Overview
Description
Explore Central Europe’s ancient heart on a river cruise along the Danube’s lower reaches to the Black Sea. Discover dramatic castles, centuries-old monasteries, and myriad cultural treasures as you sail aboard one of Tauck’s premium riverboats, and enjoy two-night stays at city-center hotels in Budapest and Bucharest.
Ship Details
Welcome Aboard ms Esprit
Enjoy casual dining offerings at Arthur's
If you're looking for casual dining options, Arthur's is your place. Named after our Chairman, Arthur Tauck Jr., Arthur's serves guests lighter breakfast options in the morning and offers classic favorites for lunch and dinner.
The best place to unwind after a day of adventures…
The Panorama lounge and bar is the sole lounge found onboard ms Emerald. Sporting an extensive cocktail menu, grab a drink and join fellow passengers and relax on one of the many plush chairs and couches, taking in the breathtaking views of the river as it passes by. During cocktail hour, enjoy the soft and relaxing sounds of the piano as a pianist plays live music, radiating throughout the lounge as a perfect compliment to the days events that preceded.
Lounge on the Sun Deck of ms Esprit
Whether you practice your putt at the on board putting green, relax in the Jacuzzi, or take in the views of the passing European landscapes on a lounge chair, ms Esprit has an option for everyone to enjoy.
Wine and dine at The Compass Rose
Enjoy a variety of international and regional dishes when you dine at Compass Rose, the main dining venue aboard ms Sapphire. Offering flexible dining times and open seating, Compass Rose boasts a formal, yet comforting atmosphere that is complimented by the knowledgeable and friendly wait staff.
All the amenities of modern luxury offered along the river
Accommodating no more than 98 guests, the newly redesigned ms Esprit sports a new deck plan optimized for the utmost in spaciousness and comfort.
The central hub on board ms Espirit
Aboard ms Esprit, explore all that the ship has to offer including a large variety of onboard entertainment options such as enrichment lectures, nightly piano music, in-room movies, culinary demos, local entertainment and "themed" fun.
Onboard Experience
Your day starts with breakfast onboard… sharing your favorite table by the window with the couple you became friends with at your welcome dinner… enjoying your favorite buffet selections just the way you like them… The riverboat docks right around the time you're finished with breakfast; you couldn't have asked for better timing… As you step off the ship, our local experts eagerly await to show you around the ancient village they call home, a place whose wine-making traditions stretch back over a thousand years; soon it may feel like home to you as well. You'll spend the morning exploring with your local guide before returning to the riverboat to continue your cruise. Back aboard, you'll have some time to explore your "floating hotel." Or decide to relax and chat with friends as you bask in the sun, sipping a cool drink. Refreshed, you head into the lobby just in time to watch the riverboat dock. This afternoon, taste your way through a picturesque riverside town, sampling the wares of artisan chocolatiers and a baker who shares a few secrets. Dinner tonight may be in yet another country, something you have never experienced before – an elegant affair in a baroque castle… Walking to the venue, your Tauck Director and local guide fill you in on the history that surrounds you. Your jaw drops as you enter the magnificent castle; the couple you had breakfast with joins you, bringing along some new friends. You don't want the evening to end, but alas, it must… another Tauck experience to check off on the "wow" list… Returning to the riverboat, you meet your companions for a little more camaraderie around the piano in the lounge before calling it a night. Drifting off to sleep, you smile… realizing that you'll soon be waking up in another magical town… to embark on another perfect day of your Tauck river cruise…
The Tauck Difference
The Tauck Difference
We're a company, and a family, of passionate travelers. As a family-owned travel company for nearly a century, our values and vision remain true: always do the right thing. Deliver more than what's expected. With journeys across 7 continents, in over 100 destinations and to 70+ countries, we keep moving forward to find new ways to enhance travel experiences that will be memorable for a lifetime – and we're honored to have the trust and guest satisfaction to be voted to Travel + Leisure® World's Best Awards for 28 consecutive years. We invite you to see the world as you've never seen it before.
Unique, Exclusive Access
Unique and exclusive access create a journey unlike any other. It's not just about the places you visit – it's how you experience them. With Tauck you'll see the world differently thanks to our exclusive access in destinations the world over. Authentic experiences that provide special access to hidden gems and must-see sights – at times of day when the crowds have gone. Go behind the scenes to take you into places not accessible to the public. Show you the world differently than you could see it on your own. And astonish you along the way.
Closer Connections
The best travels bring the right kind of connections, with locals who share their daily lives along with cultural insights, secrets of nature, stories of the past that define the present, and special skills – and a journey becomes both enriching and everlasting. The most memorable trips aren't just about the grand sights you see. They're also about the little experiences you have along the way, those personal encounters and unexpected moments that make your visits – and your memories – extraordinary.
