Carrying on the musical legacy of her grandparents, whose story inspired The Sound of Music, vocalist Elisabeth von Trapp and her husband will join Tauck Bridges guests aboard ms Swiss Jewel for the July 9 departure of Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure. Don’t miss this opportunity to cruise the Danube with Elisabeth as she performs private concerts, and hosts an exclusive Tauck event at the Villa Trapp in Salzburg!
Tauck Bridges’ Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure beckons to families looking for family fun on Europe’s best riverboat cruise! There is no easier, and no better, way to see so much of the heart of Europe than on a leisurely cruise along the “River of Kings” with your family aboard the well-appointed ms Swiss Jewel. Unpack only once as you travel from Budapest, Hungary, to Slovakia, Austria and Germany, enjoying action-packed shore excursions specially designed for Tauck Bridges families. Go on a scavenger hunt in Bratislava, Slovakia. Soar over Vienna on the Riesenrad (giant ferris wheel) in the Prater, the city’s famous amusement park (seen in the movie classic The Third Man). Learn how to make strüdel on board the riverboat. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, an awesome “real” palace that Empress Maria Theresa, her daughter Marie Antoinette and even Napoleon once called home! Bike along the Danube and discover the tricky secrets of Schloss Hellbrunn in Salzburg. End this coolest of family Europe tours in Passau, Germany, by checking out Europe’s biggest pipe organ and making yourself something yummy with marzipan.
Why River Cruising Is the Fastest-Growing Segment in Travel
At Atlas Travel Center, we’ve watched river cruising transform from a niche product into one of the most sought-after vacation experiences in travel — and it’s easy to understand why. River ships sail into the hearts of cities that ocean vessels can’t reach, mooring steps from centuries-old cathedrals, Christmas markets, and vineyard-draped hillsides. The ships themselves are intimate — typically 100 to 200 passengers — which creates a completely different social atmosphere than a large ocean cruise.
Every major river cruise line has its own character, and matching the right line to the right traveler is something our advisors take seriously. Viking appeals to intellectually curious travelers who want enriching destination programming. AMA Waterways is consistently praised for its culinary focus and wine-pairing experiences. Avalon’s panoramic suite design is beloved by travelers who want to feel immersed in the scenery. We book all of the major lines and can give you an honest comparison based on your priorities and travel style.
What’s Included — and What Isn’t
River cruise pricing can look similar across lines at first glance, but what’s bundled into the fare varies significantly. Shore excursions, beverages, gratuities, and airfare may or may not be included depending on the line and promotion. Our team reads the fine print so you’re never caught off guard. We also know which sailings on which rivers are most likely to be affected by low or high water levels — a practical consideration that rarely appears in marketing materials.
Book Your River Cruise with Atlas
Contact Atlas Travel Center to explore river cruise options that match your travel style and budget. We’re CLIA-certified, have been booking river cruises since the segment’s early days, and hold an A+ BBB rating. Our advisors have sailed on many of the ships they recommend — which means the guidance you receive is personal, not generic.
