Overview
Relish activities on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship that immerse you in the local culture of the region, from traditional Dutch clog painting and an exciting cooking demonstration showcasing local flavours to the sophisticated...read more world of cocktail-making. Enjoy cosy indoor visits especially crafted for this memorable voyage as you sail along the majestic Rhine River, including sampling authentic Black Forest delicacies in the charming city of Freiburg, in southern Germany.
On this memorable journey, you can also relish unforgettable cruises along historic canal networks in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Fairytale-like castles and the remnants of fascinating history along the banks of the river can also be relished from the luxurious comforts of your Star-Ship, from within your elegant Suite or Stateroom, or perhaps relaxing out on the panoramic Sun Deck.
Itinerary
Welcome to the Netherlands and the quintessentially Dutch city of Amsterdam. Here, you'll be greeted at the airport and then transferred to your stylish Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival on board. (D)
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 an iconic, glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, gliding past the Dutch city's medieval centre and Roman patrician houses.
Then enjoy cruising through the scenic Dutch countryside and towards the Rhine River. This afternoon, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about traditional Dutch clog painting on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Canal cruise
- EmeraldPLUS Clog painting on board
- DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Today, embark on a tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant German 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 modern and ancient charms. This afternoon, enjoy a unique EmeraldPLUS experience, joining an exciting cocktail-making demonstration on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Panoramic tour of Düsseldorf
- EmeraldPLUS Cocktail-making demo on board
- DiscoverMORE Cologne beer experience (extra expense)
This morning, you'll arrive in Koblenz, where you can discover its rich winemaking heritage on a captivating winery tour. Immerse yourself in the esteemed world of Riesling, the region's renowned grape variety, as you explore verdant vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample exceptional wines. Experience the magnificent beauty of the Rhine Valley, savour the delicious flavours of local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in this charming German city. Later, embark on a culinary adventure on board your Star-Ship, experiencing an enthralling cooking demonstration as you sail towards the Rhine River. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Visit to a local winery
- EmeraldPLUS Cooking demo on board
- DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
This morning, Heidelberg awaits, a delightful UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of such luminaries as American writer, Mark Twain and British artist, William Turner. A guided tour of the city will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a city landmark and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Here, admire the carefully curated gardens, filled with serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
This morning, your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship will sail into Kehl, where you'll then be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace Region. Cobblestone squares framed by well-preserved, half-timbered residences make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time. Here, you'll get the opportunity to explore Strasbourg's storied 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 picturesque canal network that weaves through the historic neighbourhood of Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at your own pace. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Panoramic tour of Strasbourg
- DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
Today, as part of your fascinating EmeraldPLUS experience, you'll visit the charming city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest,' Freiburg is home to lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you'll also get the chance to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to pedal your way through Breisach on a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with cherished memories of the enchanting Black Forest, scenic canal systems and many other unique European delights.
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.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)
Life Onboard Emerald Sun
Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Sun as you explore Europe's great rivers. 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 river cruise. Read more
Deck games, a walking track and a place to relax and take in the views awaits on the sun deck. Read more
Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Serenity on the Rhine' 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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