Guided by the Best
Personal, caring service is the hallmark of our Tauck Directors and our handpicked local guides. Together, they provide an enriching, truly authentic travel experience. Our Tauck Directors come from 41 countries and collectively speak a total of 52 languages. Their expertise in local culture, customs, and traditions allows them to show you the world in ways you couldn't experience on your own… making the difference between a trip, and the trip of a lifetime.
Travel Confidently
Just book your trip, pack, and go. Leave your worries behind as you experience an effortless vacation with peace of mind, as we take care of all the details from start to finish. Your journey comes with Tauck's comprehensive, built-in support system a century in the making. It begins with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and local guides. and extends to our network of incredible travel partners around the world. Our experienced Global Response Team stands ready to spring into action to respond to situations as they unfold. We manage the unexpected – big and small – so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Tauck Impact
Supporting a thriving world
For over six decades, we have been committed to making a positive impact – environmentally, socially and economically – in the places we travel to. At Tauck, we center our commitment to creating a thriving world on three key pillars: People, Places, and Planet. By focusing on these areas, we strive to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, ensuring a healthy planet – and meaningful connections for travelers and local residents in the places we visit.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to inspire and enable sustainable travel experiences that protect our planet, preserve cultural heritage, and support local communities. We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint, supporting local economies, and fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. Through mindful and responsible practices and partnerships, we aim to create a positive impact that ensures future generations can enjoy and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world.
Our Partners
Our itineraries are woven into the very fabric of places where we travel. We partner with a wide range of businesses, from family-owned enterprises to larger companies, creating jobs and enhancing the economic health and vitality of these destinations.
Operating Sustainably
Operating sustainably is crucial for long-term success and positive impact. By prioritizing environmental, social, and economic sustainability, we can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and support local communities. Sustainable practices foster innovation, improve efficiency, and align with environmentally-conscious guests. Moreover, they ensure compliance with regulations and mitigate risks associated with climate change. Ultimately, sustainability drives resilience, enabling us to thrive while contributing to a healthier planet.
History
Tauck has invested in more than 80 national parks, monuments and destinations the world over to better protect our planet – and preserve natural, historical and cultural destinations for generations to come. Destination grants include Mesa Verde, Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Civil War Trust, National Civil Rights Museum, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Jasper National Park, and Friends of Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris), Grand Pré National Historic Site (Nova Scotia), and Wilderness Safari Camps (Africa).
Going hand-in-hand with destination grants is our commitment to encourage and actively participate in volunteerism. Our commitment to destination preservation can be traced back to Arthur Tauck Jr's quiet donation to preserve the bell tower of the old North Church in Boston – a landmark visited by Tauck's very first guests in 1925 and countless thousands hence.
These efforts include Tauck's on-tour national park guest volunteer program that won a "Preserve America" presidential award. Additionally, hundreds of Tauck employees have participated in annual volunteer days in places like Valley Forge, Harper's Ferry, The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ellis island, Gettysburg National Military Park and more.
Day by Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Your adventure begins in Budapest
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Day 2: Discovering Pest, past & present
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Day 3: Visit Budapest landmark sights and set off on your cruise
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Day 4: Antiquities & more in Hungary
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Day 5: Vukovar, Croatia & Novi Sad, Serbia
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Day 6: The sights of Belgrade and a private palace evening
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Day 7: The Iron Gate, King Decebalus & more
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Day 8: Bulgarian art in Ruse or Ivanovo
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Day 9: Constanta & Mamaia on Romania's Black Sea coast
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Day 10: Disembark and on to Bucharest
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Day 11: Transylvania and Bran Castle – or Sinaia – or Targoviste
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Day 12: Bucharest & a night at a palace
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Day 13: Journey home
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Available Dates & Pricing
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Apr 19, 2027 → May 1, 2027 Book by Apr 16, 2027starting at $8,290 USD per person
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May 21, 2027 → Jun 2, 2027 Book by May 18, 2027starting at $8,490 USD per person
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Jun 4, 2027 → Jun 16, 2027 Book by Jun 1, 2027starting at $8,490 USD per person
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Sep 10, 2027 → Sep 22, 2027 Book by Sep 7, 2027starting at $8,490 USD per person
Pricing Details
Price History
Lowest Price
- Oct 24, 2025 $8,290
Gallery
About Tauck
We're a company, and a family, of passionate travelers. As a family-owned travel company for nearly a century, our values and vision remain true: always do the right thing. Deliver more than what's expected. With journeys across 7 continents, in over 100 destinations and to 70+ countries, we keep moving forward to find new ways to enhance travel experiences that will be memorable for a lifetime – and we're honored to have the trust and guest satisfaction to be voted to Travel + Leisure® World's Best Awards for 28 consecutive years. We invite you to see the world as you've never seen it before.
