Itinerary
- Day 1
Marseille to Arles
You'll meet your transfer at Marseille airport and head to Arles, where you'll board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After settling in, there's a welcome reception tonight followed by dinner with your fellow passengers.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Welcome reception
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2
Arles
This morning, check out Arles' UNESCO World Heritage Roman and Romanesque monuments, including the 2,000-year-old Amphitheatre. You'll learn about Vincent van Gogh's time here and have free time to walk around on your own. Tonight features a Provençal dinner prepared by chef Fabien Morreale.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
- Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale
Optional Activities
- In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
- Provencal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)
Landmarks Arles Amphitheatre - Day 3
Avignon
The ship sails to Avignon for a guided walking tour through this fortified town. You'll see the ornate Gothic Palais des Papes and hear about when seven Popes lived here during the 1300s. This evening, a classical concert is on as part of the EmeraldPLUS program.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Classical concert in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Tour to Lavender Fields (EmeraldPLUS)
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon (EmeraldACTIVE)
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Private hidden Gems tours of Avignon (extra expense)
- Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks Palais des Papes 
- Day 4
Viviers
You'll arrive in Viviers, a medieval town with pastel-coloured buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. A guided walking tour takes you through the Old Town, showing you the regional character and historic details of this small French village.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
Optional Activities
- Provencal soap-making workshop (EmeraldPLUS)
- Visit to Chauvet Pont D'Arc (extra expense)
- Day 5
Tournon
After sailing down the Rhône River, you reach Tournon where a 16th-century castle overlooks the village. Join a guided tour to learn about local history and culture, or skip that and do an active vineyard hike instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
Optional Activities
- Guided hike through the vineyards (EmeraldACTIVE)
- Day 6
Mâcon
You'll have a relaxed morning sailing on the Saône River to Mâcon. From there, you'll discover the Beaujolais wine region and its vibrant fruity wines made from Gamay grapes, with a tasting experience included.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
- Day 7
Lyon
Explore Lyon, one of France's largest cities and a former Roman capital known for its local cuisine. Choose between a guided walking tour featuring the UNESCO World Heritage Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière or a guided bike tour through the city's architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon with cheese tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour of Lyon (EmeraldACTIVE)
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
- Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)
Landmarks Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière 
- Day 8
Lyon to Basel
After breakfast, you'll disembark the Emerald Liberté Star-Ship and take a coach transfer to Basel, where you'll continue on your river cruising journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Freiburg
Visit Freiburg, known as the 'Capital of the Black Forest,' as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme. You can explore the city's sights and try authentic Black Forest food, or opt for a guided bike tour in Breisach instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach (EmeraldACTIVE)
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
- Day 10
Kehl to Strasbourg
You'll arrive in Kehl and transfer by coach to Strasbourg. Spend time discovering its medieval past with cobblestone squares and half-timbered houses. There's a culinary tour of typical Alsatian flavours, and tonight you have an exclusive private concert in a historical venue.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
- Day 11
Germersheim to Heidelberg
The ship sails toward Germersheim along the Rhine River, passing where the Rhine and Neckar rivers meet. You'll transfer to Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature. Explore this historic town and its landmarks like Renaissance Heidelberg Castle, or choose an active hike from Mount Königstuhl.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg (EmeraldACTIVE)
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle - Day 12
Koblenz
The cruise reaches Koblenz, a 2,000-year-old town where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Your local guide leads an orientation walk through this Roman town, showing you the twin-towered Church of Our Lady and the German Corner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation Walk of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks German Corner 
- Day 13
Cologne to Düsseldorf
You'll arrive in Cologne and explore one of Germany's oldest cities with its famous Cathedral. After lunch, join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city known for stylish shops and a charming Old Town, with chances to walk along the Rhine and find hidden spots.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf
Optional Activities
- Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral 
- Day 14
Alkmaar
Discover Alkmaar, a Dutch town near Amsterdam. Walk through the historic center with its charming canals and medieval buildings. You can experience the famous centuries-old cheese market where traditional cheesemakers display their work, or join a bike tour through the Dutch countryside.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland (EmeraldACTIVE)
- Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
- Day 15
Amsterdam to Airport
After breakfast, you'll disembark your Star-Ship and transfer to the airport for your departure, taking memories of the Black Forest and charming Strasbourg with you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
