Inspire, 9 Night Rhine Connoisseur: Lake Geneva to Belgium – Northbound ex Montreux, Switzerland to Brussels (Brugge), Belgium

Epicurean delights take center stage on this Rhine River cruise, with a feast of culinary experiences that showcase wine, cheese, chocolate and more in Strasbourg, Belgium and Switzerland…
You’ll sip wine in the Lavaux vineyards at a local wine-making cooperative. Taste craft beer and culinary specialties in Düsseldorf, French fare in Strasbourg and local beer in Antwerp. Enjoy a chocolate demo in Brussels. Dine like royalty during a Tauck-exclusive dinner at medieval Slot Loevestein, set on a private island. And spend three nights at a luxurious Fairmont Montreux resort amidst spectacular scenery.

Day 1
Tour begins: 2:00 PM. A transfer is included from Geneva Airport, Geneva train station (approximately 1.5 hour drive) or Montreux train station to Fairmont Montreux Palace, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, overlooking the Alps. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional guided visit to Château de Chillon, a romantic medieval fortress on the lake. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your elegant hotel.

Day 2
The slopes above Lake Geneva tell a story in rows of vines—terraced and tidy, sun-drenched and centuries old. This morning, set out to explore the UNESCO-designated Lavaux wine region, where Cistercian monks first carved these hillsides into agricultural art. Choose a gentle walk through the vineyards, ending in a wine tasting at a local winery, or hop aboard a mini-train for panoramic views and a visit to a nearby village cooperative. Alternatively, stay in Montreux for a guided walking tour to discover the city through the eyes of Freddie Mercury and Queen—whose time here shaped both sound and story. Using tablets and rare images collected by close friends of the band, you’ll trace a cultural legacy both intimate and iconic. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on your own, perhaps along the lakeside promenade. This afternoon, you may choose to return to the hotel or visit Chaplin’s World, a whimsical museum dedicated to the life and artistry of Charlie Chaplin. The evening is yours in Montreux to dine and wander as you please.

Day 3
Venture to Glacier 3000 for an Alpine adventure that truly makes your spirit soar. Ride a cable car to the summit to enjoy the Peak Walk by Tissot, the only suspension bridge in the world connecting two mountain peaks. After lunch with panoramic views, continue your journey by coach directly to Basel. Board your riverboat and settle into your floating home for the week, with a Swiss cheese tasting and welcome dinner onboard.

Day 4
Spend the morning in Strasbourg, disembarking for a choice of excursions after breakfast. Blending Franco-Germanic culture, architecture, and ambiance, this Alsatian city is nestled on the Rhine across the border from Germany and boasts a compelling and complex history. Join a local guide for an epicurean-inspired walking tour of its city center, along with tastings of wine, cheese and other Alsatian specialties. See its Gothic-inspired Notre Dame Cathedral and half-timbered houses and explore its Petite France quarter, criss-crossed by canals and a swing bridge reminiscent of days gone by. Or do as the locals do and explore the sights by bicycle as your local guide leads the way. Have lunch onboard your riverboat as it sails for the Middle Rhine Valley.

Day 5
Spend a leisurely morning cruising through the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region renowned for iconic landscapes crowned by castles and fortresses, along with terraced vineyards established more than 1,000 years on the steep slopes of the valley. The strategic location of this dramatic stretch of the Rhine between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz reflects its importance as a transportation route; the sixty small towns, terraced vineyards and the castles ruins found here reflect how prosperous this trade route once was since prehistoric times. Your Tauck Director provides commentary as you glide past vine-covered, terraced slopes, and rocky bluffs, sharing the stories of the Lorelei Rock and ancient castles standing watch onshore. Arrive in Koblenz this afternoon for a guided e-bike ride* or a scavenger hunt across the city. Enjoy dinner and musical entertainment onboard ship.

Day 6
Wake up in in Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s wealthiest cities, known for its charming Altstadt (Old Town) and avant garde architecture. Walk off the riverboat into town for your choice of a walking tour focused on the city’s history, architecture and culinary traditions, along with some tasty local treats; or a craft beer tour where samplings of the varieties of dark Altbier the region is known for are sure to be a highlight. After lunch, you may either enjoy free time to explore Rotterdam as you like, or join your Tauck Director for an optional activity. Dinner is at leisure onboard the riverboat this evening.

Day 7
Voted “the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands,” Gorinchem was founded in 1,000 AD, fortified in the 13th and 14th centuries, and today boasts the largest fully intact fort in the Netherlands. Join our local guide for a walking tour of its historic heart, viewing its charming canals, the well-preserved Renaissance-style and medieval architecture, and pretty parks and gardens. Explore as you wish this afternoon, before joining us for a Tauck Exclusive reception and dinner at Slot Loevestein. Set in a nature reserve on a private island, the 14th-century castle has served as a prison, residence and toll taker, reigning unrivaled over its strategic location where the Maas and Waal rivers come together. Tonight it will be yours to enjoy as the island and castle are open for Tauck guests only.

