Since 1925, crafting immersive travel experiences with exclusive access. After-hours museum visits, private palace dinners, and cultural encounters no other line can offer. All-inclusive with no optional extras.
Tauck was founded in 1925 by Arthur Tauck, who offered guided tours of New England in a modified Pierce-Arrow touring car. Today, Tauck is a fourth-generation family-owned company that operates tours, small ship cruises, and river cruises on six continents. The river cruise division was launched in 2006 and has quickly become one of the most respected in the industry. Tauck's philosophy is simple: every detail is included, every experience is exclusive, and every guest is treated like family. The company has won over 100 awards, including the World Travel Awards and the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. The Tauck family is still actively involved in the business — Arthur Tauck Jr. (the founder's son) served as chairman until 2019, and his son, Arthur Tauck III, is now involved in the company. The family involvement ensures that the company's values — quality, service, and innovation — are maintained.
Tauck is known for its "exclusive access" experiences — private visits, after-hours access, and unique cultural encounters that are not available to the general public. Examples include a private dinner at the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Vatican Museums, a private concert at the Esterházy Palace in Budapest, and a visit to the Rhine Valley's Marksburg Castle (the only castle on the Rhine that was never destroyed). The "Tauck Exclusives" program includes these experiences in every cruise, at no extra cost. The "Tauck Directors" are professional guides who travel with the group for the entire journey, providing continuity and expertise. The "Tauck Bridges" program is designed for families, with kid-friendly activities and accommodations. The "Tauck Earth Journeys" program focuses on wildlife and nature. The overall experience is one of depth and authenticity — not just seeing the sights, but understanding them.
Tauck is one of the most all-inclusive cruise lines in the industry. The fare includes all shore excursions, all beverages (including wine, beer, and spirits at lunch and dinner), all gratuities, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and most meals. The only extras are spa treatments, boutique purchases, and some premium excursions. The shore excursions are included in every port — no "optional" tours that cost extra. The "Tauck Exclusive" experiences are included at no extra cost. The result is a cruise experience where you never have to reach for your wallet — everything is included, and everything is first-class. This all-inclusive approach is a hallmark of Tauck and is one of the reasons the company has such a loyal following.
Tauck operates on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Seine, and Douro. The ships are chartered from other operators (primarily from Scylla, a Swiss ship operator) but are staffed and operated by Tauck. The ships carry 98-130 passengers, making them intimate and personal. The cabins are designed with a focus on comfort and views — large windows, comfortable beds, and modern bathrooms. The public spaces include a lounge, a restaurant, a sun deck, and a fitness center. The ships are designed for the Tauck experience — not flashy, but comfortable, elegant, and functional. The routes are designed to showcase the best of each region, with a mix of major cities and small villages. The "Tauck Directors" travel with the group for the entire journey, providing continuity and expertise. The overall experience is one of immersion, education, and effortless travel. Tauck is the best choice for travelers who want a deep, authentic, and all-inclusive experience without the need to plan or organize anything.
Budapest-Prague
Amsterdam-Basel
Paris-Lyon
Amsterdam-Budapest
Christmas Markets
Lisbon-Porto
"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."— Arthur Tauck, Founder