Discover the Tulips of the Rhine & Rhone River Cruise

Welcome to Amsterdam. Here, you will be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a quintessentially Dutch adventure awaits. (D)

This morning you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. This scenic area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colours. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty. You will also have the opportunity to see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme.

Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, and join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS very typical clog painting on board your star-ship. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
• EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board

In the morning, explore the vibrant city of Duesseldorf. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. After lunch, we continue sailing on the Rhine River which will take you to Cologne and up close to its post card worthy gothic Cathedral. Here you will have the opportunity to join an active walk in town, with a stop in the beautiful Cologne gardens. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Duesseldorf with visit to the Japanese Garden
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne
• EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens
• DiscoverMORE Cologne beer experience (extra expense)

Once a Roman stronghold desired for its strategic value, Koblenz is now a city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You will 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. Later, we'll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz
• DiscoverMORE A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

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 with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. (B/L/D)

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

Today, we arrive in Kehl, where you'll be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist’s easel. (B/L/D)

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

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Freiburg visit with Botanical Garden
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

After breakfast, you will disembark your Star-Ship and be transferred by coach to Lyon, where your river cruising journey will continue. (B/D)

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you'll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights.

Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Tastes of Lyon
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Lyon
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)

Today we take you on a walking tour of Vienne, an important town in the Rhone-Alpes region, in the Isere department south of Lyon. The town has a long and prestigious history dating back to the Allobroges, a tribe of Gauls, and by Roman times Vienne was an important regional city. Although it started to lose importance to Lyon after the middle ages the town has several important monuments from both the roman and medieval eras. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Vienne
• EmeraldPLUS Cheese and olive tasting on board

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.

Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Tournon with wine tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through the vineyards

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Viviers
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution.

Your included walking tour this morning will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon as part of our EmeraldPLUS program. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Avignon with market visit
• EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing excursion in Avignon
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Avignon (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
• EmeraldPLUS Classical concert in Avignon

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries. If you wish to explore further the region of Arles you can join us for an olive farm visit and learn more about its importance in South of France.

The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Arles with Olive farm visit
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Provencal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
• EmeraldPLUS Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine 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)