Jewels of the Rhine

Architecture, history and natural beauty are ever-present on this wonderful journey down the Rhine, beginning in the Dutch capital and sweeping up Cologne, Koblenz and the Black Forest on its route.

8 Days
Amsterdam to Zurich
From (AUD)
$ 3,795
Dates & Pricing

2024 Amsterdam > Zurich

Explore modern and quintessential Holland on a glass-top canal boat cruise through Amsterdam, before sailing through the countryside and witnessing traditional windmills. Enjoy a guided walking tour of magnificent Cologne and the juxtaposition of ancient Koblenz, continuing upstream to Heidelberg. Soak up Strasbourg’s beautiful architecture and visit Freiburg a Black Forest destination.
Tour Map
Tour Code:
EWAB
Duration:
8 days
Departure City:
Amsterdam
Return City:
Zurich

8 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1 - Amsterdam

    Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.

    Meals Included: Dinner

  2. Day 2 - Amsterdam

    Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city's medieval centre and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and flower fields.

    Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour to Waterland

    Included Excursion

    Canal cruise

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3 - Cologne

    Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.

    As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, explore rustic German life off the beaten track and experience what the locals do. Visit a farmers’ market with sustainable products and sample local produce. Sit outside and breathe in the German country air watching local families enjoy their free time together or wander around the farmers market before heading back to the ship.

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

    EmeraldPLUS

    Visit to a local farmers’ market estate with tasting

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4 - Koblenz

    Immerse yourself in fairy tale-like surroundings today as we 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 and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe.

    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

    Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

    DiscoverMORE

    Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5 - Ludwigshafen – Heidelberg

    This morning, you will 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 colourful flowerbeds.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Heidelberg

    DiscoverMORE

    Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 - Kehl – Strasbourg

    This morning, you'll 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.

    Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town will touch on many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Strasbourg

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 - Breisach - Freiburg

    Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will 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 will also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour of Breisach.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour in Breisach

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8 - Basel - Zurich

    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 Zurich after 11:30 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 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
  • Canal cruise in Amsterdam
  • Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
  • Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • Guided tour of Strasbourg

EmeraldPLUS
  • Visit to a local farmers’ market estate with tasting
  • Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
  • Guided bike tour to Waterland
  • Guided hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  • Guided bike tour in Breisach

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

Pricing & Availability