River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Amsterdam

   Sat, Aug 16, 2025

   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: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Amsterdam

   Sun, Aug 17, 2025

   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. 

   Included Excursion
   Canal cruise

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided bike tour to Waterland

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Cologne 

   Mon, Aug 18, 2025

   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.  

   Included Excursion
   Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town 

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Koblenz

   Tue, Aug 19, 2025

   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
   Walking tour of Koblenz

   DiscoverMORE
   Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Ludwigshafen – Heidelberg

   Wed, Aug 20, 2025

   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. And tonight, our EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert.

   Included Excursion
   Guided tour of Heidelberg 

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

   EmeraldPLUS
   Private Evening Concert on the Rhine

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Kehl – Strasbourg

   Thu, Aug 21, 2025

   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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Breisach - Freiburg

   Fri, Aug 22, 2025

   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 togo for a canoeing trip on the Rhine .  

   EmeraldPLUS
   Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting 

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided bike tour in Breisach 

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Basel - Zurich

   Sat, Aug 23, 2025

   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: Breakfast

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