Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine

Today, enjoy a seamless transfer from the airport directly to Zurich, one of the most celebrated destinations in Switzerland, resting beautifully along the pristine shores of Lake Zurich. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to comfortably settle into your centrally located hotel for an included one-night stay. Later, gather alongside fellow guests and the dedicated tour director to share a convivial welcome drink, perfectly setting the stage for a remarkable Swiss adventure.

Begin the morning by embarking on an insightful guided walking tour through the beautiful streets of Zurich. Following this exploration, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Lucerne to begin an included two-night hotel stay. As the afternoon unfolds, take advantage of ample free time to independently discover the wonders of this enchanting Swiss destination. Renowned for a spectacular setting amidst pristine lakes and towering mountains, Lucerne beautifully showcases meticulously preserved medieval architecture. Spend the rest of the day wandering through a captivating environment where deep historical charm seamlessly intertwines with vibrant modern culture.

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Zurich
This morning, explore Zurich on a guided tour, featuring the Bahnhofstrasse and the Romanesque Cathedral. Enjoy views from the city's oldest quarters and visit the Frauenkirche before relaxing at the lakeside park

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Lucerne
The awe-inspiring natural beauty that envelopes Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover 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 mountains and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city center. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and octagonal Water Tower, passing colorful buildings that highlight Lucerne’s distinctive character.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of beautiful Lucerne. Perhaps delving deeper into the charming Old Town or taking a stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne. You can also choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion; your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your explorations in Lucerne.

This morning, after breakfast, journey by coach through picturesque landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side city of Basel (Huningue). Upon arrival, board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s church is perched on a volcanic hill and visible from a great distance.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Spectacular and historic Freiburg im Breisgau, commonly known simply as Freiburg, sits on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest in southern Germany. A photogenic old city that was founded in 1120, Freiburg lays claim to having the most sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city focuses on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some delicious local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as the famous Black Forest ham.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Breisach
For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating e-bike tour around Breisach. The route takes in the picturesque scenery between the Kaiserstuhl mountains and the river running through the woods. Once you arrive in Burkheim, take a break to enjoy some traditional Black Forest cake. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region on two wheels.

Today, arrive in Strasbourg, a city shaped by both French and German influences and renowned for its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Once a key medieval trading center and later part of the German Empire, Strasbourg’s World Heritage-listed Neustadt district showcases grand 19th-century boulevards and impressive imperial buildings. Its historic core, centered around the magnificent cathedral, reflects centuries of cultural exchange and shifting borders. Strasbourg also lies at the heart of the celebrated Alsace wine region, where charming villages and vineyard-covered hillsides are never far away.

Cruise onwards to Germersheim tonight for an exclusive concert at Bruchsal Palace.

Included Excursion
Flavors of Alsace: Strasbourg walking tour with local tasting
Explore the historic streets of Strasbourg on a guided walking tour that reveals the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the grand Strasbourg Cathedral to the picturesque La Petite France, discover the city’s fascinating landmarks and charming corners. Along the way, enjoy a delightful local tasting of regional specialties, offering a true taste of Alsace culinary traditions.

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is a breathtaking Baroque Palace noted for its fine Rococo decoration. Made up of over 50 buildings, this impressive complex includes a three-winged residential building with an attached chapel, four pavilions separated by a road, some smaller utility buildings, and a pretty garden. This evening, in one of the most beautiful rooms, you’re invited to attend enjoy a private classical concert within one of the most beautiful rooms. This exclusive experience blends culture, atmosphere, and refinement, an enchanting night in one of Germany’s most stunning historical settings.

A lively university town, Mannheim is best known for its unique grid system and is often called the City of Squares (Quadratestadt). Its most famous landmark is the striking Baroque Mannheim Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Today, travel to nearby Heidelberg, a charming UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance remnants of Heidelberg Castle, where carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colorful flowerbeds.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Meet your local guide and take the funicular to the peak of Mount Königstuhl. Take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the Neckar Valley, then continue your journey on foot through the forest. Once out of the woods, enter the castle of Heidelberg for a short tour of the ruin before descending into the Old Town. Enjoy a brief orientation walk and some free time.

This evening, cruise onwards to Rudesheim.

Cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song.

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it’s a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Koblenz is particularly charming in spring, with pleasant weather and the surrounding vineyards bursting into life.

Included Excursion
Orientation Walk of Koblenz  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 can also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers converge at the German Corner. 

Continue along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans in 50 A.D., this is one of the oldest cities in Germany and was almost completely rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Look out for the twin spires of its Gothic cathedral, known locally as the Kolner Dom.

Later, arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion, Düsseldorf is one of the country’s most captivating cities. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Join your local guide and explore the city of Cologne, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. Conclude at the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, shop for trinkets or explore further before returning to the ship.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Düsseldorf
Discover the vibrant city of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour that takes you through its cultural landmarks and scenic streets. Explore the historic Altstadt and modern cityscape. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Cologne
Join your local guide and explore Cologne on two wheels. This active tour will take you along the Rhine River, passing Cologne's northern suburbs and industrial and business areas. 

Beyond Amsterdam’s storied canals, a gentler rhythm unfolds as you venture into the Dutch countryside, where emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. From charming towns like Alkmaar, famed for its historic cheese-making traditions, to Waterland, where pretty, stilted villages, glassy lakes and narrow canals offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, discover how the Dutch have shaped their landscape for generations. 

Included Excursion
Excursion to Alkmaar
Step into classic Dutch charm with a visit to Alkmaar, a picturesque town known for its historic architecture, tranquil canals and world-famous cheese market. Whether you're exploring the cobbled streets lined with gabled houses or soaking in the atmosphere of lively squares, Alkmaar offers an authentic and inviting slice of the Netherlands.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour to Waterland
Active travelers can embark on a guided e-bike tour through the outskirts of Amsterdam to Waterland, passing quintessential Dutch villages, traditional windmills and fields that are bursting with color and vibrancy.

Today, after breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Emerald Star-Ship and fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the dazzling jewels of Europe with you.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Emerald Cruises will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with the booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.