DAY 1 – AMSTERDAM
Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, cafés, and art galleries. Upon arrived in Amsterdam, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.
Inclusions: Dinner
DAY 2 – AMSTERDAM
Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city’s medieval centre 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 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.
Included Excursion: Canal Cruise
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 – COLOGNE
Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.
As part of your exciting EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll get to uncover local delicacies and cultural gems meandering at your own pace along quaint historic streets while Seeking the treasures of Cologne.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
EmeraldPLUS: Seeking the treasures of Cologne
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 – KOBLENZ
Immerse yourself in fairy tale-like surroundings today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman 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. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time.
Included Excursion: Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
DiscoverMORE: Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 – LUDWIGSHAFEN – HEIDELBERG
This morning, you will discover Heidelberg. 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 the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Heidelberg
DiscoverMORE: Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 – KEHL – STRASBOURG
This morning, you’ll dock in Kehl to 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 your leisure.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 – BREISACH – FREIBURG
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. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you’re feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour of Breisach.
EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 – BASEL – ZURICH
After breakfast, it’s 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 with you.
Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM. If you’re looking to travel Business Class, your airfare specialists can manage this for 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.
Inclusions: Breakfast
