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Romantic Franconia & Bavaria, the Majestic Rhine & Switzerland on Emerald Astra

From Munich, Germany to Zurich, Switzerland
Length: 14 Days - Departs: Sat, Sep 12, 2026
Operator
Departure
Sep 12, 2026
Arrival
Sep 25, 2026

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$300 Military Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3378
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$300 Military Savings

$300 Military Savings

Promotion Details
We are honored to recognize the selfless service of those who have served our nation. As a token of our appreciation, enjoy this exclusive savings of $300 per suite to all US military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Must Book By Wed, Dec 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

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 Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice.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.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Munich
    Sat, 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.

  2. Day 2
    Munich - Neuschwanstein
    Sun, 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
  3. Day 3
    Munich - Nuremberg
    Mon, 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
  4. Day 4
    Nuremberg - Mainz
    Tue, 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
  5. Day 5
    Rüdesheim
    Wed, 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 Rhine

    Included Excursion
    A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Koblenz
    Thu, 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 Koblenz

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Bike tour in Koblenz

    DiscoverMORE
    Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Mannheim – Heidelberg
    Fri, 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 Heidelberg

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

    Discovery: Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Rastatt (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-Baden

    EmeraldPLUS
    Evening Concert on the Rhine

    DiscoverMORE
    Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided hike to Altes Schloss


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9
    Kehl – Strasbourg
    Sun, 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
  10. Day 10
    Breisach – Colmar
    Mon, 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 Colmar

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided bike tour to Colmar

    DiscoverMORE
    Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Day 11
    Basel – Lucerne
    Tue, Sep 22, 2026

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


    Meals: Breakfast
  12. Day 12
    Lucerne
    Wed, Sep 23, 2026

    Lucerne is known around the world for its spectacular setting, perfectly encapsulating a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings.

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Lucerne

    DiscoverMORE
    Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast
  13. Day 13
    Lucerne – Zurich
    Thu, Sep 24, 2026

    This morning, transfer by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, known for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre.

    When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by free time to explore its delightful lakeside setting, perhaps discovering its famous Old Town.

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Zurich


    Meals: Breakfast
  14. Day 14
    Zurich
    Fri, Sep 25, 2026

    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.


    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

France, Germany, Switzerland

Rivers Visited

Rhine

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Emerald Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.4
Professional Staff
4.7
Repeat with Operator
4.3
Value for Money
4.3

Ratings based off 65 reviews about Emerald Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

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!

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.

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Emerald. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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