by 20 larger cabins measuring 21 square metres.

With the total number of cabins reduced from 59 to 49, each ship's overall capacity has been reduced from 118 passengers to 98 per vessel – a 17% reduction.

The Treasures and Esprit will sail on Tauck's cruises along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, including its popular 'Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat' itinerary.

With the enhanced comfort resulting from larger cabins and fewer guests, the company expects this 14-night journey (which also operates from Budapest to Amsterdam) to become even more popular.

"With this year's reconfiguration of the Treasures and Esprit – and with identical transformations last year of the Sapphire and Emerald – we've reimagined and enhanced half of our riverboat fleet," said Tauck CEO, Dan Mahar.

"Now more than ever, we believe that we have the finest, most elegant riverboats on Europe's rivers.  Yet with that being said, we continue to maintain that what truly distinguishes Tauck river cruises is our 93 years of destination expertise, and our unmatched ability to tell the cultural and historical stories of the places we visit.  The onboard experience we deliver is the perfect complement to those signature Tauck experiences our guests enjoy ashore," Mr Mahar said.

In addition to the 20 new 21-square-metre cabins, each of Tauck's 110-metre ships already boasts 14 28-square-metre suites.  As a result, cabins measuring 21 square metres or larger now account for 69% of all accommodation – the highest percentage of such cabins on any 110-metre riverboats in Europe.

Even with the lowered passenger count, Tauck continues to staff each ship with a Tauck Cruise Director and a full complement of three Tauck Directors.  By contrast, other lines often have just a single cruise director attending to the needs of up to 190 passengers.

Another significant enhancement can be found on the Treasures' and Esprit's Diamond (upper) Decks, where the ships' second dining venue, The Bistro, has been upgraded with its own dedicated kitchen and chef.

On each ship, the Bistro has been renamed Arthur's in tribute to Tauck Chairman, Arthur Tauck Jr., and its expanded menu will continue to provide more casual alternatives to the fine dining selections offered in the ships' main Compass Rose restaurants.

Tauck introduced the concept of a second riverboat dining venue in 2006 and the enhanced Arthur's restaurant is already featured on Tauck's four 135-metre ships.

Bookings are to be directed to your travel agent or Tauck Australia on 1300 732 300 or reservations@tauck.com.au

Tauck Announces 2020 Oberammergau Land Tours and River Cruises

Tauck has commenced accepting reservations on itineraries to feature the next exciting performances of Oberammergau's Passion Play in the small Bavarian town in 2020.

In 2020, Tauck will include the Passion Play (or 'Passionsspiele', as it is known locally) on two European land tours, 'Romantic Journey' and 'The Ultimate Alps & Dolomites' and two European river cruises, 'The Blue Danube' and 'The Romantic Rhine'.

Each departure of the two land journeys will include the Passion Play as part of the tour itinerary. Performances will also be featured on selected dates of the two river cruises, and will be limited to 40 guests per-departure due to ticket availability. All guests visiting Oberammergau with Tauck will enjoy premier seating in the best available section of the Passion Play theatre, private tours of must-see sights and attractions in the area, and other exclusive cultural experiences.

Those interested in experiencing the Passion Play with Tauck can reserve space on their preferred itinerary and departure date with a modest deposit. The play's organising committee will be confirming 2020 hotel allocations for all tour operators in 2019, and Tauck has requested accommodation in the region's best properties. Once hotel arrangements and pricing are finalised, Tauck guests who have reserved space will be able to cancel and receive a full refund of their deposit if they wish.

Oberammergau's Passion Play dates back to 1633, when the village was suffering from a severe plague epidemic. Residents appealed to God to ease their suffering, offering in turn to stage a performance depicting the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The plague subsided, the once-per-decade Passion Play debuted the following year, and it has been an enduring tradition ever since (with the townspeople shifting the play's performance to the first year of each new decade in 1680).

Today, the Oberammergau Passion Play is a major event involving more than 2000 local residents who participate as actors, singers, costume-makers, musicians, technicians and more. Preparations for the Passion Play begin on Ash Wednesday a full year before the first performance, when actors begin growing the long hair and beards required for their roles (no wigs are used in the production). Officials in Oberammergau expect approximately 450,000 attendees to view the Passionsspiele in 2020.

Bookings to be directed to Tauck Australia on 1300 732 300 or reservations@tauck.com.au    


   

Tauck Launches the ms Savor

Tauck Chairman Arthur Tauck, Jr., ms Savor Godmother
 Liz Tauck Walters and Captain Michael Szekely 

Some 20 members of the Tauck family spanning three generations joined Tauck company executives, journalists, special guests and local dignitaries in Bingen am Rhein, Germany on Saturday, the 21st June 2014, to christen Tauck’s newest riverboat, the ms Savor. ms Savor is Tauck’s second New Inspiration Class Riverboat, along ms Inspire, means that Tauck has boosted its river cruising capacity by 55% this year.

