insideTauck Along Europe’s Rivers

Sharing personal insights, behind-the-scenes information, and unique perspectives, our partnerships along Europe’s rivers provide guests with experiences they just can’t get anywhere else. Our insideTauck events provide an opportunity to introduce both the experiences and our partners – discover what it’s like to join them on our cruises. While traveling with Tauck, you immerse in everything from history to cuisine to cultural arts and present-day local life – and our insideTauck events give you a good introduction to some of the exclusive, unique experiences while cruising. Some of our most popular events include:

Secrets of Belgium Chocolate

Exclusively for Tauck, our travel partner Maxime Pliester, owner and operator of Concept Chocolate in Brussels, Belgium, takes you behind the scenes of his chocolate factory, explain his sourcing process (from bean to bar) with tips on how to do a proper chocolate tasting along with a special Valentine’s Day chocolate treat demonstration. He is joined by Tauck Senior Tour Architect Michelle Molnar, river cruise specialist. You’ll visit Concept Chocolate on Holland and Belgium in Spring and Yuletide Spirit: Amsterdam to Brussels.

Classical Music Along the Danube

On Musical Magic Along the Danube, our Tauck Directors are accompanied throughout by Tauck’s “maestros,” active music scholars and performers, passionate and knowledgeable about European music and the destinations you’ll visit. Our insideTauck event introduces Tauck Maestro (10+ years) Michael Shaw for a live presentation on the life and career of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as a performer and composer. Michael discusses Mozart’s background and historical significance, shares insights into a few of his most important compositions, and provides a curated playlist to go along with his discussion.

Inside Royal Delft: Meet the Painter

Join us for a unique look at the hand painted artistry of Royal Delft through the eyes of painter Laurens van der Velden, during a live on-location interview in Delft conducted by Edo Anceaux, Manager of Tourism for Royal Delft. The Royal Delft factory still turns out the iconic blue and white hand painted porcelain that it first debuted in 1653. You’ll learn, step by step, what it takes to be anointed as a Master Painter for Royal Delft, and the timeless techniques and trade secrets of a skilled artist whose freehand designs beautifully exemplify the high quality and style of Delft blue pottery. Visit Royal Delft on Cruising the Dutch Waterways.

A Talk & Walk Through Bratislava

Martin Sloboda, our longtime European travel partner, has shared his passion for Bratislava with Tauck river cruise guests since 2014. In this insideTauck presentation, join Martin for a walk through the fabulous city of Bratislava, Slovakia, experiencing the stories of the city, past and present, through his eyes. He is also a Slovakian wine specialist and connoisseur, and showcases the history of this region and its rich wine heritage. River cruises featuring Bratislava include: The Blue Danube, Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube, Heart of the Danube: Bavaria to Budapest, Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat, Grand European Cruise, Holiday Magic: Danube Family River Cruise, and Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure.

Enchanted Museums of Milan: Ambrosiana

Our Italy travel partner, art historian Serena Spinelli, joined us for a special presentation on four works from the extraordinary Ambrosiana Collection housed in Milan’s historic Ambrosiana – a library, art gallery and Academy promoting a love for literature, the arts, science and beauty. Serena, currently based in Milan, has spent 20 years in the field of Art Education and conducted numerous lectures, workshops and special programs. Explore the Ambrosiana on Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam.