Jewels of the Rhine

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 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 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 (Please note that the markets are closed on Sundays; therefore, the tasting will be held at Brauereiausschank Ganter.) 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. And tonight, our EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert. Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg EmeraldPLUS Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace

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 DiscoverMORE Rudesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)

This morning enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time. We’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets, passing façades adorned with boxes of spring-blooming flowers. You’ll also have the chance to see 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. Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense, only available on select dates)

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, explore Rotterdam with an Architectural tour with local tasting or enjoy a guided bike tour of Rotterdam with local tasting. Rotterdam is a unique example of a Dutch city, where a patchwork of different architectural styles make up the skyline following reconstruction after the air raids of WWII. Today you will have the opportunity to explore this contemporary city, which currently boasts the tallest office and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, which began with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis. Which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building of Europe. EmeraldPLUS Architectural tour of Rotterdam with local tasting EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Rotterdam with local tasting

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.