Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich to Basel
You'll arrive in Zurich and get transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Once on board, you'll meet the captain and crew, then settle in for dinner with your fellow passengers this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Dinner on board
- Day 2
Breisach
The ship docks and you have options for the day. Head to Freiburg, known as the Capital of the Black Forest, where you can walk around and try authentic Black Forest food as part of the EmeraldPLUS programme. Or you might choose a guided bike tour in Breisach, or take an optional tour of Colmar instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg Black Forest 
- Day 3
Kehl - Strasbourg
After disembarking in Kehl, you'll travel by coach to Strasbourg. The medieval town has cobblestone squares and half-timbered houses to explore. Later, you'll have an included excursion learning about Alsatian food and wine, then head to a private concert in a historical building as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Kehl
- Coach transfer to Strasbourg
- Flavours of Alsace excursion
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg Kehl 
- Day 4
Mannheim (Heidelberg)
This morning the ship sails along the Rhine River, passing where the Rhine and Neckar meet. From there, you'll transfer by coach to Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature. Choose between a guided tour that includes Heidelberg Castle or take an active hike starting from Mount Königstuhl.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Heidelberg
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
- Rüdesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Heidelberg Mount Königstuhl Rhine and Neckar Confluence - Day 5
Koblenz
You'll sail through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge with views of romantic castles and medieval villages along the way. When you arrive in Koblenz, a guided walk takes you through cobbled squares and narrow streets, including stops at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Sailing through Rhine Gorge
- Orientation Walk of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Rhine Gorge German Corner Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Koblenz 
- Day 6
Cologne - Düsseldorf
The ship reaches Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities. A guided tour covers the Old Town and the famous Cathedral. After lunch, you'll join a walking tour of Düsseldorf to check out its stylish shops, charming Old Town area, and the Rhine riverfront architecture.
- 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 Cologne Old Town Düsseldorf 
- Day 7
Amsterdam
You'll discover Alkmaar, a Dutch town known for its centuries-old cheese market where traditional cheesemakers hold lively auctions. If you'd prefer, you can join a guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside to Waterland instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Alkmaar Cheese Market Waterland 
- Day 8
Amsterdam
After getting off the ship, you'll meet your tour director who'll guide you through Amsterdam's main attractions. Walking through the city, you'll see the canal system with its historic bridges, check out the architecture in different neighborhoods, and pass through some of the local squares. Your director shares stories about Amsterdam's past and how locals live there today, giving you context for what you're seeing.
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Amsterdam's highlights including canals, architecture, and squares
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise
- Visit Anne Frank House
- Explore local cafés
Landmarks Amsterdam Canals - Day 9
Amsterdam
This morning you have a guided visit to the Rijksmuseum where you'll spend time looking at paintings from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Your tour director explains the Dutch Golden Age and how these artists shaped the country's cultural identity. After that, the rest of the day is open to you. You could take a canal cruise if you want another perspective on the waterways, head to the Anne Frank House if that interests you, or just sit at a local café and watch the city go by.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Rijksmuseum
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise
- Visit Anne Frank House
- Explore local cafés along the water
Landmarks Rijksmuseum Anne Frank House - Day 10
Amsterdam
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to your fellow travelers and get transferred to the airport, heading home with memories from your Rhine river journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to airport
