Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
Welcome to Berlin, the historic capital of Germany. After being welcomed at the airport, you'll then be transferred to your centrally-located hotel in Berlin, your home for the next three nights.
You're invited to join a fascinating guided tour of Berlin, where you'll discover for yourself how the city’s tangible history is evident along every street. Enjoy learning about the Berlin Cathedral and iconic Berlin Wall, a symbolic monument that represents how this city was once divided for near-on three decades and then reunited. After your city tour, you're free to explore this intriguing capital at leisure, perhaps discovering the creative lifestyles of the Berlin residents and the vibrant arts scene or savouring one of the many chic restaurants.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Berlin
Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Berlin at your own pace. You may wish to discover more of the historic architecture and modern landmarks found in numerous spots across the German capital, including the renowned, industrial heritage buildings. There are also a number of excellent museums worth visiting, including Berlin’s Museum Island. Or you could immerse yourself in the popular food markets in the city’s market halls, or browse the luxury shops along Kurfürstendamm, one of Berlin’s most famous avenue.
Guided tour of Potsdam
After breakfast, fly to Frankfurt and be transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.
Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.
Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes.
During your EmeraldPLUS experience, discover the fascinating legends of the Rhine in this engaging lecture that delves into the region's rich history and mythology.
EmeraldPLUS
Legends on the Rhine
Included Excursion
A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz
EmeraldACTIVE
Bike tour in Koblenz
DiscoverMORE
Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.
Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Discovery: Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim
This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert in a historical venue.
Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert on the Rhine
DiscoverMORE
Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg.
Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll embark on a traditional canal boat
tour. Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of the
city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Included Excursion
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the 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. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Colmar
DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge 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.
Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.
Select your preferred date or enquire
Discover the world with Emerald Cruises. Whether you’re travelling to unspoilt islands or bustling metropolises, our fleet of river-cruising Star-Ships and ocean-going luxury yachts guarantee an unparalleled voyage. Enjoy modern exploration, pairing authentic adventures with inimitable luxury. Founded in 2013, and first sailing as Emerald Waterways in 2014, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruises. Just one year later, in 2014, the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, set sail. Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship featuring a range of stylish innovations. Whether you’re travelling by river or sea, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of amazing destinations. In 2024, we celebrate 10 years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia, launching in early 2026.