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Amsterdam & Jewels of the Rhine

Amsterdam - Basel - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Sun
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Embark on a 10-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Sun. Begin with a two-night stay in Amsterdam before discovering the Netherlands’ historic and contemporary highlights. Explore the capital’s canals aboard a glass-top boat and observe iconic windmills along the Dutch countryside. Continue with a guided walking tour through Cologne, known for its Gothic Cathedral, then visit Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Travel upstream to Heidelberg to explore its famous castle ruins and old town. In Strasbourg, admire a mix of medieval streets and French-German heritage. Conclude with a visit to Freiburg, a gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region, known for its local traditions and architecture.
View of Strasbourg cityCruise the rivers of GermanyEnjoy time in DusseldorfKoblenz at nightExplore the inspiring AmsterdamCruise the Rhine through CologneExplore Cologne
Highlights
  • Explore Amsterdam’s canals and visit the iconic Rijksmuseum inside
  • Wander Alkmaar’s medieval lanes and lively cheese market traditions
  • Discover Dusseldorf’s riverside charm and vibrant shopping avenues
  • Stroll Cologne’s Gothic Old Town and marvel at its grand cathedral
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

Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, renowned for its renowned museums, rich artistic legacy, and iconic canal network. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your centrally located hotel, where a two-night stay is included as part of your itinerary.

Day 2: Amsterdam

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning, join your local guide for a tour of Amsterdam, a city rich in history, renowned art, and distinctive architecture. Known as one of the world’s most compact capital cities, Amsterdam offers easy access to its key attractions. Your guided walking tour includes a visit to the acclaimed Rijksmuseum, home to more than 8,000 artworks, featuring masterpieces by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit

Day 3: Amsterdam | Embark

Today, transfer from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board. 

Day 4: Amsterdam

This morning, discover the charm of Alkmaar, a picturesque Dutch town just a short distance from Amsterdam. Explore its historic center, lined with charming canals and medieval buildings. Alkmaar is famous for its centuries-old cheese market where traditional cheesemakers showcase their craft and engage in lively auctions. Immerse yourself in the local culture in this typical charming town. Alternatively, embark on a bike tour through the Dutch countryside.

In the afternoon enjoy sailing on the Rhine River, perhaps grab a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining the welcome dinner.

Included Excursion
Excursion to Alkmaar

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

DiscoverMORE
Dutch Delights (extra expense)

Day 5: Dusseldorf | Cologne

Join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Later this day, in Cologne, famous for its Gothic Cathedral. This afternoon you can immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience the unique charm of the city.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Dusseldorf

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town

DiscoverMORE
German Beer Experience (extra expense)

Day 6: Koblenz

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.

Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

DiscoverMORE
Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day 7: Germersheim

This morning, discover Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature 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 ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colorful flowerbeds.  If you are feeling more active, you can also join a hike that will give you fantastic views over Heidelberg. And tonight, the EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private concert in a historical venue.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

EmeraldPLUS
Private Evening Concert on the Rhine

Day 8: Kehl | Strasbourg

This morning, dock in Kehl to be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses.

During your included excursion, you can have the opportunity to discover the heart of Alsace in Strasbourg and embark on a journey through the typical flavors of this region.

Included Excursion
Flavors of Alsace

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Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)

Day 9: Breisach | Freiburg

Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS program, you can visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you can also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to pedal your way through Breisach on a guided bike tour.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Day 10: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 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.

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Sun

Pool
Restaurant
Sundeck

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
$8,900 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Emerald Single Stateroom
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
  • 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 9 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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