Tulips & the Rhine & Glacier Express

Welcome to Amsterdam. Here, you will be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a quintessentially Dutch adventure awaits. (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 Cologne 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 mountain resort village of Zermatt, including a two-night stay. (B)

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, which could be described of one of the world's most famous mountains. This picturesque village entrenched on the Swiss Alps is also a sustainable destination for being car-free zone, and for having its original character preserved. Enjoy a guided walking tour in this elegant village. In the afternoon, enjoy free time or take part on the DiscoverMORE tour cog rail journey from Zermatt to the 3089-metre-high Gornergrat mountain summit. (B)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Zermatt
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Gornergrat Matterhorn (extra expense)

This morning, you will experience the highlight of this tour, which is the rail journey through the Swiss Alps, know as the Glacier Express. Sit back and relax while contemplating at the amazing views of the Alps. When you arrive at the station, you will be taken by coach to Zurich for your overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking with you cherished memories of the Rhine and Swiss mountain landscapes.

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)