DAY 1 – AMSTERDAM
Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, cafés, and art galleries. Here, you ‘ll be met at the airport and transferred to the comfortable surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you can enjoy some time to explore the cobbled streets and gabled houses at leisure. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 – AMSTERDAM
This morning, explore the Dutch Golden Age, as you board a glass-top canal boat cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system or enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland. Both excellent ways to experience the city in all its authenticity, take to its charming waterways, passing iconic buildings and elegant merchant residences that reflect a time when Amsterdam was one of the most lucrative ports in the world. If you’re feeling more active, then explore on two wheels, cycling alongside a backdrop of historical villages and traditional windmills. On returning to your Star-Ship, your first day of sailing will take you through the tranquil Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.
Included Excursion: Canal cruise
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 – COLOGNE
Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, the cathedral city of Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine. The historic capital of the Rhineland, this illustrious city has been generously peppered with ancient architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval structures, despite much of the inner city being completely destroyed during WWII.Join your local guide and explore the city, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, explore the city centre where locals meet for shopping trips and to enjoy authentic German beer before returning to your Star-Ship.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 – RUDESHEIM
Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we meander through the fairy tale-like surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses will be yours to admire as we sail. We will pass the infamous Lorelai Rock, where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by an enchanting siren, and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a former stronghold.This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. You will have the choice of either riding on the Winzerexpress and visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum or, if you’re feeling active, taking an active hike to Niederwalddenkmal.
Included Excursion: Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Niederwalddenkmal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 – MILTENBERG
Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, boasting an inimitable feeling of medieval Bavaria with its 15th century half-timbered buildings. On your included walking tour, stroll down the cobblestone streets, lined with these colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence. You could also enjoy an active walk through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. This iconic landmark now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters. Later, we’ll venture to the charming town of Wertheim where, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Miltenberg
EmeraldPLUS: Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Mildenburg Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 – WURZBURG
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg, is the centre for grape-growing, the product of the sloping vineyard-laden hills which surround the former capital of Franconia. The architects behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different styles, including Viennese Baroque and secular features from Italy, but it was heavily damaged during WWII. Enjoy learning about how this impressive building was restored to its former glory on a guided tour.
Included Excursion: Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 – BAMBERG
This morning, relax on board and witness the beauty of Europe’s waterways from the plush surrounds of your cabin as we cruise to Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town boasts one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with around 2,400 listed buildings gracing its streets.Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marvelling at the opulence of the New Residence, once resided in by the prince bishops and now home to a plethora of old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden to round your day off peacefully.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Bamberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
