Jewels of the Rhine

When you arrive in Basel, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you.  This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

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 leave you amazed. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city centre near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a guided bike tour in Breisach.   EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach  

This morning, your Star-Ship will be docking in Kehl and you will be transferred across the river to the medieval town of 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 DiscoverMORE Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)

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 will 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 Europe. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg 

Cruise to the 2000-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 take you on a tour through the 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, offering exceptional views of the surrounding area from its hilltop position. Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress 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. After your tour, you will be taken to a one-of-a-kind farm estate just outside of Cologne, which provides the locals with sustainable products. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a fantastic cooking demo and have a glimpse behind the scenes of this fantastic place. Included Excursion Guided tour of Colognes Old Town  EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farm estate with cooking demo DiscoverMORE Visit to Eau de Cologne museum

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.  EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland Included Excursion Canal cruise

After breakfast, its time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship 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.