Joy, 13 Night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris – Westbound ex Prague, Czech Republic to Paris, France

From the city of music, Prague, to the city of love, Paris, and all of the fairy tale towns in between… Our journey from Prague to Paris transits the historic Rhine-Main-Danube canal, visits renowned wine regions, picturesque villages, and destinations off-the-beaten path, and includes multiple-night stays at premier hotels in the heart of Paris and Prague.
Our newest and only river cruise that takes you along 4 main rivers; Main, Rhine, Danube, and Moselle, all on one ship… add one more with a private boat ride on the Seine River … indulge in the birthplace of culinary art… discover redstone castles and underground tunnels… bike ride along the river…

Day 1
Tour begins: Prague. A transfer from Prague Vaclav Havel International Airport or Prague Hlavni Nadrazi train station to Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel, is included. This evening, join us for a luxurious welcome reception and dinner at the Lobkowicz Palace.

Day 2
Prague is the largest city of the Czech Republic with rich history and Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectures, nicknamed the “city of a Hundred Spires” due to the towers, turrets and steeples that paint its skyline. A great way to explore Prague and learn its history is with an option of culturally rich walking tours. Choose to see the Old New Synagogue, Gardens of Prague (where you may even see peacocks roaming around), Saint Nicholas Church, and Charles Bridge, constructed in 1357 under the rule of Charles the IV who turned Prague into an important center of culture and trade in Europe. Alternatively, take a shorter walk to see highlights of the Old Town, including the Astronomical Clock installed in 1410, (the oldest astronomical clock still in operation) and a visit to City Hall of Prague. Enjoy lunch on your own then join us for an underground tour of Prague, learning more about Vaclav Havel, a former Czech statesman, author, poet, and playwright.

Day 3
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before departing for a walking tour of Old Town Regensburg that includes sightseeing Saint Peter’s Cathedral and crossing the Stone Bridge and links Old Town and Stadtamhof, until the 1930’s it was the only bridge that crossed the Danube river in town. You’ll have free time for lunch where you please, then it’s off for Kelheim to embark your ship. Join us for a Captains welcome toast and dinner to mark the beginning of your official cruise to the romantic capitals of Europe.

Day 4
As the second largest city in Bavaria, (after Munich) Nuremberg is an impressive, colorful, and mighty town, first mentioned in documents that date back to 1050. Walking tour choices today provide you a deeper insight into the history, above and below grounds. First option is to join our local guide on an underground tour to explore the labyrinthine tunnels built in the 1380’s, used for fermenting and storing beer for the 40 breweries in this small city, later used for air raid bunkers in WWII; view the Imperial Castle that dominates the city’s skyline, built in 1140 during the reign of Emperor Konrad III. If you wish to stay above ground, take a walking tour to view well-preserved landmarks such as the ornately decorated churches and the walls that line the Old Town. Enjoy lunch on the ship as your Tauck Director shares an informal presentation about your journey, then join us this evening for a Captain’s signature dinner.

Day 5
Enjoy the morning views along the Main River with breakfast, before docking for a day of excursion choices. Drive to the town of Bayreuth to see Margravial Opera House, one of Europe’s few surviving theatres of the 17th-century that has been extensively restored, and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. You may choose to visit the former home of composer and theatre director, Richard Wagner, which has been turned into a museum, or get a true taste of genuine weissbeir with a visit to Maisel Brewery, a family-owned brewery that is one of few to make this Bavarian style beer. Everyone may enjoy free time to explore Bayreuth as you please. Alternatively, drive to nearby Bamberg, a town laid out over 7 hills where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet. If you feel like stretching your legs some more you can take the short drive for a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site town to see The Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral, cross the bridges over Regnitz River and preserved Old Town. Your evening aboard the ship includes social hour and dinner as you cruise to Wurzburg.

Day 6
The “Romantic Road” in Germany is a 220-mile scenic byway through the historic cities Würzburg and Augsburg, three medieval walled towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen, and finishes in Neuschwanstein. Germany coined this theme name in the 1950s, for post-war positivity to begin travel again. Today, as you dock in Würzburg you’ll have the option to tour one of two cities; walk from the ship to explore its lavish baroque and rocco architecture and learn about post-WWII life here, alternatively, choose the short drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber for a walking tour with a local guide to see the medieval architecture and half-timbered houses that line the cobblestone lanes. This afternoon, back on ship you’ll cruise to Wertheim.

Day 7
This morning, explore the medieval charm of Wertheim on a guided walking tour. For those up for a bit more activity, a climb to the hilltop castle offers sweeping views and a touch of adventure. Otherwise, enjoy free time in town or return to the ship at your leisure. Back onboard this evening, sample local wines during a relaxed Franconian tasting.

Day 8
As the largest financial hub in Europe, Frankfurt is considered a global city. Downtown has many high-rise buildings that form its renowned Frankfurt skyline, and is one of the few cities in the European Union to have such a skyline. Before World War II, the city had many different styles of architecture, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical. Many central locations in Frankfurt have been restored to its original architectural style, and today you’ll have the choice to explore these quarters on walking tours; one is more active to view historic cathedrals, and ornately gabled half-timbered houses lining picturesque streets and squares, and learn about its role post-WWII. Along the way you’ll taste local culinary products before finishing the tour by the Old Town Square. Alternatively, set off on a more leisurely walking tour of the Old Town Square, also enjoying local goods as you explore. Join us this evening for a Tauck Exclusive evening at Schlosshotel Kronberg, a luxury castle hotel built in 1893 under the commission of Empress Victoria Friedrich, and where the movie Spencer, was filmed to represent Princess Diana’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Day 9
After breakfast aboard the ship, as you cruise along the Middle Rhine, join us for a scenic e-bike ride spot-finding the hidden castles and vineyards along the way. Alternatively, visit the Germany city of Boppard, for a Tauck Director-led orientation tour of the city. Everyone returns to the ship for dinner as you cruise along the Middle Rhine heading to Cochem.

Day 10
Tucked into the Moselle Valley, Cochem is a storybook town shaped by steep vineyards and the slow curve of the river, its history reaching back to the days when Roman merchants traded wine along these banks. A guided walk reveals cobbled lanes and timbered facades that climb toward the town’s crown jewel—the castle on the hill, its towers standing watch since the 11th century. You’ll also be introduced to the region’s enduring wine culture with a tasting that brings centuries of craftsmanship to the glass, showcasing why these slopes remain among Germany’s most celebrated. Back on board, lunch awaits as your ship makes its way toward Trier.

Day 11
Your last morning on the ship begins with a light breakfast buffet in the Compass Rose. Choose between two guided walking tours through Trier, one that is less active to learn about the city’s rich Roman history or a faster walking pace to see more monuments and cathedrals that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trier was founded by the Romans in the late 1st century and is considered Germany’s oldest city. Enjoy lunch on the ship cruising along the Moselle River, with commentary from your Tauck Director. Join us this evening for a Captain’s farewell toast and dinner.

Day 12
Arrive in Luxembourg by morning to disembark your ship. This small European country is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany, and gained full independence from the Netherlands in 1867. Despite its size, Luxembourg is the most powerful investment management centre throughout Europe. Enjoy a walking tour of the town then lunch on your own. Afterwards, we’ll hop on the train en route to the “city of love,” Paris.

Day 13
This morning, you have a choice of Paris sightseeing excursions. One begins with a drive to the Latin Quarter, famed for its bookshops and student-filled cafés, for an early visit to the Cluny Museum—best known for the ruins of its 2nd-century Gallo-Roman baths, an exquisite collection of French medieval art, and the iconic Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Afterward, continue by coach for an orientation tour through the “City of Light,” passing storied neighborhoods and architectural highlights before boarding a scenic cruise along the Seine. Gliding from the historic heart of Paris to the Eiffel Tower district, you’ll take in riverside landmarks from a fresh perspective. Alternatively, you may choose to skip the Cluny Museum and enjoy a more leisurely morning before joining the group for the coach orientation tour and the mid-morning Seine cruise. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace and indulge in French cuisine as you please.

Day 14
Tour Ends. Paris, France. Fly home anytime. A transfer from L’Hotel du Collectionneur to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Gare de Lyon Station, Charles de Gaulle Station and Gare du Nord Station is included. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

Our new Inspiration Class ships maintain Tauck’s high standards for luxury and comfort… including ms Joy, launching in 2016, which will cruise exclusively on the Danube River. With a maximum of 130 guests, ms Joy and her sister ships ms Grace, ms Savor and ms Inspire 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 Joy and her sister ships – 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.

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.

Joy - Emerald Deck

Joy - Ruby Deck

Joy - Diamond Deck

Joy - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Category 6 Cabin

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 7 Suite

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 1 Cabin

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

Category 3 Cabin

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

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 4 Cabin

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

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 5 Cabin

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

Elegantly designed 190 sq. ft. cabins on the Diamond Deck

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