A new 135, riverboat in Tauck's Destination Fleet, this ships debuts in 2026 with a new deck plan optimized for the utmost in spaciousness – with 80% of her cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger – and accommodating no more than 130 guests. Guest amenities inside her 22 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include spacious bathrooms with separate showers and walk- in closets. She also sports 34 roomy 225-square-foot cabins, and 12 180-square-foot cabins. Two decks have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air overlooking idyllic riverscapes.
Day 1 Geneva
Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme southwest of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. The Rhône and the Arve are the main rivers crossing Geneva. It is the central crossroads of Western Europe. Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. Geneva is a town of Arts and Culture. Its numerous museums and libraries, the Opera, the Orchestra of the Suisse romande have largely contributed, among others, to its development. For nearly twenty years they have been new cultural centers which have been created from old uninhabited buildings, some of which are now preserved as monuments, like the Halles de l’Ile, l’Usine, la Maison des Arts du Grütli.
Day 2 Geneva
Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme southwest of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. The Rhône and the Arve are the main rivers crossing Geneva. It is the central crossroads of Western Europe. Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. Geneva is a town of Arts and Culture. Its numerous museums and libraries, the Opera, the Orchestra of the Suisse romande have largely contributed, among others, to its development. For nearly twenty years they have been new cultural centers which have been created from old uninhabited buildings, some of which are now preserved as monuments, like the Halles de l’Ile, l’Usine, la Maison des Arts du Grütli.
Day 3 Geneva
Geneva is located between the Alps and the Jura mountains, at the extreme southwest of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. The Rhône and the Arve are the main rivers crossing Geneva. It is the central crossroads of Western Europe. Geneva holds a privileged geographical position and it is only one hour far from Paris or Milan by plane and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid. Geneva is a town of Arts and Culture. Its numerous museums and libraries, the Opera, the Orchestra of the Suisse romande have largely contributed, among others, to its development. For nearly twenty years they have been new cultural centers which have been created from old uninhabited buildings, some of which are now preserved as monuments, like the Halles de l’Ile, l’Usine, la Maison des Arts du Grütli.
Day 3 Lyon
Lyon, the natural crossroads between northern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, is located in the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region. 2,000 years of history have left their mark on the city landscape. Lyon's rich heritage, passed down through the ages, tells the story of a great city. Lyon's rich historical heritage and its creative initiatives of all kinds find their expression in a multitude of establishments and prestigious events. The arts are represented in Lyon; from fine arts to performing arts, everyone will find their hearts' content. Every year finds sport increasing in popularity in Lyon. Lyon offers impressive facilities: some fifty sports fields and forty gymnasiums provide 550 clubs and associations with optimal training amenities. The City also knows how to make sport spectacular; every year it hosts events -like the Lyon Tennis Grand Prix and the Lyon Marathon - that draw top athletes. Though the mention of the word "Lyon" may conjure up images of fine dining, this is only the tip of the iceberg in a city proud of its diversity and quality image.
Day 4 Chalon-Sur-Saone
This lovely town in the heart of Burgundy is a start for excursions to Dijon. Historic sights in Dijon include the crypt of St. Benigne, the Notre-Dame quarter and the Palais des Ducs which today houses the City Hall and the Fine Arts Museum.
Day 4 Beaune
During its 2000 year existance Beaune was for a short period the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, then a busy commercial center for the cloth and wine industries. The town took on a defensive character through the continous fortification of its ramparts and castle whose functions were to protect its interests and inhabitants. In the 18th century Beaune became the center of commerce for Burgundy's fine wines. Today, the visitor finds a charming blend of medieval half timbered houses, the gentle curves of romanesque architecture, rooftops ornamented by weathervanes, fascinating townhouses and the multicolored tiles and lead "lacework " of the Hôtel Dieu within the city walls. Bastions and towers offer a peaceful protection to the region's most prestigous products, and the moat has been transformed into public or private gardens sheltering century old plant collections.
Day 5 Tournus
The beauty of Burgundy with romantic castles, churches and royal palaces comes to life in this lovely city. See the cloister of St. Philibert and the medieval city of Beaune. Visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu, which houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment. Taste wine at a château in the vineyards.
Day 5 Macon
A stroll along the quays of this sunny city reveals the natural beauty of the Saône river. See the Benedictine monastery of Cluny for a glimpse of the abbey’s former glory, view part of the Roman transept, the octagonal tower, the Chapelle de Bourbon and the monastery with its cloisters. Wine connoisseurs may journey to Mâconnais for a wine tasting at a local winery. Also see the rocks of Solutre, with the famous altar of Solutreen.
Day 6 Cluny
Day 6 Pruzilly
Day 6 Trevoux
Take a wonderful excursion to the Beaujolais wine country. Cross the land of the "golden stones", named for the ochre yellow limestone of its houses and castles and marvel at the remarkable beauty of this lovely vineyard. Sample world famous "Beaujolais".
