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Overview

2011 – 16 Days from $7,990 plus on-tour airfare

This active adventure combines the ancient empire of the Incas with the timeless natural world of the Galápagos Islands. A highlight of your Galápagos cruise and Peru tour is a visit to mysterious Machu Picchu, the spectacular “Lost City of the Incas” – one of the must-see destinations on any world-traveler’s list. Cruise aboard one of the finest expeditionary-style yachts in the Galápagos, the Isabela II, for amazing wildlife viewing and an opportunity to get up-close to giant Galápagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins. Meet Peruvian pasos on a Peruvian ranch… see a weaving demonstration at a local farm… visit a private home in Cusco… and take a scenic rail journey to the gateway to Machu Picchu, followed by an overnight stay next to the magical ruins.

2011 Itinerary

Day 1 – The best Galápagos cruise and Peru tour begins in Lima

Your Galápagos cruise and Peru tour begins at the Miraflores Park Hotel.  A transfer is included from Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport to the five-star Miraflores Park Hotel, located in an oceanfront section of Lima.

Meals:

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 2 – Discover colonial Lima

Highlights of your Peru tour today include a chance to view the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art at the Museo Larco, meet the famous Peruvian pasos – among the smoothest-riding horses on Earth – at a local ranch, and see Baroque altars and Peru’s oldest churchbell on a visit to 17th-century San Pedro Church. Enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner with your fellow travelers tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 3 – Traces of the Incas in the Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco, and enjoy an in-depth look at centuries-old local traditions with a weaving demonstration at a traditional farm on your way to El Valle Sagrado, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the remains of the great fortress of Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca settlement and stronghold, today a National Archaeological Park.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Sol & Luna Lodge & Spa, Yucay Valley, Peru

Day 4 – Magic at Machu Picchu

Peek inside a private home in Cusco before journeying by rail to the spectacular, mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Join a local expert for in-depth exploration, climbing up to the well-preserved remains as your guide shares stories that make the site come alive. Explore the extensive terracing and intricate stonework found on nearly vertical terrain, surrounded by soaring jungle peaks and the Andes Mountains. Enjoy stunning views of the Andes Mountains – and visit Machu Picchu when you please – during your memorable one-night stay at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, located close to the entrance to the Inca citadel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Day 5 – A new day dawns in Machu Picchu

Rise early, if you wish, and take the opportunity to experience the spiritual complex of Machu Picchu at sunrise, followed by a morning exploring Aguas Calientes.  This afternoon, visit sites including Urubamba, Korikancha, Sacsayhuaman and Iglesia de San Blas before your return by rail to colonial Cusco for a two-night stay in a lavishly restored historic monastery.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Day 6 – Curious Cusco, a Peru tour gem

Your Peru tour continues with sightseeing in Cusco, once the powerful capital of the ancient, sophisticated Inca empire. See Plaza de Armas, a large square that was the center of the ancient city; the Cathedral; and other Spanish colonial buildings dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Time at leisure today lets you explore the city as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Day 7 – Journey to Ecuador

The Galápagos cruise portion of your Peru tour adventure begins when you fly to Lima and take a connecting flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and the gateway to the Galápagos Islands. It’s renowned as a major port and enjoys a pleasant tropical climate.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 8 – Greetings Galápagos

From Guayaquil, fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world, and embark on a seven-night cruise aboard Tauck’s exclusive expeditionary-style yacht, Isabela II, topped by an observation deck. The cruise itinerary is flexible, allowing the ship to access many remote islands, choosing beaches that are full of wildlife. Landings are made in a panga, a Zodiac-style raft, and may require wading ashore in shallow water. Chart a course for North Seymour Island today for your first naturalist-guided shore excursion; just wait until you see birds wearing bright blue and red shoes and meet sea lions who are happy to make your acquaintance.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands

Day 9 – Explore Hood Island on landings wet and dry

Both wet and dry landings by panga take you to Hood (Española) Island to visit with its friendly sea lions and observe finches, mockingbirds and other bird life. Ride a glass-bottom boat in Gardner Bay, take a challenging walk across volcanic landscapes to check out unique seabird colonies at Punta Suárez, or spend some time snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands

Day 10 – Flamingos and other feathered friends on Floreana Island

Landing at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island, join your expert naturalist guide on an easy nature hike to a lovely lagoon, where you’ll see flamingos in their pristine habitat. Explore Post Office Bay, where a primitive island “post office” has been in use for hundreds of years; you can still mail a letter, sailor-style, today.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands

Day 11 – In Darwin’s footsteps on Santa Cruz Island

Head for the inland highlands with a naturalist on Santa Cruz Island to see volcanic craters, endemic cactus, volcanic craters and a Scalesia forest, as well as a bustling town. Try to spy giant tortoises in the wild and see them up-close at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll also learn about the history of the islands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands

Day 12 – Birds galore and much more on Tower Island

Land by panga in a lovely natural harbor on Tower Island to view thousands of incredible birds – including large colonies of frigate birds, storm petrels, Nazca boobies and many more. In most cases, the birds and animals of the Galápagos are unafraid of humans, so you get so close you can almost touch them! You’ll also have opportunities to climb up Prince Philip’s Steps, and go snorkeling, kayaking and swimming today.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands

Day 13 – Isabela and Fernandina islands

Isabela II cruises through Bolivar Channel today, where whales are often swimming, en route to Isabela and Fernandina, the youngest of the Galápagos Islands (they’re only about 5 to 10 million years old). Arrive via panga at Isabela’s Tagus Cove to see Darwin Crater; you’ll also have an opportunity to do some snorkeling, as well as view Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas and sea lions on Fernandina. And you’ll cross the Equator with a glass of champagne in hand today!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands

Day 14 – Natural wonders on James and Bartolomé islands

A wet landing precedes a stroll across the ancient lava flows of James Island to spot marine iguanas, fur seals and myriad birds. There are even more wonders in store when you climb to the top of Bartolomé Island – some 365 steps – and on a panga ride around Pinnacle Rock where you may get an unforgettable look at unique Galápagos penguins. Celebrate the final night of your Galápagos cruise with farewell cocktails aboard Isabela II this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Isabela II, Galápagos Islands

Day 15 – Fly back to civilization in Guayaquil

Disembark Isabela II in Baltra and fly back to Guayaquil for another night at the Hilton Colón Guayaquil. A tour of the city precedes free time, perhaps to stroll the waterfront promenade, El Malecon. Tonight, we invite you to share favorite experiences from your Galápagos cruise and Peru tour with your fellow travelers at our farewell cocktail party followed by dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Hilton Colón Guayaquil, Ecuador

Day 16 – Goodbye Galápagos cruise and Peru tour

Tour ends in Guayaquil. A transfer is included from the Hilton Colón Guayaquil to Guayaquil International Airport; allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

16 Days from $7,990 plus on-tour airfare

39 meals included.

2011 Departure Dates

March 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd & 29^th

September 13^th & 20^th

October 4^th & 11^th

Overview

2011 – 11 Days from $5,790

Tauck’s 11-day journey, The Panama Canal & Costa Rica, offers the delightful combination of a memorable Panama Canal cruise and up-close discoveries of amazing wildlife, fascinating centuries-old cultures and man-made marvels. A 6-day voyage aboard the sporty yacht, Le Levant, includes a complete transit of the Panama Canal, as well as encounters with the Kuna and Choco peoples who live in tropical villages in the Darien Province and San Blas Islands much as they have for centuries. Cast anchor near sun-kissed beaches along the Pacific Ocean, explore a rainforest jungle on the Osa Peninsula and spend two nights in San José, Costa Rica, discovering national treasures, from coffee beans to volcanic landscapes to golden artifacts to architectural gems.

2011 Itinerary

Westbound

Day 1 – Bienvenidos a Panama

Tauck’s Panama Canal cruise begins at InterContinental Miramar Panama at 8:00 PM. Welcome to Panama!  A transfer awaits to take you from Tocumen International Airport to the InterContinental Miramar Panama hotel on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Panama Bay. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening to share your excitement about your upcoming Panama Canal cruise.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: InterContinental Miramar Panama, Panama City

Day 2 – City treasures

Visit historic Panama Viejo (Old Panama), discovering remnants of the city’s golden days, and take a walking tour along the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, home to the French Embassy, the Cathedral and Teatro Nacional, and stroll the waterfront promenade, Las Bóredas. Continue on to Miraflores Locks for lunch overlooking the Panama Canal and a tour of the Panama Canal Museum, before returning to the hotel for dinner at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: InterContinental Miramar Panama, Panama City

Day 3 – Rainforest delights and shipboard sights

View more city sights en route to the Gamboa Rainforest. Feast on a lunch featuring Panamanian food and explore the Gamboa Rainforest with expert naturalists on your choice of an aerial tram ride* (Panama’s only gondola) or a boat cruise along the canal prior to boarding Le Levant in nearby Colón.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard Le Levant

Day 4 – Discover life in the San Blas Islands

Drop anchor at one of the 365 islets along the Panama coast for a day in paradise! Go ashore on one of the few inhabited San Blas Islands where you will get an authentic glimpse of daily life here on this remote archipelago. Your visit to a local Kuna village includes an inside look at a private home and a chance to watch artisans create the beautiful embroidered molas you will see adorning fabrics here. A snorkel and swim caps off a day at the beach. Your yacht sails towards the Panama Canal tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard Le Levant

Day 5 – Your full transit through The Panama Canal

Appreciate one of the world’s engineering marvels during your Panama Canal cruise as Le Levant makes a full transit of the Panama Canal from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The ship will rise an astonishing 85 feet as she travels from the Miraflores locks at one end of the canal to the Gatun Locks at the other. Gatun Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world; what appear to be islands are actually the tops of former jungle hills. Be sure to wander up to the top of the ship for unobstructed views, a great advantage of Tauck’s small-ship cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard Le Levant

