Overview
On this memorable journey, you can also relish unforgettable cruises along historic canal networks in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Fairytale-like castles and the remnants of fascinating history along the banks of the river can also be relished from the luxurious comforts of your Star-Ship, from within your elegant Suite or Stateroom, or perhaps relaxing out on the panoramic Sun Deck.
On this memorable journey, you can also relish unforgettable cruises along historic canal networks in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Fairytale-like castles and the remnants of fascinating history along the banks of the river can also be relished from the luxurious comforts of your Star-Ship, from within your elegant Suite or Stateroom, or perhaps relaxing out on the panoramic Sun Deck.
Itinerary
Welcome to Basel. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (D)
Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS experience, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- DiscoverMORE Guided tour Colmar (extra expense)
This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you will get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Panoramic tour of Strasbourg
- DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Germersheim, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting. Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
This morning enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time.
In Koblenz, discover the rich winemaking heritage on a captivating winery tour. Immerse yourself in the world of Riesling, the region's renowned grape variety, as you explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample exquisite wines. Experience the beauty of the Rhine Valley, savor the flavors of local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in this charming German city. Later on, embark on a culinary adventure on board and experience a captivating cooking demonstration while sailing towards the Rhine river. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Visit to a local winery
- EmeraldPLUS Cooking demo on board
- DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
This morning, you’ll will arrive in Cologne and have the chance to know one of Germany's oldest cities and get up close with the famous post card worthy Cathedral. Afterwards we continue sailing north, to join a 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. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience the unique charm of Düsseldorf. This afternoon enjoy a unique EmeraldPLUS experience on board with a cocktail demonstration demo. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
- Included Excursion Panoramic tour of Duesseldorf
- EmeraldPLUS Cocktail making demo on board
- DiscoverMORE Cologne Beer experience (extra expense)
This morning, discover Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass-top canal cruise, passing Roman houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age. This afternoon, you are welcome to join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS very typical clog painting on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Canal cruise
- EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board
- DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights tour (extra expense)
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest and charming Strasbourg 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. (B)
Welcome to Basel. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (D)
Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS experience, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- DiscoverMORE Guided tour Colmar (extra expense)
This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you will get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Panoramic tour of Strasbourg
- DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Germersheim, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting. Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
This morning enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time.
In Koblenz, discover the rich winemaking heritage on a captivating winery tour. Immerse yourself in the world of Riesling, the region's renowned grape variety, as you explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample exquisite wines. Experience the beauty of the Rhine Valley, savor the flavors of local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in this charming German city. Later on, embark on a culinary adventure on board and experience a captivating cooking demonstration while sailing towards the Rhine river. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Visit to a local winery
- EmeraldPLUS Cooking demo on board
- DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
This morning, you’ll will arrive in Cologne and have the chance to know one of Germany's oldest cities and get up close with the famous post card worthy Cathedral. Afterwards we continue sailing north, to join a 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. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience the unique charm of Düsseldorf. This afternoon enjoy a unique EmeraldPLUS experience on board with a cocktail demonstration demo. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
- Included Excursion Panoramic tour of Duesseldorf
- EmeraldPLUS Cocktail making demo on board
- DiscoverMORE Cologne Beer experience (extra expense)
This morning, discover Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass-top canal cruise, passing Roman houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age. This afternoon, you are welcome to join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS very typical clog painting on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Canal cruise
- EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board
- DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights tour (extra expense)
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest and charming Strasbourg 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. (B)
Life Onboard Emerald Luna
Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna as you explore Europe's great rivers. 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
From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more
Deck games, a walking track and a place to relax and take in the views awaits on the sun deck. Read more
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Early Season on the Rhine' Reviews
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.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Cabin Layout Options:
Select Cabin Preference:
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.
Similar River Cruises
9 Days Bucharest Budapest
Operated By: Emerald Cruises
9 Days Budapest Bucharest
Operated By: Emerald Cruises
9 Days Budapest Prague
Operated By: Emerald Cruises
9 Days Prague Budapest
Operated By: Emerald Cruises
