Question 1

I see that the cruise is almost sold out. What are the available stateroom categories, and how do I book?

Accepted Answer

The following stateroom categories currently remain: 
Category 1 (solo occupancy): 2 REMAINING ($6,790 per person)
Category 2: SOLD OUT
Category 3: SOLD OUT
Category 4: CALL TO CHECK ($7940 per person, double occupancy)
Category 5: SOLD OUT
Category 6: 1 REMAINING ($8740 per person, double occupancy)
Category 7: CALL TO CHECK ($9240 per person, double occupancy)

To book, simply request a no obligation courtesy hold by clicking HERE (https://forms.gle/6yksVEJnhb9Rk1jj6)to complete a simple form. Christina from Bluetail Travel will provide you with a proposal you can review. If all looks good, the deposit of $900 per person will be due within two days (we'll send you a secure online invoice), with final payment not due until March 2025. Reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis, so it is best to complete your form as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Question 2

What are the key dates of the trip?

Accepted Answer

The dates of the trip are 9 - 18 July 2025.

Question 3

Can you give an overview of what we will experience in Paris and on the cruise?

Accepted Answer

Your epicurean and cultural delights begin in Paris with a reception and dinner at Fouquet's, the legendary brasserie on the Champs Élysées, a pastry class especially for Tauck guests at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, and a food walking tour with a visit to a pastry shop, a creperie, and a champagne bar.

Ride the high-speed TGV train through the French countryside to Lyon to taste your way through Les Halles, Lyon's famed covered food market with its eye-popping vertical garden...

Cruise in search of authentic local experiences along the Rhône... sip Beaujolais in Beaujolais... sample Provençal specialties for lunch at a private ranch in Camargue... attend a memorable evening at the Duchy of Uzès... and learn secrets at a cooking demonstration at an award-winning cooking school in Valence.  All this alongside the exploration of medieval and Renaissance towns, French culture, and history that comes to life through expert guides and storytelling. It's the ultimate Rhône River cruise to the soul of France!

Question 4

What is included?

Accepted Answer

Your "Savoring France" cruise-tour includes:

• 2 nights in Paris at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand
 • 7 nights on the Tauck luxury river ship ms Emerald
 • Pre-travel service by Bluetail Travel, and hosting by Christina Schlegel
 • All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and the Tauck Cruise Director 
 • Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $4,727
 • Reception and dinner at Fouquet's on the Champs-Elysées in Paris Pastry class for Tauck guests at Le Cordon Bleu Paris 
 • Food walking tour in Paris featuring visits to a pastry shop, creperie, and a wine or champagne bar
 • Provençal lunch at a private ranch in La Camargue
 • Private wine tastings in Beaujolais and Châteaneuf-du-Pape
 • A walking tour of historic Vieux Lyon and a tasting at Les Halles de Lyon
 • Exclusive evening at the 12th-century Duché d'Uzès
 • Cooking demonstration and a wine and cheese tasting at an award-winning cooking school in Valence
 • Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks
 • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
 • 23 meals; service charges, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges

Question 5

What are the included amenities on the ship?

Accepted Answer

• All cabins are equipped with in-room movies, minibar, adjustable climate control, private bathroom with shower and pampering toiletries.
 • Cabin beds are fitted with 400-thread satin bed linen, mako cotton pillows, 100% cotton blankets and thick pillow top mattresses. A variety of Tauck-exclusive Molton Brown bath products are provided along with terry cloth robes, towels and hair dryers.
 • Open seating in main dining room, The Compass Rose; flexible dining times; vegetarian meals always available.
 • Alternate dining venue, Arthur's, offering classic favorites at lunch and dinner and lighter breakfasts in the morning
 • Al fresco dining on Sun Deck, weather permitting
 • In Category 7 Tauck Suites, American breakfast room service available and a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc
 • Complimentary snacks served 10:00 AM – midnight
 • Onboard putting green
 • Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks
 • Onboard entertainment includes enrichment lectures, piano music nightly, in-room movies, culinary demos, local entertainment and "themed" fun
 • 110-volt and 220-volt outlets included in every cabin for small electronics; minibar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks
 • Complimentary Internet & Email available
 • Fitness center; massages available; putting green on Sun Deck; Jacuzzi on Sun Deck – available 24 hours
 • Bicycles available aboard for use ashore
 • Laundry service available

Question 6

What is not included?