Day 6 – A village in the Darien Province

Today, you’ll have an experience that you just wouldn’t get if you were traveling on your own. You’ll feel like you’ve done some time traveling when you step ashore in an astounding beautiful spot in a remote area of the Darien Province of Panama seldom visited by “outsiders.” Traveling by local boats, visit a remote village where the entire town comes to greet you. They’ll take pride in showing you their traditional Cocobolo wood or Tagua “vegetable ivory” carvings and sharing their music and dance. Return to Le Levant, and set sail for Coiba Island.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard Le Levant

Day 7 – Spend the day at the beach

Le Levant anchors off lovely Granito de Oro near unspoiled Coiba Island National Park to offer you a day of sun, sea and sand. Swim, snorkel or kayak in the crystal-clear waters where you may get a glimpse of underwater life not usually associated with the Americas, and enjoy a special barbeque lunch on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard Le Levant

Day 8 – Become one with nature on the Osa Peninsula

Cast anchor at the Osa Peninsula today. Go exploring with a naturalist guide who takes you hiking in the lush landscapes and points out the diverse ecosystems and bird life that thrive here; take a refreshing afternoon swim before returning to the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard Le Levant

Day 9 – Ox carts in Sarchi and coffee in San José

As your Panama Canal cruise ends in Puerto Caldera, bid farewell to Le Levant and set off to discover Costa Rica’s fascinating interior. Visit the village of Sarchi, famous for its painted ox carts, as well as a coffee plantation for a tour and a demonstration of the coffee roasting process. Your accommodations for the next two nights are located in an elite suburb just outside of San José.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Lodging: Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica

Day 10 – Discover lunar landscapes and golden treasures

Journey to Volcano Irazð, Costa Rica’s tallest volcano. Although it hasn’t actively erupted since 1963, it still groans and grumbles on occasion. Follow the trails across the desolate lava landscape to view the lake at the bottom of the 100-meter-deep Diego de la Haya crater, which sometimes appears emerald-green, and at other times seems rust-red. On a clear day, it is possible to see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from this stark summit. Back in the city, visit the Gold Museum showcasing thousands of pre-Columbia golden artifacts and see the city’s National Theater, resplendent with Baroque design, gold overlays and Carrara marble. Join us for our farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica

Day 11 – Say adios to your wonderful Panama Canal cruise

Your Panama Canal cruise ends in San José, Costa Rica. Transfers from the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica to Juan Santamaría International Airport are included. Allow 3 hours for check-in formalities. Please note that the Costa Rica departure tax is not included.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

11 Days from $5,790 plus airfare

28 meals included.

2011 Departure Dates

January 4^th

Overview

2011 – 8 Days from $2,490

Active volcanoes, misty cloud forests, inland rivers, coffee plantations, tropical gardens and the mysterious jungle – all on a memorable, eco-rich Costa Rica travel adventure! Visits to a butterfly garden and serpentarium within Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, float trips along two inland jungle rivers, and sightseeing excursions with expert naturalists offer insights into the region’s unique ecosystems, native birds and wildlife. A lake cruise in the shadow of Volcano Arenal… stays at acclaimed eco-resorts… a guided tour of a renowned working coffee plantation… your choice of a horseback ride, forest canopy tour, zip-line adventure, organic farm visit or spa treatment at Tizate Wellness Gardens… a visit with with a farm family that has lived on a jungle river for many generations… close-up views of a dizzying array of native flora and fauna… and an exclusive dinner at San José’s Museo del Oro are all among the highlights of Tauck’s Costa Rica travel experience!

2011 Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Costa Rica

Your Costa Rica travel experience begins at 6:00 PM at the Hotel Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste.  A transfer from Liberia International Airport to your hotel, surrounded by tropical gardens on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, is included. Meet your Tauck Director and travel companions at the welcome reception followed by an à la carte dinner as you begin your Costa Rica travel adventure.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Day 2 – From a trail ride to a soothing soak at Tizate Wellness Gardens

Kick off your Costa Rica travel with a memorable day at Tizate Wellness Gardens Hot Springs & Spa, nestled within a dry tropical forest on the Tizate River near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Take your choice of activities including a trail ride over mountainous terrain; a tour of the forest canopy; a thrilling zip-line adventure* over the river and through the trees; an organic farm visit; a relaxing massage in the spa; or a luxurious soak in a volcanically heated thermal pool.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Hotel Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Day 3 – Float down Rio Corobici and on to misty Monteverde

Howler monkeys, iguanas, cormorants, kingfishers and parrots are just a few of the species you might spot as you meander along the peaceful, wildlife-rich Rio Corobici on a leisurely float trip. Enjoy local specialties for lunch at Rincon Corobici, then head for the cooler climactic zone of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, where you’ll spend the next two nights at Monteverde Lodge and become a part of the cloud forest’s unique ecology. Thousands of plant and animal species call the reserve home – with 400 bird species alone, including 30 hummingbird species – from monkeys to the Resplendent Quetzal. Before dinner this evening, a lecture by one of the original American Quaker settlers who created the cloud forest reserve in the 1950s gives you a new perspective on conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Monteverde Lodge, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Day 4 – Wildlife galore in marvelous Monteverde

An exciting day of biodiversity awaits in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve! Meet a wide variety of reptiles at the Serpentarium, and see more than 50 of over an estimated 1,000 native Costa Rican butterfly species, including the stunning blue morpho, at the enclosed Butterfly Garden; our naturalists pass along their expert insights on the butterflies’ complex life cycles. The Hummingbird Gallery introduces you to several species of these fascinating birds, and you’ll see photos and slides by noted wildlife photographers. After lunch at Sofia featuring eclectic Costa Rican and fusion cuisine in a lovely tropical setting, spend the afternoon on a guided visit to a nearby private reserve; keep your binoculars at the ready to spot wildlife that may reveal themselves. Tonight, relax amidst the orchid-filled gardens of your eco-lodge, where your room boasts bay windows looking out on the cloud forest!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Monteverde Lodge, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Day 5 – Lakes, volcanoes and a jungle resort

Take in vistas of coffee plantations and cattle farms as your Costa Rica travel takes you to Lake Arenal in Arenal Volcano National Park, home to eight distinct biological zones as well as to Volcano Arenal, one of the world’s most active volcanoes – it’s been erupting continuously for over 40 years! Cruise across the lake to see the Lake Arenal Dam before continuing on to Tilajari Resort, where you’ll spend the next two nights nestled in a rainforest overlooking the San Carlos River. Choose from guided walks through the rainforest at private Tilajari Reserve, or in your resort’s own Butterfly Garden.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Tilajari Resort Hotel, Muelle, Costa Rica

Day 6 – Meet a farm family as you float through the jungle

Your Costa Rica travel adventure continues in the jungle today with a float trip* down the scenic Peñas Blancas River aboard a raft; look for wildlife ranging from sloths to crocodiles to giant iguanas along the shore. Meet a local farmer and his extended family who have lived on the river for generations; visit their private home for a glimpse of their daily life. Return to your resort in the heart of one of Costa Rica’s most richly diverse ecosystems for lunch, followed by an afternoon spent enjoying all there is to see and do – from swimming and playing tennis to strolling through botanical and butterfly gardens – as well as optional activities (available at additional cost) such as horseback riding, zip-line and rafting adventures, and a massage at the spa.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Tilajari Resort Hotel, Muelle, Costa Rica

Day 7 – Doka Estate, where coffee is king, and the treasures of San José

There’s nothing like fine Costa Rican gourmet coffee… and you’ll get to see how it’s produced, from the seed to the cup, with your local guide on a tour of the Doka Estate coffee plantation, perched on the slopes of Alajuela Poas Volcano. Continue after lunch to the capital city of San José. You’ll have plenty to talk about with your Costa Rica travel companions tonight at Tauck’s exclusive farewell reception and dinner at the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), home to a priceless collection of thousands of artifacts and artworks from the pre-Columbian period.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower, San José, Costa Rica

Day 8 – Adios, Costa Rica!

Your Costa Rica travel adventure ends in San José. A transfer is included from Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica to San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport. Allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

8 Days from $2,490 plus airfare

8 Days from $2,990 plus airfare – Small Group Departures
Small Group Departure dates of Jan 15, Feb 5, 26, Mar 26 and Apr 9 with no more than 24 Tauck guests, specially priced from $2990 per person double plus on-tour air; inquire at time of booking.

20 meals included

2011 Departure Dates

January 22^nd & 29^th

February 5^th, 12^th & 26^th

March 19^th & 26^th

April 9^th & 16^th

December 28^th

Overview

2011 – 13 Days from $4,655

Explore the world of the Incas on Tauck’s 13-day Bolivia and Peru tour, and witness the impact of the Spanish conquistadors on cultures from out of the mists of history. Wonders await at every turn, from Francisco Pizarro’s colonial Lima and Cusco, to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca to La Paz. Discover ancient Inca strongholds and sacred sites surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains… admire the skill and craftsmanship of ancient artisans whose true medium was gold… learn the secrets of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and have your journey blessed by a local shaman. See the incredible Nazca Lines – only visible from the air – on an optional flightseeing excursion. Attend a folkloric performance based on Inca mythology… chug through spectacular Andean scenery on a vintage rail car… meet locals living like their ancestors did on floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca… watch a Peruvian chef – and famous Peruvian Paso horses – demonstrate their skills… and discover the cultural and architectural diversity of La Paz, highest capital city on earth.

2011 Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Peru!

Our Bolivia and Peru tour begins in Lima.  Upon arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, you’ll be met by a Tauck representative and transferred to the Miraflores Park Hotel, your home for your first three nights.

