RACV Logo
Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock savings
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Continue as guest
Your member number is located on your membership card, membership renewal notice, club account statement or payment advice.

The Majestic Rhine & Berlin: 11 days Basel to Berlin

package saved
click to save
Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: NZ-315733e17f9a44e8c
Overview
Destination:
Germany
Switzerland
Start:Basel, Switzerland
Finish:Berlin, Germany
Duration:11 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
June 2026 - August 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.
Your journey through Germany and France will feature numerous picturesque landscapes. Tour the charming Alsace capital, Strasbourg, visit the spa town of Baden-Baden, be enchanted by the ancient and diverse architecture in the German cities of Koblenz and Mannheim, and wander the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim. Extend your journey with a city stay in Berlin, Germany's vibrant capital.
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
  • Guided tour of Colmar
  • Guided tour of Baden-Baden
  • Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • Walking tour of Koblenz
  • Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
  • Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
  • Backstage Opera Theater Tour
  • Guided bike tour to Colmar
  • Guided hike to Altes Schloss
  • Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  • Bike tour in Koblenz
  • 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
  • 2 nights at a hotel in Berlin
  • A guided tour of Berlin
  • Transfer from the ship and to the airport
  • Flight from Frankfurt to Berlin
  • 2 Breakfasts (B)
Already with RACV?
Tell us your Member details to unlock discounts.
Unlock
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
Day 1 - Basel

Welcome to the medieval city of Basel. Here, you’re greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship.  
This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

Day 2 - Breisach - Colmar

Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour of Colmar. A magical place, Colmar resembles the imagery found within a beloved fairy tale. Your included tour of the town will enable you to traverse its cobblestone lanes, passing medieval half-timbered façades and window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers. If you’re feeling more active, you may instead wish to 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)

Day 3 - Kehl - Strasbourg

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a city perfectly encapsulating the region’s medieval charm. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways. You’ll explore the historic architecture on a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. 

Relax on board as you pass through the idyllic surrounds of Petite France and conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s noteworthy buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. 

EmeraldPLUS
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Day 4 - Rastatt – Baden-Baden

This morning, you’re transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, known for its peaceful surroundings and the celebrities who have visited it over the last century.  

If you’re feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a hike to Altes Schloss, where your local guide will show you the castle ruins, including the dungeons and winding staircases. The panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest region are certain to make this a truly unforgettable experience.  
Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, witnessing the luxurious façades of the independent boutiques and the well-manicured gardens, before joining a unique backstage tour 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

Day 5 - Ludwigshafen - Heidelberg

Strolling down Heidelberg’s cobblestone streets, you may find yourself as entranced as the German Romanticist thinkers before you. Heidelberg is a living representation of the legend-steeped cityscapes depicted by the romanticists, its peaceful surroundings beckoning exploration. 

Today, you'll explore Heidelberg Castle or opt to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg 

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Day 6 - Koblenz

Koblenz is an ancient city often considered to be the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. The Romans originally built a city here as a stronghold, but the area is now known for its idyllic beauty, and peaceful parks full of colourful flowers. Today, you will be able to relax during a guided tour of the city.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

EmeraldACTIVE
Bike tour in Koblenz

DiscoverMORE
Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day 7 - Rüdesheim

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner. 

Your included tour will be a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, a half-timbered tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes that houses one of the best collections of music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to ride on the charming minitrain and taste famous Rüdesheimer coffee, made with one of the most famous brandies in Germany. 

Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Day 8 - Mainz – Frankfurt – Berlin

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your Star-Ship to the airport for your flight to Berlin. The German capital has much to offer, from its captivating entertainment to its historic architecture. A three-night stay in a centrally located hotel is included in your itinerary. 

Day 9 - Berlin

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
Guided tour of Berlin

Day 10 - 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.

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Potsdam (extra expense)

Day 11 - Berlin

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of romantic cityscapes. 

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

Select your preferred date or enquire

Enquire now

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
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$0 $0 *
Member price from
$0*
per person
10 nights
Check departures
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
You might also like