The Majestic Rhine & Glacier Express

Welcome to Frankfurt, where you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (D)

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes.

During your EmeraldPLUS experience, discover the fascinating legends of the Rhine in this engaging lecture that delves into the region's rich history and mythology. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Legends on the Rhine
• Included Excursion A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
• EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Koblenz
• DiscoverMORE Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle Visit (extra expense)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.

Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
• DiscoverMORE Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim (extra expense)

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert in a historical venue. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
• EmeraldPLUS Evening Concert on the Rhine
• DiscoverMORE Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Altes Schloss

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll embark on a 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 the city'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, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Colmar
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)