Jewels of the Rhine & Amsterdam

Day 1: Basel

Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll be greeted at Basel Airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to board your Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.

Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Breisach

Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s church is perched on a volcanic hill and visible from a great distance.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Spectacular and historic Freiburg im Breisgau, commonly known simply as Freiburg, sits on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest in southern Germany. A photogenic old city that was founded in 1120, Freiburg lays claim to having the most sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city focuses on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some delicious local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as the famous Black Forest ham.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Breisach
For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating e-bike tour around Breisach. The route takes in the picturesque scenery between the Kaiserstuhl mountains and the river running through the woods. Once you arrive in Burkheim, take a break to enjoy some traditional Black Forest cake. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region on two wheels.

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Commence your magical morning with a guided tour of Colmar. As you walk along the quaint cobblestone lanes, it's easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm's Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms.
Activity level: Easy. Duration: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Strasbourg > Germersheim

Today, you’ll arrive in Strasbourg, a city shaped by both French and German influences and renowned for its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Once a key medieval trading centre and later part of the German Empire, Strasbourg’s World Heritage-listed Neustadt district showcases grand 19th-century boulevards and impressive imperial buildings. Its historic core, centred around the magnificent cathedral, reflects centuries of cultural exchange and shifting borders. Strasbourg also lies at the heart of the celebrated Alsace wine region, where charming villages and vineyard-covered hillsides are never far away.

Cruise onwards to Germersheim tonight for an exclusive concert at Bruchsal Palace.

Included Excursion
Flavours of Alsace: Strasbourg walking tour with local tasting
Explore the historic streets of Strasbourg on a guided walking tour that reveals the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the grand Strasbourg Cathedral to the picturesque La Petite France, you’ll discover the city’s fascinating landmarks and charming corners. Along the way, enjoy a delightful local tasting of regional specialties, offering a true taste of Alsace culinary traditions.

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Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Escape to the heart of Germany’s Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden Spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers an inviting blend of wellness, history and indulgence.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is a breathtaking Baroque Palace noted for its fine Rococo decoration. Made up of over 50 buildings, this impressive complex includes a three-winged residential building with an attached chapel, four pavilions separated by a road, some smaller utility buildings, and a pretty garden. This evening, in one of the most beautiful rooms, you’re invited to attend enjoy a private classical concert within one of the most beautiful rooms. This exclusive experience blends culture, atmosphere, and refinement, an enchanting night in one of Germany’s most stunning historical settings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Mannheim

A lively university town, Mannheim is best known for its unique grid system and is often called the City of Squares (Quadratestadt). Its most famous landmark is the striking Baroque Mannheim Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Today, travel to nearby Heidelberg, a charming UNESCO City of Literature that 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 remnants of Heidelberg Castle, where carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Meet your local guide and take the funicular to the peak of Mount Königstuhl. Take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the Neckar Valley, then continue our journey on foot through the forest. Once out of the woods, enter the castle of Heidelberg for a short tour of the ruin before descending into the Old Town. Enjoy a brief orientation walk and some free time.

This evening, you’ll cruise onwards to Rudesheim.  

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Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
On your visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, take a short ride on the mini train to taste the specialty coffee of the region. A swig of Rüdesheimer coffee is a treat for wine lovers and coffee fans alike.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Koblenz

Cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song.

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it’s a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Koblenz is particularly charming in spring, with pleasant weather and the surrounding vineyards bursting into life.

Included Excursion
Orientation Walk of Koblenz Join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers converge at the German Corner. 

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Resting on a spectacular hill 91m (299 ft) above the Moselle Valley is the medieval town of Cochem. Take a walking tour including a guided visit to the magnificent Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle, boasting impressive views of the Moselle Valley. The original 12th-century Romanesque style was replaced by King Louis XIV, who ordered his troops to destroy it in 1689. Rebuilt in 1868, he chose the neo-Gothic architecture that we know today as his family's summer residence.
Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Cologne – Düsseldorf

Continue along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans in 50 A.D., this is one of the oldest cities in Germany and was almost completely rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Look out for the twin spires of its Gothic cathedral, known locally as the Kolner Dom.

Later, you’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion, Düsseldorf is one of the country’s most captivating cities. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Join your local guide and explore the city of Cologne, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. You’ll conclude at the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, shop for trinkets or explore further before returning to the ship.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Düsseldorf
Discover the vibrant city of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour that takes you through its cultural landmarks and scenic streets. Explore the historic Altstadt and modern cityscape. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Cologne
Join your local guide and explore Cologne on two wheels. This active tour will take you along the Rhine River, passing Cologne's northern suburbs and industrial and business areas. 

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German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Discover the spirited beer culture of Düsseldorf on this lively and flavourful guided tour through the city's legendary brewhouses.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Amsterdam

Beyond Amsterdam’s storied canals, a gentler rhythm unfolds as you venture into the Dutch countryside, where emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. From charming towns like Alkmaar, famed for its historic cheese-making traditions, to Waterland, where pretty, stilted villages, glassy lakes and narrow canals offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, discover how the Dutch have shaped their landscape for generations. 

Included Excursion
Excursion to Alkmaar
Step into classic Dutch charm with a visit to Alkmaar, a picturesque town known for its historic architecture, tranquil canals and world-famous cheese market. Whether you're exploring the cobbled streets lined with gabled houses or soaking in the atmosphere of lively squares, Alkmaar offers an authentic and inviting slice of the Netherlands.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour to Waterland
Active travellers can embark on a guided e-bike tour through the outskirts of Amsterdam to Waterland, passing quintessential Dutch villages, traditional windmills and fields that are bursting with colour and vibrancy.

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Hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
Explore a quieter, more authentic side of Amsterdam on this relaxed and personalised tour through the city’s hidden treasures. Visit the historic Jordaan area and a charming chocolate shop for a sweet treat. Continue through some of the city’s most beautiful streets to Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century house with a fully preserved Catholic church in its attic. Finish with a beer and snacks at a local brewery.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Dutch Delights (extra expense)
See the highlights of this amazing city while tasting some delicious Dutch treats.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Amsterdam

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Amsterdam for a delightful two-night stay in the Dutch capital. The iconic city of Amsterdam is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered around every corner. This evening, meet your fellow guests and tour director for a convivial welcome drink.

Included Excursion
Visit to the Rijksmuseum
This morning, you’ll explore one of the world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, which houses an impressive collection of over 8,000 artworks, including those of esteemed Dutch masters, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Amsterdam

Enjoy exploring the exciting Dutch capital on a guided tour. Afterwards, your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan the rest of your Amsterdam explorations during your stay. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Amsterdam
This morning, your insightful local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a city of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world, where your destination is never too far away. 

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Tastes of Amsterdam (Dutch delights) (extra expense)
Explore the Dutch capital on foot, taking in the highlights of this iconic city while tasting some delicious Dutch treats along the way: pickled Herring, a favourite street food, a selection of tasty cheeses and mouth-watering Poffertjes (bite-sized fluffy pancakes).
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Amsterdam

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you leave your hotel and the Netherlands for your transfer to the airport, leaving with memories of a wonderful river cruise on the Rhine and Amsterdam delights.

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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Meals: Breakfast