Meals:

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 2 – Explore Lima, “City of Kings”

Your Peru tour begins in the lovely colonial center of Lima, originally mapped out by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, which appears on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. You’ll be inspired by its age-old beauty and venerable tradition during a tour this morning. Some of Lima’s most historic buildings surround the splendid Plaza Major – see the Archbishop’s Palace, with its fine carved balcony; the opulent Government Palace, the official residence of the president of Peru; and the 17th-century Church of San Pedro, an excellent example of Peruvian Baroque architecture, whose rather stark facade belies its ornate interior. Visit the impressive, 16th-century Cathedral of Lima, whose first stone was laid by Pizarro himself in 1535, and in which he is buried.  Get a sense of what life was like for the wealthy of Lima centuries ago during lunch at Casa de Aliaga, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion that has been owned by the same family for 17 generations; then visit the privately owned Museo Larco, housing one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian artifacts and art. Please join us for a special welcome cocktail reception and dinner at Casa Luna, the private hacienda of your hosts Javier and Eva Luna, where an eclectic art collection containing over 1,500 nativities is on display.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 3 – Lima’s culture and cuisine… or the Nazca Lines

Discover Lima’s rich artistic heritage – representing some 3,000 years and a mix of cultures including pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary Peruvian art – on this morning’s walking tour of the city’s “Bohemian” district, Barranco, followed by a visit to one of Lima’s fine art museums with a local guide. Enjoy lunch at Cala, a local seaside restaurant that’s truly one of Lima’s spots to “see and be seen,” where you’ll sample authentic Peruvian cuisine – a tantalizing fusion of Andean and Spanish flavors. Or you may choose to join us for an optional, full-day excursion (available for an additional $299 per person – ask at time of booking) to see the amazing Nazca Lines from the air!  You’ll drive across one of the driest deserts on Earth along part of the Pan American Highway to Pisco, where you’ll take off on a flightseeing trip to observe these massive animal figures, visible only from the air, carved into the desert floor many centuries ago by the Nazca people. Return to Lima this evening, where dinner is on your own tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Lodging: Miraflores Park Hotel, Lima, Peru

Day 4 – Meet alpacas and Peruvian Pasos in the Sacred Valley

A short flight this morning takes you from cosmopolitan Lima to Cusco; continue overland to the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a two-night stay. Did you know that South America’s iconic llama and the ubiquitous camel of the Middle East are both camelids – and thus “kissing cousins” – although they live half a world apart? That’s just one fact you’ll learn when you meet the llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos that are so associated with the Andes during a visit to the Awanacancha farm that raises them. Enjoy lunch and an equestrian demonstration starring famous Peruvian Paso horses at Wayra Ranch en route to your Sacred Valley hotel, where you can relax, have dinner and adjust to the higher altitude this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley, Peru

Day 5 – Incan mysteries and a performance by Kusiwasi

Like Egypt’s pyramids, mystery surrounds the construction methods used to build the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo. One of the best preserved of the Inca settlements, this living museum reveals much about what life was like here in the 15th century during a tour; the people of the town of Ollantaytambo still practice a very traditional lifestyle, as you’ll discover on a visit to a private home. Return to your hotel for a demonstration of Peruvian cuisine preparation by a chef, followed by a scrumptious buffet lunch – and you’ll learn how to make a Pisco Sour! Later, meet a local shaman who will bless your journey and share insights on the spiritual nature of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a performance of The Apus of the Andes, representing Quechua lore and Inca mythology, by the folk-arts group Kusiwasi, followed by dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley, Peru

Day 6 – A rail journey to another time at Machu Picchu

Board the Vistadome train in Ollantaytambo and travel through mist-shrouded peaks that the Incas believed to be sacred to Aguas Calientes, gateway to the “lost city of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. Spending the afternoon exploring this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” with our local guides will be an unforgettable highlight of your Peru tour. Inspiration is everywhere amidst the architectural and aesthetic genius evidenced in the palaces, temples, houses and baths of this mountaintop, totally self-contained retreat. It is said by some that if you are a spiritually sensitive person and touch your forehead to the Intihuatana stone – still a precise indicator of the two annual equinoxes – you’ll be able to see into the spirit world! Return to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel… where you can enjoy a complimentary Pisco Sour at the bar (between 5:00 and 6:00 PM) prior to dinner at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Day 7 – From the past to the present

This morning is yours to do as you please… which might include returning before sunup to Machu Picchu to explore more of the site on a memorable guided sunrise tour; enjoying a nature walk through your hotel’s stunning gardens, home to many species of orchids and birds; checking out local shops and such in Aguas Calientes; or indulging in a soothing treatment employing local botanicals and a mystical Andean approach at the hotel’s UNU Spa (for an additional charge). After lunch, again board the Vistadome train for the scenic rail journey to Ollanta, and drive to Cusco for a two-night stay. The beautiful Hotel Monasterio, named the “Best Hotel in South America” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2007, will be your home for the next two nights. Originally built in 1592, this 16th-century former monastery in the center of Cusco will indulge you with its unique atmosphere, unequaled charm and gracious hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Day 8 – South America’s oldest city… Cusco

Just about everywhere you look in Cusco – once capital of the Inca Empire, and South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city – you’ll see traces of its Incan past and its importance to the Inca people as the “navel of the world,” as well as of the early Spanish colonial city built above it. Begin the day with a walk through the bustling modern-day market, populated by hundreds of vendors selling everything from produce to flowers and household items, before setting off to explore Cusco. Discover the ruins of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, “the House of the Sun,” an important Inca stronghold. Nowhere is the collision between Western Europe and the Inca culture more apparent than at the Baroque Convent of Santo Domingo; after the extraordinary Inca Temple of the Sun at Koriqancha was ransacked by the Spanish conquerors, its amazing stone walls became the foundation for the convent, which is built atop the temple. The 16th-century Cathedral of Cusco, whose massive altar is made of solid silver, is a splendid example of Spanish colonial churches in the “New World.” Perhaps you’ll hear the tolling of the Maria Angola bell, the largest in South America, during your visit, as your local guide shares insights about the conversion of Incan sites to Spanish churches. Your afternoon and evening are at leisure in Cusco; the city’s many fine restaurants offer a range of opportunities for lunch and dinner on your own today.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Day 9 – Into the Andes and on to Lake Titicaca

Board the Andean Explorer for a highlight of Tauck’s Peru tour – a spectacular rail journey meandering through majestic peaks and across the Andean plains from Cusco to the shores of Lake Titicaca, the most sacred lake in the Inca world. Settle in for a pleasant and leisurely ride aboard your vintage rail car in the style of Europe’s famous Orient Express; lunch and afternoon tea will be served on the train. You’ll spend the next two nights lakeside at Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel; the region’s only five-star hotel, this lovely property on Isla Esteves provides wonderful views of the world’s highest navigable lake.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Puno, Peru

Day 10 – Where time stands still

Legend has it that the Inca Empire began at Lake Titicaca when the sun god summoned his children from its chilly waters and sent them forth to establish Cusco. Centuries later, some of the indigenous people of the area – the Uros – dwell on forty-five Islas Flotantes de los Uro, floating islands made from reeds that dot the lake, living much as their ancestors did and still following their ancestral customs. View and visit some of these islands via powerboat, going ashore to meet the inhabitants and discover what their lives are like. Later, on Taquile Island, visit the home of an Aymara family who will prepare lunch for you and perform some of their traditional dances. You’ll no doubt notice that on Taquile all the men seem to be industriously knitting, and you’ll see some of the items that they produce. After returning to the hotel, you’re free to spend the afternoon as you choose.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno Hotel, Puno, Peru

Day 11 – Bolivia bound

Begin the day with a drive along the coast of Lake Titicaca, then head across the lake via private hydrofoil to Sun Island, Bolivia, the legendary birthplace of the Incas. The ancient Aymara and Quechua peoples believed that the sun and the gods were born here and founded the Inca Empire… and many of their descendants still hold that belief; the only means of transportation between the five villages on the island, whose population numbers about 5,000, is the donkey. Savor a typical Bolivian lunch against the scenic backdrop of Titicaca’s blue waters, its many islands, and the snow-capped Andes beyond. Hop back aboard a hydrofoil and pass through the narrow Straits of Tiquina to Huatajata, where you’ll stop at the museum of the Limachi family, builders of the reed boats Tigris and RA II, used by famed explorer and archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl to prove his theory that ancient vessels could cross vast oceans. Continue overland to La Paz, the highest capital city on Earth, for a two-night stay; enjoy dinner à la carte at your leisure in the hotel this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Camino Real Hotel, La Paz, Bolivia

Day 12 – Lively La Paz

Begun on the site of an existing Aymara village, La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spaniards. The highest capital city in the world above sea level, La Paz is also home to the highest golf course on Earth; in the thin air, a good tee shot will travel an amazing distance! Venture just outside the city to explore the lunar-like badlands dubbed the Valle De La Luna (Valley of the Moon), a stone landscape of deep gullies and bizarre rock formations, before heading to La Paz’s city center to soak up some local color in the bustling Indian Market… and browse in the Mercato de las Brujas (Witches’ Market) for magic amulets, potions, spells or plants reputed to have healing powers. From the Plaza Murillo, you’ll see the colonial-era Government Palace, known as the Burned Palace because it was set on fire during eight different revolutions; the Congress building had been a convent, a jail and a university before being renovated in 1904 to house the congress of Bolivia. Explore more of La Paz as you please this afternoon, and have lunch on your own; this evening, join us at Bolivia’s National Art Museum for Tauck’s exclusive farewell reception including a private tour of the museum followed by dinner in the courtyard.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Camino Real Hotel, La Paz, Bolivia

Day 13 – Say adios to the Andes

Your Bolivia and Peru tour ends in La Paz. A transfer from the Camino Real Hotel to La Paz El Alto International Airport is included. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in formalities. Thank you for traveling with Tauck; we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. Hasta la vista!

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

13 Days from $4,655 plus airfare

30 meals included.

