Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine

Today, you'll be transferred from the airport to Zurich,one of the most celebrated cities in Switzerland, resting along the shores of Lake Zurich. After settling into your centrally-located hotel in Zurich for your included one-night stay, enjoy a welcome drink with your fellow guests and tour director.

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne for your included two-night hotel stay.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, an enchanting Swiss city renowned for its spectacular lakeside and mountain setting, and well-preserved medieval architecture, where historic charm seamlessly blends with modern culture.

• Included Excursion Guided city tour of Zurich
  This morning, explore Zurich on a guided tour, featuring the Bahnhofstrasse and the Romanesque Cathedral. Enjoy views from the city's oldest quarters and visit the Frauenkirche before relaxing at the lakeside park
• Included Excursion Guided city tour of Lucerne
  The awe-inspiring natural beauty that envelopes Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover 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 mountains 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 octagonal Water Tower, passing colourful buildings that highlight Lucerne's distinctive character.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of beautiful Lucerne. Perhaps delving deeper into the charming Old Town or taking a stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne. You can also choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion; your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your explorations in Lucerne.

• DiscoverMORE Tastes of Switzerland (extra expense)
  Savour the delicious flavours of Switzerland on a culinary adventure that celebrates the country's most iconic delights. Indulge in creamy artisanal cheeses and sample world-renowned Swiss chocolates. This tasting experience invites you to discover the authentic tastes that make Switzerland a true gastronomic treasure.
  Duration: 1.5 hours, Activity level: Easy
• DiscoverMORE Train & cable car ride to Rigi–Weggis (extra expense)
  Enjoy an independent visit to Mount Rigi - one of the most iconic mountains in Central Switzerland. To begin, you'll be transferred from Lucerne to the foot of Rigi Mountain, then board a small train to the summit, where you can admire the incredible panoramic views. Conclude your mountain explorations with a thrilling cable-car ride down the mountain.
  Duration: 4-6 hours, Activity level: Easy

This morning, after breakfast, journey by coach through picturesque landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side city of Basel (Huningue). Upon arrival, you'll board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen's church is perched on a volcanic hill and visible from a great distance.

• EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
  Spectacular and historic Freiburg im Breisgau, commonly known simply as Freiburg, sits on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest in southern Germany. A photogenic old city that was founded in 1120, Freiburg lays claim to having the most sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city focuses on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some delicious local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as the famous Black Forest ham.
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour in Breisach
  For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating e-bike tour around Breisach. The route takes in the picturesque scenery between the Kaiserstuhl mountains and the river running through the woods. Once you arrive in Burkheim, take a break to enjoy some traditional Black Forest cake. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region on two wheels.
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
  Commence your magical morning with a guided tour of Colmar. As you walk along the quaint 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. Activity Level: Easy. Duration: 5 hours

Today, you'll arrive in Strasbourg, a city shaped by both French and German influences and renowned for its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Once a key medieval trading centre and later part of the German Empire, Strasbourg's World Heritage-listed Neustadt district showcases grand 19th-century boulevards and impressive imperial buildings. Its historic core, centred around the magnificent cathedral, reflects centuries of cultural exchange and shifting borders. Strasbourg also lies at the heart of the celebrated Alsace wine region, where charming villages and vineyard-covered hillsides are never far away.

Cruise onwards to Germersheim tonight for an exclusive concert at Bruchsal Palace.

• Included Excursion Flavours of Alsace: Strasbourg walking tour with local tasting
  Explore the historic streets of Strasbourg on a guided walking tour that reveals the city's rich cultural heritage. From the grand Strasbourg Cathedral to the picturesque La Petite France, you'll discover the city's fascinating landmarks and charming corners. Along the way, enjoy a delightful local tasting of regional specialties, offering a true taste of Alsace culinary traditions.
• DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
  Escape to the heart of Germany's Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden Spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers an inviting blend of wellness, history and indulgence. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours
• EmeraldPLUS Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
  Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is a breathtaking Baroque Palace noted for its fine Rococo decoration. Made up of over 50 buildings, this impressive complex includes a three-winged residential building with an attached chapel, four pavilions separated by a road, some smaller utility buildings, and a pretty garden. This evening, in one of the most beautiful rooms, you're invited to attend enjoy a private classical concert within one of the most beautiful rooms. This exclusive experience blends culture, atmosphere, and refinement, an enchanting night in one of Germany's most stunning historical settings.

