Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Switzerland and Basel, a city resting on the shores of the Rhine River. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you on your arrival. This evening, join your fellow guests on board for a welcome dinner.
Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM. (D)
Today, as part of your marvellous EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll visit the delightful city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg reveals lovely sights that will amaze you and you’ll 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. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach
- DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
This morning, you'll arrive in Kehl and disembark your Star-Ship, then be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg. Here, an enthralling medieval past is yours to discover, including quaint cobblestone squares framed by well-preserved, half-timbered houses. During your included excursion, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the heart of Alsace in Strasbourg and embark on a culinary journey where you’ll discover typical flavours of this region. Alternatively, join a guided hike through the scenic Alsace region. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Flavours of Alsace
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Alsace
- DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra epxense)
This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship as you sail towards Germersheim, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Then travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how this became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired luminaries such as American writer Mark Twain and British artist, William Turner, with its stunning historical setting.
Your guided tour of Heidelberg will allow you to find your own inspiration among its dreamy landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. Alternatively, revel in a guided hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert within a historical venue. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
- EmeraldACTIVE Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
- EmeraldPLUS Private evening concert along the Rhine
Today, cruise to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz and discover its fairy tale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your local guide will take you through this Roman-era town, taking in the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where these two inspirational waterways converge. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Orientation Walk of Koblenz
- DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Cologne at your own pace, one of Germany’s oldest cities that is steeped in history and folklore.
After lunch, join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture and discover hidden gems off-the-beaten path. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in the delicious local cuisine, and marvel at the contrast of Düsseldorf’s ancient and modern charms. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Düsseldorf
- DiscoverMORE Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)
This morning, discover charming Alkmaar, a picturesque Dutch town just a short distance from the iconic city of Amsterdam. Explore its historic centre, lined with scenic canals and medieval buildings. Alkmaar is famous for its centuries-old cheese market, where traditional cheesemakers showcase their craft and engage in lively auctions. Immerse yourself in the local culture in this quintessential Dutch town. Alternatively, embark on a bike tour through the Dutch countryside, cycling past traditional windmills. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Excursion to Alkmaar
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
- DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)
After your marvelous cruise, you’ll be transferred to Amsterdam Centraal station and take the train bound for London St. Pancras station. Upon arrival in London, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an exciting 3-night stay in Great Britain’s historic capital. Once you’ve settled in, take time to explore this enthralling multicultural metropolis at your own pace. Immerse yourself in London’s vibrant atmosphere, wander through its history-drenched streets, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Thames or through its beautiful urban parks. (B)
Join a guided city tour to discover some of London’s most iconic and historical landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, the official royal residence. Experience the buzz of the West End, home to the world-famous theatre district, take in the sights of Trafalgar Square, and witness the traditional Changing of the Guard, all the while soaking up the capital’s storied heritage. (B)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of London
- DiscoverMORE Afternoon tea (extra expense)
Today is yours to leisurely explore the rest of London at your own pace. You might consider taking in the panoramic views across the city from the iconic London Eye, a visit to the esteemed British Museum, or strolling through the verdant urban landscape of Hyde Park. You could also check out the striking street art in Shoreditch, or enjoy a show at one of the many renowned theatres in the West End. (B)
- DiscoverMORE Guided Tour of Camden and Borough Market (extra expense)
This morning after breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your London hotel to St. Pancras station, where you’ll join the train bound for The Netherlands and Amsterdam Centraal station. Upon arrival in this delightful Dutch city, you’ll then embark on your luxury European cruise, taking with you memories of impressive London landmarks, captivating royal heritage and traditional English afternoon tea.
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 Dawn
Indulge in exquisite first class dining and amenities when you take a European river cruise on Emerald Dawn. Read more
Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more
Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more
Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more
From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more
Pamper and relax with a massage or facial and recharge with a yoga class on the sun deck. Read more
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Jewels of the Rhine & London' Reviews
Cabins were adequate, with a reasonable ensuite and over the top room service (2x daily) - sign said to reuse towels unless on floor, but this was ignored and wet towels changed every day. The bad points far outdated the good. Number one is the noise in the dining room, which was unbearable - we left one night and skipped dinner on two occasions because of the noise. Lounge was too small to hold all guests and was noisy, either from loud music or too many people, so we avoided all entertainment, except the Zittar player, who was very good. Other entertainment was quizzes of various sorts, golf putting, singing, etc -very unsophisticated. Seats in lounge were mostly uncomfortable. Lounge also had cold water on tap (still and sparkling) and basic coffee machine (using UHT milk and OK if you add a double espresso to anything). Drinks were bar prices and packages from about $20 per day per person.
Front deck was poorly furnished with old seats and not very comfortable. Pool was OK, but small (converted to cinema at night, with mostly uninteresting movies). Sun deck was closed for nearly half the cruise due to low bridges/high water levels.
Guided tours were in big groups (30 plus), so like cats being hearded around. They have gentle walking group, but no faster walking group, so saw much more walking around independently. Little time is spent at most locations (full day only in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest), and a lot of time is spent on the boat. No day tours by bus included, unlike on other cruises. Some day trips available at extra cost, but very expensive. Active program is aimed at those who don’t exercise very often and are slow. Bike tour guides were good, but too slow eg 5 hours to do 35km. Passengers were mainly native English speakers, with most from Australia.
Information about bus returns to boat was hard to obtain unless you went on the guided tour (always told “tour guide will tell you”) and sometimes plainly wrong. People were left in Budapest for two hours on a hot day, when they had expected to be taken back to the boat after the bus tour around town. Best the tour guide could say was “get a taxi” when there was public bus that dropped you opposite the boat and was free for over 65s. No maps provided for towns (allegedly for environmental reasons, but they had paper cups in lounge), but you could get them at information centres (but not told where they were). Would definitely not do another river cruise like this.
Availability
USD
Port charges, taxes and fees included.
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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