We started in Dusseldorf (not in the options for embarkation above). The previous night the ship had been in an industrial area miles out, so I was expecting to pay for taxis, but on the day they had moved to a berth right in the heart of the old town. Here and in Cologne (where the towns are actually on the Rhine) Tauck had the prime spot to walk into town from.

Unfortunately the weather at the end of November was cold and raining nearly every day. But we still had lovely days in Dusseldorf, Cologne, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg and Lucerne. Whilst they did have at least 5 local guides everywhere for 120 people (and VOX boxes to hear them), sometimes the guides had to walk quite quickly to keep to schedule, which is inconvenient if you want to take photos.

The ship was lovely. We had a suite (the size of 2 cabins - one half has a sofa, table and chair), with opening french windows. There was twice a day turn-down service, with daily programmes and rather dry USA Today newspaper summaries delivered. Read more