European river cruising continues to be the fastest growing segment of Tauck’s business, the company routinely sells out its cabin inventory each year, and demand has been further bolstered by Tauck being named the “World’s Best River Cruise Line” twice in the past three years by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

FEWER PASSENGERS, AND UP TO FOUR-TIMES THE SERVICE STAFF

The ms Savor and ms Inspire together comprise Tauck’s new Inspiration Class ships, and they join Tauck’s four existing Jewel Class ships, the ms Treasures, ms Swiss Jewel, ms Swiss Sapphire and ms Swiss Emerald. Like the Jewel Class ships, the Inspiration Class vessels carry far fewer passengers – yet they have far more service staff – than ships of the same size operated by other river cruise lines. Where the 443-foot-long Inspiration Class ships carry just 130 guests, other lines’ ships of the same length carry 190 passengers, or 46% more guests. And where other lines have just one cruise director to tend to the needs of those 190 guests, Tauck staffs each ship with a Tauck Cruise Director and three professional Tauck Directors to care for 130 guests.

Also notable on the Savor and Inspire are the eight “loft” cabins located on each ship’s lower (Emerald) deck. On other European riverboats the lower-level cabins are small, and because they’re mostly below the ships’ waterlines, they’re limited to modest, sealed windows at eye level that admit minimal sunlight and zero fresh air. Tauck’s 225-square-foot loft cabins, however, have a raised platform seating area located against the ships’ hull/outer wall with a correspondingly higher ceiling immediately above. The higher ceiling in turn allows the use of a much taller window than can normally be incorporated into lower-level cabins. The middle portion of this window can be opened electronically for fresh air, and being taller, the window allows far more natural light to fill the cabin.

Each of the new Inspiration Class ships also has twenty-two 300 square foot suites furnished with two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows, a pull-out couch, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, and a spacious bathroom with rain shower. Along with the suites, the newbuilds also have thirty-two 225 square foot cabins, plus an additional thirteen cabins ranging from 150 to 190 square feet. In keeping with Tauck’s policy of welcoming solo travelers, four of the 150 square foot cabins are set aside for guests traveling on their own. All suites and cabins feature in-room movies, minibar, individual heating and cooling controls, luxury toiletries, and plush bedding with 100% goose down pillows, 400-thread-count linens and pillow-top mattresses.

For 2014, the ms Savor will sail on two Tauck itineraries, “The Blue Danube” (12 days, from $4,790 per person plus airfare) and “Danube Reflections” (10 days, from $4,590 per person plus airfare). Like all Tauck river cruises, both itineraries aboard the ms Savor are fully inclusive.

Besides launching two new ships, Tauck is also launching four new river cruise itineraries this year, including its first on the River Seine in France. Tauck will launch two additional river cruises in 2015, the 23-day “Belle Epoch: London to Monte-Carlo” on the Seine, Saône and Rhône rivers, and the 8-day “Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure.” The latter itinerary is the third river cruise created specifically for families by Tauck, which has twice been named the "World's Best River Cruise Line for Families" by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Cruising to Switzerland

Switzerland Benefits from Cruises

The Swiss city of Basel is fast becoming an important and popular hub among Australian travellers, especially the cruise enthusiasts.

Bordering with France and Germany and divided by the River Rhine, Basel is a vital waterway and port where many European cruises start and finish.

Director of Switzerland Tourism Australia and New Zealand, Evelyn Lafone, says the consistent year-on-year increase in cruise-goers from Australia has consequently given rise to the number of Australians visiting Basel and other Swiss cities.

"Our records show that Basel alone enjoyed a double digit increase of 11.2% of Australian overnights in 2013 when compared to the previous year," says Evelyn.

"Given the unique positioning of Basel, not only do travellers enjoy spending time exploring the region, hopping over to France and Germany during their stay, more often than not, they also embark on day excursions to other Swiss cities like Zurich or Lucerne, which are only within an hour's reach by train, or to Interlaken which is two hours away," she says.

 Evelyn attributes the convenience of the Swiss Pass to continuously encourage travellers to explore more of the country as opposed to just the city they are in pre or post cruise.

 "More Australian travellers including the cruise enthusiasts are learning about and understanding the efficiency of the Swiss Pass and how it offers them even more travel opportunities in addition to their cruise itineraries," she adds. "As such, we will continue to work closely with cruise providers to further promote the use of the Swiss Pass pre and post cruises from Basel."

Basel is a part of many European cruise itineraries offered by Globus, Scenic, APT, Viking Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Tauck River Cruising and many others.


For other news or information on Switzerland, visit www.myswitzerland.com

Tauck of the Town: Major US tour operator ramping up Australian operations.

MS Savor christening in Bingen, Germany

by Traveloscopy.com editor, Roderick Eime, on location aboard Tauck MS Savor in Germany.

