Overview
Relish your cruise through the spellbinding, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, before stepping back in time at Schwetzingen Palace, wandering through manicured gardens adorned with ornate fountains and ancient statues. With each stop of this enthralling voyage, indulge in the rich history and natural splendour of Europe, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Welcome to Denmark and Copenhagen, the fascinating capital city that is home to centuries of Danish royal family history. You'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel for your included 3-night stay, where you'll meet your fellow travellers and tour director.
Today, join a guided city tour and enthralling journey through the heart of Denmark's capital, where rich historical landmarks blend with picturesque waterways. As you glide through the serene canals, you'll pass by charming old buildings and iconic sights, such as the colourful Nyhavn district, where prolific Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, lived and drew inspiration for his literary fairy tales. Along the way, you'll also spot the regal Amalienborg Palace, the Copenhagen residence of the Danish royal family. (B)
- Included Excursion Guided City tour of Copenhagen and Canal Cruise
Begin your day with a visit to the striking Christiansborg Palace, once the home to kings and queens and nowadays, seat of the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend exploring Copenhagen at leisure, soaking up the sights of this enchanting Nordic city. You may wish to visit the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, or Rosenborg Castle, a four centuries-old Renaissance castle that houses the Danish crown jewels. Perhaps relax at one of Copenhagen's delightful café terraces, or sample traditional open-faced sandwiches with a cold beer at one of the capital’s many restaurants. Your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your Copenhagen explorations. (B)
- EmeraldPLUS Visit to Christiansborg Palace
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to charming Copenhagen and transfer to the airport for your onward flight to The Netherlands and Amsterdam, where you'll embark on your Emerald Cruises luxury Star-Ship. (B/D)
This morning you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. This scenic area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colours. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty. You will also have the opportunity to see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme.
Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, and join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS very typical clog painting on board your star-ship. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
- EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board
In the morning, explore the vibrant city of Duesseldorf. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. After lunch, we continue sailing on the Rhine River which will take you to Cologne and up close to its post card worthy gothic Cathedral. Here you will have the opportunity to join an active walk in town, with a stop in the beautiful Cologne gardens. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Duesseldorf with visit to the Japanese Garden
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne
- EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens
- DiscoverMORE German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Once a Roman stronghold desired for its strategic value, Koblenz is now a city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You will also have the chance to see 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.
Later, we'll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz
- DiscoverMORE A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim
- DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)
Today, we arrive in Kehl, where you'll be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist’s easel. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg
- EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Orangerie Park
- DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
Today discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic center, lined with colorful half-timbered houses and a vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque botanical garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora. For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town with stunning views of the Rhine River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Freiburg visit with Botanical Garden
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach
- DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
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. (B)
- Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
- DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)
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. (B)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Zurich
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.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)
Life Onboard Emerald Destiny
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more
Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more
Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more
Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more
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Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more
Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Copenhagen to Zurich & Tulips and the Rhine' Reviews
The crew were fantastic, I couldn't fault them, they gave 110% but there was still a feeling that we should have had more information before leaving and maybe a couple of the locations for tours might have been better, particularly the Cathedral at Krems. This tour was a bit of a non event as much of the building was closed. The Vienna concert evening was expensive for what it was and not particularly well organised, there was a lot of standing around before people were shown to their seats, not good for over passengers. The concert was also very short. We did another one in Vienna a week later, half the cost and lasted another 40 minutes.
All the tour guides were great though. Very informative and often funny. Great history lessons to be had. The food was excellent, varied and plentiful for a first time cruiser, there were some old hands who had done multiple cruises that didn't agree, so maybe that needs looking at. The entertainment was fun and well done, Dressen was always on the go making sure everyone was happy.
Janina worked really hard to ensure everyone was informed and catered for. Her port talks were excellent. I would have liked to have seen more scenery as we sailed along , most of our movements were done at night, possibly partly because of the shorter days too. All in all it was great , we both enjoyed it very much.
USD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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