Zurich - Lucerne with Tulips & the Rhine

Straddling the northernmost tip of Lake Zurich, Zurich is one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. Today, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or frequenting one of its many charming cafés. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, perhaps strolling down cobblestone streets in its colourful Altstadt. (B)

• Included Excursion A guided tour of Zurich

The awe-inspiring natural beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower. (B)

• Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
• DiscoverMORE Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)

This morning, journey by coach through idyllic landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side town of Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (B/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)