Jewels of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

Welcome to The Netherlands and Amsterdam, the Dutch capital and a postcard-worthy destination known for its network of World Heritage-listed canals, cafés, and esteemed art galleries. Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship for the start of a memorable voyage.

Beyond Amsterdam's storied canals, a gentler rhythm unfolds as you venture into the Dutch countryside, where emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. From charming towns like Alkmaar, famed for its historic cheese-making traditions, to Waterland, where pretty, stilted villages, glassy lakes and narrow canals offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, discover how the Dutch have shaped their landscape for generations.

• Included Excursion Excursion to Alkmaar
  Step into classic Dutch charm with a visit to Alkmaar, a picturesque town known for its historic architecture, tranquil canals and world-famous cheese market. Whether you're exploring the cobbled streets lined with gabled houses or soaking up the atmosphere of lively squares, Alkmaar offers an authentic and inviting slice of the Netherlands.
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour to Waterland
  Active travellers can embark on a guided e-bike tour through the outskirts of Amsterdam to Waterland, passing quintessential Dutch villages, traditional windmills and fields that burst with colour and vibrancy.
• DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)
  See the highlights of this amazing city while tasting some delicious Dutch treats. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

This morning, you'll cross the German border and arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion, this is one of the country's most captivating cities. After lunch, continue along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and was almost completely rebuilt after the destruction during World War II. Look out for the twin spires of its Gothic cathedral, known locally as the Kolner Dom.

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Düsseldorf
  Discover the vibrant city of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour that takes you through its cultural landmarks and lively streets. During your tour, explore the historic Altstadt and modern cityscape.
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
  Join your local guide and explore the city of Cologne, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. You will conclude at the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, shop for trinkets or explore further before returning to your Emerald Star-Ship.
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour in Cologne
  Join your local guide and explore Cologne on two wheels. This active e-bike tour will take you along the picturesque Rhine River, passing Cologne's northern suburbs and industrial and business areas.
• DiscoverMORE German beer experience (extra expense)
  Discover the spirited beer culture of Cologne on this lively and flavourful guided tour through the city's legendary brewhouses. Cologne is the proud home of Kölsch - a crisp, golden beer brewed only in this region - and no visit is complete without experiencing this drink as a local. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Please note your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked in Cologne until late this evening, so you can go ashore and visit some of the city's lively pubs or chic cocktail bars after dinner.

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it's a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.

Later, you'll cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song.

• Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz
  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'll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe's great rivers merge at the German Corner.
• DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
  Resting on a spectacular hill 91m (299 ft) above the Moselle Valley, you'll find the medieval town of Cochem. Embark on a walking tour including a guided visit to the magnificent Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle, boasting impressive views of the Moselle Valley. The original 12th-century Romanesque style was replaced by King Louis XIV, who ordered his troops to destroy it in 1689. Rebuilt in 1868, he chose the neo-Gothic architecture that we know today as his family's summer residence. Activity Level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 5 hours

A lively university town, Mannheim is best known for its unique grid system and is often called the ‘City of Squares' (Quadratestadt). Its most famous landmark is arguably the striking Baroque Mannheim Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Cruise onwards to Germersheim tonight for an exclusive concert at Bruchsal Palace.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
  Travel to nearby Heidelberg, an idyllic UNESCO City of Literature that 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 remnants of Heidelberg Castle, where carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.
• EmeraldACTIVE Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  Meet your local guide and take the funicular to the peak of Mount Königstuhl. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Neckar Valley, then continue your journey on foot through the forest. Once out of the woods, enter Heidelberg Castle for a short tour of the castle remnants, before descending into the Old Town. Enjoy a brief orientation walk and some free time at leisure.
• EmeraldPLUS Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
  Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is a breathtaking Baroque Palace noted for its fine Rococo decoration. Made up of over 50 buildings, this impressive complex includes a three-winged residential building with an attached chapel, four pavilions separated by a road, some smaller utility buildings, and a pretty garden. This evening, you're invited to attend a private classical concert in one of the most beautiful rooms. This exclusive experience blends culture, atmosphere, and refinement, an enchanting night in one of Germany's most stunning historical settings.

Today, you'll arrive in Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is an iconic example of 19th-century German Imperial architecture. Strasbourg is also at the heart of the celebrated Alsace wine region.

• Included Excursion Flavours of Alsace: Strasbourg walking tour with local tasting
  Explore the historic streets of Strasbourg on a guided walking tour that reveals the city's rich cultural heritage. From the grand Strasbourg Cathedral to the picturesque La Petite France, you'll discover the city's fascinating landmarks and charming corners. Along the way, enjoy a delightful local tasting of regional specialties, offering a true taste of Alsace culinary traditions.
• DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
  Escape to the heart of Germany's Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden Spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers an inviting blend of wellness, history and indulgence. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach presents a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen's church, resting on a volcanic hill, is visible from a great distance and is a notable landmark.

• EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
  Spectacular and historic Freiburg im Breisgau, commonly known simply as Freiburg, sits on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest in southern Germany. A photogenic old city that was founded in 1120, Freiburg lays claim to having the most sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city focuses on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some delicious local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as the famous Black Forest ham.
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour in Breisach
  For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating e-bike tour around Breisach. The route takes in the picturesque scenery between the Kaiserstuhl mountains and the river running through the woods. Once you arrive in Burkheim, take a break to enjoy some traditional Black Forest cake. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region on two wheels.
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
  Commence your magical morning with a guided tour of Colmar. As you walk along the quaint, cobblestone lanes, it's easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm's Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

Welcome to Switzerland and the riverside city of Basel (Huningue). This morning, after breakfast, you'll be transferred by coach to Lucerne for your included two-night stay in a centrally-located hotel. Later, meet your fellow guests and tour director for a welcome drink.

Famed for its striking Old Town and spectacular lakeside setting, Lucerne perfectly encapsulates a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges

• Included Excursion Guided city tour of Lucerne
  Your morning will begin with a guided tour of beautiful Lucerne, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings that highlight the Swiss city's distinctive character.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of this enchanting Swiss city. Perhaps delving deeper into the charming Old Town or taking a stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne. You can also choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion; your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your explorations in Lucerne.

• DiscoverMORE Tastes of Switzerland (extra expense)
  Savour the delicious flavours of Switzerland on a culinary adventure that celebrates the country's most iconic delights. Indulge in creamy artisanal cheeses and sample world-renowned Swiss chocolates. This tasting experience invites you to discover the authentic tastes that make Switzerland a true gastronomic treasure. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1.5 hour
• DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi–Weggis (extra expense)
  Enjoy an independent visit to Mount Rigi - one of the most iconic mountains in Central Switzerland. To begin, you'll be transferred from Lucerne to the foot of Rigi Mountain, then board a small train to the summit, where you can admire the incredible panoramic views. Conclude your mountain explorations with a thrilling cable car ride down the mountain.
  Duration: 4-6 hours, Activity level: Easy

This morning, you'll be transferred by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan Swiss city of Zurich for your one-night included hotel stay. Delightful Zurich is renowned for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by time at leisure to explore the city and its delightful lakeside setting and charming Old Town.

• Included Excursion Guided city tour of Zurich
  Explore Zurich on a guided tour, featuring the Bahnhofstrasse and the Romanesque Cathedral. Enjoy views from the city's oldest quarters and visit the Frauenkirche before relaxing at the lakeside park.

This morning, after breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow guests as you depart from your hotel for the transfer to the airport, taking memories of breathtaking natural scenery, Swiss traditions and medieval splendour with you.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam's city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Emerald Cruises will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.