Early Season on the Rhine: 8 days Zurich to Amsterdam

Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll be greeted at Zurich Airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to Basel. Here, you’ll board your Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.

Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM.

Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach presents a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St Stephen’s church, resting on a volcanic hill, is visible from a great distance and is a notable landmark.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Spectacular and historic Freiburg sits on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest. Founded in 1120, it claims to be the sunniest city in Germany. Life in this vibrant university city centers on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some delicious local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as the famous Black Forest ham.

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. Discover the vivid history of the town as you stroll through the medieval cobblestone lanes.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

Today, you’ll arrive in Strasbourg, a city shaped by both French and German influences and renowned for its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Once a key medieval trading centre and later part of the German Empire, Strasbourg’s World Heritage-listed Neustadt district showcases grand 19th-century boulevards and impressive imperial buildings. Its historic core, centred around the magnificent cathedral, reflects centuries of cultural exchange and shifting borders. Strasbourg also lies at the heart of the celebrated Alsace wine region, where charming villages and vineyard-covered hillsides are never far away.    

Included Excursion
Panoramic tour of Strasbourg
The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is 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 pulled directly from an artist’s easel. 

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Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Escape to the heart of Germany’s Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers the enchanting blend of wellness, history and indulgence.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 

A lively university town, Mannheim is best known for its unique grid system and is often called the City of Squares (Quadratestadt). Its most famous landmark is the striking Baroque Mannheim Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe.

This evening, cruise onwards to Rüdesheim to savour a special tasting that celebrates the distinctive flavours of the region.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Today, you’ll travel to nearby Heidelberg, a charming UNESCO City of Literature that 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 remnants of Heidelberg Castle. 

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Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee
On your visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, take a short ride on the mini train, which will take you to town to taste the specialty coffee in the region. A swig of Rüdesheimer coffee is a treat for wine lovers and coffee fans alike.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song.

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, the city has a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. 

Included Excursion
Orientation Walk of Koblenz
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 great rivers meet at the German Corner. 

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Resting on a spectacular hill 91m (299 ft) above the Moselle Valley, you’ll find the medieval town of Cochem. Embark on a walking tour, including a guided visit to the magnificent Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle, revealing impressive views of the Moselle Valley. The original 12th-century Romanesque style was replaced by King Louis XIV, who ordered his troops to destroy it in 1689. Rebuilt in 1868, he chose the neo-Gothic architecture that we know today as his family's summer residence.
Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 5 hours

Continue along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, this is one of the oldest cities in Germany and was almost completely rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Look out for the twin spires of its Gothic cathedral, known locally as the Kolner Dom.

Later, you’ll arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion, Düsseldorf is one of the country’s most captivating cities.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Join your local guide and explore the city of Cologne, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. You’ll conclude at the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, you can shop for trinkets or explore the city further, before returning to your Emerald Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Düsseldorf
Discover the vibrant city of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour that takes you through its cultural landmarks and scenic streets. During your tour, explore the historic Altstadt and modern cityscape.

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German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Discover the spirited beer culture of Düsseldorf on this lively and flavourful guided tour through the city's legendary brewhouses.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Beyond Amsterdam’s storied canals, a gentler rhythm unfolds as you venture into the Dutch countryside, where emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. From charming towns like Alkmaar, famed for its historic cheese-making traditions, to Waterland, where pretty, stilted villages, glassy lakes and narrow canals offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, discover how the Dutch have shaped their landscape for generations.

Included Excursion
Timeless Dutch Countryside
Step beyond the city and discover the authentic rhythm of rural Dutch life. Wander through charming villages, see working windmills and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive. Watch daily life go by as you experience the simple pleasures of life surrounded by Holland’s heritage, hospitality and heart.

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Clog painting on board
Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship this afternoon, join a local expert for a clog painting class. Learn about this proud tradition and create your own Dutch masterpiece.

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Hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
Explore a quieter, more authentic side of Amsterdam on this relaxed and personalised tour through the city’s hidden treasures. Visit the historic Jordaan area and a charming chocolate shop for a sweet treat. Continue through some of the city’s most beautiful streets to Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century house with a fully preserved Catholic church in its attic. Finish with a beer and traditional Dutch snacks at a local brewery.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Dutch Delights (extra expense)
See the highlights of this amazing city while tasting some delicious Dutch treats.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Today, after breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Emerald Star-Ship and fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the dazzling jewels of Europe with 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.