Itinerary
- Day 1
Copenhagen
You'll arrive in Copenhagen and get picked up from the airport for a transfer to your hotel. This is where you'll meet the rest of your group and your tour director, so it's a good chance to settle in and get your bearings before things kick off.
- Day 2
Copenhagen
A guided city tour takes you through Copenhagen's mix of history and waterways. You'll travel by boat through the canals past old buildings, then see the colorful Nyhavn district where Hans Christian Andersen once lived. The tour also includes a look at Amalienborg Palace, which is where the Danish royal family lives.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Copenhagen
- Canal cruise
Landmarks Nyhavn Amalienborg Palace - Day 3
Copenhagen
Start with a visit to Christiansborg Palace, a former royal residence that now serves as the seat of Parliament and the Supreme Court. After that, the afternoon is free time to do what interests you. Options include checking out Tivoli Gardens, visiting Rosenborg Castle to see the Danish crown jewels, relaxing at a café, or trying some traditional open-faced sandwiches.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Christiansborg Palace
Optional Activities
- Visit to Tivoli Gardens
- Visit to Rosenborg Castle
- Dining at Copenhagen restaurants
- Café terraces
Landmarks Christiansborg Palace Tivoli Gardens Rosenborg Castle - Day 4
Copenhagen to Amsterdam
After breakfast, you'll head to the airport and fly to Amsterdam. Once you arrive, you'll board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship for your river journey through Europe. This is where your cruise experience begins.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 5
Alkmaar - Amsterdam
The ship takes you to Alkmaar, a Dutch town with canals and medieval buildings. You'll see the famous cheese market where producers demonstrate their craft and conduct traditional auctions. Later, you'll sail on the Rhine River, relax on the Sun Deck, and then gather for the welcome dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Welcome Dinner)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
- Welcome dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Cheese Market Waterland - Day 6
Düsseldorf - Cologne
A walking tour of Düsseldorf shows you the city's high-end shopping and its charming Old Town along the Rhine. After that, you sail to Cologne, known for its Gothic Cathedral. You'll have time to walk around and soak in the city's lively character and historic feel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf
- Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
Optional Activities
- German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Düsseldorf Rhine River Cologne Cathedral 
- Day 7
Koblenz
You'll arrive in Koblenz, surrounded by vineyard-covered hillsides and mountains. An included walking tour takes you to the Church of Our Lady at the German Corner, where you can see two of Europe's major rivers meet. In the afternoon, the ship sails through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO-protected area where castles sit perched on the cliffs above.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Church of Our Lady, Koblenz German Corner Rhine Gorge 
- Day 8
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is your destination today, a UNESCO City of Literature that inspired famous writers and artists. A guided tour brings you to Heidelberg Castle with its Renaissance ruins, peaceful gardens, and colorful flower beds. There's also an optional hike for those who want extra views. By evening, you'll attend a private concert in a historical setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Private Evening Concert on the Rhine)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Mount Königstuhl - Day 9
Strasbourg
The ship docks at Kehl, and a coach takes you to Strasbourg. You'll explore the medieval center with its cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings. An included excursion lets you sample the typical flavors and discover the heart of the Alsace region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace excursion
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg Old Town 
- Day 10
Freiburg - Breisach
Part of the EmeraldPLUS program, you'll visit Freiburg, known as the Capital of the Black Forest. Try authentic Black Forest specialties and decide how to spend your day. You can take a guided bike tour through Breisach, join a guided tour of Colmar (which has an extra cost), or explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg Breisach Colmar 
- Day 11
Departure from Zurich
After breakfast, you'll leave the ship and say goodbye to your fellow passengers. A transfer takes you to the airport so you can head home with memories of the Black Forest and your time on the Rhine River cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast
