Tauck has unveiled five enticing new European river cruises for 2027 as well as two new riverboats. “This announcement was driven by exceptional demand for Tauck’s river cruising vacations as well as strong year-over-year growth,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
The new riverboats are Saudade, a sister ship to Andorinha on Portugal’s Douro River, plus Reverie, a sister ship to Serene on France’s Seine River.
But there’s more news too! In late 2026, Tauck will also introduce a new six-day river cruise format. Offered primarily during shoulder seasons, it will also expand to other itineraries for 2027.
“The benefit for our Pavlus travelers is that these journeys will provide our guests with milder weather and fewer crowds along Europe’s most popular rivers,” adds Steudle.
The bit shorter itineraries will also make river cruising more accessible to travelers with tighter schedules. Yet, Tauck says the journeys will preserve “the depth, service, and inclusivity that define the Tauck experience.”
(In 2027, Tauck will launch the new Saudade, a sister to Andorinha, which is shown above on Portugal’s Douro River. Photo by Tauck.)
Tauck River Cruises: “Essence of the Seine”
From the perspective of Tauck’s CEO Jennifer Tombaugh: “River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time. With these new shorter itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time.”
With departures in March and November 2027, “Essence of the Seine” is a six-day journey roundtrip from Paris, France. Sailing through the heart of Normandy, the new Reverie will take guests to visit Rouen and the D-Day Beaches of Normandy.
“Travelers will also enjoy a cider and Calvados tasting in Vernon, France, plus a Tauck-exclusive gala evening at a historic chateau,” says Pavlus‘ Steudle. This six-day vacation was priced, at press time, from $3,490 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare.
New Joy Itinerary: “Essence of the Danube”
Another new six-day sailing during October and November 2027 is “Essence of the Danube.” Guests will sail between Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria, aboard the Joy.
Highlights include guided sightseeing in Vienna and Bratislava, Slovakia; an exclusive gala dinner with live music and performance at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini; and a wine tasting in Durnstein, Austria.
At press time, pricing started at $2,990 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare. “Give us a call to book your new Tauck journey,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “We also offer contract air for great price savings for our clients,”
Tauck River Cruises: Douro Expansion
Tauck is also deepening its commitment to Portugal’s Douro River. Demand there remains exceptionally strong. Many 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.
So, the addition of the new Saudade riverboat will nearly double capacity. Most notably, three new itineraries will join the Douro lineup.
“Tauck’s Douro collection represents the brand’s most significant river expansion to date,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “Tauck is also opening reservations for these 2027 itineraries earlier than ever.” That means that guests can secure a preferred departure date 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, Portugal, aboard the new Saudade. Guests will explore Portugal’s celebrated wine country through curated excursions.
For instance, they’ll enjoy such inclusions as these:
- A cocktail-making workshop at a local quinta.
- Guided walk through UNESCO-listed Porto, and a visit to the hilltop city of Guimaraes, often called the birthplace of Portugal.
- Wine tasting at a Vinho Verde vineyard.
- A scenic countryside bike ride.
- Dinner at the acclaimed waterfront restaurant DOC (open for pre-booking).
10-Night “Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro”
In addition, “Porto Prelude: Cruising the Douro” is a 10-day journey beginning with a multi-night stay in Porto. There, Tauck’s guests will have included guided touring and cultural experiences.
Then they’ll board their ship for a sailing through Portugal’s Douro Valley. Guests will head out for 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”
Another new 2027 option is the 11-day “Exploring the Douro, Plus Madrid” itinerary. This journey pairs the beauty of Portugal’s Douro Valley with the cultural treasures of Spain’s capital.
Guests will sail aboard Andorinha through vineyard-lined hills and picturesque villages. Highlights include:
- Port wine tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- Dinner at the acclaimed riverside restaurant DOC.
- Guided tours of UNESCO-listed Porto and also Salamanca, Spain.
- Most notably, a three-night stay in Madrid, and guided explorations of that city (open for pre-booking).
Tauck River Cruises in 2027
In total, Tauck will offer 37 European river cruises in 2027. Those sailings will include six Tauck Bridges itineraries, designed specifically for families. To delve into the river cruise experiences and sights along European rivers, check out Tauck’s new Video Library, as The Meandering Traveler recently covered in a past blog.
“As with all Tauck journeys, the 2027 river cruises are fully inclusive,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “What’s fabulous is that these journeys cover everything from shore excursions to gratuities, from onboard beverages (including premium wines and spirits) to airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes, and more.”
She also emphasizes that “Pavlus Travel is the world’s top seller of Tauck vacations and has been so for 20-plus years,” so use the contact information below to talk to a Tauck-certified personal travel planner!”
