The Majestic Rhine

Journey to the contemporary city of Basel (Huningue), a vibrant Swiss hub situated directly on the banks of the Rhine River where the borders of France, Germany, and Switzerland seamlessly converge. Upon arrival, expect a warm greeting from an Emerald Cruises representative before enjoying a smooth transfer to your modern Emerald Star-Ship to commence an unforgettable voyage. This evening, gather with fellow guests to share a delightful welcome dinner on board the vessel.

To guarantee a perfectly smooth embarkation process, please arrange for an inbound flight arriving in Zurich prior to 1:00 PM.

Start your morning in Breisach, a picturesque destination beautifully elevated above the Rhine River and its surrounding vineyards. This captivating town marks the exact point where the majestic landscape of Germany’s Black Forest seamlessly merges into the lush, verdant valleys of the French Alsace region. Discover a unique environment heavily shaped by a blend of both distinct cultures and united by a deep, enduring passion for local winemaking. At the very heart of the community stands the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, an imposing Romanesque-Gothic architectural masterpiece proudly positioned on a prominent hilltop, completely dominating the local skyline and remaining clearly visible from miles away.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
Spend a magical morning in nearby 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 façades adorned with window boxes full of colorful blooms.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour to Colmar
Set out from your Emerald Star-Ship by e-bike to explore the pretty riverside scenery and lush wineries on two wheels. Once you arrive in Colmar, enjoy a short orientation tour and some free time before a coach transfer back to your vessel.

Dock in Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The World Heritage-listed center is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years.

Included Excursion
Hidden Treasures of Strasbourg
Discover the city’s charm on a walking tour through Petite France, featuring storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and the covered bridges. See the Vauban Dam and the World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter, home to Strasbourg’s administrative buildings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace.

Arrive in Rastatt before sunrise. A small town on the edge of the Black Forest, it’s known for its architectural masterpieces – including one of Germany’s most beautiful Baroque palaces – and the glorious landscapes that surround it, complete with thick forest, lush valleys and crystal-clear lakes.

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
Transfer to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries, who came to take the healing waters. Enjoy a guided walking tour, soaking in the opulence of the old town with its elegant boutiques, elaborate bath houses and timeless gardens.

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert Bruchsal Palace
The breathtaking Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is made up of over 50 buildings in the Baroque style with ornate Rococo decorations. In one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, the chamber music hall, also known as the Kammermusiksaal, enjoy a private evening classical concert.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Embark on an active guided hike to Altes Schloss, the old castle, a fascinating ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents.

Dock this morning in the bustling port of Mannheim.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Transfer to nearby Heidelberg, a place that inspired poets and composers of the German Romanticism era. It’s easy to see how the town’s idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets, captivated these great artists. Your guided tour will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, taking in many of the town’s most famous sights.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Take the historic funicular to the summit of Mount Königstuhl and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding Neckar Valley. Continue on foot through the forest to Heidelberg Castle, where you can explore the ruins before descending into the town below.

Spend a dull day in the ancient city of Koblenz, the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, it 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.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz
Immerse yourself in the fairytale surrounds of Koblenz on this guided walking tour. You can see the city’s highlights, including 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.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
Discover Koblenz and the surrounding area on two wheels. Cycle along the banks of the Rhine, cross over bridges, pass the city’s most famous sights, and admire pretty villages and vineyards enroute.

This morning, 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 with her song.

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner. Rüdesheim is also at the heart of the Rhine wine region, renowned for its Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum Ride the local mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, complete with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes, the quirky museum is home to a collection of more than 350 mechanical musical instruments and rare music boxes.

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to Frankfurt airport, taking memories of the fairytale beauty of the Rhine River with you.

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.