Tauck European Tours

When in Rome… go to gladiator school! This family journey through Italy brings history vividly to life, from hands-on lessons in gladiator skills to exploring ancient ruins and underground catacombs. A privately guided visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel invites your family to discover the stories behind some of the world's most celebrated masterpieces. Walk together through the remarkably preserved streets of Pompeii, where everyday life was frozen in time. In Sorrento, enjoy a pizza-making class on a family-run farm, then set off by high-speed ferry for the Isle of Capri – where your family will explore by convertible and funicular, with a well-deserved gelato break along the way.

Traveling by high speed train from Venice to Florence and Rome reveals Italy's history in just one week... etched into art in famed museums... poured in Tuscan wines aged in a 4th-century abbey cellar... sculpted in timeless antiquities and architectural masterpieces... and frescoed with astonishing splendor in Vatican City. Take a walking tour of Venice with a local guide. Attend a wine-pairing lunch, with a taste of locally produced olive oil and cellar-aged Sangiovese wines. And explore these three cities in-depth and in detail, immersing in their incomparable history, intricate architecture, and irresistible cultural charm.

Our 8-day journey brings extraordinary experiences, from nature to knowledge. Bicycling atop the walls of Lucca... or walking through the medieval alleys of Siena. It's laughter. It's sharing, such as vino made from grapes in the vineyards you've just explored. It's about becoming a part of day-to-day Italy... learning to cook Italian-style... savoring the extraordinary beauty of nature from Portofino along the Mediterranean's Italian Riviera... exploring villages of Cinque Terre National Park, overlooking the sea... and going off-the-beaten-path for an Italian cultural connection unlike any other.

Food and art are passions in Southern France and key ingredients for the culturally curious. An idyllic walk down lanes that inspired Cézanne in Aix, contemporary art on the grounds of a classic Provençal château, an insider tour with a van Gogh art scholar in St. Rémy, a picnic in a lavender meadow, exploring the Roman ruins of Glanum, soft landscapes changing hues in the waning sun, and a farewell at a private, family-owned winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape... and the palette of our Provence tours becomes richer still.

Featuring accommodations in the Leading Hotels of the World, this new all small group trip takes guests on a weeklong excursion that ensures an authentic look at la dolce vita sunrise to sunset. Enjoy sea view rooms at a historic hotel in Naples that Enrico Caruso once called home, embark on a day's excursion to Ischia via high-speed ferry, spend two nights indulging in Mediterranean island pleasures in a former villa on Capri, and stay in a cliffside hideaway in Amalfi with the splendors of one of the most beautiful coasts in the world right outside your door.

This is Scotland. Tartans and kilts... the fields of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie lost his chance at the crown and a piece of the nation's heart... the King's residence at Holyroodhouse... Cawdor Castle (home of Macbeth)... St. Andrews (the home of golf)... Edinburgh and the Royal Mile of pubs, shops, and enchanting historical sites... you'll become part of the unique story of Scotland, today and yesterday...

Imagine ancient Rome on a drive through the heart of the city to see real-life relics of times past... picture Michelangelo painting frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel during your guided visit... go underground in hidden Etruscan caves... meet famous Renaissance paintings and statues in famed museums... taste the magic of gelato, strike a pose beside the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and make your own authentic pizza... stay at an award-winning hotel on a private island in the Venetian Lagoon, and cruise past opulent palaces on the Grand Canal in Venice...

Hands-on family fun has everyone's eyes a-smiling... attend a private barbecue dinner during a three-night stay at a resort in Cork... explore Dublin on a treasure hunt that takes you back in time, from the Viking ages to the Middle Ages... uncover the real story of the Titanic... learn all about sheep dogs at a demonstration at a sheep farm and birds of prey at a falconry experience... discover your artistic side at a hands-on demonstration in Irish pottery making... and revel in the real Ireland along the "Wild Atlantic Way"...

Create cherished family memories on an unforgettable journey through Scotland, filled with timeless adventures and Celtic traditions. Take part in a lively bagpipe workshop to uncover the secrets of Scotland's iconic instrument. Take a "Hairy Coo Safari" to see Scotland's famous Highland cattle up close. On the coast, enjoy a thrilling "Blown Away" land-yachting experience along the beach, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Explore the charming fishing villages of the East Neuk in Fife, then cap off your journey with a farewell dinner – a fitting end to an unforgettable family adventure in Scotland.

Unique experiences include a Tauck Exclusive evening at Château du Taillis, a palatial private residence in Normandy, where guests will enjoy a reception, dinner, music, and a tour of the château's small museum of World War II artifacts; and a private early-opening guided visit to the home and gardens of the painter Claude Monet at Giverny, where he painted many masterpieces, followed by free time to explore the nearby Impressionist Museum as you please; and in Paris, a choice of museum visit. Highlights include Versailles, for guided visit inside Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens at Château de Versailles; Rouen, where a walking tour includes visits to Cathédrale de Rouen and Joan of Arc Square with a local guide; the D-Day Beaches of Normandy, with guided visits to Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the American Cemetery along with lunch at Château la Cheneviere; Les Andelys for a guided walking tour and a visit to Château Gaillard; and Tilly, for cider and Calvados tastings and a Normandy farm tour.