Accepted Answer

The following are not included in the cruise-tour pricing:
 • flights (can be booked independently or with Bluetail Travel / Tauck),
 • travel insurance (can be booked through Bluetail Travel or independently),
 • visas (if required),
 • souvenirs,
 • items of a personal nature,
 • spa appointments,
 • any items or services not specifically mentioned.

Question 7

Is the group hosted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our group will be hosted by Christina Schlegel, the owner of Bluetail Travel. Christina will be with you in Paris and on the river cruise. Although we will be a small group, you are of course welcome to do things on your own if you prefer: it's your vacation, after all!

Question 8

When should I depart the U.S. to arrive on time?

Accepted Answer

You should depart the U.S. on 8 July 2025 to arrive in Paris on 9 July.

Question 9

Can I stay extra nights in Paris before, or in Lyon afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Of course! You can extend your stay beforehand at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand, or at the end of the itinerary at the InterContinental Lyon-Hôtel Dieu. If you want to extend your stay, simply get in touch with Christina or Rhea at Bluetail Travel (welcome@bluetailtravel.com ((welcome@bluetailtravel.com)or at our group VIP number at 703-705-7514).

Question 10

What is the deposit amount?

Accepted Answer

The deposit amount is $900 per person, due at time of confirmation.

Once we put together your no-obligation  proposal, you'll receive a copy to review. If all looks good, then you can authorize your deposit via a simple and secure online invoice.  Your final payment will be due in March 2025: we'll send your invoice in plenty of time.

Question 11

How do I make a reservation?

Accepted Answer

To request a no-obligation proposal, please complete this simple online form linked HERE.(https://forms.gle/dYuNhhhVPqLJaofKA) You'll then receive your proposal by email within 1-2 business days for you to review. If everything looks good, you can confirm your reservation by authorizing your deposit.

You are also welcome to reach out to Bluetail Travel to request a proposal, make your reservation, or ask questions. Our office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday. It's easy to get in touch. We have set up a VIP phone number for our group at 703-705-7514, or you can send an email to welcome@bluetailtravel.com (welcome@bluetailtravel.com)to get in touch with Christina or Rhea.

Question 12

Can I wait to book, since the cruise isn't until July 2025?

Accepted Answer

Only a few staterooms remain: we strongly recommend booking now. This is a beautiful itinerary on an exclusive river ship with capacity of only 98 passengers.  The deposit is $900 per person, with the final payment not until March of 2025. Click the button below to request a no-obligation proposal.

Question 13

Are there benefits to booking early?

Accepted Answer

There are very limited spaces available at this time. To secure your desired stateroom type and location, it is best to book early. This cruise-tour is expected to sell out soon. If you are new to Tauck, we do have a complimentary one night pre- or post-tour hotel offer in partnership with Tauck that we'll apply to your booking.

Question 14

What is the best way to contact you, and what are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

You can reach Bluetail Travel by email at welcome@bluetailtravel.com.(welcome@bluetailtravel.com) We've also set up a VIP number dedicated to this cruise: 703-705-7514. Our hours are 9 am to 5 pm Eastern, Monday through Friday. If you call during these hours and we do not answer, we're probably on the phone with a client or travel partner, so please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you promptly.

Question 15

I've never planned a trip with Bluetail Travel. Can I be a part of the group?

Accepted Answer

Our group is open to all who are interested, so welcome! All bookings for the group must be made with Bluetail Travel.

Question 16

What about travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Tauck offers travel insurance through Aon for $799 per person for this trip (does not cover flights). This can be added to your booking.

Upon request, Bluetail Travel can also provide a travel insurance quote through Allianz Global Assistance.

Question 17

What about flights?

Accepted Answer

You can book your flights independently, or through Bluetail Travel / Tauck. You would fly into Paris Charles de Gaule (CDG), and depart from Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). Bluetail Travel can guide you through the flight booking process with Tauck for a seamless experience.

Question 18

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage travel insurance to protect you in case you need to cancel or interrupt your trip, or in case of a medical emergency during your travels. Bluetail Travel will quote a travel insurance option.

