Itinerary
- Day 1
Basel
The airport transfer gets you to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel. After meeting your captain and crew, you'll have dinner on board with the other guests this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Reception & Dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Dinner on board
- Day 2
Freiburg
You can head to Freiburg for a guided tour and taste some authentic Black Forest food, or choose a bike tour in Breisach instead. There's also an option to book a guided tour of Colmar if that interests you more.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg Breisach Colmar - Day 3
Kehl to Strasbourg
After arriving in Kehl, a coach takes you to Strasbourg where you'll walk through medieval squares and half-timbered streets. An included excursion lets you try local Alsatian flavors, and later there's a private concert in a historical venue as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience.
Included Activities
- Guided excursion: Flavours of Alsace
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg Kehl - Day 4
Mannheim to Heidelberg
You'll spend the morning on the river cruise sailing down the Rhine and watching the landscape change as the Neckar flows in. After that, the coach takes you to Heidelberg, where you'll walk through this UNESCO City of Literature that captivated writers like Mark Twain. Your guide leads you past historic sites around town and finishes at Heidelberg Castle, a striking Renaissance structure that sits above the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Optional Activities
- Rüdesheim with specialty coffee
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Mount Königstuhl - Day 5
Rhine Gorge to Koblenz
Sailing through the UNESCO Rhine Gorge brings castles and medieval villages into view along tree-covered canyons. In Koblenz, an orientation walk takes you through cobbled squares and charming streets to see the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Included Activities
- Orientation Walk of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Rhine Gorge German Corner Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Koblenz - Day 6
Cologne to Düsseldorf
You'll explore Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities, starting with the famous Cathedral. After lunch, head to Düsseldorf for a walking tour showing off its stylish boutiques and Old Town, plus the Rhine River architecture and hidden spots throughout the city.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf
Optional Activities
- Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town Düsseldorf - Day 7
Alkmaar
Alkmaar, a Dutch town near Amsterdam, has historic canals and medieval buildings to see. The famous cheese market runs daily with traditional cheesemakers doing live auctions. You could take a guided bike tour through the countryside instead, or book a private Amsterdam tour or the Dutch Delights experience.
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
Optional Activities
- Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Waterland Amsterdam - Day 8
Amsterdam to London
After the cruise ends, you'll transfer to Amsterdam Centraal station and board a train to London St. Pancras. Once in London, transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay. Spend the evening exploring at your own pace, whether that's historic streets, the River Thames, or one of the city's parks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Amsterdam Centraal London St. Pancras River Thames - Day 9
London
A guided city tour shows you Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. You'll check out the West End theatre district, Trafalgar Square, and see the Changing of the Guard. There's an option to book afternoon tea if you'd like.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of London
Optional Activities
- Afternoon tea (extra expense)
Landmarks Big Ben Houses of Parliament Westminster Abbey Buckingham Palace West End Trafalgar Square - Day 10
London
Today is free for you to explore London however you like. The London Eye gives great city views, the British Museum has extensive collections, and Hyde Park offers green space and gardens. You could also wander through street art in Shoreditch, catch a West End show, or book a guided tour of Camden and Borough Market.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Guided Tour of Camden and Borough Market (extra expense)
Landmarks London Eye British Museum Hyde Park Shoreditch Camden Borough Market - Day 11
London to Airport
After breakfast, you'll transfer from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight. You're heading out with memories of London's famous landmarks and the experiences from your entire trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