Spend two nights in the elegant capital city of Turin, birthplace of the Fiat and inviting with refined architecture, tree-lined boulevards and culinary treats of chocolate, Barolo wine and more. The house of Savoy and centuries-old palaces welcome you to Venaria Reale, dating back to Roman times and opulent with treasures royally inspired, and a slow food lunch, truffle hunting and wine tasting celebrate the bounty of the Langhe landscapes. Enchantment awaits in Stresa, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, where private cruises showcase opulent villas and a feast of freshly caught seafood for Tauck guests only.

Enjoy Paris at one of the most wondrous times of the year with a choice of excursions that indulge your spirit for adventure. While fondly referred to as the "City of Light" all year long, you'll discover that Paris literally glows with the joys of the holiday in December. Stroll through the Christmas markets at Tuileries Gardens, where wooden cabins sell small gifts and seasonal treats, and evergreened stands brim with the handicrafts of French artisans, from glass blowers to woodworkers, Parisian designers and more. Further along the river, country towns are all aglitter with good tidings, good food and good fun. Explore an elegant château - the inspiration for Versailles - for a tour, holiday lunch and afternoon tea. Meander through riverside towns on guided walking tours with visits to local Christmas markets. Visit Normandy's memorialized D-Day beaches on a choice of excursions. View the fortified castle of Les Andelys and make merry during a royal holiday cocktail reception at Château Bizy, exclusively Tauck, for a special celebration reflective with the magic of the holidays in France. 

Impressions of France... rendered on canvas within famed art or quickly captured by street artists in Montmartre, gilded into a golden palace at Versailles, indulged during a château dinner, distilled into apple brandy and cider, carved into a clifftop castle, and floating in a Water Garden... linger long after you return home. Follow the Seine to coastal Normandy on a 10-day journey that's sure to impress. Discover the art of Paris for two nights before a 7-night cruise to Rouen, Honfleur and Giverny, immortalized by Impressionist artists. Visit D-Day beaches, sample Calvados where it is made, dine at a private château and more before returning to Paris via riverboat.

Your adventure begins in Bordeaux, the world's most renowned wine region, where sprawling vineyards, 18th-century boulevards, and exquisite local cuisine set the tone for an extraordinary journey. Sip fine wines at a family-owned château, savor gastronomic delights on a foodie walking tour, and uncover Bordeaux's Roman roots and artistic treasures. Step into the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets lead to ancient vineyards, and a leisurely lunch at a local château offers a taste of regional traditions. As the journey unfolds, board a high-speed train to Paris, the "City of Light," where elegance and enlightenment converge, and your riverboat awaits. A visit to the Palace of Versailles offers a glimpse into royal opulence, with its gilded halls and breathtaking gardens. The Seine River becomes your guide as you cruise to Rouen, Normandy, and beyond. At the beaches of Normandy, feel the weight of history as you visit Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery, where poignant stories of courage and sacrifice come to life. Discover the picture-perfect village of Les Andelys, framed by the ruins of Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart's medieval fortress. Delight in Normandy's culinary treasures and experience the artistic spirit of France with a visit to Monet's house and gardens in Giverny, exploring the tranquil landscapes that inspired the master of Impressionism.

Explore the ancient archeological sites of Thessaloniki, the royal tombs of Vergina, and Meteora's heavenly clifftop monasteries in Northern Greece. Discover the mountain majesty of Delphi, sanctuary to the gods, and overnight at a secluded alpine resort in Arachova, highlights of your discoveries in central Greece. Mediterranean charms, outdoor activities and beachfront bliss welcome you to Costa Navarino, emerging as a world-class golf destination yet to be discovered by crowds of travelers. Nearby, Olympia reigns as a sacred site in the western Peloponnese, and seaside Pylos echoes with battle sites where Greek victories turned the tides of history. Olive oil farms dot the landscapes en route to Messene and Athens, virtual open-air museums that celebrate archaeological wonders and awe-inspiring views – of Greece's ancient past. Ferry to car-free Hydra for care-free sightseeing and fly to Crete for a two-night stay that ingulges with a chic vibe.

Discover bella Italia on one of Tauck's most popular journeys... in scenic Tuscan hill towns, centuries-old cities and countryside villages, and along the Amalfi Coast… in the treasures of Florence, coloring an era of enlightenment with a rich palette of paintings and architecture by Renaissance luminaries like da Vinci, Botticelli and Brunelleschi... along saltwater roads in Venice lined with magnificent palaces frozen in time... in sun-dappled Tuscan villages, medieval icons reigning over vineyard-draped landscapes that produce wines and foods that are regionally inspired, locally flavored and ultimately delizioso... and on a guided visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, you'll have an extraordinary look at ageless masterpieces during your three-night stay in the Eternal City...