Your deposit is fully refundable if canceled within 10 days. After this time, the following standard cancellation schedule applies:

• 120 days or more before departure:
$900 per person
 • 119 – 60 days before departure:
Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person
 • 59 - 1 days before departure:
Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person
Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in Tauck's Wilton Woods, CT office.

Question 19

Can I explore the ports independently?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Just be sure to be back on the ship at the designated "all aboard" time that will be announced each day.

Question 20

What are the shore excursions like?

Accepted Answer

The shore excursions will provide you with unique, often exclusive, experiences of France, many with a special focus on food and wine. Just a few examples of the unique shore excursions you will experience: 
 • a pastry class exclusively for Tauck guests at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris,
 • an exclusive Provençal experience with a visit to a family farm in the Camargue,
 • an exclusive gala evening at the Duchy d'Uzès.

Question 21

Are the shore excursions an additional cost?

Accepted Answer

No, the shore excursions are included. Even the gratuities for the guides and your Tauck tour directors are included.

Question 22

What are the activity and pace levels?

Accepted Answer

Activity: Walking / standing for one or two miles at a time, uneven steps and cobblestones.
Pace: Moderate - with some early morning starts.
Do you need mobility assistance or have questions? Just reach out - Bluetail Travel is happy to help.

Question 23

What is the name of the ship?

Accepted Answer

We will sail on the ms Emerald, a 361-foot river cruise ship in Tauck's Destination Fleet. Newly redesigned, the Emerald debuted in 2017 with a deck plan optimized for the utmost in spaciousness. The Emerald accommodates no more than 98 guests, while similar-sized rivers ships average about 160.

Question 24

What are key features of the ship?

Accepted Answer

• 85% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies. 
 • All cabins are equipped with in-room movies, minibar, adjustable climate control, private bathroom with shower and pampering toiletries.
 • Cabin beds are fitted with 400-thread satin bed linen, mako cotton pillows, 100% cotton blankets and thick pillow top mattresses. 
 • A variety of Tauck-exclusive Molton Brown bath products are provided along with terry cloth robes, towels and hair dryers.
 • Open seating in main dining room, The Compass Rose. 
 • Flexible dining times; vegetarian meals always available.

Question 25

What are the accommodations like on the ship?

Accepted Answer

• Guest amenities inside the ms Emerald's 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious bathrooms with separate showers, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. 
 • She also sports twenty roomy 225-square-foot cabins, four 183-square-foot cabins and one 182 square-foot cabin, similarly furnished. 
 • Eight 150-square-foot cabins are cozy and comfortable, and are similar in décor and style to the larger suites. 
 • 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries.

Question 26

What are the dining options onboard the ship?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the main dining room, The Compass Rose, the ship also features Arthur's, a second dining venue offering casual fare.

Question 27

I am traveling solo. Are there special stateroom options?

Accepted Answer

Special Solo Traveler Savings – No Single Supplement in Category 1: The single price in Category 1 is the same as the double price – no single supplement, which means savings of up to 50% for solo travelers. (Limited number of staterooms available: book early for best selection.)
You also have the option to select any of the other stateroom categories with the corresponding single supplement. We are happy to quote exact solo pricing for you: just reach out to Bluetail Travel.

Savoring France
2 nights in Paris + 7-night luxury river cruise on the Rhône

Savoring France

01.

02.

03.

04.

Travel

THE ITINERARY

Travel

TRIP INFORMATION

Luxury & Comfort

Join your host, Christina Schlegel,
as we experience a magical time in Paris, Lyon,
and Provence with fellow travelers who share an interest in
culture, authentic local experiences, and camaraderie.

Bon voyage!

Your Invitation

Savoring France 2 nights in Paris + 7-night luxury river cruise on the Rhône

Savoring France

01.

02.

03.

04.

Travel

THE ITINERARY

Travel

TRIP INFORMATION

Luxury & Comfort

Join your host, Christina Schlegel, as we experience a magical time in Paris, Lyon, and Provence with fellow travelers who share an interest in culture, authentic local experiences, and camaraderie. Bon voyage!

Your Invitation

Savoring France
2 nights in Paris + 7-night luxury river cruise on the Rhône

Join your host, Christina Schlegel,
as we experience a magical time in Paris, Lyon,
and Provence with fellow travelers who share an interest in
culture, authentic local experiences, and camaraderie.

Bon voyage!