If the thought of drifting through French wine country with a new town to explore each day sounds rather lovely, Tauck has just given river-cruise fans three more reasons to look at 2028.
The operator has opened bookings for three new Rhône itineraries, ranging from six to 14 days. Its new riverboat, ms Harmonie, will join ms Lumière and double Tauck's guest capacity on the river.
Three different ways to discover the Rhône
The shortest option, Essence of the Rhône, is a six-day, five-night cruise between Lyon and Arles aboard ms Harmonie. It runs in both directions and visits places such as Viviers, with a mix of history, local food and time to wander. It's a tempting format if you want a proper taste of river cruising without using two weeks of holiday.
A Week On... the Rhône lasts eight days, with five nights aboard ms Lumière. Highlights include Avignon, the Camargue and a choice in Tain-l'Hermitage between making chocolate truffles with Valrhona and taking a rail-bike trip through the countryside. Chocolate or cycling? I know which one I'd be leaning towards.
The most expansive option is Barcelona, Burgundy & the Rhône, a 14-day journey that combines three nights in Barcelona with nine nights cruising. A high-speed train links Spain with southern France, while the programme takes in five wine regions and visits including Beaune and Château de Cormatin. Barcelona is a land-stay component, not a riverboat port, which is an important distinction when picturing the route.
What's the new ship like?
ms Harmonie is designed for no more than 130 guests. Tauck lists a sun deck with a pool, a fitness and wellness space called The Retreat, and generous suites. That smaller-ship feel is a major part of the appeal: river cruising is less about endless onboard attractions and more about watching the scenery unfold between stops.
Tauck says its 2028 European river collection includes excursions, gratuities, onboard drinks, airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes and fees. Its published starting prices are in US dollars, per person sharing, with airfare extra. Check the full inclusions and the price for your booking market before comparing it with another line.
Bookings are already open
The operator is also adding selected Italian Lakes-to-Amsterdam journeys and five wellness-focused departures in 2028. That's a broader European programme than the Rhône announcement alone.
For me, the best bit is the range: a quick Lyon-to-Arles introduction and a longer food-and-culture journey can suit completely different travellers. If France has been on your list, the destinations section is a good place to start thinking about where you would most like to explore.
Sources: Tauck's official announcement of 27 October 2026; Tauck's official ms Harmonie ship details. Check the operator or organising authority for any subsequent changes.
_-_Panorama_View_on_Ramparts_of_Avignon,_Pont_Saint-B%C3%A9n%C3%A9zet_(Pont_d%27Avignon)_1177-85_%26_Rh%C3%B4ne_valley_01.jpg){kind=link}