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Cruise the rivers of Germany

Jewels of the Rhine

Zurich - Amsterdam - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Sun
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Embark on an 8-day cruise from Zurich to Amsterdam aboard the Emerald Sun. Begin with a welcome dinner in Basel, followed by a guided visit to Freiburg or a bike tour in Breisach. Discover Strasbourg's UNESCO-listed Old Town and enjoy a private concert at Bruchsal Palace. Tour historic Heidelberg or hike from Mount Konigstuhl. Sail through the scenic Rhine Gorge en route to Koblenz, where you can visit the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Explore the Old Town in Cologne before arriving in Amsterdam for a canal cruise or cycling tour through Waterland's villages and windmills.
Explore CologneCruise the Rhine through CologneExplore the inspiring AmsterdamHistoric Zurich with River Limmat, SwitzerlandKoblenz at nightCruise the rivers of Germany
Highlights
  • Explore Freiburg’s historic center and sample Black Forest flavors
  • Discover Strasbourg’s Old Town and iconic Petite France district
  • Tour Heidelberg’s castle ruins and stroll its literary Old Town
  • Wander Koblenz’s Old Town and visit famed German Corner site
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Zurich | Basel | Embark

Upon arrival, an Emerald Cruises representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship, where the welcoming captain and crew will be ready to receive you. This evening, enjoy dinner on board with your fellow guests.

Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM.

Day 2: Breisach

As part of your enriching EmeraldPLUS program today, visit Freiburg, often called the ‘Capital of the Black Forest’. Explore its charming landmarks and enjoy a tasting of traditional Black Forest specialties. Alternatively, if you prefer a more active experience, opt for a guided bike tour through Breisach.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
(Please note that the markets are closed on Sundays; therefore, the tasting will be held at Brauereiausschank Ganter.)

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach 

Day 3: Kehl | Strasbourg

This morning, your ship will dock in Kehl, where you be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you can get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure. And tonight, EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg

EmeraldPLUS
Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace

Day 4: Heidelberg (Mannheim)

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 can have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting.

Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. Alternatively, revel in a hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Day 5: Koblenz

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.

The team will 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 facades adorned with boxes of spring-blooming flowers. You can 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.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

Day 6: Cologne

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. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

Day 7: Amsterdam

This morning, you can choose to embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, learning about how the water is reclaiming Holland as you pass through quintessential Dutch surrounds and witness traditional villages and windmills. Alternatively, 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.  

Included Excursion
Canal cruise

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your ship and fellow guests and disembark 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 the terms and conditions for further information.

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Sun

Pool
Restaurant
Sundeck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 31, 2025from $9,390
  • Jul 12, 2025from $9,990
  • Aug 23, 2025from $9,990
  • Oct 18, 2025from $9,990
  • Oct 25, 2025from $9,790
  • Nov 1, 2025from $9,190
  • Jun 13, 2026from $9,190
  • Aug 6, 2026from $8,590
  • Aug 23, 2026from $8,590
  • Aug 30, 2026from $9,190
  • Sep 6, 2026from $9,190
  • Sep 13, 2026from $9,190
  • Sep 20, 2026from $9,190
  • Sep 27, 2026from $9,190
  • Oct 4, 2026from $8,590
  • Oct 21, 2026from $7,990
  • Oct 28, 2026from $7,990
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Deal available

Deals

Special Deals 27521
Book your Emerald River cruise for select 2025-2026 departures between April 1- July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1000 per suite ($500 per person) on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $300 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to S, RA, or SA cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 90 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $125 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2026 Emerald River Cruises

Special Deals 27523
Book your Emerald Yacht cruise for select 2025-2027 departures between April 1- July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1000 per suite ($500 per person) on select departures. Savings vary by departure. Not applicable on Oceanview Staterooms (D category).

Free air offers are also available based on suite category when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 120 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $300 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to  Y, T or SA cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 120 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $200 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2027 Emerald Yacht Cruises

Per person starting at
$7,990
Emerald Single Stateroom
Select a Date
Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 117 sq ft. 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Stateroom
Select a Date
Stateroom (E)
162 sq ft. 9 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Stateroom
Select a Date
Stateroom (D)
162 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
180 sq ft. 19 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
180 sq ft. 18 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
180 sq ft. 23 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Grand Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
210 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
Select a Date
Owner's Suite (SA)
315 sq ft. 4 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks

Notes

Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Choice between Emerald Plus and Emerald Active Excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Tour Manager
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Travelers are urged to arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the tour

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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