Jewels of the Rhine

Day 1: Arrive Zurich – Basel

Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Zurich. You will be met and transferred from the airport to the dock in Basel. A warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your Emerald Waterways river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore the Rhine-side town of Basel. This evening join your fellow travellers for a cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Black Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The beautiful Black Forest region of Germany has long been a fairy tale destination. Commence your magical morning with the Vogtsbauernhof Museum, an open air exhibition of sixteenth century life, featuring a number of reconstructed Black Forest farms. EmeraldPLUS: A typical Gasthof owned by a local family with a presentation and tasting of Black Forest gateau.

Day 3: Mannheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Continue to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The city was a pivotal place during the invasion of Germany by the Allies in WWII, and has long been associated with inventions in industry. Take an excursion to the medieval town of Heidelberg including a visit to the impressive castle which overlooks the town.

Day 4: Rüdesheim

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today visit Rüdesheim, a medieval village on the banks of the Rhine. Take a gondola ride up to the Germania monument overlooking the Rhine Valley. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the local shopping or relax on board in beautiful surroundings at the confluence of the Rhine and main rivers.

Day 5: Koblenz

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles and vineyards as well as the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, which was built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. Vineyards and medieval castles line the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities at every bend. Cruise to the 2000 year old town of Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river, part of the Prussian defences against the French in the 19th century, and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. Enjoy free time to wander through the town and take in the views.

Day 6: Cologne

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Welcome to Cologne, founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest and is famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your local guide for an included tour of the Old Town, with its beautiful squares and historic monuments, with free time for exploring. Cologne is one of Germany's largest and most modern cities largely due to a rebuilding plan post WWII, and it has many different museums and galleries including a Roman artifact museum.

Day 7: Amsterdam – Cruising

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The ship sails along the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal and into Amsterdam. This afternoon join a glass top canal boat cruise and explore Amsterdam’s maze of canals or join Emerald Active for a guided walking tour around the famous landmarks of Amsterdam. You then have free time in the afternoon to visit the Rijks Museum or Van Gogh Museum, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere and watch the world go by. This evening join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Disembarkation Amsterdam

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark your ship and transfer to Amsterdam airport for your onward or homebound flight (please book flights after 12 noon).