Tauck Small Ship Cruising, known for intimate yacht-like luxury ships, all-inclusive packages, and intimate shore excursions, is setting sail with four distinct European itineraries in 2018, part of Tauck’s global portfolio of 17 small ship cruises. From the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas to the medieval ports along the Baltic Sea and the rugged coasts of the British and Irish Isles, these Tauck Cultural Journeys offer guests choices of one-of-a-kind shore excursions, extended stays in major port cities and all-inclusive pricing in the luxury of yachts that accommodate no more than 264 passengers.
Tauck has also enhanced its shore excursions in 2018 by adding new choices in many locations to give guests the opportunity to select experiences that best accommodate their interests. For example, when visiting Trapani on the western coast of Sicily on the Sicily, the Amalfi Coast and Rome itinerary, guests can choose to visit the ancient town of Segesta and its wondrous antiquities before continuing on to the walled town of Erice, seat of the Roman goddess Venus; or, they can journey to Spagnola on the ancient “Salt Route” followed by a visit to a local winery. Every shore excursion is included in the fare of a Tauck Small Ship Cruise.
Venice and the Dalmatian Coast – Tauck’s ultimate Dalmatian Coast tour begins with a visit to Venice’s richly-decorated Doge’s Palace, residence of the Republic’s rulers through the Renaissance. Other stops include the famed glass-makers on Murano, and a visit to the Adriatic island of Korcula to take in the local lifestyle at a family-owned estate. Additional highlights in Croatia include exploring the medieval town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a visit to the majestic island of Hvar, known as an international playground for celebrities and royalty; along with countryside culinary and wine tastings. Guests will visit a first-century amphitheater considered the best-preserved in the world in Pula on the Istrian Peninsula, and have the opportunity to explore other ancient Roman structures. The 10-day Venice and the Dalmatian Coast itinerary begins with a two-night hotel stay with guided Tauck sightseeing in Venice, followed by a seven-night cruise aboard the stylish Le Lyrial yacht. Tauck is operating six departures (May 8 & 22, August 21 & 28, September 4 & 11, 2018) and prices start at $7,390 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare.
St. Petersburg and the Baltic Sea – This 12-day itinerary launches with a two-night hotel stay in Stockholm, highlighted by a gala reception and dinner followed by a guided tour of the iconic City Hall (home to the Nobel Prize festivities) and a visit to Stockholm’s historic Royal Swedish Opera House. The following seven-night cruise on Le Soléal departs Sweden for a two-night stay in St. Petersburg with visits to the 18th century Peter and Paul Fortress (the final resting place of Russian czars), the famed Faberge Museum, and a private guided tour of The State Hermitage Museum. After a visit to Estonia’s capitol city of Tallinn, the ship sails to Copenhagen for visits to the Tivoli Gardens and a trip to Roskilde, Denmark’s religious, cultural and political center dating back to the Middle Ages, among other sites. The cruise also includes a full sea day in the Baltic allowing guests to relax aboard the state-of-the-art Le Soléal, with upscale restaurants, lounges, bars, a fitness center and stateroom ocean views. Prices start at $8,790 per person (double occupancy, plus airfare) with departures on May 16, 23 & 30, along with June 6, 2018.
Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome – The 60-passenger, three-masted Le Ponant can bring passengers into ports not accessible by larger vessels. This 11-day trip begins with two nights in the heart of Rome with an excursion that is a Tauck Exclusive – an once-in-a-lifetime after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums to leisurely visit the Sistine Chapel devoid of the usual daytime crowds. Guests then board Le Ponant for a seven-night Mediterranean and southern Italy cruise that includes the remote Aeolian Isles, a visit to Herculaneum’s ruins and a spectacular night sail past Stromboli. Guests will also take a drive on the mountainous Amalfi Coast (considered one of the most spectacular drives in the world) and spend four days visiting various ports along the Sicilian coast before heading for an overnight stay in Malta. Prices start at $8,390 per person (double occupancy, plus airfare), and Tauck will operate six departures in 2018: June 13 & 19, August 15 & 21, and September 12 & 28.
British and Irish Isles – The British and Irish Isles cruise takes explorers to major cities in Britain and Ireland as well as off-the-beaten-path island locations. Beginning with two nights in the heart of Dublin, the cruise includes historic Belfast (and the award-winning interactive Titanic Experience), followed by a visit to the Isle of Man, home to medieval castles and ancient mythologies. From there, it’s a visit to Liverpool en route to the colorful Irish seaport village of Cobh, then the Isles of Sicily of the Cornish coast before reaching the remote island resort of Guernsey. There, history buffs can visit the German Occupation Museum, sports enthusiasts can hike the Guernsey Hilltops and spirits lovers can sample small batch gin produced by a century-old family dynasty. A visit to Portsmouth (England’s premier naval city) and London complete the itinerary. The 12-day British Isles itinerary begins with an included two-night hotel stay in Dublin followed by a seven-night cruise aboard the elegant, six-deck Le Soléal, and concludes with an included two-night hotel stay in London. Tauck is operating two departures leaving April 25 and May 2, 2018. Prices start at $7,990 person, double occupancy, plus airfare.
Tauck Small Ship Cruising offers flexible yacht-like cruising on vessels tailored to each destination. To ensure a sense of exclusivity, cruises range from 40 to no more than 264 guests. Unlike other tour operators, Tauck designs each small ship cruise itinerary as a start-to-finish, all-inclusive package including private shore excursions; cruise fare; port charges and taxes; fuel surcharges; luggage handling; airport transfers; entertainment; gratuities to Tauck Directors and ship staff; onboard meals; land dining opportunities; free wifi and complimentary alcoholic beverages (drink packages vary by ship). Tauck also arranges extended pre- and post-hotel stays for interested parties.
To explore Tauck’s entire 2018 Small Ship Cruise collection visit www.tauck.com and be sure to contact your local travel professional or call Tauck directly at (800) 468-2825 for more information.
