Berlin to Zurich & The Majestic Rhine

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Berlin, your home for the next two nights.

Today, you will be invited on a guided tour of Berlin, where you can discover how its tangible history can be seen on every street. Enjoy learning about Berlin Cathedral and the iconic Berlin Wall, a feature point that holds the memory of how the city was both divided and reunited. After your tour, you are free to explore at leisure, perhaps discovering the creating lifestyles of the people who call Berlin their home. Included Excursion A guided tour of Berlin (B)

After breakfast, fly to Frankfurt and be transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board. (B/D)

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany; where stalls adorned with cuckoo clocks captivate and live oompah bands playing in beer gardens during the summer months entertain. 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. Included Excursion A visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum (B/L/D)

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, the area is now full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. These are yours to discover today during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. This confluence is best viewed 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 and a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Koblenz DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairytale-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. EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg (B/L/D)

This morning, a coach will take you from where the ship is docked in Rastatt to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town that has been 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. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the nostalgic elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before entering The Baden-Baden Casino, a favourite of silent film star Marlene Dietrich. EmeraldPLUS Entrance to The Baden-Baden Casino EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Altes Schloss Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden (B/L/D)

This morning, we'll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France's Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg's charm is via its quaint waterways, so today we'll embark on an EmeraldPLUS 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, a place where many of Strasbourg's administrative buildings are based.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. EmeraldPLUS Canal boat tour in Strasbourg DiscoverMORE Alsace wine route with vineyard hike and tasting (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Commence your magical morning with a tour to 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. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Colmar Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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. (B)

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) (B)

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 (B)

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. (B)