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Tulips & the Rhine & London: 11 days Zurich to London

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: NZ-abfd0ba1f9f09d726
Overview
Destination:
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Start:Zurich, Switzerland
Finish:London, United Kingdom
Duration:11 days
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
April 2026 - April 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.
Begin your journey in the enchanting Black Forest, crossing the German border into Strasbourg, France's Alsace capital. Discover archaic Germany in Koblenz and Heidelberg, delighting in local wine tastings. Cologne's Gothic cathedral will be a highlight, before sailing past a landscape of traditional windmills into the Netherlands. A vibrant celebration of all things quintessentially Dutch, Amsterdam’s winding canals and a trip to Keukenhof Gardens offer the perfect way to end your river cruise.
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 Strasbourg
  • Walking tour of Koblenz
  • Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens
  • Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
  • A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine
  • Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
  • Guided bike tour in Breisach
  • Guided Hike through a vineyard in Bad-Dürkheim
  • 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
  • 3 nights at a London hotel
  • Guided tour of London
  • Transfer from the ship and to the hotel
  • 3 Breakfasts (B)
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Zurich - Basel

Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll be welcomed at the airport and then transferred to your stylish Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for your welcome dinner on board.

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

Day 2 - Freiburg (Breisach)

Today, discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic centre, resplendent with its colourful half-timbered houses and vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque Botanical Garden, displaying a diverse array of flora. For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town that reveals stunning views of the Rhine River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region.

Included Excursion
Freiburg visit with the Botanical Garden

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Day 3 - Kehl - Strasbourg

Today, you’ll arrive in Kehl and then be transferred by coach to the medieval city of Strasbourg. A local guide will explain about the city’s history during an insightful guided tour, passing through cobblestone squares surrounded by quaint boutiques and charming cafés. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including Petite France. An area of unmatched beauty, the picturesque canal system flows  past half-timbered houses once home to fishermen, tanners and millers during the Middle Ages. The narrow lanes and footbridges that pepper the area all add to its undeniable charm. This afternoon, Strasbourg is yours to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Orangerie Park

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

Day 4 - Germersheim

Schwetzingen Palace is renowned for the beauty and harmony of its beautiful gardens. Remarkably, the original design in all its diversity survives to this day. Besides the stunning palace interior, you can also take a stroll through the Palace Gardens, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site of European significance, with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim and a hike through verdant vineyards.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through a vineyard in Bad-Dürkheim

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Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)

Day 5 - Koblenz

Today, you’ll journey into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city that looks as if it’s been plucked  from the pages of a German fairytale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-capped mountain ranges, as your local guide leads you through cobblestone squares and narrow streets, passing façades adorned with boxes of spring-blooming flowers. You’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s greatest rivers converge at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of Europe’s largest preserved fortresses.

Included Excursion
Orientation walk in Koblenz

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A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day 6 - Cologne - Düsseldorf

This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to join an active walk in one of Germany’s oldest cities, culminating in a visit to the beautiful Cologne Gardens. Afterwards, you’ll sail north along the scenic Rhine River to Düsseldorf, where you can join a guided tour of this vibrant city. Here, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese Garden, a ‘Garden of Reflection’ and tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Düsseldorf with a Japanese Garden visit

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Cologne Gardens

Day 7 - Amsterdam

A visit to the iconic Keukenhof Gardens is sure to leave a lasting impression. More than 800 varieties of spring-flowering tulips and regular flower shows display spring in a quintessentially Dutch fashion. Each year, the gardens adopt a theme, and you’ll have every opportunity to learn about different planting techniques and the work completed behind the scenes by the landscape architects.
Soak in the sights of expertly arranged tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating a swathe of natural beauty, extending out to traditional Dutch windmills. You can also admire a variety of statues commissioned by world-renowned artists. This afternoon, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about traditional Dutch clog painting on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Visit to Keukenhof Gardens

EmeraldPLUS
Clog painting on board

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Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

Day 8 - Amsterdam - London

After your marvelous cruise, you’ll be transferred to Amsterdam Centraal station and take the train bound for London St. Pancras station. Upon arrival in London,  you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an exciting 3-night stay in Great Britain’s historic capital. Once you’ve settled in, take time to explore this enthralling multicultural metropolis at your own pace. Immerse yourself in London’s vibrant atmosphere, wander through its history-drenched streets, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Thames or through its beautiful urban parks.

Day 9 - London

Join a guided city tour to discover some of London’s most iconic and historical landmarks, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, the official royal residence. Experience the buzz of the West End, home to the world-famous theatre district, take in the sights of Trafalgar Square, and witness the traditional Changing of the Guard, all the while soaking up the capital’s storied heritage.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of London

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Afternoon tea (extra expense)

Day 10 - London

Today is yours to leisurely explore the rest of London at your own pace.  You might consider taking in the panoramic views across the city from the iconic London Eye, a visit to the esteemed British Museum, or strolling through the verdant urban landscape of Hyde Park. You could also check out the striking street art in Shoreditch, or enjoy a show at one of the many renowned theatres in the West End.

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Guided Tour of Camden and Borough Market (extra expense)

Day 11 - London

This morning after breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your London hotel to St. Pancras station, where you’ll join the train bound for The Netherlands and Amsterdam Centraal station. Upon arrival in this delightful Dutch city, you’ll then embark on your luxury European cruise, taking with you memories of impressive London landmarks, captivating royal heritage and traditional  English afternoon tea.

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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