Australians will soon be learning lots more about this stalwart US travel brand when it launches wholeheartedly into the Australian market shortly.

Although the brand has been represented in Australia by GSA Travel the World (TTW) since 1987, Tauck will significantly ramp up its presence in Australia and New Zealand beginning this year with specially selected, priced and promoted offerings for Australians. For example Ita Buttrose hosted the French Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Lyon in May.

This last week I have been fortunate enough to sample the Tauck brand up close and dispel any reservations or misguided preconceptions I might have had about a US group tour company.

Loft suite on Inspire class vessel

As bear hugs and cheek pecks were exchanged after a week in Rome and on the Amalfi Coast of Italy with a group of 22 goggle-eyed Americans and a charming tour guide, I can happily report one of my most enjoyable small group experiences ever.

Not only were my travelling companions polite, flexible and appreciative, the level of organisation and smooth logistics were very impressive, especially in a country like Italy where punctuality and reliability are largely optional.

Following on from the land tour, I was spirited to Frankfurt for the christening of the newest Inspire-class vessel, MS Savor. This vessel incorporates many features that are exclusive to Tauck having been designed and built in close consultation with Swiss builder and operator, Scylla.

In particular, a stern-located casual dining venue and lower deck 'loft' suites set the Inspire class (135m) vessels apart. Two further vessels of this class are planned for 2016 launch to complement the existing four Jewel class (110m) vessels currently operating the major rivers of Europe, the Rhine, Main and Danube. These new launches will add an extra 55 per cent capacity to Tauck's inventory in 2014 alone according to CEO, Dan Mahar.

Tauck CEO Dan Mahar

“While around 80 per cent of our customer base is on land tours, the number of river cruising guests is growing proportionately,' says Mahar, “I'm confident this demand will continue if our recent record business years are any indication.”

Truly all-inclusive pricing may raise the price of admittance to the Tauck family tours, but the company is is unrepentant and it's a policy maintained since 1925 when old grandpa Arthur offered his first packages at $69 for six days by rented Studebaker along the Northwest coast of America.

Today, under the stewardship of Arthur Tauck Jnr, through many challenging periods of history, the multi-award-winning company is still family-owned and run and has grown from these modest beginnings to now offer more than 100 escorted journeys in 70 countries by road, rail, sea and air.

Agents too are embraced by the Tauck philosophy with intensive training in brand values and client alignment. The idea being to make sure that travellers are correctly introduced to the Tauck product and understand the unique selling points of the offering.

From my own experience, albeit short, I would have no hesitation recommending Tauck for worldly 50+ travellers and even families and groups from clubs and associations.

For further information for both travellers and agents, see www.traveltheworld.com.au

Tauck’s USA and Canada 2014 brochure is out now

 

 

The brochure features the most popular tours in this region including Best of the Canadian Rockies, America's Canyonlands and Grand Alaska together with new tours such as Legends of the American West and Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks.

The first Tauck travellers ventured off the beaten track as they explored hidden gems and scenic byways in New England. Today, almost 90 years later guests are still travelling with Tauck to find out what's new and memorable in places they want to know more about - and Tauck is still pioneering exciting new ways for them to experience the best of North America from the inside, out. Tauck's exclusive partnership with Ken Burns promises guests an insider look at the doers and dreamers whose visions shaped America as we know it today. His knowledge of American history from national parks to national pastime from the Civil War to the evolution of Jazz, continue to shape many of the journeys. In 2014 guests will find more extraordinary moments than expected on Tauck's USA and Canada tours, value that goes beyond what you pay for and travel companions they'll be delighted to call friends. Brochures can be ordered through BrochureFlow.

Established in 1925, Tauck is a world-leader in upscale, escorted travel. Family-owned and operated, Tauck offers guided all-inclusive land journeys, cruises and family travel adventures in 65 countries.  The company showcases the "must-see" attractions in each destination, enhancing guests' experience with in-depth commentary and insights that add perspective and understanding.  Tauck complements visits to must-see sites with insider access to "off-the-beaten-path" locations that deliver authentic cultural experiences and are either unavailable or unknown to most travellers. Tauck travellers can be assured that virtually everything is included in their upfront prices, with no hidden fees or surprise add-ons. Tauck works closely with worldwide partners to ensure that travellers receive the best value deals in the upfront prices offered.

For further information on TAUCK please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

Tauck Offers New Ways to See Europe’s Iconic Old World Cities

Two New "World Cities" Itineraries in London and Florence join

"The Tauck London Event" and "Roman Holiday" in 2014

Tauck is broadening its European portfolio with special in-depth explorations of some of Europe's most iconic cities beginning this September and continuing through next year.  The next 18 months will see the launch of two different explorations of London, the debut of a third "city-centric" itinerary in Florence, and the reprise of Tauck's first such event with the return of its popular "Roman Holiday Event" in Italy's capital city next year.
 
