The US-based company plans to resume full operations of all remaining 2021 itineraries scheduled for departure in August and September, including all European river cruises on the Danube and Rhine, and land tours of Italy and Switzerland.

Tauck said it plans to operate around 80% of its pre-Covid 19 portfolio of cruises and tours this year, with a full return of all trips in 2022.

Chief executive Dan Mahar said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce the global restart of our 2021 journeys.

“The challenges of the past 15 months have been unprecedented in our 96-year history. But the loyalty of our guests and travel advisors, the skill, dedication and hard work of our employees, and our bedrock philosophy to always ‘do the right thing’ have brought us to this day.”

Tauck has already restarted some of its operations in the US and other parts of the world during the past few weeks, and the company has now confirmed plans to resume the “bulk” of its 2021 itineraries.

River cruises on the Rhine will resume on 25 August, while voyages on the Danube will start operating in September.

“To date, the world’s return to travel has gone very, very well, and we have great cause for optimism,” added Mahar. 

“However, some restrictions remain in place for destinations like the UK and Canada, and we know that as our industry recovers, there will be twists and turns along the way. 

“We’re as prepared as possible, but we know that the best attitude is to expect the unexpected and to stay flexible.”