Day 8
With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, the port city of Antwerp was one of Europe’s most important cities in the mid-16th century. Home to the artist, Pieter Paul Rubens, it welcomes with cobblestone charms, a riverside fortress, guildhalls and a Gothic cathedral that took 169 years to build. Join a local guide for an insightful walking tour that explores the historic gems of this lively town, from bustling Grote Market to medieval guild houses, baroque churches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and atmospheric squares. Following a morning of exploration in Antwerp proper and lunch aboard your ship, you’ll be met with a choice of excursions this afternoon! One option offers you a visit to the newly renovated and recently reopened Royal Museum of Fine Arts for a look at its impressive collection of art from the 14th through the 20th century, with an impressive hall dedicated to the art of its native son, Pieter Paul Rubens. The other takes you on brewery tour across the city highlighted by tastings of the city’s famous Belgian beers at local establishments. Tonight, please join us for the Chef’s Signature Dinner in the Compass Rose.

Day 9
Explore the best of Brussels today on your choice of guided excursions, including an informative city tour that views its landmark sights or a guided look at the Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture that’s found throughout the city. Belgian chocolate is renowned the world over; a chocolate demonstration this afternoon reveals its delectable secrets. Join us tonight for a farewell toast and dinner.

Day 10
Tour ends: Brussels. Disembark ship by 9:00 AM. Fly home anytime; a transfer from your riverboat to Brussels Airport is included. Allow three hours for flight check-in.

The new Inspiration Class ships maintain Tauck’s high standards for luxury and comfort… and take their name from ms Inspire, which will cruise exclusively on the Rhine and Moselle rivers. With a maximum of 130 guests, ms Inspire and her sister ship ms Savor continue our tradition of providing the most space per guest on Europe’s inland waterways – we will transport the fewest passengers of any longship (135 meters). Our deck plan for our Inspiration Class riverboats is innovative. With a total of 67 cabins, our most popular cabins tend to be our largest… so we have used the added ship length to offer twenty-two 300-square-foot-suites aboard ms Inspire and her sister ship – the most of any river cruise ship on any European river. To increase the amount of natural sunlight on the lower deck, we’ve created 8 loft cabins that extend from the first to the second decks, providing guests with an additional view; all windows in these loft cabins open.

We couldn’t find just the right words to describe the sumptuous new bedding and amenities we custom ordered for your in-cabin cruising comfort… 400-thread-count satin bed linens made from the finest combed cotton… puffy white duvets and pillows of very fine mako cotton, with a hypoallergenic 90% down filling… 100% cotton blankets, temperature balancing and so soft to the skin… and thick pillow-top mattresses that lull you to sleep… along with the Essentials Line of Molton Brown bath products, exclusive to Tauck… absorbent terry cloth robes and fluffy towels… hair dryers… but we do know they are key for waking up refreshed and relaxed for your traveling pleasure.
– See more at: http://www.tauck.co.nz/river-cruises/river-cruise-ships/ms-inspire.aspx#sthash.2wN88GyY.dpuf

Inspirational cruising… and the promise of fun. Cruise travel at its best.

What makes Tauck’s Small Ship Cruising and River Cruising unique is our focus on the destination – in scenic ports of call that connect you with people and places… moving, compelling and heart-warming experiences onboard and ashore… inspiration through Tauck’s cruise travel. We cast anchor in pristine bays, off island beaches and at docks accustomed to personal yachts… in small towns and villages along the great rivers of Europe… and in some of the world’s favorite cities. Our time ashore is enriched by in-depth cultural exploration and insider access that ensures up-close-and-personal connections with the locals and daily life. Our cruise travel adventures include guided sightseeing with local experts such as naturalists, historians, and accomplished lecturers. You’ll dine on regional cuisine on land at aboard ship that showcases specialties of the destination. And after a day of extraordinary sightseeing, we welcome you back onboard our hand-picked vessels for warm camaraderie and lively conversation that’s inherent on every Tauck cruise travel experience. The stories are endless, the memories are timeless and the connections priceless.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Inspire - Emerald Deck

Inspire - Ruby Deck

Inspire - Diamond Deck

Inspire - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Category 7 Suite

22 luxurious 300-square-foot Category 7 suites on the Diamond Deck boast two floor-to-ceiling French balconies with sliding door and large marble baths with double sinks.