Two of the four itineraries, "The Tauck London Event" and "Roman Holiday," are part of the company's Tauck Events portfolio, while "World Cities… London" and "World Cities… Florence" together comprise Tauck's new collection of World Cities tours.  Tauck Events are larger (average capacity is approximately 200 travellers, divided into smaller groups for sightseeing) and they typically have a maximum of just one departure per year.  Most evenings at Tauck Events also include special gala gatherings at exclusive venues, from the historic Guildhall in London to the Vatican Museums where Tauck guests enjoy a private dinner.  By contrast, World Cities trips are small-group, city-specific tours that each have multiple departures, with an average of just 24 travellers per departure. 
 
According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, the new Tauck Events and World Cities programs reflect the company's long history of innovation.  "For 88 years we've continually redefined the tour category and re-imagined what guided travel can be," said Mahar.  "In much the same way, these in-depth explorations offer our guests a new way to experience some of Europe's most classic cities.  Each of these journeys delivers the in-depth learning gained from traveling with expert guides, and incredible 'insider' access to people, places and experiences that travelers could never get on their own.   And each offers the ease of a single, relaxing, extended hotel stay, with the convenience of unpacking just once."
 
Tauck's World Cities trips and European Tauck Events are all-inclusive, with five nights' accommodations at luxury hotels, all sightseeing and entertainment, admission to all attractions, most meals, airport transfers, and much more included in the price.  Mahar added that Tauck will be expanding both its Tauck Events and World Cities portfolios, with a New Year's Eve event in Paris late next year, and World Cities itineraries in both Rome and Paris also in the works. 
 
"The Tauck London Event" will have its inaugural departure later this year, from September 19 – 24, 2013.  A 2014 departure is scheduled for May 22 – 27 of next year, with both departures featuring a five-night stay at The Langham, London.  As with other Tauck events, the larger group of 200+ attendees will divide for daily small group sightseeing "tracks" focused on specific themes, ranging from London's Victorian Era, to the maritime's role in establishing the British Empire, to the impacts on London during World War II.  Different groups will enjoy different tracks on subsequent days, providing all guests with the same cumulative experience over the course of the event. 
 
All guests will join together for special gala experiences, including an exclusive discussion on Winston Churchill's life and times with his noted biographer (and granddaughter) Celia Sandys, a private viewing of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, and a memorable dinner at the newly restored clipper ship, the Cutty Sark.  Prices for the six-day event this September are from $5,290 per person, double occupancy, plus air, and from $5,590 for the 2014 departure. 
 
The second new London itinerary, "World Cities… London" (six days, from $3,590 per person, double, plus airfare) will launch with eight departures between April and October, 2014.  Each day's sightseeing will explore different themes, from the Diamond Jubilee and Royal Wedding, to Shakespeare and the arts, to London in film and television.  As with "The Tauck London Event," "World Cities… London" will include five nights at The Langham, London.
 
Tauck's other new "World Cities" itinerary, "World Cities… Florence," (six days, from $3,190 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare) explores Italy's classic Renaissance city.  As with "World Cities… London," each departure is limited to an average of just 24 travellers who will enjoy daily sightseeing revolving around specific themes.  Tauck guests will learn about Florence's critical role in the Renaissance, the importance of design throughout the city's history, the secrets of its cuisine, wine and gardens, and the Medici family's profound influence on Florence's art and architecture.  Guests on this all-inclusive journey will enjoy five nights' accommodations at Florence's Hotel Bernini Palace, and choose from a total of ten departures scheduled between March and November, 2014.
 
Next year will also see the return of Tauck's "Roman Holiday Event," which was first launched in 2010. The single-departure, six-day itinerary (October 18 – 23, 2014) will feature four themed sightseeing tracks; "Ancient Rome: Romulus to the Caesars," "The Eternal City: Geniuses of Rome," "First Families, Private Palaces & Movie Sets," and "Caput Mundi: Rome & the Middle Ages."  Special gala evenings will include a private fashion show highlighting the works of Italian designers, an opera performance in a historic "palazzo," and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a private dinner inside the Vatican Museums.  Tauck's "Roman Holiday Event" includes five nights' accommodations at The Westin Excelsior, Rome, and the all-inclusive itinerary is priced from $5,390 per person, double-occupancy, plus airfare.

 

For further information on TAUCK please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

 

Tauck Sees Huge Growth in French River Cruising

Company's Bookings Jump 137% in Two Years as it Adds Ships and Itineraries on the Rhone, Seine and Saône

When Tauck's ms Swiss Emerald sailed on the company's first-ever departure of its new Rhone River family river cruise earlier this month, it was just the latest milestone in Tauck's rapidly increasing presence in French river cruising.  Although the Connecticut-based company (recently named the "World's Best River Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine) has only been operating on France's rivers for three years, it has already chalked up some impressive growth statistics.
 
