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Berlin to Zurich & The Majestic Rhine

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Berlin to Zurich & The Majestic Rhine

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
River View
$7,592
Balcony
$8,612
Suite
$9,750
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
13 Days
 Cruise Starts
Berlin
 Cruise Finishes
Zurich
13 Day Berlin to Zurich & The Majestic Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Germany, France, Switzerland
 Cruise Length
14 Days
 Cruise Starts
Berlin
 Cruise Finishes
Zurich
13 Day Berlin to Zurich & The Majestic Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Germany, France, Switzerland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EBZL-1
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EBZL-1

Overview

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Enjoy an enriching two-night city break in Berlin, experiencing the diverse culture of the German capital, before taking the classic passage of the Main, Rhine and Moselle rivers across Germany. Then continue to spectacular Lucerne & Zurich
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Enjoy an enriching two-night city break in Berlin, experiencing the diverse culture of the German capital, before taking the classic passage of the Main, Rhine and Moselle rivers across Germany. Then continue to spectacular Lucerne & Zurich

Itinerary

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Berlin, your home for the next two nights.

Today, you will be invited on a guided tour of Berlin, where you can discover how its tangible history can be seen on every street. Enjoy learning about Berlin Cathedral and the iconic Berlin Wall, a feature point that holds the memory of how the city was both divided and reunited. After your tour, you are free to explore at leisure, perhaps discovering the creating lifestyles of the people who call Berlin their home. (B)

Included Excursion A guided tour of Berlin

After breakfast, fly to Frankfurt and be transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board. (B/D)

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz

EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Koblenz

DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.

Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before touring the backstage of the Baden Baden Opera Theater (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

EmeraldPLUS Backstage Opera Theater Tour

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Altes Schloss

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll 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 the city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

EmeraldPLUS Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

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 half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Colmar

DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)

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. (B)

Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne

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

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. (B)

Included Excursion Guided tour of Zurich

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.

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. (B)

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Berlin, your home for the next three nights.

This morning, join your local guide for a walking tour of Berlin, passing by the famous Alexanderplatz, the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall, a symbolic monument that portrays the division for near-on three decades and then reunion, of the city. This afternoon, you're free to explore this intriguing capital at leisure, perhaps discovering the creative lifestyles of the Berlin residents and the vibrant arts scene or savouring one of the many chic restaurants. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Berlin

Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Berlin at your own pace. You may wish to discover more of the historic architecture and modern landmarks found in numerous places across the German capital, including the renowned, industrial heritage buildings. There are also a number of excellent museums worth visiting, including Berlin’s Museum Island. Or you could immerse yourself in the popular food markets in the city’s market halls, or browse the luxury shops along Kurfürstendamm, one of Berlin’s most famous avenues. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Potsdam (extra expense)

After breakfast, fly to Frankfurt and be transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board. (B/D)

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
  • EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Koblenz
  • DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.

Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before touring the backstage of the Baden Baden Opera Theater (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
  • EmeraldPLUS Backstage Opera Theater Tour
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Altes Schloss

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll 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 the city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

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 half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Colmar
  • DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)

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. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
  • DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)

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. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
  • DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)

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. (B)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Zurich

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.

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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Destiny

Emerald Destiny
Emerald Destiny

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Europe Star-Ship Suites
Europe Star-Ship Suites

Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more

Cruise & Tour In Style
Cruise & Tour In Style

Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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1 Star
Wonderful River Cruise   0 , NSW, Australia, Nov 2024
Our cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in early November was above all our expectations. The Emerald Destiny and all its facilities were very good but the hospitality was outstanding. The attention and kindness of all staff members was amazing. The gourmet food was delicious and the food and wine reflected the area we were cruising through. The excursions ...read more were all interesting and very accessible. There were more active options for the fitter cruisers but also special guides for the slower among us. The onboard entertainment was also varied and delightful and we were lucky enough to find ourselves with a wonderful group of fellow travellers with which to share our journey. I would not hesitate to recommend Emerald Cruises.
Splendours of Europe   5 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2023
Overall a great trip with Emerald. Had good rapport with all staff and the chef catered for me being a Coeliac to the extent of a special cake for my birthday. Weather was great in July, needed a light jacket despite reports of heatwave in Europe. Group was a mixture mainly of Australians and Canadians with a few UK and USA travellers. All friendly. ...read more Overall apart from the long haul flight enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks Tracey for your help. The photo is of Durnstein. A lovely small town, try the apricot ice cream!

Brochure

Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerising rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Super Savings
Sunday 20 Apr 2025
Friday 02 May 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
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75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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