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Cruise Length
8 Days
Cruise Starts
Zurich
Cruise Finishes
Frankfurt
Overview
Sail through Germany’s beloved wine region, visit the spa town of Baden Baden and stroll the fairytale streets of Kehl. Explore the enchanting Black Forest region and enjoy traditional Christmas carols on board. This trip includes 1 night in Zurich and 2 nights in Lucerne.
Itinerary
You will be transferred from the airport to the city of Zurich, one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. After settling to your hotel, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or strolling around its multiples small Christmas stalls and markets. 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 the city which becomes even more charming during the Christmas season! Get yourself immersed into the many lights and handicrafts which decorate the old town and end the day at the small Christmas markets where mulled wine and other typical Christmas treats are yours to enjoy. 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 & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense) (B)
After breakfast, 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)
Start your day with a visit to the “Jewel of the Black Forrest” and discover the reconstructed medieval old town of Freiburg, this vibrant city situated at the edge of the Black Forrest. Learn about its history and its local products during your included tour. The afternoon is all yours to explore and discover Breisach and its Christmas market at your own pace, or join us on our optional tour to visit Colmar and discover the magic of one of the most impressive French Christmas markets. You will return on board for a Christmas evening concert and dinner. Included Excursion Freiburg guided tour with local market tastings DiscoverMORE Visit to Colmar (extra expense) EmeraldPLUS Christmas concert on board (B/L/D)
After breakfast, join us for a tour following the Pottery Trail with its picturesque villages in the Alsace region. 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 with cobbled streets lined up with timber-framed houses that survived for hundreds of years. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the city decorated with garlands and Christmas decoration with your included tour of the Christmas market. Included Excursion Visit to Pottery Villages Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg (B/L/D)
This morning, embark on a visit to the enchanting town of Baden Baden, surrounded by the mountains of the Black Forrest. This famous spa town blends health and history to create the ideal Germany getaway. You will enter the most beautiful casino, featuring jaw-dropping decor that is influenced by French royal palaces. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to discover the baroque city of Rastatt on your own, whether you want to visit the Residential Palace, just stroll along historical sites and enjoy 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 scene (extra expense) (B/L/D)
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking your Star-Ship and transferring to the airport. 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
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more
EmeraldACTIVE
Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more
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
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
Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Zurich - Lucerne & Christmas Time on the Rhine' Reviews
4.5
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Relaxing and interesting cruise through heart of Europe 0 Gillian and Henry, TAS, Australia, Nov 2023
We booked this cruise mid year, our first ever river cruise, to see parts of Europe we hadn't previously been to. Also for the xmas markets. The first part of our expectations was absolutely met, but for the first few days, Xmas markets were few and far between. It was a little too early it seems. I'm not sure how much information the cruise company ...read more gets about the markets, but I know there were a lot of disappointed people.
The crew were fantastic, I couldn't fault them, they gave 110% but there was still a feeling that we should have had more information before leaving and maybe a couple of the locations for tours might have been better, particularly the Cathedral at Krems. This tour was a bit of a non event as much of the building was closed. The Vienna concert evening was expensive for what it was and not particularly well organised, there was a lot of standing around before people were shown to their seats, not good for over passengers. The concert was also very short. We did another one in Vienna a week later, half the cost and lasted another 40 minutes.
All the tour guides were great though. Very informative and often funny. Great history lessons to be had. The food was excellent, varied and plentiful for a first time cruiser, there were some old hands who had done multiple cruises that didn't agree, so maybe that needs looking at. The entertainment was fun and well done, Dressen was always on the go making sure everyone was happy.
Janina worked really hard to ensure everyone was informed and catered for. Her port talks were excellent. I would have liked to have seen more scenery as we sailed along , most of our movements were done at night, possibly partly because of the shorter days too. All in all it was great , we both enjoyed it very much.
The crew were fantastic, I couldn't fault them, they gave 110% but there was still a feeling that we should have had more information before leaving and maybe a couple of the locations for tours might have been better, particularly the Cathedral at Krems. This tour was a bit of a non event as much of the building was closed. The Vienna concert evening was expensive for what it was and not particularly well organised, there was a lot of standing around before people were shown to their seats, not good for over passengers. The concert was also very short. We did another one in Vienna a week later, half the cost and lasted another 40 minutes.
All the tour guides were great though. Very informative and often funny. Great history lessons to be had. The food was excellent, varied and plentiful for a first time cruiser, there were some old hands who had done multiple cruises that didn't agree, so maybe that needs looking at. The entertainment was fun and well done, Dressen was always on the go making sure everyone was happy.
Janina worked really hard to ensure everyone was informed and catered for. Her port talks were excellent. I would have liked to have seen more scenery as we sailed along , most of our movements were done at night, possibly partly because of the shorter days too. All in all it was great , we both enjoyed it very much.
Sensational Emerald River Cruise! 1 A.K, ACT, Australia, Jul 2023
Fabulous river cruise down the Danube organised through Global Journeys. We weren't sure what to expect for our first river cruise but it was sensational! We travelled with teenagers and they loved it also. Emerald organises lots of active tours for those that prefer that, as well as having the traditional activities as well. This cruise catered for ...read more everybody and we loved every part. The food, the suites, the onboard facilities and the wonderful wonderful staff. Thank you to Global Journeys for making the booking process so easy and for their great portal which was able to be accessed when we were overseas. Provided peace of mind and ease of access to all necessary information and documents.
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.
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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