Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands famous for world-class museums, artistic heritage and elaborate canal system. You will be met at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a place of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world where your destination is never too far away. Your carefully planned walking tour will take you to one of world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, hosting a collecting of over 8000 works including those of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board. 

This morning, you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs – the largest collection in the world. This beautiful area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colours. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty, extending out to traditional Dutch windmills. You can also admire the variety of statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting an annual theme.

Enjoy sailing through the picturesque countryside and onwards to the Rhine River. This afternoon, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about traditional Dutch clog painting on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Visit to Keukenhof Gardens

EmeraldPLUS
Clog painting on board

This morning, explore the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese Garden, a ‘Garden of Reflection’ and tranquil oasis amidst the bustling urban landscape. After lunch, you’ll continue sailing along the scenic Rhine River, which will bring you to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to join an active walk in town, stopping off at the beautiful Cologne Gardens.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Düsseldorf with a Japanese Garden visit

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Cologne Gardens

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Cologne beer experience (extra expense)

Once a Roman stronghold revered for its strategic position, Koblenz nowadays is a city that offers a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s greatest rivers converge at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of Europe’s largest preserved fortresses. Later, you’ll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced.

Included Excursion
Orientation walk in Koblenz

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A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Schwetzingen Palace is famous foremost for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design in all its diversity survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you’ll  also take a stroll through the Palace Gardens, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim and a hike through verdant vineyards.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim

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Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)

Today, you’ll arrive in Kehl, where you'll then be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of stunning architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt District is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland region. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as well as the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been plucked straight from an artist’s easel.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Orangerie Park

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

Today, discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore the city’s historic centre, resplendent with its colourful half-timbered houses and vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque Botanical Garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora. For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town that reveals stunning views of the Rhine River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region.

Included Excursion
Freiburg visit, including the Botanical Garden

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Welcome to Switzerland and Basel, a charming city that graces the banks of the Rhine River. This Swiss city is especially renowned for its high concentration of museums, exhibiting everything from contemporary art to scientific achievements.

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship. You’ll then  transfer to the airport, leaving with treasured memories of vibrant tulip gardens, the magical Rhine Gorge and many other unique European delights.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.

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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.