Overview
You’ll also have the opportunity to discover the charms of ancient Koblenz, an enthralling city dating back to Roman times, enjoy a guided walking tour of Düsseldorf and soak up the sights of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities, steeped in history and folklore and resplendent with a magnificent Gothic cathedral. As your wonderful river cruise concludes, explore the essence of The Netherlands, with a fascinating tour of Alkmaar, renowned for its Dutch cheese-making traditions.
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.
Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.
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. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour in Breisach. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach
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 Guided tour of Strasbourg
Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Ludwigshafen, 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. Alternatively, revel in a hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
- EmeraldACTIVE Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Cruise to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz today and discover its fairy tale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your local guide will tour you through the Roman town, touching on the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where the two inspirational waterways meet. And tonight, our EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
- EmeraldPLUS Private Evening concert on the Rhine
- DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
This morning, you can choose to embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, learning about how the water is reclaiming Holland as you pass through quintessential Dutch surrounds and witness traditional villages and windmills. Alternatively, take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass-top canal cruise, passing Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Canal cruise
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
- DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (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.
Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM. (D)
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. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour in Breisach. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach
- DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
This morning, you'll arrive in Kehl and disembark your Star-Ship, then be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg. Here, an enthralling medieval past is yours to discover, including quaint cobblestone squares framed by wellpreserved, half-timbered houses. During your included excursion, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the heart of Alsace in Strasbourg and embark on a culinary journey where you’ll discover typical flavours of this region. 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 Flavours of Alsace
- DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
- EmeraldPLUS Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
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. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
- EmeraldACTIVE Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to 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.
We’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets, passing façades adorned with boxes of spring-blooming flowers. You’ll 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. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Orientation Walk of Koblenz
- 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. After lunch, 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. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in the delicious local cuisine, and marvel at the contrast of Düsseldorf’s ancient and modern charms. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Duesseldorf
- DiscoverMORE Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)
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. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Excursion to Alkmaar
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
- DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (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 Dawn
Indulge in exquisite first class dining and amenities when you take a European river cruise on Emerald Dawn. 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
Pamper and relax with a massage or facial and recharge with a yoga class on the sun deck. Read more
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Jewels of 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.
Brochure
Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)
Availability
USD
Port charges, taxes and fees included.
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 Emerald Cruises. These 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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