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Zurich - Lucerne & The Majestic Rhine

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

Zurich - Lucerne & The Majestic Rhine

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
River View
$6,644
Balcony
$7,664
Suite
$8,803
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Zurich
 Cruise Finishes
Frankfurt
11 Day Zurich - Lucerne & The Majestic Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Zurich
 Cruise Finishes
Frankfurt
11 Day Zurich - Lucerne & The Majestic Rhine Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EWZH-2
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EWZH-2

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. Your journey through Germany and France will feature numerous picturesque landscapes. Tour the charming Alsace capital, Strasbourg, visit the spa town of Baden-Baden, and be enchanted by the ancient and diverse architecture in the German cities of Koblenz and Mannheim. Your cruise ends in the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim.
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. Your journey through Germany and France will feature numerous picturesque landscapes. Tour the charming Alsace capital, Strasbourg, visit the spa town of Baden-Baden, and be enchanted by the ancient and diverse architecture in the German cities of Koblenz and Mannheim. Your cruise ends in the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim.

Itinerary

Straddling the northernmost tip of Lake Zurich, Zurich is one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. Today, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or frequenting one of its many charming cafés. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, perhaps strolling down cobblestone streets in its colourful Altstadt. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Zurich

The awe-inspiring natural beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
  • DiscoverMORE Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)

This morning, journey by coach through idyllic landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side town of Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (B/D)

Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour of Colmar. A magical place, Colmar resembles the imagery found within a beloved fairy tale. Your included tour of the town will enable you to traverse its cobblestone lanes, passing medieval half-timbered façades and window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers. If you’re feeling more active, you may instead wish to 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)

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a city perfectly encapsulating the region’s medieval charm. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways. You’ll explore the historic architecture on a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.

Relax on board as you pass through the idyllic surrounds of Petite France and conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s noteworthy buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

This morning, you’re transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, known for its peaceful surroundings and the celebrities who have visited it over the last century.

If you’re feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a hike to Altes Schloss, where your local guide will show you the castle ruins, including the dungeons and winding staircases. The panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest region are certain to make this a truly unforgettable experience.

Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, witnessing the luxurious façades of the independent boutiques and the well-manicured gardens, before joining a unique backstage tour 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

Strolling down Heidelberg’s cobblestone streets, you may find yourself as entranced as the German Romanticist thinkers before you. Heidelberg is a living representation of the legend-steeped cityscapes depicted by the romanticists, its peaceful surroundings beckoning exploration.

Today, you'll explore Heidelberg Castle or opt to 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

Koblenz is an ancient city often considered to be the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. The Romans originally built a city here as a stronghold, but the area is now known for its idyllic beauty, and peaceful parks full of colourful flowers. Today, you will be able to relax during a guided tour of the city. (B/L/D)

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

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Your included tour will be a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, a half-timbered tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes that houses one of the best collections of music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to ride on the charming minitrain and taste famous Rüdesheimer coffee, made with one of the most famous brandies in Germany. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Petite France and fairy tale-like settings with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Frankfurt after 12:00 PM.

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)

Straddling the northernmost tip of Lake Zurich, Zurich is one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. Today, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or frequenting one of its many charming cafés. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, perhaps strolling down cobblestone streets in its colourful Altstadt. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Zurich

The awe-inspiring natural beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Lucerne
  • DiscoverMORE Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)

This morning, journey by coach through idyllic landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side town of Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (B/D)

Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour of Colmar. A magical place, Colmar resembles the imagery found within a beloved fairy tale. Your included tour of the town will enable you to traverse its cobblestone lanes, passing medieval half-timbered façades and window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers. If you’re feeling more active, you may instead wish to 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)

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a city perfectly encapsulating the region’s medieval charm. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways. You’ll explore the historic architecture on a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.

Relax on board as you pass through the idyllic surrounds of Petite France and conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s noteworthy buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

This morning, you’re transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, known for its peaceful surroundings and the celebrities who have visited it over the last century.

If you’re feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a hike to Altes Schloss, where your local guide will show you the castle ruins, including the dungeons and winding staircases. The panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest region are certain to make this a truly unforgettable experience.

Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, witnessing the luxurious façades of the independent boutiques and the well-manicured gardens, before joining a unique backstage tour 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

Strolling down Heidelberg’s cobblestone streets, you may find yourself as entranced as the German Romanticist thinkers before you. Heidelberg is a living representation of the legend-steeped cityscapes depicted by the romanticists, its peaceful surroundings beckoning exploration.

Today, you'll explore Heidelberg Castle or opt to 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

Koblenz is an ancient city often considered to be the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. The Romans originally built a city here as a stronghold, but the area is now known for its idyllic beauty, and peaceful parks full of colourful flowers. Today, you will be able to relax during a guided tour of the city. (B/L/D)

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

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Your included tour will be a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, a half-timbered tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes that houses one of the best collections of music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to ride on the charming minitrain and taste famous Rüdesheimer coffee, made with one of the most famous brandies in Germany. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Petite France and fairy tale-like settings with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Frankfurt after 12:00 PM.

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 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
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Wonderful River Cruise   1 , 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

Exclusive Savings
Saturday 12 Apr 2025
Tuesday 22 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$8,475
View Cabins
Suite
$9,896
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 28 Aug 2025
Sunday 07 Sep 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$8,622
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 12 Apr 2025
Tuesday 22 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$15,419
View Cabins
Suite
$18,261
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Thursday 28 Aug 2025
Sunday 07 Sep 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
$15,713
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Super Earlybird
Wednesday 17 Jun 2026
Saturday 27 Jun 2026
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
Save $863
$6,842
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,073
$7,862
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,384
$9,001
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Super Earlybird
Friday 07 Aug 2026
Monday 17 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $861
$6,644
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,071
$7,664
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,382
$8,803
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Saturday 22 Aug 2026
Tuesday 01 Sep 2026
Ship Emerald Astra
River View
Save $861
$6,644
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,071
$7,664
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,382
$8,803
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75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Wednesday 17 Jun 2026
Saturday 27 Jun 2026
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
Save $887
$9,268
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $3,976
$12,344
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,473
$17,747
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Friday 07 Aug 2026
Monday 17 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $885
$9,070
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,143
$14,777
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,469
$17,351
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Saturday 22 Aug 2026
Tuesday 01 Sep 2026
Ship Emerald Astra
River View
Save $885
$9,070
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,143
$14,777
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,469
$17,351
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.

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