Since its debut on the Rhone in 2011, Tauck's French river cruise bookings have increased 137%, and the company has gone from zero itineraries in France in 2010 to a total of seven for its 2014 operating season, including three popular specialty cruises for families, food lovers, and art aficionados.  The company will also deploy its ms Swiss Sapphire to sail on two new itineraries on the Seine next year, doubling the number of ships it has in France.  (The newly refurbished ms Swiss Emerald will continue to sail on the Rhone and the Saône.)  Tauck's success in France shows no sign of slowing, with pre-season bookings up more than 650% over the same time last year, and up nearly 1,300% over this same point just two years ago.
 
TWO NEW ITINERARIES ON THE SEINE
Helping fuel Tauck's incredible growth in preseason bookings are two new-for-2014 itineraries on the Seine.  The new "Cruising the Seine Plus Versailles, Paris & London" (from $6,790 per person, plus airfare) is a comprehensive two-week journey that begins with an included two-night stay in London at the landmark Savoy, featuring guided sightseeing plus a Tauck-exclusive lecture by Winston Churchill's biographer and granddaughter Celia Sandys.  After travelling via high-speed train beneath the English Channel to Calais, guests will board the ms Swiss Sapphire in Caudubec-en-Caux for a nine-day cruise along the Seine.
 
Highlights along the Seine will include an excursion to Normandy's D-Day beaches, an exclusive dinner with music at a private chateau in Rouen, and private tastings of absinthe in the Absinthe Museum in Auvers-sur-Oise and Calvados at Chateau du Breuil, a distiller of the spirit since the 1500s.  The journey continues in Paris, where the ms Swiss Sapphire will dock for three nights as Tauck guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of the city with included sightseeing.  After disembarking in Paris, guests will have their choice of a guided exploration of the city's colorful Montmartre district, or a guided visit to Louis XIV's palace at Versailles.  The 14-day itinerary concludes with a two-night stay in Versailles at the Trianon Palace Versailles, a Waldorf Astoria property, highlighted by an exploration of the Chevreuse Valley and a visit to the 12th-century Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay.
 
Tauck's second new French itinerary, "Rendezvous on the Seine," (ten days from $4,590 per person, plus airfare) also begins with an included two-night stay in Paris, at the Hotel Pullman overlooking the Eiffel Tour.  A subsequent seven-day cruise on the Seine includes ports-of-call at Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Giverney (where guests will visit the home and gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet), Vernon, Les Andelys and Rouen.  Highlights include a farm visit and tasting of local farm-to-table specialties in Étretat, a visit to the seaside town of Honfleur, a lecture on the events of D-Day followed by a tour of Normandy's iconic beaches, and guided visits to historic abbeys and chateaux.
 
THE NEWLY REFURBISHED MS SWISS EMERALD
Elsewhere in France, Tauck's Rhone and Saône River cruises will sail aboard the newly renovated ms Swiss Emerald.  Launched in 2006, the ship received a makeover earlier this year when its décor was enlivened with new carpeting, new upholstery, new bedding and other enhancements.  The Swiss Emerald is one of four Tauck vessels in its Jewel Class of riverboats, along with the ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Jewel and ms Treasures.
 
Two new and larger Tauck riverboats, the ms Inspire and ms Savor, are currently under construction.  Set to launch next year, the 443-foot newbuilds will together comprise Tauck's Inspiration Class of ships.  Each will have twenty-two 300 square foot suites (a third of all cabins), as well as thirty-two 225 square foot cabins.
 
Eight of those 225 square foot cabins will be located on the lower (Emerald) deck, and they will feature an innovative "loft" design with a raised platform seating area.  Each seating area will have a table with two chairs, plus a raised ceiling that allows the use of a much taller window than can normally be incorporated into cabins on a riverboat's lower deck.  The upper portion of this window can be opened for fresh air, and being taller, the window will allow far more natural light to fill the cabin for a much brighter and more airy ambiance than can typically be achieved in lower level cabins.

ALL 2014 TAUCK RIVER CRUISES NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING

Each of the 19 European river cruises in Tauck's 2014 portfolio (on the Danube, Rhône, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Saône, Main and Maas rivers) is now open for booking, and departure dates, prices and a host of additional information are contained in the company's new 100-page 2014 river cruise brochure.  Tauck has also debuted an expanded and redesigned section of its website at www.tauck.com dedicated exclusively to river cruising.  The new micro-site contains details on Tauck's river cruise itineraries and ships, a collection of nine new videos, the latest Tauck river cruise news, guest message boards, and more.

