Romantic Franconia & Bavaria & The Majestic Rhine on Emerald Astra
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$300 Military Savings
$300 Military Savings
Promotion Details
US military personnel, veterans, and their families take an additional $300 off per cabin on Emerald Cruises River with proof of current or past military status. This offer is combinable with 2-for-1 savings, pay-in-full offers, key account exclusives, Flash sales, Scenic Select, and Emerald Cruises. Combinable with groups. Not combinable with any other offers. Taxes & port charges are included in the price. Offer available to residents of the 50 United States only. Offer ends December 31, 2025. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Visit scenicusa.com for complete terms and conditions.
- Day 1MunichSat, Sep 12, 2026
Munich, the capital of Germany's enchanting Bavarian region, awaits your arrival. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, evident by its legacies of centuries-old buildings, delicious Bavarian cuisine, and lively atmosphere: Munich is world-famous for its annual Oktoberfest and heritage beer halls.
- Day 2Munich - NeuschwansteinSun, Sep 13, 2026
On a day trip from Munich, today, you'll get the opportunity to experience first-hand the striking grandeur of world-renowned Neuschwanstein Castle. Explore the exquisite halls of this fairytale-like, 19th century castle and marvel at its breathtaking surroundings, perched atop a rugged hill in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps.
Included Excursion
Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle
Meals: Breakfast - Day 3Munich - NurembergMon, Sep 14, 2026
This morning after breakfast, you'll be transferred to Bavaria's historic city of Nuremberg. Here, you'll join your Tour Director on a fascinating guided walking tour through this charming city.
Today you will also discover the secrets of the Holy Roman Empire at Nuremberg Castle, a must-see landmark dating back to the medieval era that reveals captivating exhibits and stunning architecture.
Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Nuremberg
Meals: Breakfast - Day 4Nuremberg - MainzTue, Sep 15, 2026
Today after breakfast, you'll be transferred from Nuremberg to Mainz, where you'll embark your luxury Star-Ship.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 5RüdesheimWed, Sep 16, 2026
Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.
Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes.
During your EmeraldPLUS experience, discover the fascinating legends of the Rhine in this engaging lecture that delves into the region's rich history and mythology.
EmeraldPLUS
Legends on the RhineIncluded Excursion
A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 6KoblenzThu, Sep 17, 2026
The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of KoblenzEmeraldACTIVE
Bike tour in KoblenzDiscoverMORE
Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 7Mannheim – HeidelbergFri, Sep 18, 2026
German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.
Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of HeidelbergEmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to HeidelbergDiscovery: Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 8Rastatt (Baden-Baden)Sat, Sep 19, 2026
This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert in a historical venue.
Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-BadenEmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert on the RhineDiscoverMORE
Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)DiscoverMORE
Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 9Kehl – StrasbourgSun, Sep 20, 2026
This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg.
Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll embark on a traditional canal boat
tour. Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of the
city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Included Excursion
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 10Breisach – ColmarMon, Sep 21, 2026
Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of ColmarEmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to ColmarDiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 11BaselTue, Sep 22, 2026
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you.
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 book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.
Meals: Breakfast
Countries Visited
Rivers Visited
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Generally this was a very pleasant Emerald cruise. Just seemed a little off to what we've experienced on previous cruises with the same company.
Unfortunately because of the high water level in Rhine we got off the ship from Wazburg and continued the trip by land. Not as comfortable and convenient as when we were on the ship but the staff of Emerald gave the best accommodation they could get.
Great cruise. Congenial group. The weather cooperated. Food excellent. Service efficient and polite.
We had a great cruise with no issues whatsoever.
We had an outstanding trip down the Danube on Emerald Waterways. The food was amazing, the service was absolutely top-notch, the places we stopped (Passau, Linz and Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest) were all wonderful in their own way. The options provided by Emerald (active vs. included, and the add-on activities) were just right. Our Cruise Director and the Activity Manager were very knowledgeable and attentive throughout our trip. As alway, Affordable Tours helped us book, and provided great follow-up care when we needed it.
first emerald waterway tour was excellent ! excellent and unique excursions included plus good optional tours offered loved the Vespa ride, ox cart and rickshaw ride Hoi Ann and Halong bay are highlights emerald staff very welcoming to us
Emerald was awesome. It offered us cultural experience that was unusual and authentic. We felt like we got to know the countries we visited. We are looking to book with Emerald again in Europe. Local and tour Director was the best
The staff and crew of the ship was fantastic. Christmas Markets are not to be missed.
Although this is my first river cruise, so I cannot compare with other companies, I was very happy with Emerald with a few exceptions. They advertise that it is all inclusive and do offer several free tour options at each port, but that also sell Discovery options that are more money. We did 4 of those which increased the cost for 2 by $600. If you like to workout, forget the gym, which had one rowing machine, an exercise bike and some dumbbells with enough room for 3 people at most. The staff were all great, the food was very good and the itinerary was excellent. They have a small swimming pool and late night activities. Good diversity with most people from US, Canada, Australia and new Zealand.
Was great, food was good, cabin small but nice, excursions were good.
This trip was wonderful, with only 160 passengers we were treated royally. Everyone on board the ship worked with only one thing in mind to please the customers.
We were fortunate the trip went as planned. A lock was damaged and the ship we were scheduled for was unavailable. Emerald provided a different ship and we completed our full itinerary. Great job Emerald. The trip wonderful. Great staff, tours and food. Our Affordable agent Allyson fulfilled all our needs efficiently providing excellent customer care.
Derek was very thorough and easy to work with. Our trip was what we expected.
Great river cruise, the operator Emerald Waterways did not disappoint. On board service was exceptional and the tours were very good. Only thought would be that having a little more free time during site visits would have made the excursions good to great.
Fabulous experience! As usual I was extremely nervous about traveling and all of the things that “could” go wrong. Everything that AffordableTours.com promised was executed without a hitch! It was a wonderful trip and incredible service from AffordableTours.com and their team members. Thank you!