Jewels of the Rhine

Welcome to Basel, On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 1 pm.

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. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you’re feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you will get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Strasbourg

Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Ludwigshafen, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting.

Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. Alternatively, revel in a hike from Mount Konigstuhl to Heidelberg.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE: Active hike from Mount Konigstuhl to Heidelberg

Cruise to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz today and discover its fairytale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Your local guide will tour you through the Roman town, touching on the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where the two inspirational waterways meet. Journey by cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where you’ll find exceptional views of the surrounding area from its hilltop position. And tonight, our EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert.

Included excursion: Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

EmeraldPLUS: Private evening concert on the Rhine

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

Effortlessly steep in history and tales of the past, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, 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

This morning, you can choose to embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, learning about how the water is reclaiming Holland as you pass through the quintessential Dutch surrounds and witness traditional villages and windmills. Alternatively, take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass-top canal cruise, passing Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age.

Included excursion: Canal cruise

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland

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

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest and charming Strasbourg with you.

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.