Amsterdam & Jewels of the Rhine

Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands famous for world-class museums, artistic heritage and elaborate canal system. You will be met at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a place of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world where your destination is never too far away. Your carefully planned walking tour will take you to one of world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, hosting a collecting of over 8000 works including those of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens.

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit (B)

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board. (B/D)

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city's medieval centre and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and flower fields.

Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.

• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
• Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, explore rustic German life off the beaten track and experience what the locals do. Visit a farmers’ market with sustainable products and sample local produce. Sit outside and breathe in the German country air watching local families enjoy their free time together or wander around the farmers market before heading back to the ship.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
• EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farmers’ market estate with tasting (B/L/D)

Immerse yourself in fairy tale-like surroundings today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman town will unveil the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe.

Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time.

• Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you will discover Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.

• EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
• DiscoverMORE Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you'll dock in Kehl to be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses.

Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town will touch on many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg (B/L/D)

Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour of Breisach.

• EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.

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)