Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival. (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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Canal cruise and cheese tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour near Utrecht

Relax in the comfortable surrounds of your Star-Ship this morning as you sail along the Dutch waterways, passing quaint, time-honoured villages. Visit the Paleis Het Loo, which once served as the summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Today, the palace stands as a magnificent museum. The palace’s decorations and its gardens are bound to stun. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Paleis Het Loo

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Marksburg Castle
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Marksburg Castle

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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldACTIVE Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins
• Included Excursion Walking tour of Bernkastel

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle
• EmeraldACTIVE Cycling along the Moselle

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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
• EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided Tour of Mainz

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.

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
• EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

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.

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)

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival. (D)

This morning you will have the chance to find out more about Rotterdam during a walking tour of this unique example of a Dutch city. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore contemporary Rotterdam, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe. Afterwards you will be sailing to Dordrecht, where you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager for a walk into town. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Rotterdam
• EmeraldACTIVE Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its centre, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Nijmegen Walking tour
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Nijmegen
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Palais Het Loo (extra expense)

This morning you will arrive in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. During your walking tour you will have the opportunity to know more about Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Its old town is also quite a gem of historical buildings and quaint streets. Landmarks like the Altes Rathaus and Beethoven House will be some of the many architectural highlights.

Alternatively, join a bike tour in Bonn and unveil some of the city’s secrets off the beaten track. This afternoon – enjoy a smooth sailing on board your Star-Ship and relax with a view of the peaceful landscapes of the Rhine and the Moselle river. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Bonn
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Bonn

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River. Home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. During your EmeraldPLUS you will have the opportunity to wander through some of the peaceful Moselle vineyards that compose this bucolic landscape and have a taste of the famous Riesling wine produced in this region. . Or get a different perspective of the region when you take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle
• EmeraldACTIVE Cycling along the Moselle
• DiscoverMORE German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager on a hike in Sankt Goar. Although a small town, it holds the magnificent Rheinfels Castle ruins that gaze over the Moselle. Enjoy the serene sailing through the Rhine river towards Rüdesheim, where you will have the opportunity to visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery as part of your EmeraldPLUS program. 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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
• EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided Tour of Mainz
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)

This morning, we’ll dock in Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is via its quaint waterways.

Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals 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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Canal cruise Strasbourg
• DiscoverMORE Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)

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, façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine to experience the destination from another perspective. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
• EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

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 Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine.

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)