Tauck Doubles Rhône Capacity for 2028 with New Ship, Three New Itineraries

Tauck has opened bookings for its 2028 European river season, featuring three new Rhône itineraries ranging from six to 14 days. The new ms Harmonie will join the ms Lumière on the river, doubling Tauck’s guest capacity on the Rhône. Both additions are part of a multi-year expansion that will increase Tauck’s river cruise guest capacity by more than 50% over 2025 levels by 2028.

“The Rhône has a way of drawing people in, and we’ve been hearing from guests and advisors that they want more ways to experience it,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh. “For some, that’s a first introduction in a week; for others, it’s two weeks following the river from Barcelona through Burgundy to Lyon. With the ms Harmonie joining the ms Lumière, more of our guests can say yes.”

Like the ms Lumière, the ms Harmonie will feature a spacious Sun Deck and The Retreat, a dedicated space for fitness and relaxation.

New Itineraries

Tauck’s new 2028 itineraries offer several ways to discover the Rhône Valley, plus a new Rhine River itinerary adds choice for guests wanting to see Northern Italy.

Essence of the Rhône (new): This five-night river cruise itinerary will travel between Lyon and Arles aboard the new ms Harmonie. Offered in both directions, the cruise-only itinerary sails one way, allowing more time in each destination and the option to add a pre- or post-tour stay on the Mediterranean. The itinerary includes visits to Lyon’s historic Old Town, the medieval village of Viviers, and Arles, known for its Roman amphitheater and connections to Vincent van Gogh. Departures are scheduled during the spring and fall seasons.

A Week On…the Rhône (new): The eight-day journey features a five-night cruise onboard ms Lumière, sailing between Lyon and Arles. Highlights include guided sightseeing in Avignon, with its historic Palais des Papes, and a visit to the Camargue, where guests will experience the region’s ranching traditions during a privately hosted visit to a local farm. In Tain-l’Hermitage, guests can participate in an exclusive hands-on chocolate truffle-making experience with Valrhona or choose an active rail-bike excursion through the countryside. Additional sightseeing choices include vineyard cycling, local wine tastings and explorations of the region’s historic towns.

Barcelona, Burgundy & the Rhône (new): This 14-day journey combines a three-night hotel stay in Barcelona with a nine-night river cruise, available in both directions between Barcelona and Lyon. The itinerary visits five wine regions in a single journey, including Burgundy. Additional highlights include a visit to Château de Cormatin, opportunities for vineyard cycling, and guided sightseeing in Lyon and Provence. A high-speed train journey connects southern France with Barcelona, bringing together two distinctive regions of Europe in one itinerary.

Additionally, building on the guest favorite Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam, Tauck is introducing Rhine Enchantment, Italian Lakes to Amsterdam on select 2028 departures. Drawing on guest feedback, the new 11-day itinerary begins with a three-night stay at the lakeside Hotel Splendide Royal in Lugano, Switzerland. Guests take excursions to Lake Como and choose between sightseeing in Milan or on Monte Tamaro before embarking on a seven-night Rhine cruise to Amsterdam. Most departures of Milan to Amsterdam will continue to begin in Milan.