Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-perfect destination renowned for its picturesque canals, inviting cafes, and esteemed art galleries. Upon arrival at the airport, expect a warm greeting from an Emerald Cruises representative before enjoying a seamless transfer directly to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. Once on board, a friendly captain and dedicated crew eagerly await to provide a heartfelt reception. Thanks to a late evening departure, take the opportunity to step ashore and discover the captivating sights of Amsterdam after dark.

As the second-largest city in the Netherlands and the busiest port in Europe, Rotterdam invites you to explore its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. Discover a historic center that underwent a dramatic transformation following heavy bombings during World War II. Today, gaze upon the fascinating patchwork of diverse architectural styles that emerged from those post-war reconstruction efforts, forever altering the municipal skyline. As you navigate the streets, look up to admire the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the country, standing as striking visual symbols of this resilient city's relentless spirit of innovation.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rotterdam
Explore the dynamic city of Rotterdam on a guided walking tour that showcases its cutting-edge architecture and rich maritime history. From the striking Cube Houses to the iconic Erasmus Bridge, discover how Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction transformed it into a hub of innovation and design.

After lunch, cruise to Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it dates back to the 13th century and is filled with many beautiful historic buildings.

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht
Join your Activity Manager for a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Dordrecht. Admire the colorful façades along narrow streets and pretty squares, and look out for the grand Grote Kerk church and 14th-century Groothoofdspoort gate.

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Shanty choir
On board this evening, enjoy a performance from a traditional Dutch Shanty choir. Their songs and sea shanties celebrate the country’s rich maritime heritage.

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Though its history stretches back more than 2,000 years, it also has a youthful vibe thanks to its large university, as well as beautiful scenery, lush green spaces and world-class museums.

Included Excursion
Nijmegen Walking tour
Join a walking tour through the town center, exploring its architectural wonders, rich history and charming streets. From Roman relics to medieval architecture, explore the city's landmarks, including the Valkhof Park and St. Stephen's Church, while learning about Nijmegen’s fascinating past.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Nijmegen
Join your fellow travelers on a guided cycling tour of Nijmegen. Ride along the River Waal and learn about the city during Roman times and under the rule of Charlemagne, as well as the role Nijmegen played in World War II.

This morning, arrive in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. It’s considered one of the nation’s cultural capitals and is home to the country’s largest public university, with more than 34,000 students bringing a fun and vibrant atmosphere to the city.

This afternoon, relax on board as you continue cruising along the Rhine.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bonn
Step into the rich history of Bonn on a guided tour that takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the stunning Beethoven House – birthplace of the legendary composer – to the impressive Poppelsdorf Palace, and Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements, explore the blend of history, culture, and art that defines this charming city.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Bonn
With more than 300km (186 miles) of cycling trails, Bonn is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Germany. Explore the city on two wheels with this active guided e-bike tour, soaking in the authentic atmosphere and mixing with the locals.

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is set on the banks of the Moselle River. Its well-preserved medieval center is home to many buildings dating back to the 15th century, creating a charming fairytale ambience. The town is surrounded by steeply terraced vineyards, producing exceptional mineral-driven white wines, most notably its world-famous Riesling.

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Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
Embark on a delightful hike through the lush vineyards of the Moselle Valley, where rolling hills and picturesque landscapes meet award-winning wine production. Led by an expert local guide, explore the region’s vineyards and learn about the history and techniques behind the famous Moselle wines. Afterwards, sample local wines while soaking in the stunning views of the river and surrounding vineyards.

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Active hike to Landshut Ruins
Get a different perspective on the region with an active hike to the ruins of Landshut Castle. The 13th-century ruins are set high on a hill overlooking Bernkastel and the Moselle River, accessed by a step path through a verdant forest. Along the way, your local guide will share fascinating stories about the castle’s rich history.

Spend the day in the picturesque medieval town of Cochem, known for its half-timbered houses, colorful squares and the striking Reichsburg Castle, which stands high above the town. It’s in the heart of the Moselle wine region, and the town is surrounded by terraced vineyards, producing Germany’s signature white varietals.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem
Explore 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.

EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling tour along the Moselle
Set off on a guided e-bike tour of Cochem and the surrounding region. Following a flat path beside the Moselle River, take in beautiful scenery, pass lush vineyards and pass through picturesque villages.
Later, arrive in Koblenz. 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.

Continue along the Rhine today, stopping at Sankt Goar, a quintessentially German town in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It is directly opposite the famed Lorelei Rock, an imposing cliff that is tied to German legends, and the ruins of Rheinfels Castle look out over the town.

EmeraldACTIVE
Morning hike with Activity Manager Join your Activity Manager for a refreshing morning hike through the picturesque town of Sankt Goar and its stunning surroundings. This invigorating walk is the perfect way to start your day and connect with the stunning landscape of the Rhine Valley.
Later, dock in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. 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, which is famous for its Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit and wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1,000 years. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, it was the first Riesling winery in the world and produces wooden barrels from its onsite 300-acre forest of native oak. On this exclusive tour, learn about its unique wine culture and fabled history.

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Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
Enjoy an active hike through verdant vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal, a stunning monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein, in the German state of Hesse. This historical landmark overlooks the stunning Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany

Arrive in Mainz today, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. It’s a captivating blend of history and modernity, with everything from Roman ruins and Baroque churches to innovative architecture. Mainz is known for its vibrant cultural scene, from museums and theater to fun festivals and outdoor concerts. 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 Join a guided tour of Mainz and visit the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. You can also learn more about its most notable resident, Gutenberg

This morning, discover 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, which stood as 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 the city at your own pace.

Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, Breisach is where Germany’s Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. It’s another town with influences from both cultures, as well as a strong passion for wine. It centers around the hilltop St Stephen’s Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic structure that dominates the skyline and can be seen from a great distance.

Included Excursion
Spend a magical morning in nearby Colmar, on the French side just across the border. 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.

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Canoeing on the Rhine
Travel upstream to Steinenstadt and board a canoe to paddle along the quiet waters of the Upper Rhine. You can get a new perspective on this famed waterway, taking in local plant and animal life as you are immersed in beautiful natural surroundings.

Your journey concludes this morning in Basel (Huningue). After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to Basel airport and take with you memories of the beautiful Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine.

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

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.