Jewels of the Rhine

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for your arrival.

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells tales of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, you can choose to relax during a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the medieval centre of the city and past 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 on towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner. EmeraldACTIVE A guided bike tour to Waterland Included Excursion A canal cruise

With a history spanning two millennia, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Set out on an exploration of the past today, as a guided walking tour takes you through the ancient heart of the city. Your tour will conclude at Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Included Excursion A guided city walking tour  DiscoverMORE Visit to Eau de Cologne museum (extra expense)

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surrounds today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of the 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, where romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear as though they have been suspended in time. Included Excursion A guided walking tour of Koblenz and visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress DiscoverMORE A Moselle & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Today, you will discover Heidelberg as your Star-Ship arrives in Mannheim this morning. The 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 carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds. Enjoy a wine tasting session before strolling down cobbled lanes in the old town to see the Church of the Holy Spirit and Heidelberg University, one of the oldest in Europe. EmeraldACTIVE A hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg Included Excursion A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting

This morning, dock in Kehl and 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 the 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 leisure. Included Excursion A guided tour of Strasbourg DiscoverMORE Tour of Riquewihr (extra expense)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a postcard-worthy Black Forest destination, where history is brought to life among furnished farmhouses and outbuildings. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike through the Black Forest region, weaving through the woodland and admiring the lush canopy of evergreens.  Later, enjoy a Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting. EmeraldPLUS A Black Forest gateau presentation and tasting EmeraldACTIVE A guided hike in the Black Forest region Included Excursion A visit to a Black Forest destination

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of traditional cuckoo clocks and the Black Forest 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 note: Pre-release itinerary subject to change.