Jewels of the Rhine & Golden Pass Rail Journey

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Geneva, Switzerland.

Welcome to Switzerland! You will be met at the airport and transferred by coach to the beautiful city of Lausanne. Flights should arrive by 3:00pm. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring your new surroundings. Enjoy an included dinner this evening at the hotel. Meal: D

Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the city, known around the world for its spectacular setting, and home of the International Olympic Committee and Museum. This afternoon, visit Château de Chillon, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, discover the history of this 13th-century fortress. Learn about the château’s association with famous authors and artists; the counts and dukes who inhabited it as well as the prisoners who occupied the jail; see period furnishings, art treasures and frescoes. The beauty of the area continues to amaze during a cruise on Lake Geneva from the harbor in Montreux. Relax onboard as the spectacular scenery unfolds while sailing back to Lausanne before returning to the hotel. Meal: B

Today may be a highlight of your time in Switzerland as you experience a unique rail journey and mountain adventure. Depart by coach to Montreux where it’s ‘all aboard’ the Golden Pass for an unforgettable panoramic train ride through the scenic landscapes of the Alps. Disembark the train in Gstaad where the coach is waiting to take you to Col du Pillon for the Glacier 3000 mountain adventure. Ascend via arial cable car to an altitude of approximately 9850’ above sea level where you are met with astounding panoramic views, including the Matterhorn and Jungfrau. Walk across the world’s first suspension bridge connecting two mountain summits, if you dare! Return to the hotel in Lausanne this afternoon. Meal: B

The day is left free of planned activities for your independent exploration. If you prefer, join an optional excursion to visit the village of Gruyère (famous for cheese-making) and Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory. Meal: B DiscoverMORE: Visit to Gruyère and Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory (additional expense)

After breakfast, depart Lausanne and travel by coach to Basel for embarkation of the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and start of the cruise along the Rhine River. Settle into your stateroom and enjoy your first meal onboard at dinner this evening. Meals: B, D

As part of the EmeraldPLUS program, visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the ‘capital of the Black Forest’, Freiburg has lovely sights that will leave you amazed. You also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city center near the main cathedral. If you’re feeling more active, join the guided bike tour in Breisach. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Freiburg EmeraldACTIVE: Bike tour in Breisach

Once docked in Kehl, coaches await to take you across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. The guided walking tour takes you along narrow lanes and across footbridges as you discover the Grande Île, the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, picturesque le Petite France, old tanning houses, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the ornate cathedral, dominating the main square. This afternoon, the city is yours to explore at leisure. Meals: B, L, D

Relax onboard as the vessel cruises along the Rhine River to Ludwigshafen, docking site for Heidelberg. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, home of the oldest university in Germany. The guided walking tour visits the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, with fantastic views overlooking the Neckar River, and takes you through the cobblestoned-streets of the medieval city below. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. Local entertainment is provided onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Begin the day sailing through the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. Pass countless medieval castles and vineyards lining the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities around every bend. See the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. Continue cruising to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city as your guide points out historic monuments and buildings. See the ‘German Corner’ monument marking the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Panoramic views await from the visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, reached by cable car, crossing the river! This evening, attend a private concert as part of the EmeraldPLUS program. Meals: B, L, D DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle Visit (additional expense) EmeraldPLUS: Private Evening Concert

Continue cruising along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany’s oldest and is famous for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage gothic cathedral. Join your local guide for an included walking tour of the city, touching on the historical charm of the Old Town and its Roman history. Traverse the quaint alleyways and see historic monuments alongside modern architecture. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, back onboard, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Amsterdam, the final port of call. Experience the city on a cruise aboard a glass-top boat. Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage network of canals, passing Roman patrician and ornate merchant houses from the Dutch Golden Age. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing through quintessential Dutch landscapes of quaint villages and windmills. Meals: B, L, D DiscoverMORE: Guided bike tour to Waterland (instead of canal cruise)

Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life-enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River. Meal: B