Jewels of the Rhine with Emerald Cruises

Begin your journey today by departing home in the UK and flying to Amsterdam. On arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the cruise port to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and enjoy a welcome dinner onboard.

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Take the chance to explore Amsterdam’s narrow streets, dotted with gabled façades, to learn the tale of the Dutch Golden Age. This was a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the world’s most acclaimed. Relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s elaborate canal system, which in and of itself is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. For a more active option, embark on a guided bicycle tour to Waterland, pedalling past quaint villages, iconic windmills, and fields fit to burst with flower blooms. This afternoon, sail through the countryside toward the Rhine, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck before joining the captain for a gala dinner.

Stay: Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Charming Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities, with a timeline spanning more than two millennia. It is, therefore, steeped in history and countless tales of the past. It also serves as a cultural hub for this region on the Rhine.

You will get the chance to learn some of these stories for yourself today as your included city tour takes you to the heart of Cologne’s Old Town. Take in the High Gothic architecture, sweeping river views, and the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral as you walk through this historical city.

Stay: Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

You’ll feel like you’ve dropped into a fairytale today as you arrive in Koblenz with its backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included excursion today takes you on a walking tour of this Roman town, unveiling the twin-towered Church of Our Lady. This is the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved fortresses. There is an optional excursion (at extra expense) to head out of Koblenz and into the Moselle Valley to visit Cochem Castle, if you prefer. This afternoon, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge to spot romantic castles atop tree-filled canyons and half-timbered medieval villages.

Stay: Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Heidelberg is the UNESCO City of Literature, and it has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famous British artist William Turner. Today, discover the rich history of this idyllic place for yourself on an included guided tour of the town. Begin at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where manicured gardens host tranquil water features and sculptures, along with pops of colour in the many flowerbeds. If you prefer a more active excursion, you may choose to set out on a hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg instead. Tonight, EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert at Bruchsal Palace.

Stay: Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Your ship will dock in Kehl, Germany, this morning and you will set out via coach across the French border into the picturesque town of Strasbourg. Discover its medieval past among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses. Your included walking tour takes you through Strasbourg’s Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn some of this town’s highlights, including the astrological signs adorning the Maison Kammerzell and the historic and idyllic scenery around Petite France. The afternoon is yours to explore Strasbourg at your leisure before boarding the coach and returning to the ship in Kehl.

Stay: Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Today, your EmeraldPLUS programme takes you to the city of Freiberg, which is considered the capital of the Black Forest region. It is full of lovely sights that never fail to amaze its guests. While you’re here, you will also have the opportunity to savour authentic Black Forest delicacies. For a more active option, set off on a guided bicycle tour in Breisach, known as the place where the Black Forest meets Alsace.

Stay: Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

After one last delicious breakfast onboard, it’s time to disembark your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel, Switzerland. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.