Overview
Relax on board while you marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the World read more Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, passing fairytale-like castles, steeply terraced vineyards and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Immersive experiences will take you to the famed spa town of Baden-Baden, through traditional German breweries and to a private concert in the opulent Bruchsal Palace. On board, performances from local musicians will introduce you to the authentic sounds of each destination.
Before your luxury river cruise, enjoy a one-night stay in Zurich and a two-night stay in Zermatt, discovering the hidden treasures and natural beauty of these Swiss cities and beyond on guided tours – including the spectacular Glacier Express. Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of the delights of Zurich and Zermatt.
Itinerary
Today, you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Zurich, Switzerland's cosmopolitan capital, renowned for its glimmering lake, charming Old Town streets, and rich Swiss culture. After settling into your centrally located hotel for your included one-night stay, you'll later enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests, setting the scene for the exciting days ahead.
After breakfast, you'll enjoy a comfortable coach ride from Zurich to the charming town of Chur. Here, you'll board the incredible Glacier Express Train for a panoramic journey to Zermatt.
Upon arrival in Zermatt, enjoy time at leisure to explore the world-famous resort village at your own pace, discovering the quaint and car-free streets, traditional shops, and cosy cafés, with the iconic Matterhorn as your dramatic backdrop.
The day concludes with an included hotel in Zermatt, as part of your two-night stay here.
Included Excursion Glacier Express 2nd class train from Chur to Zermatt
Today, you'll embark from Chur on the world-famous Glacier Express Train for a panoramic journey to Zermatt. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Switzerland's dramatic Alpine landscapes.
Enjoy your final day in this charming alpine village. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your Zermatt explorations and will be happy to answer any of your questions that may arise.
Included Excursion Guided city tour of Zermatt
Bask in the fresh mountain air and explore delightful Zermatt as you join today's included tour. As you delve into this celebrated ski resort, your local guide will share captivating stories and insider knowledge that reveal Zermatt's rich history and unique character. From traditional chalets to sweeping alpine vistas, every corner of Zermatt reveals a postcard-worthy view
DiscoverMORE Visit to Gornergrat Matterhorn (extra expense)
The Gornergrat is a viewing point platform, where today, you can enjoy unobstructed and spectacular views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. To reach the Gornergrat, you'll board the Gornergrat Bahn, the world's first fully electrified open-air cog railway. Today, you'll ride a modern and eco-friendly version – considered Europe's highest – which transports passengers directly from Zermatt Station to the summit of the Gornergrat, 365 days a year. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours
This morning, you'll bid farewell to Zermatt's captivating mountain landscapes as you are transferred to Basel (Huningue), where your luxury river cruise awaits.
Continuing onward, you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Basel (Huningue), where you'll embark on your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where a warm welcome from the crew awaits.
Wake in Breisach today. Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, this is where Germany's Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. It's another town with influences from both cultures, as well as a strong passion for wine. It centres around the hilltop St Stephen's Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic structure that dominates the skyline and can be seen from a great distance.
Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
Spend a magical morning in nearby 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.
EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour to Colmar
Set out from your Emerald Star-Ship by e-bike to explore the pretty riverside scenery and lush wineries on two wheels. Once you arrive in Colmar, enjoy a short orientation tour and some free time before a coach transfer back to your vessel.
DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting (extra expense)
Travel to Freiburg, set on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest. This photogenic city was founded in 1120 and lays claim to the most days of sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city centres on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as Black Forest ham. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours
Dock in Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France's Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The World Heritage-listed centre is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years.
Included Excursion Hidden Treasures of Strasbourg
Discover the city's charm on a walking tour through Petite France, featuring storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and the covered bridges. See the Vauban Dam and the World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter, home to Strasbourg's administrative buildings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace.
Arrive in Rastatt before sunrise. A small town on the edge of the Black Forest, it's known for its architectural masterpieces – including one of Germany's most beautiful Baroque palaces – and the glorious landscapes that surround it, complete with thick forest, lush valleys and crystal-clear lakes.
Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
Transfer to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries, who came to take the healing waters. Enjoy a guided walking tour, soaking in the opulence of the old town with its elegant boutiques, elaborate bath houses and timeless gardens.
EmeraldPLUS Evening Concert Bruchsal Palace
The breathtaking Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is made up of over 50 buildings in the Baroque style with ornate Rococo decorations. In one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, the chamber music hall, also known as the Kammermusiksaal, you'll enjoy a private evening classical concert.
EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Embark on an active guided hike to Altes Schloss, the old castle, a fascinating ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents.
DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
Escape to the heart of Germany's Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers the perfect blend of wellness, history and indulgence. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours
DiscoverMORE Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)
Step into a world of elegance and intrigue with a visit to the legendary Casino Baden-Baden, one of Europe's most beautiful and historic gaming houses. With its gilded halls, crystal chandeliers, and ornate interiors inspired by French palaces, this 19th-century jewel has hosted royalty, artists and aristocrats for more than 150 years. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour
DiscoverMORE Visit to Rastatt Palace & Gardens (extra expense)
Dock this morning in the bustling port of Mannheim.
Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
Transfer to nearby Heidelberg, a place that inspired poets and composers of the German Romanticism era. It's easy to see how the town's idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets, captivated these great artists. Your guided tour will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, taking in many of the town's most famous sights.
EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Take the historic funicular to the summit of Mount Königstuhl and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding Neckar Valley. Continue on foot through the forest to Heidelberg Castle, where you will explore the ruins before descending into the town below.
DiscoverMORE Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad-Durkheim (extra expense)
Travel to the famed spa town of Bad-Dürkheim for an active walk through the beautiful vineyards of Fritz Ritter Winery. Learn the story of this family-owned winery that dates back nine generations and taste their delicious wines. You can also see 400-year-old oak trees and the largest ginkgo tree in Germany. Activity Level: Difficult/active, Duration: 3 hours
Spend a dull day in the ancient city of Koblenz, the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, it was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it's a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.
Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
Immerse yourself in the fairytale surrounds of Koblenz on this guided walking tour. You'll see the city's highlights, including the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, 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.
EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
Discover Koblenz and the surrounding area on two wheels. Cycle along the banks of the Rhine, cross over bridges, pass the city's most famous sights, and admire pretty villages and vineyards enroute.
DiscoverMORE Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Eltz Forest, Burg Eltz is considered one of the most magical castles in Germany. With its eight towers and turrets, the beautifully preserved castle looks like something out of a storybook. It has been under the ownership of the same family for over 850 years and contains many original furnishings and interiors to this day, including 15th-century murals. Activity Level: Active, Duration: 3.5 hours
This morning, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors with her song.
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. Rüdesheim is also at the heart of the Rhine wine region, renowned for its Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Included Excursion Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum Ride the local mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight's tower, complete with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes, the quirky museum is home to a collection of more than 350 mechanical musical instruments and rare music boxes.
DiscoverMORE Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
On your visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, take a short ride on the mini train to taste the specialty coffee in the region. A swig of Rüdesheimer coffee is a treat for wine-lovers and coffee-fans alike. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to Frankfurt airport, taking memories of the fairytale beauty of the Rhine River with you.
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.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided tour of Colmar
- Hidden Treasures of Strasbourg
- Guided tour of Baden-Baden
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
- Walking tour of Koblenz
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
- 7 nights on board an Emerald Star-Ship
- Airport transfers to and from your Emerald Star-Ship
- The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
- Port taxes and charges
- All tipping and gratuities
- Evening Concert on the Rhine at Bruchsal Palace
- Guided e-bike tour to Colmar
- Guided hike to Altes Schloss
- Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
- Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
- 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
- Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
- 2 nights at a hotel in Zermatt
- 1 night at a hotel in Zurich
- A guided tour of Zermatt
- Glacier Express Train
- Transfers to and from the airport and your luxury Emerald Star-Ship
- 3 Breakfasts (B) during your Glacier Express city extension
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Our collection of itineraries each offer the perfect platform for new experiences, and we ensure you see the very best of each destination with our included excursions and specially selected EmeraldPLUS experiences.
In addition, for the more active guest, Emerald's included EmeraldACTIVE excursions consist of guided bike rides and hikes, for an alternative perspective on a location.
We’ve ensured you’ll have time to dedicate to independent exploration. We want you to feel free to personalise your time onshore, with plenty of opportunity for unguided city visits and evenings out.
Life On Board
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
Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more
Ship Reviews (5)
Cabins were adequate, with a reasonable ensuite and over the top room service (2x daily) - sign said to reuse towels unless on floor, but this was ignored and wet towels changed every day. The bad points far outdated the good. Number one is the noise in the dining room, which was unbearable - we left one night and skipped dinner on two occasions because of the noise. Lounge was too small to hold all guests and was noisy, either from loud music or too many people, so we avoided all entertainment, except the Zittar player, who was very good. Other entertainment was quizzes of various sorts, golf putting, singing, etc -very unsophisticated. Seats in lounge were mostly uncomfortable. Lounge also had cold water on tap (still and sparkling) and basic coffee machine (using UHT milk and OK if you add a double espresso to anything). Drinks were bar prices and packages from about $20 per day per person.
Front deck was poorly furnished with old seats and not very comfortable. Pool was OK, but small (converted to cinema at night, with mostly uninteresting movies). Sun deck was closed for nearly half the cruise due to low bridges/high water levels.
Guided tours were in big groups (30 plus), so like cats being hearded around. They have gentle walking group, but no faster walking group, so saw much more walking around independently. Little time is spent at most locations (full day only in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest), and a lot of time is spent on the boat. No day tours by bus included, unlike on other cruises. Some day trips available at extra cost, but very expensive. Active program is aimed at those who don’t exercise very often and are slow. Bike tour guides were good, but too slow eg 5 hours to do 35km. Passengers were mainly native English speakers, with most from Australia.
Information about bus returns to boat was hard to obtain unless you went on the guided tour (always told “tour guide will tell you”) and sometimes plainly wrong. People were left in Budapest for two hours on a hot day, when they had expected to be taken back to the boat after the bus tour around town. Best the tour guide could say was “get a taxi” when there was public bus that dropped you opposite the boat and was free for over 65s. No maps provided for towns (allegedly for environmental reasons, but they had paper cups in lounge), but you could get them at information centres (but not told where they were). Would definitely not do another river cruise like this.
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Emerald Europe River Cruises (2027)
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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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