The ribboned waterscapes of Holland and Belgium take on a special glow in December when storybook villages and fairy tale towns celebrate the joys of the season with holiday traditions centuries old. Experience yuletide spirit onboard and ashore on a river cruise that delights day and night… during a visit to a town steeped in 17th-century Holland life and historic windmills... and an illuminating Amsterdam canal cruise…  while having cheese and stroopwafels in Gouda… in Delft or Rotterdam, as you choose… on sightseeing excursions in Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp dressed in their holiday best… in market squares where merry making entices with hot mulled wines, waffles hot off the press, beers locally produced and chocolates laced with care… and at special receptions, dinners and cultural presentations aboard a riverboat decked out with cruising delights that make you feel right at home wherever we roam.

The ribboned waterscapes of Holland and Belgium take on a special glow in December when storybook villages and fairy tale towns celebrate the joys of the season with holiday traditions centuries old. Experience yuletide spirit onboard and ashore on a river cruise that delights day and night… during a visit to a town steeped in 17th-century Holland life and historic windmills... and an illuminating Amsterdam canal cruise…  while having cheese and stroopwafels in Gouda… in Delft or Rotterdam, as you choose… on sightseeing excursions in Bruges & Antwerp dressed in their holiday best… in market squares where merry making entices with hot mulled wines, waffles hot off the press, beers locally produced and chocolates laced with care… and at special receptions, dinners and cultural presentations aboard a riverboat decked out with cruising delights that make you feel right at home wherever we roam.

Wind through fishing ports and medieval towns, tasting Normandy cuisine, visiting the D-Day invasion beaches of Normandy, finding the deep essence of calvados, pausing in ancient abbeys and the picturesque haunts of Impressionist painters, dining at a chateau in Rouen, exploring cobblestone lanes, walking in Monet's garden at Giverny, visiting Van Gogh's muse in Aubers-sur-Oise, a visit to a private castle, and incomparable Paris... well, riverboating seems like the only way to go! Private tasting tours, from wine to cheese to chocolate... a tale of two cities you'll want to tell over and over again.

During your eight-day adventure, family fun awaits you at every stop… from Lake Lucerne and Mount Titlis in Switzerland... across the mountains aboard the Glacier Express to famous St. Moritz... into the Austrian Alps and Innsbruck... and on to the Bavarian magic of Munich! Go whitewater rafting, mountain bicycling, rock and rope climbing... enjoy a look at Neolithic life and traditional Tyrolean fun and games... ride cable cars and go zip-lining... watch an exciting ski-jump demonstration and more!

Walk with us to places immortalized with local color, sip and savor wines masterfully crafted, toast traditions and tales fondly shared, and become part of the stories, past and present, that make your vacation memories last lifetimes. Guided visits and shore excursions choices include revered UNESCO World Heritage sites as you cruise between Venice, the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro. Discover the architectural masterpiece that is Venice... the Gothic Cathedral of St. Lawrence in Sibenik... the ancient Roman Palace of Diocletian in Split... the walled city of Dubrovnik, renowned for its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monasteries, palaces, fountains, and churches... the stunning harbor town of Kotor... and the lavender-scented island of Hvar, where Stari Grad Plain astounds with its intact ancient Greek land system. Your elegant ship is perfectly sized and ideally suited for island exploration where the bigger ships can't go, charts a course for destinations of scenic serenity like the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, where private shore excursions reveal maritime treasures and seaside settlements worthy of leisurely discovery. Two nights at a premier hotel in Venice bring the aura of daily life amidst architectural masterpieces, ancient squares and the ever-present lacework of canals.

A wonderfully preserved medieval castle and town in the Czech Carpathian mountains are as awe-inspiring as the palaces and museums of Imperial Vienna. As you cruise from port to port, explore the cobblestone streets and market squares in the Old Towns of Budapest, Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, Grein, and Passau, each offering unexpected cultural treasures and culinary pleasures around every bend. And the pièce de résistance – a Tauck Exclusive gala evening with music and dancing at a private palace conjures up elegant Old World Europe just for Tauck guests!

A wonderfully preserved medieval castle and town in the Czech Carpathian mountains are as awe-inspiring as the palaces and museums of Imperial Vienna. As you cruise from port to port, explore the cobblestone streets and market squares in the Old Towns of Bratislava, Cesky Krumlov, Grein, Passau, and Regensburg, each offering unexpected cultural treasures and culinary pleasures around every bend. And the pièce de résistance – a Tauck Exclusive gala evening with music and dancing at a private palace conjures up elegant Old World Europe just for Tauck guests!