Discover the Rhine and Rhone Rivers

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome you on board.

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city’s medieval centre and post-Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and flower fields.

Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoy a drink on the Sun Deck and watch the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.

Included excursion: Canal Cruise

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surroundings today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman town will unveil the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe.

Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time.

Included excursion: Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

DiscoverMORE: Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle Visit (extra expense)

This morning, you will discover Heidelberg. This idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.

And tonight, our EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert.

Included excursion: Guided tour to Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE: Active hike from Mount Konigstuhl to Heidelberg

EmeraldPLUS: Private evening concert on the Rhine

This morning, you’ll dock in Kehl to be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses.

Your included walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town will touch on many of Strasbourg's highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Strasbourg

Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS program, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the ‘Capital of the Black Forest’, Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you’re feeling more active, you can choose to go for a canoeing trip on the Rhine.

EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach

After breakfast, you will disembark your Star-Ship and be transferred by coach to Lyon, where your river cruising journey will continue.

Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surroundings as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, the Hospices de Beaune is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.

Included excursion: Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

EmeraldPLUS: Cheese and olive tasting on board

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you’ll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights.

Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviére, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Lyon

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour of Lyon

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhóne, dominated by a 16^th-century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.

Your guided tour of the villages will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Tournon

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through the vineyards

Arrive in Vivers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish facades.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Viviers

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Chauvet Pont d'Arc (extra expense)

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution.

Your included walking tour will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhóne. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Avignon

EmeraldACTIVE: Canoeing excursion in Avignon

EmeraldPLUS: Classical concert in Avignon

DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Private hidden Gems tour of Avignon (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Chateauneuf du Papes with wine tasting (extra expense)

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries.

Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provencal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France’s Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.

Included excursion: Guided tours of Arles with an arena visit

EmeraldPLUS: Provencal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Visit to L’Occitane Factory (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 1pm.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.