Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards with Amsterdam

13 Days
Zurich to Amsterdam
From (AUD)
$ 6,600
Dates & Pricing

2024 Zurich > Amsterdam

Tour Map
Tour Code:
ECHZ
Duration:
13 days
Departure City:
Zurich
Return City:
Amsterdam

13 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1 - Zurich Airport - Basel Embarkation

    Upon arrival at Zurich airport, you will be met and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.

    Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM.

    Meals Included: Dinner

  2. Day 2 - 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 window boxes full of colourful blooms adorn the half-timbered façades. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine.  

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Colmar

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3 - Kehl – Strasbourg

    This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’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.

    Included Excursion

    Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

    DiscoverMORE

    Alsace wine route with tasting (extra expense, only available on select dates)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4 - Mainz

    Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town.

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Mainz

    DiscoverMORE

    Visit to Gutenberg Museum & workshop (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5 - Rüdesheim

    Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will 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, participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 - Cochem

    Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll 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

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 - Bernkastel

    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. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Active hike to Landshut Castle ruins

    Included Excursion

    Walking tour of Bernkastel

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8 - Koblenz

    Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors including the castle kitchen, the knight’s hall, the armoury and an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress, with a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, it resembles something you would find in a Brothers Grimm tale.

    Included Excursion

    Visit to Marksburg Castle

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Hike to Marksburg Castle

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9 - Nijmegen

    Today you will visit the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th-century windmills is considered a Dutch icon across the globe.

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of the Kinderdijk Windmills

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10 - Utrecht

    As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you will start the day by exploring a canal cruise through the Oudegracht or Old Canal, which is not only the oldest in Utrecht but it is also older than the canals in Amsterdam. For centuries, along the water the wealthiest have built their mansions with the peculiarity of having warehouses and service entrances just above water level. Undoubtedly, the castle of Oudaen stands out among all the rest: an urban castle preserved despite being more than eight centuries old.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour near Utrecht

    EmeraldPLUS

    Canal cruise and cheese tasting

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11 - Amsterdam

    After breakfast, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Amsterdam for a delightful two-night stay in the city. Enjoy the afternoon on own by strolling along the famous canals or visiting a local market. Amsterdam is full of surprises awaiting to be discovered around every corner.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  12. Day 12 - Amsterdam

    This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a place of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world where your destination is never too far away. Your carefully planned walking tour will take you to one of world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, hosting a collecting of over 8000 works including those of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens.

    Included Excursion

    Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  13. Day 13 - Amsterdam

    After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories from a fascinating journey on the Rhine.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES
  • 10 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
  • Guided tour of Colmar
  • Canal cruise of Strasbourg
  • Guided tour of Mainz
  • Guided tour of Cochem with Reichsburg Castle Visit
  • Walking tour of Bernkastel
  • Visit to Marksburg Castle
  • Kinderdijik Visit

EmeraldPLUS
  • Visit and wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
  • Canal boat tour of Utrecht with Cheese Tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
  • Canoeing on the Rhine
  • Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
  • Cycling tour along the Moselle
  • Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins in Bernkastel
  • Active hike to Marksburg Castle
  • Guided bike around Utrecht

DINING HIGHLIGHTS
  • 29 delectable meals including 10 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 10 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 Amsterdam
  • Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
  • Transfer from the ship and to the airport
  • 2 Breakfasts (B)

Pricing & Availability