- Phone: (203) 899-6500
- Email: info@tauck.com
- Wilton Woods, 10 Westport Road, Wilton, CT, 06897, USA
Tauck Impact
Supporting a thriving world
For over six decades, we have been committed to making a positive impact – environmentally, socially and economically – in the places we travel to. At Tauck, we center our commitment to creating a thriving world on three key pillars: People, Places, and Planet. By focusing on these areas, we strive to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, ensuring a healthy planet – and meaningful connections for travelers and local residents in the places we visit.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to inspire and enable sustainable travel experiences that protect our planet, preserve cultural heritage, and support local communities. We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint, supporting local economies, and fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. Through mindful and responsible practices and partnerships, we aim to create a positive impact that ensures future generations can enjoy and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world.
Our Partners
Our itineraries are woven into the very fabric of places where we travel. We partner with a wide range of businesses, from family-owned enterprises to larger companies, creating jobs and enhancing the economic health and vitality of these destinations.
Operating Sustainably
Operating sustainably is crucial for long-term success and positive impact. By prioritizing environmental, social, and economic sustainability, we can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and support local communities. Sustainable practices foster innovation, improve efficiency, and align with environmentally-conscious guests. Moreover, they ensure compliance with regulations and mitigate risks associated with climate change. Ultimately, sustainability drives resilience, enabling us to thrive while contributing to a healthier planet.
History
Tauck has invested in more than 80 national parks, monuments and destinations the world over to better protect our planet – and preserve natural, historical and cultural destinations for generations to come. Destination grants include Mesa Verde, Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Civil War Trust, National Civil Rights Museum, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Jasper National Park, and Friends of Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris), Grand Pré National Historic Site (Nova Scotia), and Wilderness Safari Camps (Africa).
Going hand-in-hand with destination grants is our commitment to encourage and actively participate in volunteerism. Our commitment to destination preservation can be traced back to Arthur Tauck Jr's quiet donation to preserve the bell tower of the old North Church in Boston – a landmark visited by Tauck's very first guests in 1925 and countless thousands hence.
These efforts include Tauck's on-tour national park guest volunteer program that won a "Preserve America" presidential award. Additionally, hundreds of Tauck employees have participated in annual volunteer days in places like Valley Forge, Harper's Ferry, The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ellis island, Gettysburg National Military Park and more.
The Tauck Difference
The Tauck Difference
We're a company, and a family, of passionate travelers. As a family-owned travel company for nearly a century, our values and vision remain true: always do the right thing. Deliver more than what's expected. With journeys across 7 continents, in over 100 destinations and to 70+ countries, we keep moving forward to find new ways to enhance travel experiences that will be memorable for a lifetime – and we're honored to have the trust and guest satisfaction to be voted to Travel + Leisure® World's Best Awards for 28 consecutive years. We invite you to see the world as you've never seen it before.
Unique, Exclusive Access
Unique and exclusive access create a journey unlike any other. It's not just about the places you visit – it's how you experience them. With Tauck you'll see the world differently thanks to our exclusive access in destinations the world over. Authentic experiences that provide special access to hidden gems and must-see sights – at times of day when the crowds have gone. Go behind the scenes to take you into places not accessible to the public. Show you the world differently than you could see it on your own. And astonish you along the way.
Closer Connections
The best travels bring the right kind of connections, with locals who share their daily lives along with cultural insights, secrets of nature, stories of the past that define the present, and special skills – and a journey becomes both enriching and everlasting. The most memorable trips aren't just about the grand sights you see. They're also about the little experiences you have along the way, those personal encounters and unexpected moments that make your visits – and your memories – extraordinary.
Guided by the Best
Personal, caring service is the hallmark of our Tauck Directors and our handpicked local guides. Together, they provide an enriching, truly authentic travel experience. Our Tauck Directors come from 41 countries and collectively speak a total of 52 languages. Their expertise in local culture, customs, and traditions allows them to show you the world in ways you couldn't experience on your own… making the difference between a trip, and the trip of a lifetime.
Travel Confidently
Just book your trip, pack, and go. Leave your worries behind as you experience an effortless vacation with peace of mind, as we take care of all the details from start to finish. Your journey comes with Tauck's comprehensive, built-in support system a century in the making. It begins with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and local guides. and extends to our network of incredible travel partners around the world. Our experienced Global Response Team stands ready to spring into action to respond to situations as they unfold. We manage the unexpected – big and small – so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.
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