Embark on an 11-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Sun. Discover scenic vineyards, historic castles, and traditional villages along the Rhine and Moselle rivers on this European river cruise. Start your journey in Basel, Switzerland, then explore the Alsatian city of Strasbourg. Travel through western Germany to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle converge, and continue to the Netherlands. Visit Utrecht and Amsterdam, both known for their canals, cultural landmarks, and walkable centers. Experience the engineering heritage of the Kinderdijk windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This itinerary combines major cities and lesser-known towns, offering guided tours, cultural insights, and striking river landscapes.
Highlights
Explore Colmar’s medieval lanes and fairy tale-style buildings
Admire Strasbourg’s quaint canals and half-timbered houses
Tour Mainz’s grand cathedral and Gutenberg’s printing legacy
Wander Bernkastel’s old town and taste wine in Moselle vineyards
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 at Zurich Airport, meet your Emerald Cruises representative and transfer to your state-of-the-art Star-Ship in Basel, where the captain and crew will warmly welcome you on board.
Please ensure your flight arrives in Zurich before 1:00 PM.
Begin your morning with a guided tour of Colmar, where cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and vibrant flower boxes create a storybook setting reminiscent of a Grimm’s fairy tale. Alternatively, choose a canoeing excursion along the Rhine for a unique view of the picturesque landscape.
This morning, discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. The best way to discover the city’s charm is via its quaint waterways. Embark on an EmeraldPLUS traditional canal boat tour.
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.
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.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Mainz
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Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)
Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS program, 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 for those who feel particularly active after sailing time, you may participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.
Later in the afternoon, you can have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager on a hike in Sankt Goar, although a small town, it holds the magnificent Rheinfels Castle ruins that gaze over the Moselle.
EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
EmeraldACTIVE
Afternoon hike with AM in Sankt Goar
EmeraldPLUS
Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
Enjoy a sailing morning on board your Star-Ship as you absorb the enchanting sceneries of the Moselle. Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. During your EmeraldPLUS, you can have the opportunity to wander through some of the peaceful Moselle vineyards that compose this bucolic landscape and have a taste of the famous Riesling wine produced in this region. Or get a different perspective of the region when you take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.
EmeraldPLUS
Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
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
EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling along the Moselle
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German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)
Enjoy your free morning in Koblenz prior to the peaceful sailing this afternoon admiring the landscapes of the Rhine and the Moselle river. Arrive in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. During your walking tour you can have the opportunity to know more about Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Its old town is also quite a gem of historical buildings and quaint streets. Landmarks like the Altes Rathaus and Beethoven House will be some of the many architectural highlights. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, complete your day with a Beethoven classical concert.
Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Bonn and unveil some of the city’s secrets off the beaten track.
Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its center, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river.
Included Excursion
Nijmegen Walking tour
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Nijmegen
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Visit to Palais Het Loo (extra expense)
This morning, docked in Dordrecht, where you can have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager for a walk into town.
After a smooth sailing, arrive in Rotterdam where you can have the chance to learn more about this city during a walking tour. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilized a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. Today, you can have the opportunity to explore contemporary Rotterdam, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-meter-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rotterdam
EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht
Day 11: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of all the beautiful Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine.
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.
$10,9902-3 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 (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
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.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
