Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll be greeted at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

Today, you will experience the tale of two cities divided by the Rhine, Breisach (Germany), and Neuf-Brisach (France). During your guided visit to these two gems of the Rhine River, you'll pass by the main sights and attractions, one of which is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress overlooking Neuf-Brisach.  

EmeraldPLUS
A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach

Today, you’ll dock in Kehl, to be transferred by coach to the medieval city of Strasbourg. A local guide will teach you about the city’s history during an insightful guided tour, passing through cobbled squares adorned with quaint boutiques and charming cafés. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including Petite France. An area of unmatched beauty, the picturesque canal system cascades past half-timbered houses once home to fishermen, tanners and millers during the Middle Ages. The narrow lanes and footbridges that pepper the area all add to its undeniable charm. This afternoon, Strasbourg is yours to explore at leisure. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance boasting more than 100 sculptures. Alternatively, you can embark on a hike through the beautiful vineyards of the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim. 

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through a vineyard in Bad-Dürkheim

Today, we’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets, passing façades adorned with boxes of spring-blooming flowers. You’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

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A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

The largest city on the Rhine awaits your arrival. Once a major trade route linking both sides of Europe, today, the city offers the perfect platform to explore Roman history, including the ornate Roman mosaics that have stood the test of time.  
Your insightful guided tour of Cologne will detail how the air raids of WWII turned its streets into a blank canvas, resulting in the loss of ancient monuments and cultural treasures. Many of the city's historic buildings have undergone restoration and now sit alongside modern architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, constructed over six centuries, using medieval techniques to retain its authenticity. You’ll also explore the Botanical Gardens, established in the 19th century and visited by more than a million people yearly. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens

A visit to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens is sure to leave an impression. More than 800 varieties of spring-flowering tulips and regular flower shows showcase spring in a quintessentially Dutch fashion. Each year, the gardens adopt a theme, and you’ll have every opportunity to learn about different planting techniques and the work completed behind the scenes by the landscape architects.  
Soak in the sights of expertly arranged tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating a swathe of natural beauty. You’ll also have the chance to see statues commissioned by world-renown artists. 

Included Excursion
Visit to Keukenhof Gardens

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Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of spring-blooming flowers and delightful cobblestone squares 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.