Name: Holland & Belgium in Spring - Southbound
Brand: Tauck

Tauck

Tauck is a super-premium river cruise line offering small, intimate sailings on the waterways of Europe.

The cruise line launched in 1992, offering luxurious and all-inclusive river cruises on the likes of the Danube, Rhine and Rhone.

With many awards under its belt, the cruise line owns it when it comes to European river cruising, heading away from crowded tourist hotspots and off the beaten track.

Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 3

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 4

Bingen am Rhein

Day 5

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Days 6-8

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Days 1-2

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 3

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 4

Bingen am Rhein

Day 5

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Days 6-8

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

MS Inspire

When you make your way onto ms Inspire, climb to the top deck and take a moment to look over the rails and glance out as the riverbanks pass you by. Then, turn around and join back into the festivities, grabbing a cool drink and enjoying the company of loved ones and new friends, ready for the adventures that await...