Day 1 Frankfurt | Mainz | Embark
Welcome to Frankfurt! Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join fellow guests for dinner on board.
Day 2 Rüdesheim
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany; where stalls adorned with cuckoo clocks captivate and live oompah bands playing in beer gardens during the summer months entertaining.
Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Upon arrival, peruse exhibits full of rare music boxes inside of a 15th-century knight’s tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes.
Day 3 Koblenz
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, the area is now full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Discover this area during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. This confluence is best viewed during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley.
Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in breathtaking vistas along the way. This fascinating area has a storyline that has crossed the centuries, moving from people fighting and leaving ruins behind to the Romantics of the 19th century immortalizing its beauty.
Day 4 Mannheim | Heidelberg
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairytale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost their imaginations to the beauty of Heidelberg.
Today, enjoy a guided tour of the historic university town starting on the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights, including the oldest university in Germany, before enjoying a wine tasting session.
Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.
Day 5 Rastatt | Baden-Baden
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, take a coach from our port town of Rastatt to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town that has been frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries.
For those feeling more active, choose to embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, the Old Castle, a fascinating ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as we follow the footsteps of former residents.
Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the nostalgic elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before entering The Baden-Baden Casino, a favorite of silent film star Marlene Dietrich.
Day 6 Kehl | Strasbourg
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning, dock in Kehl and transfer by coach to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is from its quaint waterways, which is why today’s activity involves embarking on a traditional canal tour.
Pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and narrow lanes. Witness the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, a place where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Day 7 Breisach | Colmar
- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
A magical morning begins with a tour to Colmar. While walking down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colorful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.
Day 8 Basel | Disembark
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport.
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