Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Berlin, your home for the next three nights.
This morning, join your local guide for a walking tour of Berlin, passing by the famous Alexanderplatz, the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall, a symbolic monument that portrays the division for near-on three decades and then reunion, of the city. This afternoon, 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
A 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 places 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 avenues.
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Guided tour of Potsdam (extra expense)
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.
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 and the 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
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Moselle Valley & Cochem 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
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. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before touring the backstage of the Baden Baden Opera Theater
Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
EmeraldPLUS
Backstage Opera Theater Tour
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 an EmeraldPLUS 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.
EmeraldPLUS
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
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Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)
Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to Lucerne, including a two-night stay.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Lucerne
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Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)
Lucerne is known around the world for its spectacular setting, perfectly encapsulating a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Lucerne
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Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)
This morning, transfer by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, known for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre.
When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by free time to explore its delightful lakeside setting, perhaps discovering its famous Old Town.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Zurich
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way.
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 note: Preview itinerary subject to change.
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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.