Tauck is also expanding its river cruising outreach to the travel agent community with the appointment of Mary Murrin as the company's first Business Development Manager – River and Small Ship Cruising.  A Tauck Cruise Director aboard the company's riverboats for five years prior to assuming her new role, Murrin is a travel industry veteran who has also worked with Ritz-Carlton and in events management.  In her new position, Murrin will focus on agent and consumer education, represent Tauck at cruise-related conferences and other events, and help Tauck maintain its leadership position within the river and small ship ocean cruising segments.

 ABOUT TAUCK

Tauck is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with nearly 100 land and cruise itineraries to some 70 countries and all seven continents.  The company has been named to Travel + Leisure magazine's list of the "World's Best Tour Operators & Safari Outfitters" in each of the past 15 years, and it has also been named to the magazine's list of the "World's Best River Cruise Lines" in each of the past four years.

ABOUT TRAVEL THE WORLD

Travel the World has been providing discerning travellers with unique luxury experiences for over 30 years. From premium cruise holidays with the world's best cruise lines to enriching cultural tours and indulgently luxurious resorts, Travel the World offers an exciting range of travel options beyond the predictable. The company has established new benchmarks of excellence in travel-related services to the Australian travel industry and consumers since 1977.

For further information on TAUCK please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

TAUCK 2014 Australian Brochure Launched

TAUCK are pleased to announce the release of their Australian brochure for 2014 capturing its best itineraries for the Australian market.

How people see the world really matters to Tauck so they have selected a mix of classic tours with new and exciting destinations especially for Aussie travellers.

TAUCK tours since 1925

Tauck offers guided sightseeing adventures which are filled with in-depth cultural exploration giving guests inside access to the places they have dreamed of exploring, all in one inclusive, up-front price.

In Europe Tauck tours explores its way through Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley, classic Italy, Spain and Portugal, Sicily: culture through the ages, a week in…Spain, Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague and its newest tour Tuscany & Cinque Terre. Tauck also offers river cruising along the Seine; Versailles, Paris & London, Budapest to Amsterdam, French Waterways, The Blue Danube, The Rhine and Moselle.

On Tauck's small ship cruising, travellers get to discover Europe's Dalmatian Coast, Iceland or the Baltic's or can choose to head to Antarctica or Southeast Asia on Le Boreal, L'Austral and Le'Soleal.

In the USA & Canada adventures begin in the National Parks, California's Gold Coast, Grand Alaska, America's Canyonlands, Canadian Rockies, Cape Cod, New Mexico, New Orleans and much much more.

Tauck believe that travellers should never settle for ordinary and that you should always travel in good company. Ita Buttrose, Tauck's Australian Ambassador says, "Ask any Tauck guest and they will tell you that Tauck is their tour operator of choice because Tauck takes care of every detail every day – allowing you to relax and enjoy your adventure. Virtually every travel expense is included in one up-front price with no hidden costs."

Ita Buttrose, will be hosting a French Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Lyon in May 2014. The trip takes you along the Rhône through spectacular French vineyard country, stay at the Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe in Paris, ride the high-speed TGV through the French country side and experience Tauck's newly refurbished ms Swiss Emerald. For all earlybird bookings made prior to 31st August 2013, Tauck offers one complimentary night at one of its premium hotels, the day before or after the river cruise.

For other 2014 itineraries; Tauck are offering "Time on Tauck", an exclusive offer for Australian travellers which includes one free nights' accommodation before or after aTauck journey. The hotel stay includes breakfast and transfers to and from airport and bookings must be made by 30 December 2013.

For further information on TAUCK call Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

Ita Buttrose to host Tauck's French waterways river cruise

Travel the World and Tauck are very excited to announce that Tauck's Australian Ambassador, Ita Buttrose, will be hosting a French Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Lyon in May 2014.

In addition to rubbing shoulders with Ita, guests joining Tauck's French Waterways River Cruise will travel along the Rhône through spectacular French vineyard country, stay at the Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe in Paris, ride the high-speed TGV through the French country side and experience Tauck's newly refurbished ms Swiss Emerald.

Ita will host a fabulous cocktail party for Tauck guests onboard ms Swiss Emerald during the ten day cruise. Guests will also get to experience a private wine tasting in Beaujolais and Châteaneuf-du-Pape, explore Lyon's historic indoor food market, and enjoy an exquisite dinner overlooking the Pont du Gard.

For all earlybird bookings made prior to 31st August 2013, Tauck offers one complimentary night at one of its premium hotels, the day before or after the river cruise.

Ita says, "Ask any Tauck guest and they will tell you that Tauck is their river cruise operator of choice because Tauck takes care of every detail every day – allowing you to relax and enjoy your adventure. Virtually every travel expense is included in one up-front price with no hidden costs."

Ita Buttrose is an Australian icon and was named 2013 Australian of the Year. She is a journalist, author and businesswoman who is greatly admired for her stellar career, her wit and charm and her tireless efforts for charities such as Alzheimer's Australia, of which she is the National President.

