Jewels Of The Rhine

Day One

Depart for Switzerland for an overnight flight.

Day Two

Straddling the northernmost tip of Lake Zurich, Zurich is one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. Today, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or frequenting one of its many charming cafés. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

Day Three

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, perhaps strolling down cobblestone streets in its colorful Altstadt.

Excursions:

• A guided tour of Zurich

Day Four

The awe-inspiring beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower.

Excursions:

• A guided tour of Lucerne
• Train & Cable Car to Rigi – Weggis (Extra Expense)

Day Five

This morning, journey by coach through idyllic landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine- side town of Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Waterways Starship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Day Six

The Black Forest is a captivating region, known for its cuckoo clocks and the live oompah bands that grace sun-kissed gardens with their music during the summer months. Today, we visit a Black Forest destination and enjoy the charming culture of this region.  If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to hike through the Black Forest region, passing under an idyllic canopy of evergreens. Later, enjoy one of the region’s most famous treats during a Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting.

Excursions:

• A Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting
• A guided hike in the Black Forest region
• A visit to a Black Forest destination

Day Seven

This morning, your Starship will be docking in Kehl, and you will be transferred across the river to the medieval town of Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you will get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure.

Excursions:

• A guided tour of Strasbourg
• Tour of Riquewihr (extra expense)

Day Eight

Relax on board this morning as you sail to Mannheim, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you will have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting. Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in Europe. Enjoy a wine tasting in Heidelberg and take to the cobbled lanes that weave through the old town. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg.

Excursions:

• A hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
• A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting

Day Nine

Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz today to discover its fairytale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your local guide will take you on a tour through the town, touching on the twin- towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where the two inspirational waterways meet. Journey by cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, offering exceptional views of the surrounding area from its hilltop position.

Excursions:

• A guided walking tour of Koblenz
• A Moselle & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day Ten

Effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, Cologne encapsulates a timeline that spans more than two millennia and is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Your included tour of Cologne will take you to the heart of its old town. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.

Excursions:

• A guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town
• Visit to Eau de Cologne Museum (extra expense)

Day Eleven

This morning, you can choose to embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, learning about how the water is reclaiming Holland as you pass through quintessential Dutch surrounds and witness traditional villages and windmills. Alternatively, take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass top canal cruise, passing Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age.

Excursions:

• A guided bike tour to Waterland
• A canal cruise

Day Twelve

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest region and Strasbourg’s charm 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.