Welcome to the Netherlands and world-famous Dutch city, Amsterdam. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your stylish Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome you on board.

This morning, discover the charms of Alkmaar, a picturesque Dutch town a short distance from Amsterdam. Explore Alkmaar’s historic centre, brimming with scenic canals and medieval buildings. Alkmaar is famous for its centuries-old cheese market, where traditional cheesemakers showcase their craft and engage in lively auctions. Immerse yourself in the local culture in this typically charming town. Alternatively, embark on a bike tour through the outlying Dutch countryside.

In the afternoon, sit back and relax as you cruise along the  Rhine River, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the wondrous scenery passing by. Later, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Included Excursion
Excursion to Alkmaar

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

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Dutch Delights (extra expense)

Today, join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture, and discover hidden gems off-the-beaten path. Later today, you’ll arrive in Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities,  famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Gothic Cathedral.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Duesseldorf

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Cologne beer experience (extra expense)

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surroundings as we sail onwards to Koblenz, a town revealing a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman-era town will take in the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s greatest rivers converge at the German Corner.

This afternoon, relish sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Here, marvel at romantic castles dramatically resting atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages that appear almost suspended in time.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

This morning, discover Heidelberg, a delightful UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of American writer, Mark Twain and British artist, William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Here, carefully curated gardens are home to serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.  If you’re feeling more active, you can also join a hike that will reveal panoramic views across Heidelberg. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an enchanting private concert at a historical venue.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg 

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

EmeraldPLUS
Private Evening Concert along the Rhine

This morning, you'll arrive in Kehl and then be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where an enchanting medieval past awaits among quaint, cobblestone squares framed by well-preserved, half-timbered houses.

During your included excursion, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the heart of Alsace in Strasbourg and embark on a mouthwatering journey, discovering the traditional flavours of this region. Alternatively, join a guided hike in the heart of the Alsace region.

Included Excursion
Flavours of Alsace

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Alsace

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

Today, as part of your marvellous EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll visit the charming city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest,’ Freiburg offers lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, choose to pedal your way through Breisach on a guided bike tour.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach 

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to mountain resort village of Zermatt, including a two-night stay. 

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, which could be described of one of the world's most famous mountains. This picturesque village entrenched on the Swiss Alps is also a sustainable destination for being car-free zone, and for having its original character preserved. Enjoy a guided walking tour in this elegant village. In the afternoon, enjoy free time or take part on the DiscoverMORE tour cog rail journey from Zermatt to the 3089-metre-high Gornergrat mountain summit.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Zermatt

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Visit to Gornergrat Matterhorn (extra expense)

This morning, you will experience the highlight of this tour, which is the rail journey through the Swiss Alps, know as the Glacier Express. Sit back and relax while contemplating at the amazing views of the Alps. When you arrive iat the station, you will be taken by coach to Zurich for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way. 

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.