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Early Season on the Rhine: 8 days Zurich to Amsterdam

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-88cd7157e7addf1e0
Overview
Destination:
Netherlands
Switzerland
Start:Zurich, Switzerland
Finish:Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration:8 days
Style:
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, nestled 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
  • Panoramic tour of Strasbourg
  • Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • Visit to a local winery
  • Panoramic tour of Düsseldorf
  • Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
  • Cooking demo on board
  • 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
  • Canal cruise in Amsterdam
  • Cocktail-making demo on board
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Zurich - Basel

Welcome to Switzerland and Basel, a charming city resting on the shores of the Rhine River. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your stylish Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your amiable captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.

Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM.

Day 2 - Freiburg (Breisach)

Today, as part of your marvellous EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll visit the charming city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest,' Freiburg is home to lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you’ll also get the chance to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies with a tasting.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

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Guided tour Colmar (extra expense)

Day 3 - Kehl - Strasbourg

This morning, your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship will sail into Kehl, where you’ll be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobblestone squares framed by well-preserved half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the city’s storied 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 picturesque canal network that weaves through the stunning neighbourhood of Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at your own pace.

Included Excursion
Panoramic tour of Strasbourg

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

Day 4 - Heidelberg (Germersheim)

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship as you sail towards Germersheim, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Then travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how this became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of luminaries, American writer, Mark Twain and British artist, William Turner, with its historical setting. Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

Day 5 - Koblenz

Today In Koblenz, discover the region’s rich winemaking heritage on a captivating winery tour. Immerse yourself in the esteemed 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, savour the flavours of the delicious local cuisine, and create unforgettable memories in this charming German city. Later on, embark on a culinary adventure on board your Star-Ship, experiencing an enthralling cooking demonstration as you sail towards the Rhine River.

Included Excursion
Visit to a local winery

EmeraldPLUS
Cooking demo on board

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A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day 6 - Düsseldorf - Cologne

Today, embark on a fascinating tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant German 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 the delicious local cuisine, and marvel at the contrast of Düsseldorf’s modern and ancient charms. This afternoon, enjoy a unique EmeraldPLUS experience, joining an exciting cocktail-making demonstration on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Panoramic tour of Düsseldorf

EmeraldPLUS
Cocktail-making demo on board

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Cologne Beer experience (extra expense)

Day 7 - Amsterdam

Today, discover Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during an iconic, glass-top canal cruise. Along this elaborate canal system, you’ll sail through the city's medieval centre, gliding past Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that evoke tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age. This afternoon, on board your Star-Ship, you’re welcome to join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS experience, learning about traditional Dutch clog painting.

Included Excursion
Amsterdam canal cruise

EmeraldPLUS
Clog painting on board

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Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

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Dutch Delights tour (extra expense)

Day 8 - Amsterdam

This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with treasured memories of the Black Forest, UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals and other unique European delights.

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.

Departure dates

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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 *
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$3,828*
per person
7 nights
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