Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers

Welcome to France and the beginning of your cruise. You’ll be met by a member of our team at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dine with your fellow guests. Please book your flight to arrive into Nice prior to 12:00 PM.

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races.  Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure.  Included Excursion Guided tour of Arles with arena visit  EmeraldPLUS A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale DiscoverMORE Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Visit to L’Occitane Factory (extra expense)

Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution.  Embark on a guided walking tour to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decad es. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon.  Included Excursion Guided tour of Avignon EmeraldPLUS Classical concert in Avignon EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing excursion in Avignon DiscoverMORE Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tours of Avignon (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the Old Town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour.  Included Excursion Guided tour of Viviers DiscoverMORE Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape.  Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards. Included Excursion Guided tour of Tournon EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through the vineyards

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world.  Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history. Included Excursion Guided tour of Lyon EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Lyon DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)

The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.  Included Excursion Visit to the Hospices de Beaune EmeraldPLUS Cheese and olive tasting on board

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

Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, 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 youre 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 Königstuhl to Heidelberg.  Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg EmeraldACTIVE Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Cruise to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz today and discover its fairy tale-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 steeped 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 Colognes 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 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, its 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.