Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival. Please book your flight to arrive in Amsterdam before 05:00 PM.

Meals Included: Dinner

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 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 well preserved despite being more than eight centuries old.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River. 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take with you memories of all the beautiful destinations you have visited.

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