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Jewels of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

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Jewels of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
River View
$5,846
Balcony
$6,915
Suite
$8,054
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Zurich
11 Day Jewels of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Zurich
11 Day Jewels of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EWZL-1
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EWZL-1

Overview

Explore modern and quintessential Holland on a glass-top canal boat cruise through Amsterdam, before sailing through the countryside and witnessing traditional windmills. Enjoy a guided walking tour of magnificent Cologne and the juxtaposition of ancient Koblenz, continuing upstream to Heidelberg. Soak up Strasbourg’s beautiful architecture and visit Freiburg a Black Forest destination. Continue with stays in Lucerne and Zurich.
Explore modern and quintessential Holland on a glass-top canal boat cruise through Amsterdam, before sailing through the countryside and witnessing traditional windmills. Enjoy a guided walking tour of magnificent Cologne and the juxtaposition of ancient Koblenz, continuing upstream to Heidelberg. Soak up Strasbourg’s beautiful architecture and visit Freiburg a Black Forest destination. Continue with stays in Lucerne and Zurich.

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival. (D)

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city's medieval centre and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and flower fields.

Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
  • Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, explore rustic German life off the beaten track and experience what the locals do. Visit a farmers’ market with sustainable products and sample local produce. Sit outside and breathe in the German country air watching local families enjoy their free time together or wander around the farmers market before heading back to the ship.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farmers’ market estate with tasting (B/L/D)

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 and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe.

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.

  • Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • DiscoverMORE Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town will touch on many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg (B/L/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. 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 join a guided bike tour of Breisach.

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and disembark for your transfer by coach to Lucerne for a two night stay. (B)

Lucerne is known around the world for its spectacular setting, perfectly encapsulating a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings.

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
  • DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense) (B)

This morning, transfer by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, known for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre.

When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by free time to explore its delightful lakeside setting, perhaps discovering its famous old town.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Zurich (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way.

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)

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival. (D)

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city's medieval centre and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and flower fields.

Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
  • Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, explore rustic German life off the beaten track and experience what the locals do. Visit a farmers’ market with sustainable products and sample local produce. Sit outside and breathe in the German country air watching local families enjoy their free time together or wander around the farmers market before heading back to the ship.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farmers’ market estate with tasting (B/L/D)

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 and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe.

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.

  • Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • DiscoverMORE Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town will touch on many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg (B/L/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. 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 join a guided bike tour of Breisach.

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and disembark for your transfer by coach to Lucerne for a two night stay. (B)

Lucerne is known around the world for its spectacular setting, perfectly encapsulating a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings.

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
  • DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense) (B)

This morning, transfer by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, known for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre.

When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by free time to explore its delightful lakeside setting, perhaps discovering its famous old town.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Zurich (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way.

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

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & 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

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Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2024)

As small ship experts, we know that our minimal guest numbers, relaxed ambience, and high level of personal service, provide the perfect setting from which to enjoy Europe’s network of iconic rivers. The small ship lifestyle brings you to the heart of each destination for an intimate look at the local life along the riverbanks. Revolutionary in design,...more life on board our deluxe Emerald Cruises Star-Ships, promises contemporary comfort and unique innovations, while our suite of generous inclusions delivers exquisite dining experiences, exceptional service, and handpicked immersive itineraries.

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Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerising rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

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Saturday 27 Sep 2025
Tuesday 07 Oct 2025
Ship Emerald Sun
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Save $892
$9,063
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Balcony
Save $1,149
$14,771
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Suite
Save $1,475
$17,345
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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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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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