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Early Season on the Rhine: 8 days Basel to Amsterdam

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-50b9bfa286927754f
Overview
Destination:
Netherlands
Switzerland
Start:Basel, Switzerland
Finish:Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration:8 days
Style:
Cruise,
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
March 2026 - March 2026

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
Discover spectacular Europe without the crowds and the enticing possibility to indulge in daily local life and feel the cosy atmosphere of the continent’s winter months. Relish activities on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship that immerse you in the local culture of the region, from traditional Dutch clog painting and an exciting cooking demonstration showcasing local flavours to the sophisticated world of cocktail-making. Enjoy cosy indoor visits especially crafted for this memorable voyage as you sail along the majestic Rhine River, including sampling authentic Black Forest delicacies in the charming city of Freiburg, in southern Germany. On this memorable journey, you can also relish unforgettable cruises along historic canal networks in Amsterdam and Strasbourg. Fairytale-like castles and the remnants of fascinating history along the banks of the river can also be relished from the luxurious comforts of your Star-Ship, from within your elegant Suite or Stateroom, or perhaps relaxing out on the panoramic Sun Deck.
Standard inclusions
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Canal cruise
  • Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
  • Panoramic tour of Duesseldorf
  • Visit to a local winery
  • Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • Panoramic tour of Strasbourg
  • Clog painting on board
  • Cocktail-making on board
  • Cooking demo on board
  • Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Amsterdam

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.

Day 2 - Amsterdam

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tell a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city's medieval centre and past Roman patrician houses.

Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, and join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS very typical clog painting on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Canal cruise

EmeraldPLUS
Clog painting on board

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Dutch Delights (extra expense)

Day 3 - Duesseldorf - Cologne

Join a tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience the unique charm of Düsseldorf. This afternoon enjoy a unique EmeraldPLUS experience on board with a cocktail demonstration demo.

Included Excursion
Panoramic tour of Duesseldorf

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town

EmeraldPLUS
Cocktail-making demo on board

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Cologne beer experience (extra expense)

Day 4 - Koblenz

Arrive this morning in Koblenz and discover the rich winemaking heritage on a captivating winery tour. Immerse yourself in the world of Riesling, the region's renowned grape variety, as you explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample exquisite wines. Experience the beauty of the Rhine Valley, savor the flavors of local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in this charming German city. Later on, embark on a culinary adventure on board and experience a captivating cooking demonstration while sailing towards the Rhine river.

Included Excursion
Visit to a local winery

EmeraldPLUS
Cooking demo on board

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day 5 - Germersheim

This morning, you will discover Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature 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 ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

Day 6 - Kehl – Strasbourg

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you will get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure. 

Included Excursion
Panoramic tour of Strasbourg 

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Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)

Day 7 - Breisach - Freiburg

Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to pedal your way through Breisach on a guided bike tour.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Day 8 - Basel

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest 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 Basel after 10:00 AM.

Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

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Travellers

Operator
Emerald Cruises

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.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Price from
$3,995 $3,828 *
Member price from
$3,828*
per person
7 nights
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