2011 Departure Dates

April 1^st & 15^th

May 13^th & 27^th

June 10^th & 24^th

July 8^th

August 5^th

September 16^th & 30^th

October 14^th & 28^th

Overview

2011 – 14 Days from $5,990

2011 Itinerary

Northbound

Day 1 – Welcome to Nice and Monte-Carlo

Tauck’s cruise-tour begins at 6:00 PM at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.  A transfer in included from the Nice Cote d’Azur Airport to the Fairmont Monte Carlo; guests in Category 6 aboard the riverboat will enjoy sea-view rooms in this world-class hotel on Monte-Carlo’s famed waterfront. Join us for a cocktail reception and dinner as we welcome you to one of our two new France river cruises here in Monaco.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco

Day 2 – Monte-Carlo magic

Mega-yachts from around the world bobbing in the bay… the rich, the famous, the jet setters… a casino world-renowned for its glamour… a real-life royal fairy-tale romance… it’s all part of Monte-Carlo’s magic spell. Get the lay of the land during an orientation tour this morning and then spend the rest of the day exploring as you please.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monaco

Day 3 – It’s always nice in Nice… then start your cruise in Arles

Today you’ll discover why Nice is a perennial favorite of sophisticated travelers. During a city walking tour this morning as well as time to explore as you please, you may encounter the Promenade des Anglais winding its way along the shore of the beautiful Bay of Angels and the medieval streets of Old Town that make Nice so nice. After lunch on your own, travel on to Arles, where you’ll board ms Swiss Emerald and begin one of the most enjoyable France river cruises along the Rhône and the Saône. The Captain welcomes you aboard with a reception and special dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 4 – The many charms of Arles and country life in the Camargue

It may seem strange to encounter Roman ruins in Provence but Arles was, after all, once a Roman city; while the gladiators are gone, the arena they left behind – just one of the town’s many Roman remnants – still hosts performances and bullfights today. Explore Arles’ medieval streets and city walls and be sure to look out across the surrounding countryside to what van Gogh found so enchanting. After lunch, it’s off to La Camargue, France’s “wild west,” where cowboys tend to herds of bulls destined for bullfighting rings in Spain. Visit a working farm to see what these cowhands and their charges do during a demonstration – not something usually experienced on France river cruises – followed by dinner featuring traditional Provençal fare and entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 5 – Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The fortified city of Avignon was probably a much more peaceful place before Rome became “inconvenient” for the popes who moved the papacy here about 700 years ago. Although they stayed for less than a century, they kept busy during those years… as you’ll see at the impressive Palais des Papes that they built for themselves during this morning’s sightseeing in this medieval city. As well versed in Latin as they all were, they surely understood what “in vino veritas” means, and they all shared a fondness for wine – and the “truth” it brings – which was very convenient, because wine has been grown in the area for over 2,600 years. Taste locally produced wine named for the “new castle of the popes,” the world-renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape, on a wine-tasting excursion this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 6 – Vibrant Viviers and the pleasures of cruising

The walled city of Viviers, which retains much of its medieval character, is a delightful stop on Tauck’s France river cruises. A walking tour reveals ancient homes and its unusual cathedral, which looks more like a castle than a church in the opinion of some, high up on the riverbank. After some free time to soak up the character of this lovely town on your own, reboard ms Swiss Emerald for lunch, followed by an afternoon and evening cruising along the Rhône. As you glide past the scenic shoreline, try your hand at the French game of pétanque on deck (weather permitting) and savor the flavor of gourmet French chocolate.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 7 – Tournon, Tain-l’Hermitage and a tasting

Once upon a time, feudal rulers looked down on the town of Tournon-sur-Rhône from the castle you’ll see perched on a rock high above the city; its pre-Renaissance roots are evident during a walking tour and time at leisure to poke around as you please. Following lunch aboard the riverboat, we’ll be off to Tain-l’Hermitage, known for its excellent Côte du Rhône wines; you’ll understand why after you visit a vineyard and taste what it produces! An afternoon spent on the river leads to Vienne, where we’ll arrive in time for a nice evening stroll… it’s the perfect way to end the day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 8 – Veritable Vienne, and on to the Saône

It seems that the Romans were everywhere along the Rhône, and Vienne (which they called “Vienna” in their day) was no exception. During your time here this morning, look for the theatre and temple they left behind, as well as other sights straight out of history. Then it’s another languid, lazy and perfectly wonderful afternoon of cruising as ms Swiss Emerald leaves the Rhône and charts a course for Chalon-sur-Saône on the River Saône. Take advantage of all that your riverboat offers… perhaps challenging new friends to a Wii game would be amusing… or just settle into a deck chair on the Sun Deck and watch the world along the river go by.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 9 – It’s better in Burgundy

The Sâone River flows through the southern part of France’s famous Burgundy region, home to some of the world’s finest wines. But Chalon-sur-Sâone, with a history dating back to the time of Charlemagne, should be world famous for an entirely different reason; this is considered the birthplace of photography. So, as you’re lining up great shots of all the interesting things you’ll see here in your viewfinder, whisper a little “thank you:” to local inventor Nicéphore Niépce, who achieved several photographic firsts right here back in the 1820s. Now… ready to taste some more wonderful wine? Then come with us to Mercurey to sample its noted reds, born here in the largest wine-producing area of the Côte Chalonnaise, at a tasting at one of the region’s 30 local premier cru vineyards.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 10 – Heritage, horses, an abbey and more

In Mâcon on the Saône, follow the Heritage Trail as you explore the town’s rich history and traditions. Continue on to the Abbey of Cluny, the center of a major monastic reform movement in the Middle Ages after its founding in 910 AD by Benedictine monks, and the largest Christian building in the world until St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome was erected in the 16th century. Later, tour France’s renowned Haras Nationale, where the horse and everything about them is the centerpiece, before reboarding the riverboat and cruising back down the Saône to gastronomic Lyon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 11 – Luscious Lyon

If you’re still hungry after all the wonderful meals you’ve eaten aboard ms Swiss Emerald, Lyon is the place for you! Regarded as the culinary capital of France, there are more restaurants here per capita than anywhere else in the country. A city tour includes the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière, built over an ancient Roman forum in the 1870s; although the exterior may seem a bit austere, the richly decorated interior reveals exquisite marble work, stained glass windows, colorful mosaics and gilt galore. You’re bound to find something delicious for an included lunch in town, perhaps in one of the city’s traditional bouchons. This afternoon, join us for a visit to Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon with its extensive collection of works of art by noted artists that is said to be second only to the Musée du Louvre in Paris, or explore the city a bit more on your own. As ms Swiss Emerald spends the night docked in Lyon, join us aboard ship for the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 12 – Bound for Beaune and on to Paris

As all France river cruises must, the cruise portion of your vacation ends today as you bid a fond farewell to the ms Swiss Emerald. Ahead lies the walled city of Beaune, billing itself as the “Capital of Burgundy Wines,” surrounded by prestigious vineyards, like Corton-Charlemagne and La Romanée-Conti, whose very names put a gleam in the eyes of wine lovers. The Hospice de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu, is the city’s best-known landmark, and you’ll discover why during a visit. Receiving its first patient on January 1, 1452, this unique charitable institution welcomed the elderly, the disable and sick, orphans and the poor, providing them with badly needed treatment and refuge, for centuries. After lunch on your own, it’s off to Paris, where you’ll arrive at your ideally located hotel in time for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: The Westin Paris, France

Day 13 – Paris as you please

If this is your first visit to Paris, you’ll find it an awesome place.  If you’ve been here many times, today might be the day that you discover something about the city that you didn’t know before. After a guided tour this morning to help you get your bearings, the rest of the day is free to explore and enjoy as you please. We’ve included admission to your choice of the Musée National de l’Orangerie, Musée Rodin, Musée d’Orsay or Musée National Picasso Paris. Or, if you’re not in a museum mood, poke around Paris as you choose to see what you might discover about the “City of Light.”

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: The Westin Paris, France

Day 14 – Homeward bound

After this most memorable of France river cruises ends in Paris, fly home anytime. A transfer from The Westin Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport is included. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

14-Day Land/Cruise prices from $5,990 plus airfare

32 meals included.

10-Day Cruise-Only prices from $4,990 plus airfare

26 meals included.

2011 Departure Dates

August 19^th

September 27th

Overview

2011 – 15 Days from $5,490

Travel aboard one of Tauck’s luxury riverboats – ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Jewel  or Tauck’s new-for-2011 riverboat – on a two-week Danube, Main and Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, gliding past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, castles and vineyards. Pass through five countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, and explore legendary cities such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg, Bratislava and Budapest. Tauck’s all-included private shore excursions take you to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic districts of Budapest, Vienna, and Bamberg, and the Wachau and Rhine valleys. In Vienna, take your choice of visits to Schönbrunn Palace or the Hofburg’s Imperial Silver Room, and attend a grand Imperial Evening in a traditional palace. In Amsterdam, enjoy a luncheon cruise along the city’s 17th-century canals and tour the famed Rijksmuseum. Visit Köln Cathedral, Melk Abbey, medieval towns like Regensburg and Dürnstein, Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and much more!

