Zurich-Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine & Amsterdam

13 Days
Zurich to Amsterdam
From (AUD)
$ 6,625
Dates & Pricing

2024 Zurich > Amsterdam

This itinerary includes a night in Zurich, a two-night stay in Lucerne and an enriching eight-day river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle, exploring the Black Forest region and the fairytale architecture of Koblenz and Cologne. Your river cruise ends in the enigmatic Amsterdam with a two-night stay – providing an extraordinary experience in central Europe.
Tour Map
Tour Code:
EACZ
Duration:
13 days
Departure City:
Zurich
Return City:
Amsterdam

13 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1 - Zurich

    Straddling the northernmost tip of Lake Zurich, Zurich is one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. Today, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or frequenting one of its many charming cafés. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

  2. Day 2 - Zurich – Lucerne

    This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, perhaps strolling down cobblestone streets in its colourful Altstadt.

    Included Excursion

    A guided tour of Zurich

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  3. Day 3 - Lucerne

    The awe-inspiring natural beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower.

    Included Excursion

    A guided tour of Lucerne

    DiscoverMORE

    Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  4. Day 4 - Lucerne - Basel

    This morning, journey by coach through idyllic landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side town of Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5 - Breisach

    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. You’ll 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 in Breisach.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour in Breisach

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 - Kehl - Strasbourg

    This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you will get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure.

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Strasbourg

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 - Ludwigshafen - Heidelberg

    Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Ludwigshafen, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting.

    Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. Alternatively, revel in a hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Heidelberg

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8 - Koblenz

     Cruise to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz today and discover its fairy tale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your local guide will tour you through the Roman town, touching on the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where the two inspirational waterways meet. Journey by cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where you’ll find exceptional views of the surrounding area from its hilltop position.

    Included Excursion

    Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

    DiscoverMORE

    Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9 - Cologne

    Effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, 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

  10. Day 10 - Amsterdam

    This morning, you can choose to embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, learning about how the water is reclaiming Holland as you pass through quintessential Dutch surrounds and witness traditional villages and windmills. Alternatively, take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass-top canal cruise, passing Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour to Waterland

    Included Excursion

    Canal cruise

    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
  • 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 Shape

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 Amsterdam
  • Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
  • 2 nights at a hotel in Lucerne
  • 1 night at a hotel in Zurich
  • A guided tour of Lucerne
  • A guided tour of Zurich
  • Ship and airport transfers
  • 5 breakfasts (B)

Pricing & Availability