Guided travel specialist Tauck has announced five new European river cruises for 2027, released earlier than ever in the company’s history, driven by exceptional demand and strong year-over-year growth.
The company – which offers ocean, river, land and safari tours across more than 70 countries worldwide – turns 100 this year and is marking it by unveiling its largest ever fleet expansion.
Tauck’s growing fleet will also welcome two new riverboats: the ms Saudade, sister ship to the ms Andorinha on the Douro, and the ms Reverie, sister ship to the ms Serene on the Seine.
Designed to meet evolving guest preferences, Tauck will introduce a new six-day river cruise format, set to launch in late 2026, and will expand these shorter itineraries for 2027. Offered primarily during the shoulder seasons, these journeys provide guests with the added benefits of milder weather and fewer crowds along Europe’s most popular rivers. These shorter itineraries will also make river cruising more accessible to travelers with tighter schedules while preserving the depth, service, and inclusivity that define the Tauck experience.
“We’re seeing extraordinary growth across our river portfolio, and that inspires us to find new ways for guests to experience Tauck,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. “River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with these new shorter itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time.”
With departures in March and November, Essence of the Seine is a six-day journey roundtrip from Paris debuting the launch of the ms Reverie. Sailing through the heart of Normandy, visits will include Rouen and the D-Day Beaches of Normandy, a cider and Calvados tasting in Vernon, and a Tauck-exclusive gala evening at a historic château. (From $3,490 USD* per person double-occupancy, plus airfare).
Essence of the Danube is a six-day sailing journey between Budapest and Vienna aboard the ms Joy. Highlights include guided sightseeing in Vienna and Bratislava, an exclusive gala dinner with live music and performance at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini, and a wine tasting in Dürnstein. Departures are available in October and November. (From $2,990 USD** per person double-occupancy, plus airfare).
A RECORD-BREAKING EXPANSION
Tauck is also deepening its commitment to Portugal’s Douro River, where demand remains exceptionally strong and departures—including the popular Tauck Bridge’s family journey, Douro Discovery: A Family River Cruise in Portugal plus Madrid—often sell out well in advance. With the addition of the new ms Saudade riverboat nearly doubling capacity and three new itineraries joining the lineup, Tauck’s Douro collection represents the company’s most significant river expansion to date, building on continued growth and its recent recognition in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards among the “Best River Cruise Lines in the World.”
For the first time, Tauck is opening reservations for these 2027 itineraries earlier than ever, allowing guests to secure preferred departures with risk-free deposits while final details are being completed:
- Essence of the Douro is a six-day journey sailing from Porto to Barca d’Alva aboard the new ms Saudade. Guests will explore Portugal’s celebrated wine country through curated excursions, including a cocktail-making workshop at a local quinta, a guided walk through UNESCO-listed Porto, and a visit to the hilltop city of Guimarães, often called the birthplace of Portugal. Additional highlights include a tasting at a Vinho Verde vineyard, a scenic countryside bike ride, and dinner at the acclaimed waterfront restaurant DOC (open for pre-booking).
- Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro is a 10-day journey beginning with a multi-night stay in Porto, with guided touring and cultural experiences before embarking on a cruise through Portugal’s Douro Valley. Guests enjoy vineyard hikes, museum visits to learn about UNESCO-listed rock-art sites, port wine tastings, and Tauck-exclusive events in historic quintas (open for pre-booking).
- Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid is an 11-day journey that pairs the beauty of Portugal’s Douro Valley with the cultural treasures of Spain’s capital. Guests sail aboard the ms Andorinha through vineyard-lined hills and picturesque villages, with highlights including port tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia, a dinner at the acclaimed riverside restaurant DOC, and guided tours of UNESCO-listed Porto and Salamanca. The adventure continues in Spain with a three-night stay in Madrid, and guided explorations of the city (open for pre-booking).
In all, Tauck will offer 37 European river cruises in 2027, including six Tauck Bridges itineraries, designed specifically for families. As with all Tauck journeys, the 2027 river cruises are fully inclusive, covering shore excursions, gratuities, onboard beverages (including premium wines and spirits), airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes, and more.
