Embark on an 11-day Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards Cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich aboard Emerald Sky. Uncover a landscape adorned with sunlit vineyards, imposing fortresses, and enchanting villages along the Rhine & Moselle rivers. Commence your journey in the Netherlands by exploring the classically Dutch urban centers of Amsterdam and Utrecht, preceding an encounter with the timeless Kinderdijk windmills. The voyage then enters Germany, traversing captivating rural landscapes and making a pause in Koblenz – the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. After exploring the flawlessly picturesque Moselle, continue southward to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, followed by a tranquil stay in Basel, Switzerland.
Highlights
Explore Utrecht's Oudegracht canal, the oldest in the Netherlands
Walk through Koblenz's Roman Old Town and view the Church of Our Lady
Stroll Bernkastel’s medieval marketplace, with houses and castle ruins
Explore Mainz's Old Town and visit the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg
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.
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, guests are met at the airport and transferred to the innovative Emerald Cruises ship, where the captain and crew extend a warm welcome. Flights should be scheduled to arrive in Amsterdam before 5:00 PM.
As part of the EmeraldPLUS program, begin the day with a canal cruise along the Oudegracht, Utrecht’s Old Canal—predating even the canals of Amsterdam. For centuries, affluent residents built grand mansions along its banks, featuring distinctive warehouses and service entrances just above the waterline. Among these, the Castle of Oudaen stands out as a remarkably preserved urban fortress dating back over 800 years.
Relax in the comfortable surrounds of your ship this morning as you sail along the Dutch waterways, passing quaint, time-honored villages. Visit the Paleis Het Loo, which once served as the summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Today, the palace stands as a magnificent museum. The palace’s decorations and its gardens are bound to stun.
Immerse yourself in fairy tale-like surroundings today as you cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman town will unveil the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, 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.
If you are feeling more active, join a hike to Marksburg Castle.
Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River. Home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you can have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.
EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins
Today, enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You can see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, alongside the town hall and its many other gems.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle
Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS program, you can visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine. These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively, participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.
EmeraldPLUS
Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
EmeraldACTIVE
Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible.
This morning, dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is via its quaint waterways.
Relax as you 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, where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, with half-timbered facades adorned with window boxes full of colorful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine
Day 11: Basel | Zurich | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your ship for your transfer to the airport and take with you memories of all the beautiful destinations you have visited.
Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$10,590
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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