Ita is proud to be Tauck's Australian ambassador. "Travel is one of my great passions and it's been a joy getting to know fellow Australians who are long-time 'Tauckers'. These fellow intrepid travellers are equally passionate about exploring the world and their loyalty to Tauck is indeed rare in the highly competitive travel industry. There are good reasons they trust Tauck with their travel dreams...they know through first-hand experience that Tauck not only delivers great value, but superior quality, personal service and insider access on over 100 tours and cruises worldwide."

About Tauck

Established in 1925, Tauck is a world-leader in upscale, escorted travel. Family-owned and operated, Tauck offers guided all-inclusive land journeys, cruises and family travel adventures in 65 countries.  The company showcases the "must-see" attractions in each destination, enhancing guests' experience with in-depth commentary and insights that add perspective and understanding.  Tauck complements visits to must-see sites with insider access to "off-the-beaten-path" locations that deliver authentic cultural experiences and are either unavailable or unknown to most travellers. Tauck travellers can be assured that virtually everything is included in their upfront prices, with no hidden fees or surprise add-ons. Tauck works closely with worldwide partners to ensure that travellers receive the best value deals in the upfront prices offered.

Tauck and Travel the World have been working together for over 25 years to provide Australians with wonderful travel experiences. For further information on Tauck and Travel the World, please visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

Tauck's New Riverboats To Have 57% More Suites

Tauck has revealed information on the deck plans and cabin configurations for the new riverboats it will be launching in Europe next year and the two newbuilds will each have 57% more suites than the company's existing Jewel Class vessels (which already have far more suites than most other riverboats). 

The two newbuilds, the ms Savor and ms Inspire (collectively comprising Tauck's new Inspiration Class of ships) will each have twenty-two 300 square foot suites.  By contrast, Tauck's Jewel Class vessels each have fourteen 300 square foot suites.  The increased number of suites is due in part to the longer length of the Inspiration Class ships, which are 443 feet long vs. 361 feet for the Jewel Class ships.  However, Tauck is also increasing the overall percentage of suites on the newbuilds, with suites accounting for 33% of the 67 staterooms on the Inspiration Class vessels compared to 24% on the Jewel Class ships (where 14 of 59 cabins are suites).

"Our guests travel with Tauck because they demand a superior experience, and that same insistence on having 'the best' drives very high demand for suites aboard our riverboats," explained Tauck CEO Dan Mahar.  "Our suites are always the first cabins to sell out on our Jewel Class ships, even though the Jewel Class vessels already have far more suites than most other riverboats," added Mahar.  "When we sat down to develop our new Inspiration Class ships, it only made sense to raise the number of suites even higher."

All of the suites on the ms Savor and ms Inspire will be located on the ships' Diamond Decks, and each will be furnished with a pull-out couch, roomy walk-in closet with built-in drawers, spacious marble bath with his-and-her sinks, two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows, and brocade upholstery.  Besides the suites, the newbuilds will also have thirty-two 225 square foot cabins, plus an additional thirteen cabins ranging from 150 to 190 square feet.  All suites and cabins will feature in-room movies, minibar, individual heating and cooling controls, Molton Brown toiletries, and plush bedding with 100% goose down pillows, 400-thread-count linens and pillow-top mattresses.

SELECT LOWER-LEVEL CABINS TO FEATURE INNOVATIVE "LOFT" DESIGN

Eight of the thirty-two 225 square foot cabins on each newbuild will be located on the lower (Emerald) deck, and will feature an innovative "loft" design with a raised platform seating area.  Located against the ship's hull or outer wall, each seating area will have a small table with two chairs, plus a raised ceiling that allows the use of a much taller window than can normally be incorporated into lower-level cabins.  The upper portion of this window can be opened for fresh air, and being taller, the window will allow far more natural light to fill the cabin.

Roomy public areas will also highlight Tauck's new ships, including a main dining room that can accommodate all guests in a single open seating, plus a second, more casual dining venue with a retractable, wrap-around glass wall at the stern of the Diamond Deck.  Each ship will also have a cocktail lounge, fitness center, spa, hair salon, bicycles for use ashore, and a Sun Deck with a Jacuzzi available 24-hours-a-day.

ALL 2014 TAUCK RIVER CRUISES NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING

Each of the 19 European river cruises in Tauck's 2014 portfolio (on the Danube, Rhône, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Saône, Main and Maas rivers) is now open for booking, and departure dates, prices and a host of additional information are contained in the company's new 100-page 2014 river cruise brochure.  Tauck has also debuted an expanded and redesigned section of its website at www.tauck.com dedicated exclusively to river cruising.  The new micro-site contains details on Tauck's river cruise itineraries and ships, a collection of nine new videos, the latest Tauck river cruise news, guest message boards, and more.

