Overview
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)
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 gems of 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
Today, you’ll dock in Kehl, to be transferred by coach to the medieval city of Strasbourg. A local guide will teach you about the city’s history during an insightful guided tour, passing through cobbled squares adorned with quaint boutiques and charming cafés. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including Petite France. An area of unmatched beauty, the picturesque canal system cascades past half-timbered houses once home to fishermen, tanners and millers during the Middle Ages. The narrow lanes and footbridges that pepper the area all add to its undeniable charm. This afternoon, Strasbourg is yours to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg
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 boasting more than 100 sculptures. Alternatively, you can embark on a hike through the beautiful vineyards of the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through a vineyard in Bad-Dürkheim
Today, we’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets, passing façades adorned with boxes of spring-blooming flowers. You’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
- DiscoverMORE A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
The largest city on the Rhine awaits your arrival. Once a major trade route linking both sides of Europe, today, the city offers the perfect platform to explore Roman history, including the ornate Roman mosaics that have stood the test of time.
Your insightful guided tour of Cologne will detail how the air raids of WWII turned its streets into a blank canvas, resulting in the loss of ancient monuments and cultural treasures. Many of the city's historic buildings have undergone restoration and now sit alongside modern architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, constructed over six centuries, using medieval techniques to retain its authenticity. You’ll also explore the Botanical Gardens, established in the 19th century and visited by more than a million people yearly. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens
A visit to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens is sure to leave an impression. More than 800 varieties of spring-flowering tulips and regular flower shows showcase spring in a quintessentially Dutch fashion. Each year, the gardens adopt a theme, and you’ll have every opportunity to learn about different planting techniques and the work completed behind the scenes by the landscape architects.
Soak in the sights of expertly arranged tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating a swathe of natural beauty. You’ll also have the chance to see statues commissioned by world-renown artists. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
- DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of spring-blooming flowers and delightful cobblestone squares with you.
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)
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 gems of 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
Today, you’ll dock in Kehl, to be transferred by coach to the medieval city of Strasbourg. A local guide will teach you about the city’s history during an insightful guided tour, passing through cobbled squares adorned with quaint boutiques and charming cafés. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including Petite France. An area of unmatched beauty, the picturesque canal system cascades past half-timbered houses once home to fishermen, tanners and millers during the Middle Ages. The narrow lanes and footbridges that pepper the area all add to its undeniable charm. This afternoon, Strasbourg is yours to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg
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 boasting more than 100 sculptures. Alternatively, you can embark on a hike through the beautiful vineyards of the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through a vineyard in Bad-Dürkheim
Today, we’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets, passing façades adorned with boxes of spring-blooming flowers. You’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
- DiscoverMORE A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
The largest city on the Rhine awaits your arrival. Once a major trade route linking both sides of Europe, today, the city offers the perfect platform to explore Roman history, including the ornate Roman mosaics that have stood the test of time.
Your insightful guided tour of Cologne will detail how the air raids of WWII turned its streets into a blank canvas, resulting in the loss of ancient monuments and cultural treasures. Many of the city's historic buildings have undergone restoration and now sit alongside modern architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, constructed over six centuries, using medieval techniques to retain its authenticity. You’ll also explore the Botanical Gardens, established in the 19th century and visited by more than a million people yearly. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens
A visit to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens is sure to leave an impression. More than 800 varieties of spring-flowering tulips and regular flower shows showcase spring in a quintessentially Dutch fashion. Each year, the gardens adopt a theme, and you’ll have every opportunity to learn about different planting techniques and the work completed behind the scenes by the landscape architects.
Soak in the sights of expertly arranged tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating a swathe of natural beauty. You’ll also have the chance to see statues commissioned by world-renown artists. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
- DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of spring-blooming flowers and delightful cobblestone squares with you.
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
Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna 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 Cruises 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 (4) Most Recent 'Zurich - Lucerne with Tulips & the Rhine' Reviews
The crew were fantastic, I couldn't fault them, they gave 110% but there was still a feeling that we should have had more information before leaving and maybe a couple of the locations for tours might have been better, particularly the Cathedral at Krems. This tour was a bit of a non event as much of the building was closed. The Vienna concert evening was expensive for what it was and not particularly well organised, there was a lot of standing around before people were shown to their seats, not good for over passengers. The concert was also very short. We did another one in Vienna a week later, half the cost and lasted another 40 minutes.
All the tour guides were great though. Very informative and often funny. Great history lessons to be had. The food was excellent, varied and plentiful for a first time cruiser, there were some old hands who had done multiple cruises that didn't agree, so maybe that needs looking at. The entertainment was fun and well done, Dressen was always on the go making sure everyone was happy.
Janina worked really hard to ensure everyone was informed and catered for. Her port talks were excellent. I would have liked to have seen more scenery as we sailed along , most of our movements were done at night, possibly partly because of the shorter days too. All in all it was great , we both enjoyed it very much.
Brochure
Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)
Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details
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
12 Days Budapest Istanbul
Operated By: Emerald Cruises
12 Days Istanbul Budapest
Operated By: Emerald Cruises
16 Days Bucharest Munich
Operated By: Emerald Cruises
