Tulips & the Rhine

5.0/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Tulips & the Rhine

5.0/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$3,110
Save $9,194pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Basel
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Tulips & the Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Basel
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
8 Day Tulips & the Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EWAC-4
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EWAC-4

Overview

Embark on a memorable journey through Europe's enchanting landscapes, setting sail on your stylish Star-Ship in beautiful Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the historical treasures of Freiburg, the ‘Capital of the Black Forest” and Strasbourg, a medieval city that captivates with its World Heritage-listed Old Town and picturesque canal system. Take a step back in time at stunning Schwetzingen Palace, wandering through manicured gardens adorned with ornate fountains and ancient statues.

Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Düsseldorf’s Japanese Garden, where exotic blooms and serene ponds read more offer a tranquil oasis from the bustling city. Arriving in the Netherlands, visit the stunning Keukenhof Gardens, boasting the world's largest collection of bulbs. Here, vibrant tulip fields extend out to traditional Dutch windmills, painting the countryside with a vivid kaleidoscope of colours. With each stop of this enthralling voyage, indulge in the rich history and natural splendour of Europe, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Embark on a memorable journey through Europe's enchanting landscapes, setting sail on your stylish Star-Ship in beautiful Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the historical treasures of Freiburg, the ‘Capital of the Black Forest” and Strasbourg, a medieval city that captivates with its World Heritage-listed Old Town and picturesque canal system. Take a step back in time at stunning Schwetzingen Palace, wandering through manicured gardens adorned with ornate fountains and ancient statues.

Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Düsseldorf’s Japanese Garden, where exotic blooms and serene ponds read more offer a tranquil oasis from the bustling city. Arriving in the Netherlands, visit the stunning Keukenhof Gardens, boasting the world's largest collection of bulbs. Here, vibrant tulip fields extend out to traditional Dutch windmills, painting the countryside with a vivid kaleidoscope of colours. With each stop of this enthralling voyage, indulge in the rich history and natural splendour of Europe, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll be greeted at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your 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 discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic center, lined with colorful half-timbered houses and a vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque botanical garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora. For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town with stunning views of the Rhine River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region.

Freiburg visit with Botanical Garden (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach
  • DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Today, you’ll dock in Kehl, to be transferred by coach to the medieval city of Strasbourg. A local guide will teach you about the city’s history during an insightful guided tour, passing through cobbled squares adorned with quaint boutiques and charming cafés. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including Petite France. An area of unmatched beauty, the picturesque canal system cascades past half-timbered houses once home to fishermen, tanners and millers during the Middle Ages. The narrow lanes and footbridges that pepper the area all add to its undeniable charm. This afternoon, Strasbourg is yours to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg
  • EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Orangerie Park
  • DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance boasting more than 100 sculptures. Alternatively, you can embark on a hike through the beautiful vineyards of the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through a vineyard in Bad-Dürkheim
  • DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)

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 A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

In the 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 or join an active walk culminating in a visit to its beautiful Cologne gardens. Afterwards we sail north to Duesseldorf where you will join a guided tour of this vibrant city and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Duesseldorf with visit to the Japanese Garden
  • EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens

A visit to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens is sure to leave an impression. More than 800 varieties of spring-flowering tulips and regular flower shows showcase spring in a quintessentially Dutch fashion. Each year, the gardens adopt a theme, and you’ll have every opportunity to learn about different planting techniques and the work completed behind the scenes by the landscape architects.
Soak in the sights of expertly arranged tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating a swathe of natural beauty. You’ll also have the chance to see statues commissioned by world-renown artists.

This afternoon, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional Dutch clog painting on board during your EmeraldPLUS experience on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
  • EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board
  • DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of spring-blooming flowers and delightful cobblestone squares 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 Switzerland. You’ll be greeted at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your 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 discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic center, lined with colorful half-timbered houses and a vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque botanical garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora. For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town with stunning views of the Rhine River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region.

