Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich
You'll arrive in Zurich and get settled at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the lakeside city on your own terms. Walk along the water, find a café to relax in, or head through the city center and see what catches your interest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Zurich city center at leisure
- Stroll along Lake Zurich lakeside
- Visit charming cafés throughout the city
Landmarks Lake Zurich 
- Day 2
Zurich to Lucerne
Start with a guided walking tour covering Zurich's main sights, then you'll transfer to Lucerne. After you arrive, spend the afternoon on your own wandering through the Altstadt. The cobblestone streets wind through town with colorful buildings on either side, so there's plenty to discover at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Zurich
Optional Activities
- Explore Lucerne's Altstadt at leisure
- Stroll cobblestone streets in Lucerne
Landmarks Lucerne Altstadt 
- Day 3
Lucerne
A guided tour takes you through Lucerne's natural surroundings and into the city itself. You'll see the medieval Altstadt, walk across the Chapel Bridge, and check out the Water Tower while your guide shares stories about the city's history. Snow-capped mountains frame everything in the background.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lucerne
Optional Activities
- Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)
Landmarks Chapel Bridge Water Tower Lucerne Altstadt - Day 4
Lucerne to Basel
Travel by coach across scenic Swiss landscapes heading to Basel on the Rhine. Once you arrive, you'll board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and get your room sorted. The captain and crew welcome you aboard in the afternoon, and then dinner happens on the ship this evening with other guests.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks)
Included Activities
- Board Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- Day 5
Freiburg
As part of the EmeraldPLUS programme, you're heading to Freiburg, known as the Black Forest's capital. Wander through the city and try local Black Forest food along the way. If you prefer something more active, there's a guided bike tour option in Breisach instead of the walking route.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
- Day 6
Kehl to Strasbourg
You'll disembark in Kehl and take a coach to Strasbourg. Spend your time walking through the medieval old town with half-timbered buildings and stone squares scattered throughout. Try some Alsatian food during the day, and by evening you'll attend a private concert in a historic venue as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served)
Included Activities
- Guided excursion - Flavours of Alsace
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg Altstadt 
- Day 7
Mannheim to Heidelberg
Start the morning relaxing on the boat as you cruise along the Rhine River, taking in the views where the Rhine and Neckar rivers meet. A coach then takes you to Heidelberg for a guided tour of the city's UNESCO City of Literature heritage and its Renaissance architecture. You'll see Heidelberg Castle and explore the old town's historic streets. If you're up for something more active, there's an option to hike down from Mount Königstuhl into town rather than taking the coach back.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
- Rüdesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Mount Königstuhl 
- Day 8
Rhine Gorge to Koblenz
The ship sails through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge with castles and medieval villages visible from the water along both sides. You'll arrive in Koblenz and take an orientation walk through the old cobbled streets and squares. See the German Corner where two major European rivers meet, and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served)
Included Activities
- Orientation Walk of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks German Corner Ehrenbreitstein Fortress 
- Day 9
Cologne to Düsseldorf
You arrive in Cologne and can get close to the famous Cathedral for photos. After lunch, head to Düsseldorf on a walking tour that covers the stylish shopping district and the charming old town. Walk along the Rhine and discover the city's architecture and smaller spots that most tourists miss.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf
Optional Activities
- Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 10
Alkmaar
You'll visit Alkmaar, a Dutch town near Amsterdam with historic canals and medieval structures in the center. Check out the famous centuries-old cheese market where you can see traditional cheesemakers at work and watch the auction process happen. Or take a guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside toward Waterland if that appeals to you more.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
- Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Cheese Market 
- Day 11
Disembarkation
After breakfast you'll say goodbye to the ship and your traveling companions. Head to the airport with memories of the Black Forest, Strasbourg, and everything else you saw along the Rhine.
- Meals
- Breakfast
