Dutch Waterways, the Rhine & Moselle: 11 days Zurich to Amsterdam

Welcome to Switzerland and the start of your immersive journey across Europe. Transfer to your innovative Emerald Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.

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

Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, Breisach is where Germany’s Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. It’s another town with influences from both cultures, as well as a strong passion for wine. It centres around the hilltop St Stephen’s Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic structure that dominates the skyline and can be seen from a great distance.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
Spend a magical morning in nearby Colmar on the French side just across the border. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, with half-timbered façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms.

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing on the Rhine
Travel upstream to Steinenstadt and board a canoe to paddle along the quiet waters of the Upper Rhine. You’ll get a new perspective on this famed waterway, taking in local plant and animal life as you are immersed in beautiful natural surroundings.

This morning, you will discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The World Heritage-listed centre is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, which was the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years.

Included Excursion
Hidden treasures of Strasbourg
Discover the city’s charm on a walking tour through Petite France, featuring storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and the covered bridges. See the Vauban Dam and the World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter, home to Strasbourg’s administrative buildings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

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Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)
Join an immersive excursion through the Alsatian region where you will get to taste some of the best regional wines and learn more about the area’s long tradition of winemaking.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Arrive in Mainz today, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. It’s a captivating blend of history and modernity, with everything from Roman ruins and Baroque churches to innovative architecture. Mainz is known for its vibrant cultural scene, from museums and theatre to fun festivals and outdoor concerts. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll dock in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner. Rüdesheim is also at the heart of the Rhine wine region, which is famous for its Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Mainz
Join a guided tour of Mainz and visit the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. You’ll also learn more about its most notable resident, Gutenberg.

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Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)
Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Eberbach Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau and is home to the largest medieval vineyard in Germany. During your visit, you can indulge in the local Riesling wine tasting, experiencing the vibrant flavours of the region. Please note, this activity is happening at the same time as your included excursion.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Discover more of the region surrounding Rüdesheim this morning.

Later, stop at Sankt Goar, a quintessentially German town in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It’s directly opposite the famed Lorelei Rock, an imposing cliff that is tied to German legends, and the ruins of Rheinfels Castle look out over the town.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit and wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1,000 years. Set over 50 hectares (123 acres) in front of the Taunus mountains, it was the first Riesling winery in the world and produces wooden barrels from its onsite 121 hectare (300 acre) forest of native oak. On this exclusive tour, you’ll learn about its unique wine culture and fabled history.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
Enjoy an active hike through verdant vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal, a stunning monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein, in the German state of Hesse. This historical landmark overlooks the scenic Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany.

EmeraldACTIVE
Afternoon hike with AM in Sankt Goar
Join your Activity Manager for a refreshing afternoon hike through the picturesque town of Sankt Goar and its stunning surroundings. This invigorating walk is the perfect way to finish your day and connect with the stunning landscape of the Rhine Valley.

Set at the meeting of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz blends centuries of history with inviting riverside charm. Its atmospheric Old Town is a tapestry of winding lanes, picturesque squares and historic façades, while the famous Deutsches Eck marks the confluence of these two celebrated waterways. From here, travel by coach to the charming town of Bernkastel, where half-timbered buildings and vineyard-covered hillsides create a fairytale setting. Discover the region’s winemaking heritage on a guided vineyard hike and tasting, or enjoy an active hike to the hilltop ruins of Landshut Castle.

EmeraldPLUS
Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
Travel by coach from Koblenz to the Bernkastel area for a scenic hike through its picturesque vineyards. Accompanied by an expert local guide, discover the winemaking traditions and techniques that shape the region’s distinctive wines as you walk among the vines. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of local wines, taking time to appreciate their individual flavours and character against a backdrop of vineyard-covered hillsides.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Landshut Castle ruins
Depart Koblenz by coach for Bernkastel, where an active hike takes you to the atmospheric ruins of Landshut Castle. Follow a steep path through leafy woodland as your local guide shares fascinating stories of the castle’s past. Your climb is rewarded with sweeping views over the town’s historic rooftops and the surrounding vineyards, offering a memorable perspective on this picturesque landscape.

Today you will be taken to the picturesque medieval town of Cochem, where half-timbered houses and colourful squares sit beneath the striking Reichsburg Castle. Surrounded by terraced vineyards in the heart of the Moselle wine region, this charming town offers a delightful setting to discover the area’s history and scenery.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem
Depart Koblenz by coach for Cochem, where a guided walking tour introduces you to the town’s rich heritage. Explore its winding streets and charming squares, discovering the remains of the historic town walls and fortifications, alongside the town hall and other architectural gems.

EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling tour along the Moselle
Set off from Koblenz on a guided e-bike tour along the Moselle, following a scenic riverside route through the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a leisurely perspective on the landscape as you cycle, with your guide bringing the region’s character and heritage to life along the way.

Today you will be inin Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. It’s considered one of the nation’s cultural capitals and is home to the country’s largest public university, with more than 34,000 students bringing a fun and vibrant atmosphere to the city.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bonn
Step into the rich history of Bonn on a guided tour that takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the stunning Beethoven House – birthplace of the legendary composer – to the impressive Poppelsdorf Palace, and Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements, you’ll explore the blend of history, culture, and art that defines this charming city.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Bonn
With more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) of cycling trails, Bonn is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Germany. Explore the city on two wheels with this active guided e-bike tour, soaking in the authentic atmosphere and mixing with the locals.

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Though its history stretches back more than 2,000 years, it also has a youthful vibe thanks to its large university, as well as beautiful scenery, lush green spaces and world-class museums.

Included Excursion
Nijmegen Walking tour
Join a walking tour through the town centre, exploring its architectural wonders, rich history and charming streets. From Roman relics to medieval architecture, you’ll explore the city's landmarks, including the Valkhof Park and St. Stephen's Church, while learning about Nijmegen’s fascinating past.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Nijmegen
Join your fellow travellers on a guided cycling tour of Nijmegen. Ride along the River Waal and learn about the city during Roman times and under the rule of Charlemagne as well as the role Nijmegen played in WWII.

EmeraldPLUS
Shanty choir
On board this evening, enjoy a performance from a traditional Dutch Shanty choir. Their songs and sea shanties celebrate the country’s rich maritime heritage.

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Visit to Paleis Het Loo (extra expense)
The Netherland’s royal summertime palace for three centuries, Het Loo palace nowadays serves as a fascinating museum, showcasing the rich history of the Dutch royal family. Enjoy exploring the ornate palace as well as the exquisite gardens, a masterpiece of 17th century Dutch Baroque style.

This morning you’ll be docked in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it dates back to the 13th century and is filled with many beautiful historic buildings.

Later, continue to Rotterdam. The second-largest city in the Netherlands and the busiest port in Europe, Rotterdam is a modern multicultural hub. Its historic centre was largely destroyed by German bombing in World War II, and the subsequent reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. It is home to the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the country, a visual symbol of Rotterdam’s spirit of innovation.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rotterdam
Explore the dynamic city of Rotterdam on a guided walking tour that showcases its cutting-edge architecture and rich maritime history. From the striking Cube Houses to the iconic Erasmus Bridge, you’ll discover how Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction transformed it into a hub of innovation and design.

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht
Join your Activity Manager for a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Dordrecht. Admire the colourful façades along narrow streets and pretty squares, and look out for the grand Grote Kerk church and 14th-century Groothoofdspoort gate.

Your journey concludes this morning in Amsterdam. After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the beautiful Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine.

Please book your flights to depart out of Amsterdam after 10:00 AM.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Emerald Cruises will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.