Amsterdam with Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

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)

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you will start the day by exploring a canal cruise through the Oudegracht or Old Canal, which is not only the oldest in Utrecht, but it is also older than the canals in Amsterdam. For centuries, along the water, the wealthiest have built mansions with the peculiarity of having warehouses and service entrances just above water level. Undoubtedly, the castle of Oudaen stands out among all the rest: an urban castle well preserved despite being more than eight centuries old.

• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour near Utrecht
• EmeraldPLUS Canal cruise and cheese tasting (B/L/D)

Today you will visit the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th-century windmills is considered a Dutch icon across the globe.

• Included Excursion Guided tour Kinderdijk Windmills (B/L/D)

Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors, including the castle kitchen, the knight’s hall, the armoury and an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress, with a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, it resembles something you would find in a Brothers Grimm tale.

• Included Excursion Visit to Marksburg Castle
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Marksburg Castle (B/L/D)

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River. Home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.

• EmeraldACTIVE Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins
• Included Excursion Walking tour of Bernkastel (B/L/D)

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, alongside the town hall and its many other gems.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle
• EmeraldACTIVE Cycling along the Moselle (B/L/D)

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine. These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively, participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

• EmeraldPLUS Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
• EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument (B/L/D)

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town.

• Included Excursion Guided Tour of Mainz
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Gutenberg Museum & workshop (extra expense) (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. 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, where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

• Included Excursion Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
• DiscoverMORE Alsace wine route with tasting (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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, with half-timbered façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
• EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take with you memories of all the beautiful destinations you have visited. Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 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)