Overview
Then discover ancient Koblenz, a charming city dating back to Roman times. Cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, passing fairytale-like castles, before continuing upstream to Heidelberg, an esteemed UNESCO City of Literature. Marvel at Strasbourg’s striking medieval architecture and then explore Freiburg, an enchanting Black Forest destination, where you can sample delicacies of the region.
Itinerary
Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands famous for world-class museums, artistic heritage and elaborate canal system. You will be met at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.
This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a place of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world where your destination is never too far away. Your carefully planned walking tour will take you to one of world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, hosting a collecting of over 8000 works including those of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens. (B)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board. (B/D)
This morning, discover the charm of Alkmaar, a picturesque Dutch town just a short distance from Amsterdam. Explore its historic center, lined with charming canals and medieval buildings. Alkmaar is famous for its centuries-old cheese market where traditional cheesemakers showcase their craft and engage in lively auctions. Immerse yourself in the local culture in this typical charming town. Alternatively, embark on a bike tour through the Dutch countryside.
In the afternoon enjoy sailing on the Rhine River, perhaps grab a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining the welcome dinner. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Excursion to Alkmaar
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
- DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Later this day we will arrive in Cologne, famous for its Gothic Cathedral. This afternoon you can immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience the unique charm of the city. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Duesseldorf
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
- DiscoverMORE German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Immerse yourself in fairy tale-like surroundings today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman town will unveil 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.
Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
- DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
This morning, you will discover Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds. If you are feeling more active, you can also join a hike that will give you fantastic views over Heidelberg. And tonight, our EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private concert in a historical venue. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
- EmeraldACTIVE Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
- EmeraldPLUS Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
This morning, you'll dock in Kehl to be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses.
During your included excursion, you will have the opportunity to discover the heart of Alsace in Strasbourg and embark on a journey through the typical flavours of this region. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Flavours of Alsace
- DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to pedal your way through Breisach on a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- 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.
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
Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more
Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more
Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Amsterdam with Jewels of the Rhine & Glacier Express' 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.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
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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