2011 Itinerary

Southbound

Day 1 – Embark on your Rhine cruise in Amsterdam

Your Rhine cruise starts at 4:00 PM in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  A transfer is included from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport directly to ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Jewel or Tauck’s new-for-2011 riverboat. Kick off your two-week Danube, Main and Rhine cruise with a traditional toast featuring Dutch gin, followed by dinner aboard the riverboat.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 2 – Great art, a canal cruise and more in Amsterdam

You’ll be inspired by the acclaimed art by the Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and many others you’ll see on a guided tour of Amsterdam’s renowned Rijksmuseum this morning. Then enjoy views of the city’s remarkable architectural styles on a canal boat cruise along its network of 17th-century canals. The fun continues with a festive evening aboard the riverboat including the Captain’s welcome reception, a special welcome dinner and a live musical performance.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 3 – Köln, namesake of Eau de Cologne

Fascinating commentary by your Tauck Director (which you can listen to in your cabin if you choose) and lunch al fresco on the riverboat’s sun deck enhance your morning’s sail to the next stop on your Rhine cruise – Köln (Cologne), Germany’s oldest city. Your guided walking tour includes the lofty, twin-spired Kölner Dom, elaborately decorated with pinnacles and buttresses; it is the tallest Gothic structure in the world, and took over 600 years to complete. Stroll through Köln’s Hohe Strasse pedestrian area at your leisure in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 4 – Koblenz or Marksburg Castle, and merry music machines

Dock in Koblenz, and choose either a walking tour of Old Town, or a trip to 13th-century Marksburg Castle, built high above the Rhine. Relax as your Tauck Director shares a tale or two during the afternoon’s cruise through the scenic – and literally legendary – Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 5 – Rhine Cruise to the Main River

Arrive in Miltenberg, a walled medieval city with Roman roots, for a look at its centuries-old market square, hilltop castle and half-timbered houses. Then enjoy the views as your Rhine cruise continues into the Main River, through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns. On-board activities may include informative lectures, cooking classes and demonstrations of such time-honored skills as glass-blowing. A Bavarian-themed dinner awaits aboard the riverboat tonight as you cruise to Worth.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 6 – Discover Rothenburg and Würzburg

Today’s shore excursion takes you to medieval Rothenburg, on Germany’s “Romantic Road,” to see its Gothic cathedral and gabled houses. Later, a visit to charming Würzburg reveals the town’s 18th-century Residenz and the ornate Alte Mainbrücke, a bridge over the River Main. And you’ll know you’re cruising through Bavaria when an oompa band plays for you tonight!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 7 – Bound for Bamberg

Continue along the Main to the Bavarian town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop seven hills. After discovering the town’s lovely gardens, medieval architecture and 13th-century Gothic cathedral with its four imposing towers on a walking tour of Old Town, you’ll have time to explore this charming town on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 8 – Main-Danube Canal & historic Nürnberg

Tauck’s Main, Danube and Rhine cruise negotiates the Main-Danube Canal today, which ultimately links the North Sea with the Black Sea – and which you’ll learn all about from a local expert during your transit. The idea goes back as far as Charlemagne, but wasn’t realized until this canal was completed in the 1990s; pass through 16 locks as the waterway traverses the mountains. Sail on to historic Nürnberg, where you’ll have a choice of a walking tour of the city’s walled medieval center, or a visit to the Documentation Center and other city sites associated with World War II and its aftermath. Enjoy lunch and entertainment at a local restaurant; dinner is aboard the riverboat this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 9 – Ancient Regensburg and on to Passau

Stop in the well-preserved medieval town of Regensburg, once a campsite for the Roman legions. On a walking tour with our local guide, you’ll see the Steinerne Brücke, a medieval stone bridge over the Danube that’s the oldest in Germany; Altes Rathaus, the 15th-century town hall that was once the seat of the Imperial Diet; and Dom St. Peter, the town’s towering Gothic cathedral. After exploring Regensburg as you please this afternoon, cruise along the Danube to Passau.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 10 – Explore Baroque Passau and cruise the Danube

The riverboat docks in the port city of Passau, dating way back to Roman times. Spend time exploring this lovely Bavarian town – well-known for its Baroque architecture including unique four-story homes, scores of churches and marvelous stained glass – on a walking tour. Listen to commentary from your Tauck Director, or perhaps take advantage of activities such as a galley tour, as you continue your Danube, Main and Rhine cruise in the afternoon, bound for Melk, Austria.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 11 – Medieval Austrian abbeys and castles

Your next destination is the town of Melk, Austria, where you’ll step back in time on 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. Enjoy views of medieval castles while cruising through the Wachau Valley to picturesque Dürnstein; stroll along its twisting lanes on a walking tour, and, if you wish, walk up to the hilltop ruins of a castle where King Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades – the vistas are simply spectacular! A wine-tasting in a local restaurant and dinner back on board cap a delightful day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 12 – Music and more in Imperial Vienna

Get an overview of Vienna, Austria’s capital and one of Europe’s greatest cities, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic former capital of the Habsburg Empire. Take your choice of a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a guided visit to the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg, the Habsburgs’ former Imperial palace that today is the official residence of Austria’s president. Tonight, a Tauck Exclusive – a private, gala Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna, featuring a sumptuous dinner and live Viennese music – just might sweep you off your feet!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 13 – A bit of Baroque in Bratislava

Arise dockside in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour led by a local guide. Highlights include Baroque palaces from the Habsburg era, along with St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and a visit to Old Town Hall. Please join the Captain and crew to celebrate the conclusion of your splendid Danube, Main and Rhine cruise with a special farewell cocktail reception, dinner and musical entertainment aboard your riverboat tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 14 – Discover Budapest on the Danube

Tauck’s memorable Main, Danube and Rhine cruise arrives at your final destination – Budapest, Hungary’s remarkable capital set on both sides of the Danube River. You’ll explore both the Buda and Pest sections of the city on a sightseeing tour, viewing Heroes’ Square, bounded by some of the finest architectural works in Hungary; the Parliament building, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece; and Fishermen’s Bastion overlooking the Danube.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 15 – Journey home

Your cruise ends in Budapest, Hungary. Disembark in Budapest; a transfer is included from the riverboat to Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport. Allow 3 hours for departure flight check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

15-Day Land/Cruise prices from $5,490 plus airfare

2011 Departure Dates

April 20^th & 30^th

May 27^th

August 1^st

September 6^th & 22^nd

Overview

2011 – 13 Days from $4,190

So many delights lie along the banks of the Rhine and Moselle rivers – let us share them with you on a 12-night cruise between Amsterdam and Basel aboard the ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire, or Tauck’s new-for-2011 riverboat. From the Netherlands to Switzerland, through Germany, France and Luxembourg, you’ll travel through engaging cities, charming towns and rural landscapes. See the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in the glamorous spa town of Baden-Baden; enjoy a special lunch at a grand hotel overlooking Bonn and the Rhine; and discover the secrets of the ancient university town of Heidelberg, 2,000-year-old Boppard, and medieval masterpieces such as Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, and get a true taste of Europe with regional culinary specialties, locally grown wines and traditional songs and dances. It’s all waiting for you aboard Tauck’s most enchanting of Moselle and Rhine river cruises!

2011 Itinerary

Southbound

Day 1 – Welcome to The Netherlands

Tour begins: 2:00 PM, Amsterdam.  A transfer is included from Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport to the ms Swiss Sapphire, the ms Swiss Emerald, or Tauck’s new riverboat. Your cruise on the Moselle and Rhine rivers begins when all guests check in at 2:00 PM. Welkom aan boord!

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 2 – Amazing Amsterdam

As this most exciting of Moselle and Rhine river cruises begins, indulge yourself in all the many charms of this city of canals today. Discover Amsterdam’s historic architecture on a sightseeing cruise of its 17th-century canals – past centuries-old merchants’ houses from its “Golden Age” – and visit one of the city’s engaging museums on the Museumplein. Enjoy some leisure time to explore the Netherlands’ capital on your own, and join us this evening for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner as you cruise to Nijmegen.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 3 – Works of art by Mother Nature and Vincent van Gogh

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 4 – The many faces of Bonn

Beethoven’s birthplace, the home of musicians Robert and Clara Schumann, and the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1991, Bonn is still a center of German administration, politics and culture. Tracing its roots back to the Romans, the city engages with history spanning ancient times to the present day. Discover it all during a sightseeing tour and a walk through Old Town; enjoy a memorable lunch in a grand hotel used to host visiting dignitaries, set in an ideal location in Petersberg overlooking Bonn and the Rhine. Gain insights about life along the Rhine from your Tauck Directors aboard the riverboat this evening as you continue your cruise to Koblenz.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 5 – In the shadow of Reichsburg Castle

This most engaging of Moselle and Rhine River cruises takes you to Cochem today, where stepping ashore is like stepping into the pages of a medieval fairy tale. Visit picture-perfect, 1,000-year-old Gothic Reichsburg Castle, which looks down on Cochem’s quaint market square from above. Explore this jewel of a town – complete with Baroque town hall and ancient town gates – breathing in its historic charm and ambiance on a walking tour as well as free time on your own. Honor the area’s centuries-old winemaking traditions with a tasting of the excellent locally produced vintages at a family-owned winery / wine museum before returning to the riverboat.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 6 – Luxembourg bound

Dock in Bernkastel this morning for a journey to the tiny Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Pay a poignant visit to the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; over 5,000 American casualties of World War II’s Battle of the Bulge lie buried here, as does General George S. Patton. A walking tour of Luxembourg’s well-preserved old town reveals the Cathedral, Parliament, the Palace of the Grand Duke, and centuries-old battlements that are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy some special on-board entertainment by local performers this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 7 – Trier and Bernkastel, a Moselle masterpiece

On an excursion to Trier, discover this ancient city – which lays claim to the title of Germany’s oldest town – during a walking tour. Return to charming Bernkastel, known as both the “Pearl of the Moselle” and the “international town of vines and wine.” The town is celebrated not only for its wines, but also for its medieval market square surrounded by half-timbered houses, which you’ll see on a walking tour, along with its castle ruins, fortress-like 14th-century church and Renaissance-era town hall. Set off to Boppard this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 8 – To Boppard in the Middle Rhine Valley

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

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 9 – Heidelberg, realm of “The Student Prince”

After your riverboat docks in Worms, a full day in the historic college town of Heidelberg – home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and the setting for the famous operetta, The Student Prince – awaits you today. Take a walking tour of Heidelberg for a close-up look at the Old Town, and ride a funicular up to imposing Heidelberger Schloss, perched 300 feet above the city; view its examples of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Perhaps you’ll be as captivated by this lovely old city as America’s first travel writer, Mark Twain, was when he spent three months here with his family in the 19th century. Catch up with the riverboat in Speyer, where you’ll have some time to explore before continuing this most memorable of Rhine River cruises.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 10 – Lifestyles of the rich and healthy in Baden-Baden

