Tulips & the Rhine

3.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Tulips & the Rhine

3.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
River View
$4,110
Balcony
$5,130
Suite
$6,268
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Basel
8 Day Tulips & the Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Basel
8 Day Tulips & the Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EWAC-3
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EWAC-3

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. A vibrant celebration of all things quintessentially Dutch, Amsterdam’s winding canals and a trip to Keukenhof Gardens are the perfect start to your river cruise. View traditional windmills en-route along the river towards Cologne, where a guided excursion will introduce you to its Gothic cathedral. Discover even more of archaic Germany in Koblenz and Heidelberg, before crossing the border into Strasbourg and...read more concluding in the enchanting Black Forest.
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. A vibrant celebration of all things quintessentially Dutch, Amsterdam’s winding canals and a trip to Keukenhof Gardens are the perfect start to your river cruise. View traditional windmills en-route along the river towards Cologne, where a guided excursion will introduce you to its Gothic cathedral. Discover even more of archaic Germany in Koblenz and Heidelberg, before crossing the border into Strasbourg and...read more concluding in the enchanting Black Forest.

Itinerary

Welcome to Amsterdam. Here, you will be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a quintessentially Dutch adventure awaits. (D)

This morning you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. This scenic area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colours. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty. You will also have the opportunity to see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens

Once the ancient Roman settlement of Colonia, Cologne is alive with ancient architecture. Your included walking tour of the city will touch on the historical charm of its Old Town. Here, you will have the opportunity to traverse rustic alleyways, visit iconic monuments and see how archaeologists have uncovered a Jewish Quarter that can be dated back to the 13th century. As part of your day, you will also explore Cologne Botanical Gardens. Established in the 19th century, the gardens are visited by more than a million people every year. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens

Once a Roman stronghold desired for its strategic value, Koblenz is now a city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You will also have the chance to see 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. Later, we'll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. (B/L/D)

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

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim

Today, we arrive in Kehl, where you'll be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist’s easel. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg

Today, you will experience the tale of two cities divided by the Rhine, Breisach (Germany), and Neuf-Brisach (France). During your guided visit to these two fantastic gems on the Rhine River, you'll pass by the main sights and attractions, one of which is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress overlooking Neuf-Brisach. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach

Welcome to Switzerland. Basel graces the banks of the Rhine River and is known for its high concentration of museums, showcasing everything from contemporary art to scientific achievements.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests as you transfer to the airport, taking memories infused with vibrant tulip gardens with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 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. (B)

Welcome to Amsterdam. Here, you will be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a quintessentially Dutch adventure awaits. (D)

This morning you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. This scenic area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colours. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty. You will also have the opportunity to see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens

Once the ancient Roman settlement of Colonia, Cologne is alive with ancient architecture. Your included walking tour of the city will touch on the historical charm of its Old Town. Here, you will have the opportunity to traverse rustic alleyways, visit iconic monuments and see how archaeologists have uncovered a Jewish Quarter that can be dated back to the 13th century. As part of your day, you will also explore Cologne Botanical Gardens. Established in the 19th century, the gardens are visited by more than a million people every year. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens

Once a Roman stronghold desired for its strategic value, Koblenz is now a city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You will also have the chance to see 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. Later, we'll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. (B/L/D)

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

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim

Today, we arrive in Kehl, where you'll be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist’s easel. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg

Today, you will experience the tale of two cities divided by the Rhine, Breisach (Germany), and Neuf-Brisach (France). During your guided visit to these two fantastic gems on the Rhine River, you'll pass by the main sights and attractions, one of which is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress overlooking Neuf-Brisach. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach

Welcome to Switzerland. Basel graces the banks of the Rhine River and is known for its high concentration of museums, showcasing everything from contemporary art to scientific achievements.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests as you transfer to the airport, taking memories infused with vibrant tulip gardens with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 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. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Luna

Emerald Luna
Emerald Luna

Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna as you explore Europe's great rivers. 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

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Sun Deck Life
Sun Deck Life

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 'Tulips & the Rhine' Reviews