A lively university town, Mannheim is best known for its unique grid system and is often called the City of Squares (Quadratestadt). Its most famous landmark is the striking Baroque Mannheim Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
  Today, travel to nearby Heidelberg, a charming UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance remnants of Heidelberg Castle, where carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.
• EmeraldACTIVE Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  Meet your local guide and take the funicular to the peak of Mount Königstuhl. Take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the Neckar Valley, then continue our journey on foot through the forest. Once out of the woods, enter the castle of Heidelberg for a short tour of the ruin before descending into the Old Town. Enjoy a brief orientation walk and some free time.

This evening, you'll cruise onwards to Rudesheim.

• DiscoverMORE Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
  On your visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, take a short ride on the mini train to taste the specialty coffee of the region. A swig of Rüdesheimer coffee is a treat for wine lovers and coffee fans alike. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song.

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it's a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Koblenz is particularly charming in spring, with pleasant weather and the surrounding vineyards bursting into life.

• Included Excursion Orientation Walk of Koblenz 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'll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe's great rivers converge at the German Corner.
• DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
  Resting on a spectacular hill 91m (299 ft) above the Moselle Valley is the medieval town of Cochem. Take a walking tour including a guided visit to the magnificent Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle, boasting impressive views of the Moselle Valley. The original 12th-century Romanesque style was replaced by King Louis XIV, who ordered his troops to destroy it in 1689. Rebuilt in 1868, he chose the neo-Gothic architecture that we know today as his family's summer residence. Activity Level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 5 hours

Continue along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans in 50 A.D., this is one of the oldest cities in Germany and was almost completely rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Look out for the twin spires of its Gothic cathedral, known locally as the Kolner Dom.

Later, you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion, Düsseldorf is one of the country's most captivating cities.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
  Join your local guide and explore the city of Cologne, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. You'll conclude at the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, shop for trinkets or explore further before returning to the ship.
• Included Excursion Walking tour of Düsseldorf
  Discover the vibrant city of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour that takes you through its cultural landmarks and scenic streets. Explore the historic Altstadt and modern cityscape.
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour in Cologne
  Join your local guide and explore Cologne on two wheels. This active tour will take you along the Rhine River, passing Cologne's northern suburbs and industrial and business areas.
• DiscoverMORE German Beer Experience (extra expense)
  Discover the spirited beer culture of Düsseldorf on this lively and flavourful guided tour through the city's legendary brewhouses. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Beyond Amsterdam's storied canals, a gentler rhythm unfolds as you venture into the Dutch countryside, where emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. From charming towns like Alkmaar, famed for its historic cheese-making traditions, to Waterland, where pretty, stilted villages, glassy lakes and narrow canals offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, discover how the Dutch have shaped their landscape for generations.

• Included Excursion Excursion to Alkmaar
  Step into classic Dutch charm with a visit to Alkmaar, a picturesque town known for its historic architecture, tranquil canals and world-famous cheese market. Whether you're exploring the cobbled streets lined with gabled houses or soaking in the atmosphere of lively squares, Alkmaar offers an authentic and inviting slice of the Netherlands.
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour to Waterland
  Active travellers can embark on a guided e-bike tour through the outskirts of Amsterdam to Waterland, passing quintessential Dutch villages, traditional windmills and fields that are bursting with colour and vibrancy.
• DiscoverMORE Hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
  Explore a quieter, more authentic side of Amsterdam on this relaxed and personalised tour through the city's hidden treasures. Visit the historic Jordaan area and a charming chocolate shop for a sweet treat. Continue through some of the city's most beautiful streets to Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century house with a fully preserved Catholic church in its attic. Finish with a beer and snacks at a local brewery. Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours
• DiscoverMORE Dutch Delights (extra expense)
  See the highlights of this amazing city while tasting some delicious Dutch treats. Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Today, after breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Emerald Star-Ship and fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the dazzling jewels of Europe with you.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam's city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Emerald Cruises will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.