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Zurich - Lucerne & Family Rhine River Cruise

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 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Zurich
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
11 Day Zurich - Lucerne & Family Rhine River Cruise Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
Ship
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EWZL-5

Overview

This itinerary includes a night in Zurich, a two-night stay in Lucerne and an enriching eight-day river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle, exploring the Black Forest region and the fairytale architecture of Koblenz and Cologne. Your river cruise ends in the enigmatic Amsterdam. – providing an extraordinary experience in central Europe.

Itinerary

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.

Included Excursion A guided tour of Zurich (B)

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.

Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne

DiscoverMORE Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense) (B)

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 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 leave you amazed. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city centre near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a canoeing tour on banks close to the Rhine.

EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting

EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the Rhine (B/L/D)

This morning, your Star-Ship will be docking in Kehl and you will enjoy a visit to the medieval Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg boasting exceptional panoramic views of the Alsace plain. Walking through its gates it is to plunge into the world of the Middle Ages. During your visit you can explore the numerous towers, dungeons, banqueting rooms, ceremonial halls and sleeping quarters. Wonder at the views from the fortified ramparts over the Rhine, Vosges mountains and Black Forest and on clear days even as far as the Alps.

Included Excursion Visit to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg (B/L/D)

Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Ludwigshafen, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you will take part into an exciting fox trail tour adventure on this medieval city. Included is also a visit to the Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in Europe. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Mini Train to Mount Königstuhl and hike down to Heidelberg
  • Included Excursion Geocaching Tour of Heidelberg (B/L/D)

Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz today and discover its fairytale-like surrounds nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Journey by cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, offering exceptional views of the surrounding area from its hilltop position.

  • Included Excursion Visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Reichsburg Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town. After your tour, you will be taken to a one-of-a-kind farm estate just outside of Cologne, which provides the locals with sustainable products. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a fantastic cooking demo and have a glimpse behind the scenes of this fantastic place.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farm estate with cooking demo (B/L/D)

This morning it is free for you to enjoy the sights of Amsterdam on your own, or you can take part on DiscoverMORE visit to Anne Frank House dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. In the afternoon, take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass top canal cruise, passing Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age. Then, continue on to the A'DAM Lookout Tower & observation deck with an unrivalled panoramic view of Amsterdam.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland

Included Excursion Visit to A'DAM Lookout Tower & Canal cruise

DiscoverMORE Visit to Anne Frank House (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest and charming Strasbourg 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 Luna

Emerald Luna
Emerald Luna

Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna as you explore Europe's great rivers. 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

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Sun Deck Life
Sun Deck Life

Deck games, a walking track and a place to relax and take in the views awaits on the sun deck. Read more

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
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1 Star
The Majestic Rhine - Zurich to Frankfurt   2 , 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.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

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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