Arrive in Plittersdorf for an excursion to the beautiful Black Forest spa town of Baden-Baden – and proof that the elegant Belle Èpoque period is still alive and well. For many generations, wealthy folks have flocked here to see and be seen, and to take the healing thermal waters for which the town is famous (“baden,” in fact, translates to “bath” or “bathe”). Join your local guide for a walking tour among some of the town’s treasures, ranging from the ruins of Roman baths to the ornate, 250-year-old Belle Èpoque casino, the Kurhaus, which movie star Marlene Dietrich once described as “the most beautiful casino in the world.” Spend the afternoon as you please in Baden-Baden or back aboard the riverboat in Plittersdorf; shuttles are available to take you back and forth between the ship and town.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 11 – A taste of France, past and present, in old Strasbourg

Your exploration of the Rhine River cruises to stunning Strasbourg, France – seat of the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the capital of the historic Alsace region. You’ll see the Parliament buildings before stepping back in time to discover La Petite France, noted for its medieval half-timbered houses set beside lovely canals, on a walking tour. While visiting the famous Gothic Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, you’ll be inspired by the graceful, expressive statuary of the Pilier des Anges (Pillar of Angels), and the magnificent stained glass windows. Spend free time this afternoon exploring the “crossroads of Europe” as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 12 – Beguiling Basel

This lovely Swiss city on the banks of the Rhine River will engage you today during a guided walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll see the bright-red Rathaus, Basel’s Town Hall. You can then explore more of one of Europe’s most attractive and best-preserved old towns on your own, or perhaps visit one of the city’s 40 museums. This evening, join the Captain and crew for a farewell reception and dinner aboard your riverboat as this most impressive of Moselle and Rhine River cruises concludes.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat

Day 13 – Homeward bound

Tour ends: Basel. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire or Tauck’s newest riverboat to Basel-Mulhouse International Airport; please allow 3 hours for flight check-in. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

13-Day Cruise prices from $4,190 plus airfare

2011 Departure Dates

May 3^rd

June 1^st

July 8^th

August 13^th & 29^th

Overview

2011 – 10 Days from $4,490

When it comes to France cruises, it’s hard to imagine a more enjoyable one than gliding along the Rhône through the vineyard country from which come some of the world’s most exceptional wines. But first, spend two nights at The Westin Paris to explore as you please, and perhaps discover things you don’t yet know about the “City of Light.” After riding the high-speed TGV through the French countryside to Lyon, embark aboard the ms Swiss Emerald to begin this crème de la crème of France cruises. All along the river, centuries-old towns, each with its own unique personality, compete for your attention with winery visits to sample the unique flavors of the wines produced in different regions on the river’s banks. Add the pleasures of Provence in Avignon, Arles and Roussillon… and France cruises by riverboat don’t come any better!

2011 Itinerary

Day 1 – Bonjour, Paris

Tauck’s most memorable of France cruises begins at The Westin Paris at 6:00 PM.  After our included transfer from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to your centrally located hotel, you may want to relax a while before joining us for our welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: The Westin Paris, France

Day 2 – A day of Parisian pleasures

After a city tour this morning to help you get your bearings, Paris is yours to experience and enjoy in whatever way pleases you for the rest of the day and evening. Perhaps you’ll choose a visit to one of the city’s lesser-known museums… or happen upon a little jewel of a church tucked away on a quiet side street… or find an agreeable sidewalk café and spend some time Parisian-watching… and as you make your way around the city, discover that, in Paris, you’re never more than 400 meters from a subway station.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: The Westin Paris, France

Day 3 – Take the fast train to Lyon

Enjoy the views from the TGV high-speed train en route to Lyon, set at the confluence of the rivers Saône and Rhône. There, board the ms Swiss Emerald and settle into your cabin before joining the Captain for his welcome reception and dinner as one of the most special of France cruises gets underway.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 4 – There’s a lot to like in Lyon

Lyon is considered the “culinary capital of France,” which is quite a compliment in a country famed for its cuisine and fine vintages. But it is also a city with a venerable history and considerable charm, as you’ll discover when you visit Vieux Lyon, the old Renaissance part of the city that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first protected historic district in France. Sightseeing also includes the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière, built atop the ruins of an ancient Roman forum. After lunch with the opportunity to discover the many joys of Lyonnaise cuisine for yourself, it’s off to the celebrated wine-growing region of Boujolais for a tasting in the countryside.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 5 – Vienne was there first

In the great course of human events, the Romans were somewhat latecomers in Vienne – it was founded by the Gauls – but the town still abounds with ruins they left revealing its life as a Roman colony along the Rhône, like the remains of theaters and a very well-preserved temple, which you’ll explore on a walking tour and during time at leisure. After lunch back aboard ms Swiss Emerald, another wine-tasting excursion visits the exceptional vineyards of the Rhône valley.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 6 – Avignon’s charms

Although the fortified city of Avignon was undoubtedly a pleasant place before they arrived, the 13th-century popes, who spent less than a century here when Rome became “tedious” for them, really put it on the map. Sightseeing today includes the Palais du Papes, the palace that they built for themselves during that time.  After discovering more of Avignon on your own during leisure time this afternoon, visit the Pont du Gard – a famous Roman aqueduct over the River Gardon – which becomes the amazing backdrop for a special treat for Tauck guests only this evening… an extraordinary dinner accompanied by fine local wines.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 7 – Arles and other Provençal pleasures

It may seem that the Romans were everywhere along the Rhône, and Arles in no exception.  Some impressive Roman monuments attest to that; the gladiators who once did battle here are gone, but structures like the arena in which they fought remains and is still a venue for performances and bull fights today. Later, the city successfully made the transition from ancient to medieval life, as you’ll see during today’s sightseeing and free time to look around on your own. Do take time to look beyond the city walls at the incredible quality of the light here that so enraptured van Gogh. After lunch aboard ms Swiss Emerald, venture deeper into Provence with a visit to the yellow-and-brown town of Roussillon, in the Luberon region. This is a place that is all about color, from the ochre cliffs surrounding the town to the purple of the lavender during its blooming season and the lush, green pine forests. Since the 12th century, the peaceful Romanesque Abbey de Senanque has stood watching over the countryside as its Cistercian monks tended the lavender; take in its quiet, austere beauty during a visit today.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 8 – Medieval Viviers and on along the Rhône

If medieval history and authentic period architecture are your thing, Viviers is your kind of place… because it’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns that you’re likely to see on France cruises. Its winding streets and lanes reveal what life might have been like here in the Middle Ages during a walking tour, including the town’s 12th-century cathedral. A leisurely afternoon cruise along the Rhône bound for Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage is the perfect opportunity to just kick back, settle into a deck chair and let the rhythm of the river soothe you as you glide between its banks. Or, spend some time in the Fitness Center, challenge new friends to a Wii game and check out the other onboard amenities and activities.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 9 – Tastings and temptations at a cooking school

Tauck’s new France river cruise provides the opportunity to taste so much of what makes French culinary traditions so memorable… olive oils, cheeses, gourmet chocolate… and, of course, wine. Today, you’ll taste them all on a visit to a Michelin-awarded Gastronomique restaurant and cooking school in Valence, as well as see demonstrations of their uses. This evening, please join us in celebrating the conclusion of an extraordinary cruise at the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner aboard the riverboat.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Emerald

Day 10 – Homeward Bound

All France cruises must come to an end, as yours will in Lyon. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the ms Swiss Emerald to Lyon Airport. Please allow 3 hours for flight check-in. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

10-Day Land/Cruise prices from $4,490 plus airfare

23 meals included.

8-Day Cruise-Only prices from $3,690 plus airfare

20 meals included.

2011 Departure Dates

August 3^rd & 28^th

September 4^th & 11^th

October 6^th, 13^th & 20^th

Overview

2011 – 11 Days from $6,590

Tauck’s 11-day Mediterranean cruise explores the French Riviera, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and remote Mediterranean islands by land and yacht. Explore Malta, and board Le Ponant, your 60-passenger motor-sailing yacht to discover the islands of Lipari, Ponza, Stromboli, Elba, Corsica and Sicily; feel like a jet setter pulling into ports aboard Le Ponant, designed to access the small harbors and remote destinations that large ships can’t maneuver. See fortified medieval towns, ornate cathedrals, ancient castles, and the incredible cliff-side drive along the Amalfi Coast. Experience glittering Monte-Carlo during a 2-night stay and visit Saint Paul-de-Vence for medieval enchantment handed down through the ages.

2011 Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Venice

Tauck’s Croatia tour and cruise begins at 6:30 PM at Hotel Danieli, Venice.  A transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Hotel Danieli is included upon your arrival. Originally built in the 14th century as the Palazzo Dandolo, your opulent, meticulously restored hotel is located in a prestigious setting on Riva degli Schiavoni, close to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). It has been lavishly restored with pink marble, stained glass, gold leaf and Murano glass chandeliers. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner where you are sure to discuss the upcoming Italy and Croatia tour and cruise.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy

Day 2 – The romance of Venice, without the cars

Your morning begins with a walk to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice, with a local guide. Visit St. Mark’s Square and go inside St. Mark’s Basilica, one of the must-see architectural wonders of Europe with its exquisite mosaics and detailed carvings. You’ll visit the Doges’ Palace, a pink marble Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 9th century, pass through the famous Bridge of Sighs, and spend the remainder of the day in car-free Venice as you please.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy

Day 3 – Venetian Island of Murano

Picturesque islands in the Venetian Lagoon are part of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation along with the city of Venice. First stop is Murano, famous for glass production since the Renaissance days of the 10th century. See how artisans still craft their signature glass in the traditional way at a glassblowing demonstration at a Murano studio. Visit the island of Burano, renowned for lacemaking. Board the yacht L’Austral, a sleek, innovative yachting cruise vessel launching in 2011. Sip welcome cocktails as L’Austral departs from Venice for the Adriatic Sea, and Croatia tour days are about to begin.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard L’Austral