3.5
AVG. RATING 3.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
50%
1 Star
Disappointing -Splendours of Europe 6 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2024
We have done several small boat cruises eg Douro, Rhine, Mekong, Great Lakes and Eerie Canal and several bike and boat or hotel tours in France, Italy and on the Danube and this was the worst, by far. That said, it gets two stars for the restaurant and room staff, who were excellent and the food which was really good particularly if you want to eat ...read more a healthy diet (there are lots of non-healthy options too and many on board were both overweight and gluttons). Breakfast is a buffet with omelette/fried egg station, lunch is a buffet with menu for protein(choice of meat, fish and vegetarian). Dinner is sit down meal with good choices and option of grilled fish, steak or chicken. Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, but wines were not regional and were lower end - included one from winery in Australia which we had never heard of.

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.
Emerald European River Cruise 4 , NSW, Australia, May 2024
Have just returned from an European river cruise Amsterdam to Budapest with Emerald booked with Hannah. Communication was fast and efficient. Flights, transfers, hotel accommodation and cruise all ran smoothly. The cruise itself was amazing! We will definitely book our next holiday will Global Journeys…..thank you.

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
Saturday 22 Mar 2025
Saturday 29 Mar 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $837
$4,278
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,046
$5,159
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,356
$6,169
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 29 Mar 2025
Saturday 05 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
Save $1,046
$5,159
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,356
$6,169
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 05 Apr 2025
Saturday 12 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $837
$4,278
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,052
$5,763
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,356
$6,169
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 12 Apr 2025
Saturday 19 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
Save $837
$4,278
View Cabins
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
Save $1,356
$6,169
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 19 Apr 2025
Saturday 26 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $837
$4,278
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,047
$5,258
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Super Savings
Saturday 03 May 2025
Saturday 10 May 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $844
$5,021
View Cabins
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Super Savings
Saturday 22 Mar 2025
Saturday 29 Mar 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $881
$8,699
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,101
$10,659
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,425
$12,975
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 29 Mar 2025
Saturday 05 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
Save $1,101
$10,659
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,425
$12,975
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 05 Apr 2025
Saturday 12 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $881
$8,699
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,113
$11,867
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,425
$12,975
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 12 Apr 2025
Saturday 19 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
Save $848
$5,437
View Cabins
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
Save $1,425
$12,975
View Cabins
Super Savings
Saturday 19 Apr 2025
Saturday 26 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $881
$8,699
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,103
$10,857
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Super Savings
Saturday 03 May 2025
Saturday 10 May 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $896
$10,184
View Cabins
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Super Earlybird
Sunday 29 Mar 2026
Sunday 05 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $835
$4,110
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,045
$5,130
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,357
$6,268
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Saturday 04 Apr 2026
Saturday 11 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
Save $835
$4,110
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,045
$5,130
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,357
$6,268
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Sunday 12 Apr 2026
Sunday 19 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $835
$4,110
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,045
$5,130
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,357
$6,268
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Sunday 26 Apr 2026
Sunday 03 May 2026
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $835
$4,110
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,045
$5,130
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,357
$6,268
View Cabins
75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Sunday 29 Mar 2026
Sunday 05 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $849
$5,536
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $3,299
$8,401
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,427
$13,173
View Cabins
75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Saturday 04 Apr 2026
Saturday 11 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
Save $849
$5,536
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $3,299
$8,401
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,427
$13,173
View Cabins
75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Sunday 12 Apr 2026
Sunday 19 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $849
$5,536
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $3,299
$8,401
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,427
$13,173
View Cabins
75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Sunday 26 Apr 2026
Sunday 03 May 2026
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $849
$5,536
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $3,299
$8,401
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,427
$13,173
View Cabins
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.

Similar River Cruises

9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Emerald Cruises)

9 Days Bucharest Budapest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 5,140
Save 1,051
9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Emerald Cruises)

9 Days Budapest Bucharest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 5,140
Save 848
14 Day Lisbon to Madrid with Secrets of the Douro (Emerald Cruises)

14 Days Lisbon Madrid

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 7,156
Save 1,364
14 Day Madrid to Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro (Emerald Cruises)

14 Days Madrid Lisbon

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 7,651
Save 876

Travel Styles