Tauck is also expanding its river cruising outreach to the travel agent community with the appointment of Mary Murrin as the company's first Business Development Manager - River and Small Ship Cruising.  A Tauck Cruise Director aboard the company's riverboats for five years prior to assuming her new role, Murrin is a travel industry veteran who has also worked with Ritz-Carlton and in events management.  In her new position, Murrin will focus on agent and consumer education, represent Tauck at cruise-related conferences and other events, and help Tauck maintain its leadership position within the river and small ship ocean cruising segments.

Tauck's Small Group Departures

The phrase "less is more" has become a truism of sorts, and it's certainly proving to be accurate for Tauck and the small group departures it offers on selected itineraries. Over the past several years, these special departures, with an average of 20-24 guests, (vs. 38-40 on regular departures of the same Tauck journeys) have been enjoying incredible growth while earning high marks from Tauck customers.

Tauck has been increasing its small group business by adding additional dates to itineraries where it had already featured the small groups option, and by expanding the number of different Tauck trips on which small group departures are offered. For 2012, the company will operate over 230 small group departures spread among 46 different Tauck itineraries worldwide.

"Over the past three years we've dramatically boosted the number of small group departures we've offered, and our guests have responded," said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. "On average, in each of the past three years we've seen our small group bookings increase by more than 40% over the prior year. Our small group bookings are growing faster than any destination or region, or any other segment of our business."

Tauck is also serving the small group market with its collection of Culturious journeys. Launched in 2009, the Culturious trips feature smaller group sizes on every departure (averaging 16-20 travellers). The Culturious itineraries also provide an immersive, in-depth experience within a focused geographic area (such as Tuscany or Provence), and feature, active, hands-on components ranging from cycling and hiking to cooking classes.

For further information on TAUCK please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

TAUCK AWARDED - 'World's Best River Cruise'

 

Tauck voted # 1 as "World's Best River Cruise" 2011.

16th Annual Travel + Leisure "World's Best Awards"

Tauck which operates four custom built riverboats throughout Europe has been awarded as the "World's Best River Cruise" for 2011 by Travel + Leisure Magazine. So much effort has gone into maintaining Tauck's premium standard, and with over 85 years in the business Tauck's relationships with their worldwide partners ensures that their travellers get the best value for their travel dollar. Tauck's first river cruise was in 1992, almost ten years before riverboats became one of the 'hottest' ways to travel.

Life on board Tauck's riverboats are often referred to as a 'private-club'. It's comfortable, relaxed, warm and inviting. Tauck's intimate, yet spacious design holds no more that 118 guests while other boats hold 160. That means more room for you. In addition there are 14 suites (300 sq.ft) and 7 junior suites on every ship – four times more than most other European riverboats and 85% of cabins have floor-to ceiling windows with French balconies.

Imagine paying for a river cruise and having nothing else to pay for. No additional costs to Tour Directors while onboard, no options are sold to you, no sales pitches are made while you're enjoying your cruise and no fuels surcharges come onto your final bill. Refreshing? This is all part of the 'Tauck Difference' compared to other river cruise specialists. And this is why Tauck guests keep coming back time and time again. Their testimonials say it all.

It's the quality of what's included that defines the word "value". Have a look at what is included in the price of your river cruise:

• All private Tauck shore excursions – led by Tauck Directors, local experts and guides, and featuring Tauck Exclusives
• All gratuities to the Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Directors, ship staff, drivers, local guides and local experts
• Special insider sightseeing and exclusive Tauck experiences guided by our Tauck Directors and local guides
• Included meals ashore at local restaurant and special venues
• Local artists and cultural performances
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• Hotel accommodations handpicked for your location
• Most meals, all-day soft drinks, wine with dinner onboard the riverboat, beer with lunch and dinner onboard
• Welcome and farewell cocktail parties, special evenings of local entertainment, cooking demonstrations and more
• Port charges, all taxes, luggage handling and more; no hidden surcharges
• Sumptuous new bedding, with comfort top mattresses, 400-thread count linen, hypoallergenic duvets and pillows
• Walk in closets, marble baths with full size tubs in suites, L'Occitane toiletries
• Complimentary bikes on shore excursions

Tauck's land excursions are second to none and for 2012, and with professional guides who are familiar with the local customs and traditions and often fluent in several languages, Tauck has special culinary departures for your delight.

So if you're interested in treating your taste buds to a new level of nirvana, and to trace the footsteps of the locals, come on board with one of our partners named "World's Best Culinary Tour Specialist" by Conde Nast Traveler, and experience authentic French cuisine and village life: April 25, June 28, August 17 & October 20. Priced from $4,636 8-day French Waterways & Vineyards is a magnificent way to see France!

To obtain further information about Tauck or to make a booking, please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au. To order your 2012 Tauck River Cruise Brochure, go to

http://www.traveltheworld.com.au/Tours/Brochures.html