Day 4 – Time-traveling in Croatia

L’Austral docks in Sibenik, and your Croatia tour begins. See the Cathedral of St. James, illustrating the transition of Gothic to Renaissance church architecture. A scenic coastal drive along the Adriatic takes you to Split, Croatia’s second largest city. After lunch, a walking tour showcases the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, built between the 3rd and 4th centuries.  These well-preserved ruins house shops, homes, and one of the world’s oldest cathedrals within their ancient walls; explore them on a walking tour, and visit the gallery of the renowned 20th-century sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Spend a little free time in Split, then return to L’Austral for dinner; your ship remains dockside this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard L’Austral

Day 5 – Korcula, home of medieval pursuits

Continue your Croatia tour when you explore the island of Korcula, birthplace of explorer Marco Polo, and its medieval walled city with Cathedral Square at its center. A guided walking tour includes its most famous house, the Museum of Icons in the church, and the Cathedral of St. Mark, decorated with statues on the façade. You’ll be treated to a private Moreska cultural dance performance, performed only in this town, for a look at the island’s colorful folkloric traditions.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard L’Austral

Day 6 – World Heritage in Kotor

Head to the observation deck for the sail into Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, Europe’s southernmost fjord – the view is inspiring and unforgettable. The bay and the city of Kotor are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in recognition of their natural and cultural uniqueness. A guided walking tour includes a visit to the Maritime Museum of Montenegro, housed in an 18th-century Baroque palace, and one of the city’s Romanesque churches. And as a special Tauck touch, you’ll be treated to a private a cappella performance by a local female singing group back aboard the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard L’Austral

Day 7 – Discover Dubrovnik

Tauck’s Croatia tour and cruise heads up the Dalmatian Coast to the next port of call, Dubrovnik, where the day begins with a private lecture on board the ship by Croatia’s former Minister of Tourism. The Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, and fountains. A guided walking tour visits the main square, Dominican Monastery, the Rector’s Palace and the Dubrovnik Synagogue before spending the rest of the day pursuing your own individual interests.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard L’Austral

Day 8 – A day in Hvar

Experience the enchanting island of Hvar, a well-known playground for international celebrities and royalty. Sightseeing includes a tour of Hvar Town, where you’ll get a good look at its intricately carved Venetian architecture. Admire the views from the hilltop Spanjol Fortress, where you’ll look out over the red-tile-roofed town below. The Dalmatian Coast produces some exceptional wines; a wine tasting at a local winery gives you an opportunity to sample the grapes. Late afternoon, on a sail through the Kornati Islands, capture it all from the outside decks of L’Austral.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard L’Austral

Day 9 – Croatia tour days along the Istrian Peninsula

First up today on the Istrian Peninsula is a visit to the town of Pula, well known for its Roman antiquities. See the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world as well as being one of the largest. Travel the sweeping countryside to Bale and then on to the fairy-tale village of Rovinj; it is one of the most photographed places in Croatia. As L’Austral cruises back to Venice and your Dalmatian Coast / Croatia tour and cruise ends, enjoy a farewell cocktail reception and dinner with new friends.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard L’Austral

Day 10 – Journey Home

Tauck’s Venice and Croatia tour aboard L’Austral ends at 9:00 AM at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Disembark the ship for an 8:30 AM coach transfer from the dock to Marco Polo Airport. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for check-in at the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

10 Days from $5,790 plus airfare

23 meals included.

2011 Departure Dates

May 29^th

June 5^th & 12^th

August 21^st & 28^th

September 4^th

Overview

2011 – 11 Days from $6,590

Tauck’s 11-day Mediterranean cruise explores the French Riviera, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, and remote Mediterranean islands by land and yacht. Explore Malta, and board Le Ponant, your 60-passenger motor-sailing yacht to discover the islands of Lipari, Ponza, Stromboli, Elba, Corsica and Sicily; feel like a jet setter pulling into ports aboard Le Ponant, designed to access the small harbors and remote destinations that large ships can’t maneuver. See fortified medieval towns, ornate cathedrals, ancient castles, and the incredible cliff-side drive along the Amalfi Coast. Experience glittering Monte-Carlo during a 2-night stay and visit Saint Paul-de-Vence for medieval enchantment handed down through the ages.

2011 Itinerary

Northbound

Day 1 – Arrive in Malta

Tauck’s Mediterranean cruise begins at 6:30 PM at Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Valletta, Malta.   A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to Hotel Phoenicia Malta, set just outside of the ancient city walls of Valletta, overlooking the harbor. Meet your fellow cruisers this evening at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Valletta, Malta

Day 2 – All about Malta, then embark your yacht

On the island of Malta, tour the medieval walled city of Mdina, go on a coastal drive along St. Julian’s Bay, and take a walking tour within the centuries-old defensive walls of the capital city of Valletta, founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. See the art treasure-filled Co-Cathedral of St. John, one of the world’s finest examples of Baroque architecture, before boarding the sailing yacht Le Ponant for the start of your Mediterranean cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 3 – Taormina on Sicily

Admire the view as you sail toward Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily, with Mt. Etna towering in the distance. Take a tender ashore where guided sightseeing includes a stroll along the Corso Umberto, Old Town’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and patisseries, and the Greco-Roman Theater. You’ll have some free time in the afternoon to explore Taormina on your own, or you can return to the ship to swim or relax. Your Mediterranean cruise continues tonight with a sail to Lipari.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 4 – Mediterranean cruise days in the Aeolian Isles

Travel by local boat for a shore excursion on Lipari, the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands that lie off the northern coast of Sicily. Get a guided tour of the island and visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum. You are in for one of life’s great experiences this evening when Le Ponant sails by the island of Stromboli, one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes. The natural “show” is unforgettable, and is certain to be a highlight of this Mediterranean cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 5 – Travel along the dramatic Amalfi Coast

Go ashore today to set out on the mountainous route along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Take a guided walking tour of the town of Amalfi, then arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Visit 13th-century Villa Rufolo, the former residence of several popes. Feast on some pretty spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea during a lunch of regional specialties in town. Spend some time exploring Ravello before boarding Le Ponant for a sail by the Isle of Capri and onward to the island of Ponza.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 6 – Island life in Ponza

Le Ponant anchors in Ponza, giving you lots of time to explore this largest island in Italy’s Pontine Archipelago. Your visual take-away will be the island’s dramatic coves and cliffs, the main town’s yellow and pink houses, vineyard-covered hillsides, and it’s 18th-century flavored harbor. Spend some time as you please before boarding Le Ponant, where cocktail hour precedes another dinner at sea. Evening sea breezes make nights extra-special aboard Tauck’s Mediterranean cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 7 – Hidden port of Bonifacio

Sail into the nearly hidden Corsican port of Bonifacio with its deep, narrow harbor sitting at the base of sheer limestone cliffs; the entry is so spectacular it is certain to be a highlight of your Mediterranean cruise. On shore, hop aboard Le Petit Train for a ride to the town’s walled fortress area; the fortified 12th-century town is built on the top of the cliffs with great views of the sea. Take a walking tour to see this walled fortress area, stroll along the bluff above the harbor, and see the former barracks of the French Foreign Legion.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 8 – “Able was I ere I saw Elba…”

Le Ponant arrives pierside on the picturesque island of Elba and the secluded harbor of Portoferraio. Today you’ll learn about the isolated life of Napoleon Bonaparte on Elba, who spent a brief exile here in 1814 prior to his daring escape. Visit the Palazzina dei Mulini where he and his sister lived in 1814, and savor local wine at a family-owned Elba winery. Set sail for the Côte d’Azur after lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 9 – Nice is nice and so is Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Disembark Le Ponant in Nice where your Mediterranean cruise comes to an end; a brief sightseeing tour provides a view of the seaside Promenade des Anglais, which borders some beautiful beaches along the French Riviera. Travel next to the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence for a walking tour that introduces centuries of history, chronicled in the architectural treasures that are found along its storied streets. Arrive in Monte-Carlo mid-afternoon, where the remainder of the day is free; your hotel is located in the heart of Monte-Carlo, close to the casino.

Meals: Breakfast

Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Day 10 – A royal look at fabulous Monte-Carlo

It’s all about Monte-Carlo today as a city sightseeing tour leads in to a day spent as you please; if you wish, join us for a visit to the palace and gardens, schedule permitting. Tonight, we invite you to join us for a farewell cocktail reception and dinner to toast warm memories of a fabulous Mediterranean cruise!

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Fairmont Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Day 11 – Au revoir, Mediterranean

Your Mediterranean cruise and tour ends in Nice, France. A transfer is included from Fairmont Monte Carlo to Nice Cote d’Azur International Airport; you should allow a minimum of 3 hours for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

11 Day Land / Cruise from $6,590 plus airfare

Special single departures June 13 and September 5 where the Category A single price is $7990 and the Category B single price is $8320.

26 meals included.

2011 Departure Dates

May 15^th

June 13^th

Overview

One of our most popular Mediterranean cruises, Tauck’s southern Italy cruise aboard Le Ponant features a night on Malta, two nights in Rome – with a Tauck Exclusive, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums – and calls on Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, and remote Aeolian Isles. Explore Siracusa’s Greek Theater… Segesta’s unfinished temple… Valletta and Lipari… and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Enjoy traditional Sicilian entertainment, a night sail past Stromboli and a visit to Herculaneum’s ruins.