Day 7 Lyon
Lyon, the natural crossroads between northern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, is located in the heart of the Rhone-Alpes region. 2,000 years of history have left their mark on the city landscape. Lyon's rich heritage, passed down through the ages, tells the story of a great city. Lyon's rich historical heritage and its creative initiatives of all kinds find their expression in a multitude of establishments and prestigious events. The arts are represented in Lyon; from fine arts to performing arts, everyone will find their hearts' content. Every year finds sport increasing in popularity in Lyon. Lyon offers impressive facilities: some fifty sports fields and forty gymnasiums provide 550 clubs and associations with optimal training amenities. The City also knows how to make sport spectacular; every year it hosts events -like the Lyon Tennis Grand Prix and the Lyon Marathon - that draw top athletes. Though the mention of the word "Lyon" may conjure up images of fine dining, this is only the tip of the iceberg in a city proud of its diversity and quality image.
Day 8 Sainte-Colombe
Day 9 Avignon
Visitors to Avignon won't want to leave, and the town is too interesting to leave. Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music and activity. Just to "see" the town itself, a visitor could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls for days without tiring of them.
Day 9 Uzes
The beautiful town of Uzes is an ancient Duchy much of which was built in the 15th and 16th century and earlier. With its teeming sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops, it hosts a Saturday Provencal market that must be amongst the most colorful and picturesque in Europe.
Day 10 Avignon
Visitors to Avignon won't want to leave, and the town is too interesting to leave. Avignon is ancient, full of history, life, youth, art, music and activity. Just to "see" the town itself, a visitor could wander the narrow streets inside the fortified walls for days without tiring of them.
Day 10 Chateauneuf-du-Pape
The village takes its name from the summer palace of Avignon popes, but neither the scant ruins of the fourteenth-century château nor medieval streets around place du Portail - the hub of the village - give Châteauneuf its special appeal. Rather it's the wines produced by the local vineyards, warmed at night by the large pebbles that cover the ground and soak up the sun's heat during the day, that are its real attraction. The rich ruby red is one of France's most renowned, but the white, too, is exquisite. The appellation Châteauneuf-du-Pape does not come cheap, nor is there a center where you can taste a good selection from the scores of domaines . The casual Cave Père-Anselme has a Musée des Outils de Vigneron, plus free tastings of its wines. Otherwise, the tourist office or the Fédération des Syndicats de Producteurs can provide a complete list of producers, or visit an Association de Vignerons, such as Prestige et Tradition, who bottle the wine of ten producers.
Day 11 Arles
Arles is a small town with a rich architectural past and exciting contemporary culture. An important Roman and Medieval center, Arles has also served as home and motif to some great modern artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, and Pablo Picasso. The city's many monuments play an important part in its cultural life. Its famous Arena, built to hold 24,000 spectators, is one of the most ancient in the Roman world and is used today for celebrating traditional, popular festivals. In the picturesque stone setting of ancient Roman Theater, covered with greenery, important shows take place. The city's old hospital, where van Gogh stayed in the late 1880's, is today a cultural center housing an international translation center, a media library, and exhibition rooms. Thanks to the National School of Photography and its international summer photography festival, Arles is known throughout Europe as capital of photography. Mediterranean Arles has many street-side cafes and restaurants, as well as markets with everything from antiques to Provence herbs and spices.
Day 11 La Camargue
The Camargue delta is for the most part a secluded plain of rough pasture, grazed by bulls and white horses, and vast wetlands inhabited by a rich variety of waterfowl, the most famous of which are flamingos. Most intriguing are the "cowboys" and wild west feel of the place, which is much to the appeal of visitors wanting a unique experience. Visitors can ride the native white horses or go bird watching.
Day 12 Arles
Arles is a small town with a rich architectural past and exciting contemporary culture. An important Roman and Medieval center, Arles has also served as home and motif to some great modern artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, and Pablo Picasso. The city's many monuments play an important part in its cultural life. Its famous Arena, built to hold 24,000 spectators, is one of the most ancient in the Roman world and is used today for celebrating traditional, popular festivals. In the picturesque stone setting of ancient Roman Theater, covered with greenery, important shows take place. The city's old hospital, where van Gogh stayed in the late 1880's, is today a cultural center housing an international translation center, a media library, and exhibition rooms. Thanks to the National School of Photography and its international summer photography festival, Arles is known throughout Europe as capital of photography. Mediterranean Arles has many street-side cafes and restaurants, as well as markets with everything from antiques to Provence herbs and spices.
Day 12 Provence (Marseille)
Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.
Day 13 Provence (Marseille)
Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.
Day 14 Provence (Marseille)
Marseille is a vibrant, cosmopolitan port in the Provence region of France. Craggy mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. As a Mediterranean melting pot, the port virtually rubs shoulders with intimate, picturesque old harbor, the Vieux Port. Packed with watercrafts, this is the heart of Marseille. Two fortresses guard the harbor: Fort Saint Nicolas and Fort Saint Jean. Several vantage points offer spectacular views, including the impressive Basilica Notre Dame de la Garde - a prominent landmark overlooking the city that is crowned by a monumental, gilded statue of Virgin Mary. Marseille boasts numerous fine museums well worth a visit. Sitting at one of the many outside cafes or strolling the streets of the old port area lets you experience the unpretentious charm of this city. Other sights include Chateau d'If - a 16th century fortress-turned-prison; Basilica St-Victor - Marseille's oldest church with the appearance of a fortress; and La Canebiere - a broad boulevard with everything from hotels to cafes and shops.