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Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards with Amsterdam: 13 days Zurich to Amsterdam

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-4c57274e9cf7412e0
Overview
Destination:
Netherlands
Switzerland
Start:Zurich, Switzerland
Finish:Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration:13 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
March 2026 - November 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.
Explore a landscape of sun-drenched vineyards, magnificent castles, and quaint villages along the Rhine & Moselle rivers. Begin in the serenity of Switzerland in Basel, travel to the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg. Traverse the wonderful countryside, stopping in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. You will then continue to the Netherlands with a tour of the quintessentially Dutch cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht with a visit to the traditional Kinderdijk windmills.
Standard inclusions
  • 10 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
  • Guided tour of Colmar
  • Canal cruise of Strasbourg
  • Guided tour of Mainz
  • Guided tour of Cochem with Reichsburg Castle Visit
  • Nijmegen walking tour
  • Walking tour of Rotterdam
  • Guided tour of Bonn
  • Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
  • Visit and wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
  • Canal boat tour of Utrecht with Cheese Tasting
  • Canoeing on the Rhine
  • Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
  • Afternoon hike with Activity Manager in Sankt Goar
  • Cycling tour along the Moselle
  • Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins in Bernkastel
  • Guided bike tour in Bonn
  • Guided bike tour in Nijmegen
  • Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht
  • 29 delectable meals including 10 breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
  • 2 nights at a hotel in Amsterdam
  • Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
  • Transfer from the ship and to the airport
  • 2 Breakfasts (B)
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Zurich - Basel Embarkation

Upon arrival at Zurich airport, you will be met and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.

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

Day 2 - Breisach – Colmar

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 window boxes full of colourful blooms adorn the façades. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine to experience the destination from another perspective.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

Day 3 - Kehl – Strasbourg

This morning, you will discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. The best way to discover the city’s charm is via its quaint waterways. 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 Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

DiscoverMORE
Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)

Day 4 - Mainz - Ruedesheim

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Mainz

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)

Day 5 - Rüdesheim

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine. These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively for those who feel particularly active after sailing time, you may participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

Later in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager on a hike in Sankt Goar, although a small town, it holds the magnificent Rheinfels Castle ruins that gaze over the Moselle.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

EmeraldACTIVE
Afternoon hike with AM in Sankt Goar

EmeraldPLUS
Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg

Day 6 - Bernkastel

Enjoy a sailing morning on board your Star-Ship as you absorb the enchanting sceneries of the Moselle. Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. During your EmeraldPLUS you will have the opportunity to wander through some of the peaceful Moselle vineyards that compose this bucolic landscape and have a taste of the famous Riesling wine produced in this region. Or get a different perspective of the region when you take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.

EmeraldPLUS
Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Landshut Castle ruins

Day 7 - Cochem - Koblenz

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, alongside the town hall and its many other gems.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem & visit to Reichsburg Castle

EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling along the Moselle

DiscoverMORE
German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)

Day 8 - Koblenz - Bonn

Enjoy your free morning in Koblenz prior to the peaceful sailing this afternoon admiring the landscapes of the Rhine and the Moselle river.  You will arrive in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. During your walking tour you will have the opportunity to know more about Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Its old town is also quite a gem of historical buildings and quaint streets. Landmarks like the Altes Rathaus and Beethoven House will be some of the many architectural highlights. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, complete your day with a Beethoven classical concert.

Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Bonn and unveil some of the city’s secrets off the beaten track.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bonn

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Bonn

Day 9 - Nijmegen

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its centre, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river.

Included Excursion
 Nijmegen Walking tour

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Nijmegen

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Palais Het Loo (extra expense)

Day 10 - Dordrecht - Rotterdam

This morning you will be docked in Dordrecht, where you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager for a walk into town.

 After a smooth sailing, you will arrive in Rotterdam where you will have the chance to learn more about this city during a walking tour. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore contemporary Rotterdam, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rotterdam

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht

Day 11 - Amsterdam

After breakfast, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Amsterdam for a delightful two-night stay in the city. Enjoy the afternoon on own by strolling along the famous canals or visiting a local market. Amsterdam is full of surprises awaiting to be discovered around every corner. 

Day 12 - Amsterdam

This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a place of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world where your destination is never too far away. Your carefully planned walking tour will take you to one of world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, hosting a collecting of over 8000 works including those of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit

Day 13 - Amsterdam

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories from a fascinating journey on the Rhine.

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.

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
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$6,645*
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12 nights
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