Freiburg visit with Botanical Garden (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach
  • DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Today, you’ll dock in Kehl, to be transferred by coach to the medieval city of Strasbourg. A local guide will teach you about the city’s history during an insightful guided tour, passing through cobbled squares adorned with quaint boutiques and charming cafés. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including Petite France. An area of unmatched beauty, the picturesque canal system cascades past half-timbered houses once home to fishermen, tanners and millers during the Middle Ages. The narrow lanes and footbridges that pepper the area all add to its undeniable charm. This afternoon, Strasbourg is yours to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg
  • EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Orangerie Park
  • DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance boasting more than 100 sculptures. Alternatively, you can embark on a hike through the beautiful vineyards of the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through a vineyard in Bad-Dürkheim
  • DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)

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 A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

In the 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 or join an active walk culminating in a visit to its beautiful Cologne gardens. Afterwards we sail north to Duesseldorf where you will join a guided tour of this vibrant city and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Duesseldorf with visit to the Japanese Garden
  • EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens

A visit to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens is sure to leave an impression. More than 800 varieties of spring-flowering tulips and regular flower shows showcase spring in a quintessentially Dutch fashion. Each year, the gardens adopt a theme, and you’ll have every opportunity to learn about different planting techniques and the work completed behind the scenes by the landscape architects.
Soak in the sights of expertly arranged tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating a swathe of natural beauty. You’ll also have the chance to see statues commissioned by world-renown artists.

This afternoon, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the traditional Dutch clog painting on board during your EmeraldPLUS experience on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
  • EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board
  • DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of spring-blooming flowers and delightful cobblestone squares 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 Destiny

Emerald Destiny
Emerald Destiny

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more

EmeraldPLUS
EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Europe Star-Ship Suites
Europe Star-Ship Suites

Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more

Cruise & Tour In Style
Cruise & Tour In Style

Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more

Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Tulips & the Rhine' Reviews

5.0
Average Rating 5.0 / 5
4 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
European Holiday 4 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2025
Amazing Trip - booking was easy, payments tailored to our needs and all questions answered promptly. Emerald was great and the boat was everything plus more than our expectations. Overall would highly recommend Georgie and Global Journeys & Emerald Cruises. This is a must do holiday.
Great river cruise. 3 , NSW, Australia, Jun 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our Emerald river cruise. Ship was lovely, crew were great, included excursions were adequate, and good food. I’d happily do another Emerald cruise.
Wonderful experience! 3 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2024
We had a wonderful time on our 8 day Danube Delights River cruise with Emerald. The scenery was brilliant; the food incredible and we made plenty of friends to boot! Whilst we experienced some very hot weather during our trip, we really enjoyed cooling off in the on-board pool of an afternoon. Most of the local tours guides were very good. Thanks read more to Hannah from Global Journeys for making the books so easy.
The Majestic Rhine - Zurich to Frankfurt   8 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2023
The booking went very smoothly. The trip was fabulous and I was lucky that there was continuous sunshine. The view from the luxurious ship (Emerald Luna) was best on the last part of the trip. The highlights were Lucerne, Colmar and Strasbourg. The photograph is of Cochen Castle on the Moselle River, a short and beautiful drive from Koblenz. I read more enjoyed the sights, history and the wonderful food and wine.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $3,110
From $4,129
From $6,505
Sunday 05 Apr 2026 05 Apr 26 Basel
Sunday 12 Apr 2026 12 Apr 26 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Luna
Early Payment Discount
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Saturday 11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 26 Basel
Saturday 18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 26 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Sun
Early Payment Discount
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Saturday 27 Mar 2027 27 Mar 27 Basel
Saturday 03 Apr 2027 03 Apr 27 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Luna
Early Payment Discount
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,110
Save $5,280
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 03 Apr 2027 03 Apr 27 Basel
Saturday 10 Apr 2027 10 Apr 27 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Astra
Early Payment Discount
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,110
Save $5,280
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 10 Apr 2027 10 Apr 27 Basel
Saturday 17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 27 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Luna
Early Payment Discount
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,401
Save $5,589
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 27 Basel
Saturday 24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 27 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Astra
Early Payment Discount
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,401
Save $5,589
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 19 Apr 2027 19 Apr 27 Basel
Monday 26 Apr 2027 26 Apr 27 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Destiny
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Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,401
Save $5,589
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 27 Basel
Saturday 01 May 2027 01 May 27 Amsterdam
Details
Emerald Luna
Early Payment Discount
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,595
Save $5,795
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
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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