Berlin to Zurich & The Majestic Rhine

13 Days
Berlin to Zurich
From (AUD)
$ 7,560
Dates & Pricing

2025 Berlin > Zurich

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
Enjoy an enriching two-night city break in Berlin, experiencing the diverse culture of the German capital, before taking the classic passage of the Main, Rhine and Moselle rivers across Germany. Then continue to spectacular Lucerne & Zurich
Tour Map
Tour Code:
EBZL
Duration:
13 days
Departure City:
Berlin
Return City:
Zurich

13 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1 - Berlin

    You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Berlin, your home for the next two nights.

  2. Day 2 - Berlin

    Today, you will be invited on a guided tour of Berlin, where you can discover how its tangible history can be seen on every street. Enjoy learning about Berlin Cathedral and the iconic Berlin Wall, a feature point that holds the memory of how the city was both divided and reunited. After your tour, you are free to explore at leisure, perhaps discovering the creating lifestyles of the people who call Berlin their home.

    Included Excursion

    A guided tour of Berlin

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  3. Day 3 - Berlin - Frankfurt - Mainz

    After breakfast, fly to Frankfurt and be transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board. 

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4 - Rüdesheim

    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. 

    Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes. 

    Included Excursion

    A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum 

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5 - Koblenz

    The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way.  

    Included Excursion

    Walking tour of Koblenz and a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Bike tour in Koblenz

    DiscoverMORE

    Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 - Ludwigshafen – Heidelberg

    German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.  

    Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. 

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Heidelberg 

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 - Rastatt – Baden-Baden

    This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before touring the backstage of the Baden Baden Opera Theater

    Included Excursion

    Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

    EmeraldPLUS

    Backstage Opera Theater Tour

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided hike to Altes Schloss

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8 - Kehl – Strasbourg

    This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll 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 the city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.  

    EmeraldPLUS

    Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9 - Breisach – Colmar

    Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. 

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Colmar

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour to Colmar

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    Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10 - Basel – Lucerne

    Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to Lucerne, including a two-night stay. 

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  11. Day 11 - Lucerne

    Lucerne is known around the world for its spectacular setting, perfectly encapsulating a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings.

    Included Excursion

    A guided tour of Lucerne

    DiscoverMORE

    Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  12. Day 12 - Lucerne – Zurich

    This morning, transfer by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, known for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre.

    When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by free time to explore its delightful lakeside setting, perhaps discovering its famous Old Town.

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Zurich

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  13. Day 13 - Zurich

    After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way.

    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 our terms and conditions for further information.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
  • Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
  • Walking tour of Koblenz & Visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • Guided walking tour of Baden - Baden
  • Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldPLUS
  • Backstage Opera Theater Tour
  • Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

EmeraldACTIVE
  • Bike tour in Koblenz
  • Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  • Guided hike to Altes Schloss
  • Guided bike Tour to Colmar

DINING HIGHLIGHTS
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

EXTENSION INCLUSIONS
  • 2 nights at a hotel in Berlin
  • A guided tour of Berlin
  • Transfer from the airport and to the ship
  • Flight from Berlin to Frankfurt
  • 2 nights at a hotel in Lucerne
  • 1 night at a hotel in Zurich
  • A guided tour of Lucerne
  • A guided tour of Zurich
  • 5 Breakfasts (B)
  • Transfer from the ship and to the airport

Pricing & Availability