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Brilliant tulips growing near Amsterdam

Tulips & the Rhine

Amsterdam to Zurich - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Luna
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Embark on an 8-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich aboard Emerald Luna. Begin in Amsterdam with a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, home to 32 hectares of spring blooms. Explore Düsseldorf’s Japanese Garden and Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral. In Koblenz, see where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet and pass by the Rhine Gorge. Discover Schwetzingen Palace and its gardens or hike through vineyards near Bad-Dürkheim. In Strasbourg, explore the Neustadt district and Petite France. In Breisach, choose between visiting Freiburg’s historic center and botanical garden or biking through the surrounding countryside. Conclude the trip in Basel, Switzerland, with a transfer to Zurich for departure.
Stroll through the romantic streets of AmsterdamVisit castle ruins in the German countrysideView of Strasbourg cityMedieval bridge Ponts Couverts and cathedralExplore quaint towns along the RhineBrilliant tulips growing near Amsterdam
Highlights
  • Visit Keukenhof Gardens during spring bloom season near Amsterdam
  • Tour Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed Neustadt and Petite France district
  • Explore Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and German Corner in Koblenz
  • Join a guided bike tour through Breisach’s scenic countryside
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: Amsterdam | Embark

Welcome to Amsterdam. Upon arrival at the airport, an Emerald Cruises representative meets you and arranges your transfer to the Star-Ship, where your Dutch itinerary begins.

Day 2: Amsterdam

This morning includes a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, which features 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. The grounds display a wide variety of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids arranged in planned patterns. The visit also includes viewing sculptures created by artists to match the garden’s annual theme.
Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, and join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS very typical clog painting on board your star-ship.

Included Excursion:
Visit to Keukenhof Gardens

EmeraldPLUS:
Clog painting on board

Day 3: Duesseldorf | Cologne

In the morning, explore the vibrant city of Duesseldorf. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. After lunch, you continue sailing on the Rhine River which takes you to Cologne and up close to its post card worthy gothic Cathedral.  Here you have the opportunity to join an active walk in town, with a stop in the beautiful Cologne gardens.

Included Excursion:
Walking tour of Duesseldorf with visit to the Japanese Garden

Included Excursion:
Guided tour of Cologne

EmeraldACTIVE:
Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens

Day 4: Koblenz

Once a Roman stronghold desired for its strategic value, Koblenz is now a city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You 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. Later, you'll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced.

Included Excursion:
Orientation walk of Koblenz

Day 5: Germersheim

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards.

EmeraldPLUS:
Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens

EmeraldACTIVE:
Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim

Day 6: Kehl | Strasbourg

Today, you arrive in Kehl, where you'll be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist’s easel.

Included Excursion:
Guided tour of Strasbourg

EmeraldACTIVE:
Active walk to Orangerie Park

Day 7: Breisach

Today discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic center, lined with colorful half-timbered houses and a vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque botanical garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora. For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town with stunning views of the Rhine River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region.

Included Excursion:
Freiburg visit with Botanical Garden

EmeraldACTIVE:
Guided bike tour in Breisach

Day 8: Basel - Zurich | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Welcome to Switzerland. Basel graces the banks of the Rhine River and is known for its high concentration of museums, showcasing everything from contemporary art to scientific achievements.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests as you transfer to the airport, taking memories infused with vibrant tulip gardens with you
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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.

Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Luna

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Cyber Sale 28584
Book your Emerald Yacht or Emerald River cruise on select 2025–2028 departures from December 1-7, 2025, and receive 2-for-1 cruise fares.

Enjoy bonus savings of up to 35% on select sailings (varies by cabin and date; deposit required). Not valid for Emerald Yacht Y, T, or SA cabins.

Save up to $300 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is due within 48 hours. Code: NONREF

This offer combines with the Flexible Booking Plan, allowing changes or cancellations up to 120 days prior to departure for Emerald Yacht, or 90 days for Emerald River. A Future Travel Credit valid for 24 months will be issued—$200 per person for Emerald Yacht and $125 per person for Emerald River.

Reduced single supplements are available on select Emerald Yacht departures, and free single supplements on select Emerald River departures. Other dates may have a 45% supplement. Not applicable to Emerald Yacht Y, T, SA cabins or Emerald River S, RA, SA cabins.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to all departures

Special Offer 28589
Book your 8+ day Emerald River or Yacht cruise in balcony suites or higher and choose between two offers: either receive $150 savings per suite on River cruises or $250 savings per suite on Yacht cruises, or opt for onboard credits of $150 (River) or $250 (Yacht) per suite. These onboard credits can be used towards drink packages or DiscoverMORE excursions. Please note that onboard credits are non-refundable, non-transferable, have no cash value, and will expire at the end of your cruise. This promotion is only valid for new bookings and cannot be combined with other offers. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to all departures

Per person starting at
$8,390 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Emerald Stateroom E
An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months. Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising. Dimensions: 162ft2
Emerald Stateroom D
An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months. Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising. Dimensions: 162ft2
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite C
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas.
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite B
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Dimensions: 180ft2
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite A
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Dimensions: 180ft2
Grand Balcony Suite (SA)
Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivaled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer. Dimensions: 210ft2
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar, or after-dinner sweet treats before bed. Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high-quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat-screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort. Dimensions: 315ft2
Emerald Single Stateroom - Single Occupancy Only
We make solo travel easy and comfortable as all of our Star-Ships, except Emerald Radiance, boast two Emerald Single Staterooms. Home to a deluxe single bed, a bathroom with a shower, indulgent toiletries, and a hairdryer, you’ll have all the comforts you need at your fingertips. Your picture window welcomes in a lovely amount of light and individual climate control ensures you can keep at a comfortable temperature regardless of which season you’re traveling in. Dimensions: 117ft2

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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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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