Christmas Time on the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

Welcome to Germany. You will be met at the airport by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Mainz. After settling in, you'll have some free time to explore the city, located in the heart of the Rhine wine region. Mainz will captivate you with its quite incomparable lifestyle, its unique charm and its openness to the world. Immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere as you wander round the Market Square, in the middle of which stands the Heunensäule, a sandstone column commemorating the history of Mainz, erected in 1975 to mark the Cathedral millennium celebrations. Later, we'll sail along the most beautiful stretch of the romantic Rhine River. (D)

This morning, embark on a visit to the enchanting town of Baden-Baden, surrounded by the mountains of the Black Forest. This famous spa town blends health and history to create the ideal Germany getaway. Visit the beautiful casino, boasting jaw-dropping decor, influenced by French royal palaces and, after lunch, you'll have the opportunity to discover the Baroque city of Rastatt on your own. Visit the Residential Palace, stroll along the historical sites while enjoying a coffee, or join our optional tour to Baden-Baden Opera House. Included Excursion Baden-Baden guided tour DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Opera House - behind the scenes (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, join us for a tour following the Pottery Route, promising picturesque villages, spa towns and castles. Enjoy lunch on board and get ready to come with us this afternoon to the capital of the Alsace region, Strasbourg. Discover the charms of the old city, where cobbled streets line up with timber-framed houses that have survived for hundreds of years. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the city, decorated with garlands, and visit the Christmas markets. Included Excursion Visit to Pottery villages Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg (B/L/D)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rhine town of Breisach. Entrenched between two countries, it is also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. It was here that in 1770 Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme you will also have the chance to see the postcard-worthy Christmas market situated underneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct. Be amazed by the magical smell of Black Forest specialties and unique handcrafted regional products sold there. EmeraldPLUS Guided visit to the Christmas market at Ravenna Viaduct EmeraldPLUS Christmas concert on board Included Excursion Guided tour of Breisach (B/L/D)

Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to Lucerne, including 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. What a better time than Christmas season to visit the city with an additional touch of magic! Lucerne becomes a contemplative city of lights with decoration all over the old town. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings. When the sun sets later today, why not strolling around the old town and visit some of the several small Christmas markets where you can enjoy mulled wine and other typical Christmas treats. 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 the city's magical Christmas atmosphere. The central Bahnhofstrasse is all lighted up with 23,000 light crystals spread over a distance of one kilometre: a beautiful spectacle for the eyes. Included Excursion Guided tour of Zurich (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Swiss traditional Christmas markets and traditions with you. (B)