Tulips & the Rhine

Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll be greeted at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.  Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

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 DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

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 DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

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 DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)

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 DiscoverMORE A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

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

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 DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with memories of beautiful spring-blooming flowers, historic canal systems and many 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.