Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, cafés and art galleries. Here, you’ll be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. Your friendly captain and crew will welcome you on board. With a late departure tonight, you can go ashore and explore Amsterdam after dark. Meal: D
The second-largest city in the Netherlands and the busiest port in Europe, Rotterdam is a modern multicultural hub. Explore the dynamic city of Rotterdam on a guided walking tour that showcases its cutting-edge architecture and rich maritime history. From the striking Cube Houses to the iconic Erasmus Bridge, you’ll discover how Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction transformed it into a hub of innovation and design. After lunch, cruise to Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it dates back to the 13th century and is filled with many beautiful historic buildings. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht
EmeraldPLUS: Shanty choir
Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through the town centre, exploring its architectural wonders, rich history and charming streets. From Roman relics to medieval architecture, you’ll explore the city’s landmarks, including the Valkhof Park and St. Stephen’s Church, while learning about Nijmegen’s fascinating past. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour of Nijmegen
This morning, you’ll arrive in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. Step into the rich history of Bonn on a guided tour that takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the stunning Beethoven House – birthplace of the legendary composer – to the impressive Poppelsdorf Palace, and Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements, you’ll explore the blend of history, culture, and art that defines this charming city. This afternoon, relax on board as you continue cruising along the Rhine. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour in Bonn
Continue along the Rhine today, stopping at Sankt Goar, a quintessentially German town in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It is directly opposite the famed Lorelei Rock, an imposing cliff that is tied to German legends, and the ruins of Rheinfels Castle look out over the town. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Morning hike with Activity Manager
EmeraldPLUS: Visit and wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
DiscoverMORE: Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
Arrive in Mainz today, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. It’s a captivating blend of history and modernity, with everything from Roman ruins and Baroque churches to innovative architecture. Guided Tour of Mainz Join a guided tour of Mainz and visit the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. You’ll also learn more about its most notable resident, Gutenberg. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)
This morning, you will discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The World Heritage-listed center is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, which stood as the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years. Discover the city’s charm on a walking tour through Petite France, featuring storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and the covered bridges. See the Vauban Dam and the World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter, home to Strasbourg’s administrative buildings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)
Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, Breisach is where Germany’s Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. Spend a magical morning in nearby Colmar, on the French side just across the border. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, with half-timbered façades adorned with window boxes full of colorful blooms. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Canoeing on the Rhine
Your journey concludes this morning in Basel (Huningue). After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to Zurich airport and take with you memories of the beautiful Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine. Meal: B
