Amsterdam & Jewels of the Rhine & Zurich-Lucerne

Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands famous for world-class museums, artistic heritage and elaborate canal system. You will be met at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

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 (B)

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board. (B/D)

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells tales 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 medieval centre of the city 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 on 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 (B/L/D)

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Step back in time today, as a guided walking tour takes you through the ancient heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks such as Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. After your tour, you will be taken to a one-of-a-kind farm estate just outside of Cologne, which provides the locals with sustainable products. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a fantastic cooking demo and have a glimpse behind the scenes of this incredible place.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farm estate with cooking demo (B/L/D)

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surrounds today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of the 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, where romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear as though they have been suspended in time.

• Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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) (B/L/D)

This morning, you'll dock in Kehl and 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 leisure.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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 leave you amazed. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city centre near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach (B/L/D)

Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to Lucerne, including a two-night stay. (B)

Lucerne is known around the world for its spectacular setting, perfectly encapsulating a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings.

Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne

DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense) (B)

This morning, transfer by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, known for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre. When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by free time to explore its delightful lakeside setting, perhaps discovering its famous old town.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Zurich (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way. (B)