2011 Itinerary

Northbound

Day 1 – Malta to mainland Italy cruise begins

Tauck’s Sicily / Italy cruise begins at 6:30 PM at Hotel Phoenicia Malta.  A transfer is included from Malta International Airport to the Hotel Phoenicia Malta. Rich in historic treasures, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century.  Meet fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Phoenicia Malta, Valletta, Malta

Day 2 – Let the southern Italy cruise begin

A guided tour of Malta includes the medieval walled city of Mdina, and a drive around St. Julian’s Bay. A highlight of your Valletta walking tour is the treasure trove of art found in the Co-Cathedral of St. John, an outstanding example of Baroque architecture. Begin your Italy cruise aboard Tauck’s motor sailing yacht, Le Ponant, in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, as one of Tauck’s most exciting Mediterranean cruises sets sail for Sicily.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 3 – Savor a day among Siracusa’s antiquities

Tauck’s small ship Mediterranean cruises go where the bigger ships don’t as you will discover when your yacht docks at Ortigia Island for a visit to Siracusa, Sicily, once an ancient Greek stronghold. Check out the Neapolis Parco Archeologico, highlighted by a 15,000-seat, rock-hewn Greek theater. Discover Latomia del Paradiso to see what you hear through the Ear of Dionysius. Meander around Ortigia on your own, and don’t miss the Doric Temple of Apollo.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 4 – Cliff-top Taormina on Sicily

Admire the astounding views as you sail into Taormina, a terraced town clinging to high cliffs on the east coast of Sicily, with Mt. Etna towering in the distance. Personal service plays a big part on Tauck’s Mediterranean cruises, where many times a small Zodiac craft waits to bring you ashore, without lines. Ride ashore for a sightseeing excursion that takes you to the Teatro Greco, featuring both Greek and Roman elements, and for a stroll along the Corso Umberto, Old Town Taormina’s main pedestrian street lined with cafés and pasticcerie.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 5 – A morning’s cruise to historic Palermo

Enjoy a pleasant morning’s cruise aboard Le Ponant en route to Palermo, the capital of Sicily and once considered among Europe’s grandest cities; your yacht will be docked in the heart of the city’s pedestrian area, one of the many convenient advantages of Tauck’s Mediterranean cruises. See the Cathedral with its mix of architectural styles, the Palazzo dei Normani, Fontana Pretoria and Porto Nuovo.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 6 – Relics of Segesta and Erice

Dock in Castellammare in northwest Sicily and drive to ancient Segesta. Take in the unfinished temple encircled by 36 massive Doric columns, which was started in 426 BC and is remarkably preserved. Continue on to the age-old walled town of Erice, the mythological seat of the Roman goddess Venus, where you’ll see the Castello di Venere, a Norman castle; spend time exploring on your own; and ride a cable car to nearby Trapani. Rejoin Le Ponant in Castellammare as your southern Italy cruise continues to the Aeolian Islands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 7 – Sailing the Aeolian Isles

The next port of call is Lipari, the largest of the seven Aeolian Islands, noted for its colorful houses, 17th-century cathedral and 16th-century castle; see them on a sightseeing excursion. Sail by the island of Stromboli tonight; one of the world’s few constantly active volcanoes, its eruptions will provide a fiery – and unforgettable – nighttime show that’s noted as a memorable highlight of Tauck’s Mediterranean cruises.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 8 – The Amalfi Coast to Ravello

A guided walk awaits you in the picturesque town of Amalfi itself; then set out on the mountainous route along the Amalfi Coast, one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Arrive in stunning Ravello, perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Visit Villa Rufolo, the former residence of several popes, where you’ll savor outstanding coastal views, then enjoy a wonderful lunch of seasonal specialties in town. Back aboard Le Ponant for your last night at sea, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner this evening. It’s a great time to share memories that may make this your favorite among all Mediterranean cruises. Your ship cruises to Naples tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lodging: Cruising aboard Le Ponant

Day 9 – Herculaneum and an after-hours Vatican Museums visit

After disembarking Le Ponant in Naples, you’ll embark on a fascinating excursion to the ruins of Herculaneum. The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD is infamous – and while the ruins of Pompeii are well known, the upscale city of Herculaneum, buried under ash that same day, is better preserved. An informative guided tour of the antiquities precedes your journey to Rome, where you’ll spend two nights in the heart of the city. A guaranteed highlight of your Italy cruise is actually a Tauck Exclusive – an after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums! With a guide – and without the usual daytime crowds – you can explore the Candelabra Gallery, the Map Gallery, the Tapestries, and the Sistine Chapel, seeing them as you have them pictured in your mind’s eye… a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Note: Day of the visit to the Vatican Museums may vary.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Lodging: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy

Day 10 – All roads lead to Rome

Get a good overview of some of Rome’s landmark sights on a sightseeing tour with a local guide, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Spend time pursuing what interests you most in the “Eternal City,” before sharing tour highlights with companions at tonight’s farewell reception and dinner… marking the end of your extraordinary Malta to Italy cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Lodging: Hotel Majestic Roma, Rome, Italy

Day 11 – Arrivederci

Tauck’s southern Italy cruise ends in Rome. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Hotel Majestic Roma to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino is included. You should allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

2011 Prices

11 Day Land / Cruise from $7,390 plus airfare

27 meals included.

Special singles value is available on September 19 and October 3 departures where the single price is $8490 for Category A and $8820 for Category B.

2011 Departure Dates

September 13^th & 27^th

Singapore Airlines Suites

Available exclusively onboard the Singapore Airlines A380, the Singapore Airlines Suites offers an exquisitely private space. Lounge in the largest ever seat; a lavish armchair with adjustable headrest and armrests.

For a restful sleep, experience the pleasure of sleeping on a standalone bed; not one converted from a seat, topped off with our turn-down service with fine linen and full-sized pillows.

The New Business Class

Singapore Airlines Business Class seats are the widest in its class with each leather seat unfolding to the largest full-flat bed in business class, with more room to stretch and enjoy a rejuvenating night’s rest.

Even work is a pleasure, with all the conveniences you would find in an office provided for in a centralised business panel offering in-seat power supply and USB ports.

Indulge in space

The unrivalled space between each seat, providing you direct access to the aisle, is a hallmark of our unique 1-2-1 forward facing cabin layout.

Their new Business Class seat – the widest in its class – invites you to be reacquainted with the joys of relaxing on your favourite sofa.

Designed with a contemporary colour scheme and enhanced by intelligent mood lighting, your surroundings exude an aura of unmistakable sophistication.

Valid for travel: 01^st March 2011 – 30^th September 2011
Sales End: 19^th November 2010

Business Class Airfare

*Europe: Amsterdam, Athens, Copenhagen, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Istanbul, Manchester, Milan and Zurich

1 night FREE EARLY BIRD Singapore Stopover Holiday PROMOTION at Category C Hotels for Business Class passengers.

Mixed Business and First Class

*Europe: London, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan and Munich
Australia – Singapore in Business Class
Singapore – Europe in First Class (not permitted on A380)
Europe – Singapore in First Class (not permitted on A380)
Singapore – Australia in Business

1 night FREE EARLY BIRD Singapore Stopover Holiday PROMOTION at Category E Hotels for Business Class/First Class passengers.

First Class Suite on Airbus A380

1 night FREE EARLY BIRD Singapore Stopover Holiday PROMOTION at Category E or F Hotels for First Class Suite passengers.
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Business Upper Class
The Upper Class Suite allows you to work, relax, share a drink with a friend or sleep in complete comfort. There’s space for storing a laptop – (power access is provided), a generous table for working or eating and plenty of room to put your feet up! Every suite is fitted with a multi-directional 10.4″ TV screen with a huge choice of films, TV programmes and games.

Perfect for stretching out or curling up and getting your beauty sleep. At 6’6″ long/202cm, (or 6’8″/208cm on the upper deck), the Upper Class Suite has one of the longest fully flat beds when compared with other airlines’ business class. Across the shoulder, the bed is a generous 33″ (84cm) wide.

The Upper Class Suite has a 22″ (56cm) wide seat. It also has full lumbar support and comes with its own ottoman, which doubles as a seat for a guest. So business can be done with a colleague or a drink can be shared with a friend.
you arrive refreshed and ready to do business – wherever you are.

Premium Economy Class
Premium Economy seats are bigger and wider and there’s a separate cabin dedicated to our Premium Economy passengers.

Their newly enhanced dedicated Premium Economy cabin has been designed to give you plenty of personal space. It’s a place where you can relax, stretch out and unwind.

They are very proud of their new Premium Economy seat, with an increased seat width of 21 inches (equivalent to many other airlines’ business class).

The new Premium Economy seat is available on all flights departing from London Heathrow.

Free Upgrade to Business Class in One Direction.

Click here to learn more about Virgin Atlantic
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Click here for more information about British Airways

First Class
First offers exceptional comfort and refined surroundings. Relax in your suite and let our dedicated crew attend to your every request. From the moment you check in to the morment you land at your destination, First delivers all your travel essentials in a seamless, exemplary and quintessentially British manner.

First comfort

Introducing the new First suite and cabin, we invite you to discover an enhanced experience onboard British Airways.

Taking on their customers’ feedback, they’ve designed an elegant and stylish environment featuring thoughtful and practical touches, such as:

Unique personal windows, incorporating the first electronic blinds onboard a commercial aircraft that span two windows

Seats that are 60% wider at the shoulder

Your own wardrobe

A distinctive lighting system, designed to recreate the subtlety of natural light throughout the day to help you feel at home when working, dining or simply relaxing.

Drift off to sleep

Should you decide you’re ready to sleep, you can slip into wonderfully soft cotton pyjamas and request our Turndown Service at any time of the day. They’ll make up your fully flat bed with a specially designed single–piece quilted mattress, crisp white 400–thread Egyptian cotton duvet and pillow to help you to drift off in comfort more blissfully than ever.

Wake up refreshed

When it’s time to freshen up, you can use our range of well–being products from D.R. Harris & Co., one of London’s longest established traditional pharmacies that only uses the finest natural ingredients. Products include e.g. eye gel, lip balm and moisturiser, all enclosed in a stylish Anya Hindmarch bag, exclusively designed for First.

First Class Special

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INSURANCE is Strongly recommended – Click here for Quote and Book Online

ACCOMMODATION – Click Here for Special Rates

International Business Class
Whether you are flying for business or pleasure you have the flexibility to choose how you spend your time.

Europe

Singapore

Bangkok

Hong Kong or Buenos Aires

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INSURANCE is Strongly recommended – Click here for Quote and Book Online

ACCOMMODATION – Click Here for Special Rates