1. Two floor-to-ceiling French balconies, each 98 inches x 75 inches with one sliding door that opens

2. 32″ LED TV

3. Pull-out sleeping couch (triple & quad capacity; quads for children only)

4. Walk-in closet with built-in shelves and a safe

5. Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily

6. Storage / drawers

7. Coffee maker

8. Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, marble counters, additional storage and a hair dryer

9. Large shower featuring rainfall shower head (note: no bathtub)

10. Pillow top queen-sized bed, 62 inches x 77 inches (with optional twin-bed capacity)

11. Padded headboard with reading lamps

Additional Amentities

* Elegantly designed 300 sq. ft. suites

* 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling

* Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive

* Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers

* Breakfast room service

* Iron plus ironing board

* 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom

* Easy under-bed luggage storage

*Telephone and individual climate control

* Onboard wi-fi available

Category 6 Cabin

Sixteen elegant 225-square-foot Category 6 cabins, each featuring a floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door, are situated aft on the Ruby Deck.

1. One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens

2. 32” LED TV

3. Full-sized window (98 inches x 37.5 inches)

4. Pillow top queen-sized bed, 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

5. Padded headboard with reading lamps

6. Storage / drawers

7. Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily

8. Large closet

9. Safe

10. Full-sized bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer

11. Large shower featuring rainfall shower head

Additional Amenities

* Elegantly designed 225 sq. ft. cabins

* 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling

* Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive

* Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers

* 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom

* Easy under-bed luggage storage

* Telephone and individual climate control

* Onboard wi-fi available

Category 5 Cabin

Located on Ruby Deck and Diamond Deck.

Eight spacious, Category 5 cabins on the Ruby Deck measuring 225 square feet.

Two 190-square-foot Category 5 corner cabins are set extreme forward on the Diamond Deck.

1. One floor-to-ceiling French balcony (98 inches x 75 inches) with one sliding door that opens

2. 32” LED TV

3. Storage / drawers

4. Pillow top queen-sized bed, 62 inches x 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

5. Padded headboard with reading lamps

6. Safe

7. Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily

8. Large closet

9. Full-size bathroom featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and hair dryer

10. Large shower featuring rainfall shower head

Additional Amentities

* 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling

* Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive

* Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers

* 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom

* Easy under-bed luggage storage

* Telephone and individual climate control

* Onboard wi-fi available

Category 4 Cabin

Two spacious 190-sq. ft. Category 4 cabins are situated extreme forward on the Ruby Deck, featuring one floor-to-ceiling French Balcony and bathrooms with marble counters.

* Elegantly designed 190 sq. ft. cabins

* Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

* 400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling

* One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens

* Bathroom with marble counters, larger showers with rainfall shower heads, enhanced lighting, and under-sink storage space

* Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive

* Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers

* Coffee maker plus minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily

* 32” LED TV

* 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom

* Built-in closet and drawers

* Easy under-bed luggage storage

* Telephone, safe and individual climate control

* 2 chairs

* Onboard wi-fi available

Category 3 Cabin

On the Emerald Deck, 8 innovatively designed, 225-sq. ft. Category 3 loft cabins with large marble bathrooms extend from the first to second deck for additional views.

1. One-and-a-half deck window that opens at the top, electronically controlled

2. Loft sitting area

3. 4 steps up to loft area

4. Railing

5. Full-sized bathroom
featuring enhanced lighting, additional storage and a hair dryer

6. Large shower featuring rainfall shower head

7. Closets

8. Storage / drawers

9. Safe

10. Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks, replenished daily

11. Pillow top queen-sized bed, 62 inches x 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

12. Padded headboard with reading lamps

13. Storage / drawers (credenza not visible from this perspective)

14. 32” LED TV (on credenza below; not visible from this perspective)

Additional Amenities

* Innovatively designed 225 sq. ft. “split-level” loft cabins

* 400 thread count cotton linens / white duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling

* Window (98 inches x 114 inches) can be partially opened

* Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive

* Terry-cloth bathrobes plus slippers

* 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom

* Built-in closet with drawers

* Easy under-bed luggage storage

* Telephone and individual climate control

* Onboard wi-fi available

Category 2 Cabin

Three Category 2 cabins are located on the Ruby Deck, measuring 150 square feet and featuring one floor-to-ceiling French Balcony with one sliding door.

* Elegantly designed 150 sq. ft. cabins

* Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

* 400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling

* One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens

* Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive

* Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers

* Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily

* 32” LED TV

* 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom

* Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage

* Telephone, safe and individual climate control

* 2 chairs

* Onboard wi-fi available

Category 1 Cabin

Situated on the Emerald Deck, six 150-square-foot Category 1 cabins each feature a marble bath with shower with Molton Brown toiletries, a Tauck Exclusive.

* Elegantly designed 150 sq. ft. cabins, including four dedicated solo traveler cabins

* Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)

* 400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with hypoallergenic 90% down filling

* Two 2’ by 3’ fixed windows

* Marble bath with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive

* Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers

* Minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily

* 32” LED TV

* 220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom

* Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage

* Telephone, safe and individual climate control

* 2 chairs

* Onboard wi-fi available