Early Season on the Rhine: 8 days Amsterdam to Zurich

Welcome to the Netherlands. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. 

Beyond Amsterdam’s storied canals, a gentler rhythm unfolds as you venture into the Dutch countryside, where emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. From charming towns like Alkmaar, famed for its historic cheese-making traditions, to Waterland, where pretty, stilted villages, glassy lakes and narrow canals offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch life, discover how the Dutch have shaped their landscape for generations. 

Included Excursion
Timeless Dutch Countryside
Step beyond the city and discover the authentic rhythm of rural Dutch life. Wander through charming villages, see working windmills and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive. Watch the daily life go by as you experience the simple pleasures of life surrounded by Holland’s heritage, hospitality and heart. 

EmeraldPLUS
Clog painting on board
Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship this afternoon, join a local expert for a clog painting class. Learn about this proud tradition and create your own Dutch masterpiece. 

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Dutch Delights (extra expense)
See the highlights of this amazing city while tasting some delicious Dutch treats.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

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Hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
Explore a quieter, more authentic side of Amsterdam on this relaxed and personalised tour through the city’s hidden treasures. Visit the historic Jordaan area and a charming chocolate shop for a sweet treat. Continue through some of the capital’s most beautiful streets to Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century house with a fully preserved Catholic church in its attic. Finish with a local beer and some traditional Dutch snacks at a local brewery.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

This morning, cross the German border and arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion and popular for its cuisine, historical sights and museums. Düsseldorf is one of the country’s most captivating cities. After lunch, we continue along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and was almost completely rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Look out for the twin spires of its Gothic cathedral, known locally as the Kolner Dom.

With a late departure from Cologne, you will be able to go ashore and visit some of its lively pubs or chic cocktail bars. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Düsseldorf
Explore Düsseldorf on a guided tour of its charming Old Town. The Old Town is referred to as the world’s longest bar for its high concentration of drinking spots and is also home to the 450-year-old City Hall and Castle Tower, which dates back to the 13th century. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Join your local guide and explore the city of Cologne, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. You’ll conclude at the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, shop for trinkets or explore further before returning to the ship. 

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German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Discover the spirited beer culture of Cologne on this lively and flavourful guided tour through the city's legendary brewhouses.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, the city has a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.

Later, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song.

Included Excursion
Orientation walk of Koblenz
Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers converge at the German Corner. 

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Resting on a spectacular hill 91m (299 ft) above the Moselle Valley, you’ll find the medieval town of Cochem. Embark on a walking tour, including a guided visit to the magnificent Cochem Castle, revealing impressive views of the Moselle Valley. The original 12th-century Romanesque style was replaced by King Louis XIV, who ordered his troops to destroy it in 1689. Rebuilt in 1868, he chose the neo-Gothic architecture that we know today, as his family's summer residence.
Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 5 hours

A lively university town, Mannheim is best known for its unique grid system and is often called the ‘City of Squares’ (Quadratestadt). Its most famous landmark is the striking Baroque Mannheim Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
This morning, travel to nearby Heidelberg, a charming UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist, William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance remnants of Heidelberg Castle.

Today, arrive in Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is an iconic example of 19th-century German Imperial architecture. Strasbourg is also at the heart of the Alsace wine region.

With a late departure tonight, enjoy some free time on shore to explore Strasbourg after dark.

Included Excursion
Panoramic tour of Strasbourg
The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist’s easel. 

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Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Escape to the heart of Germany’s Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden Spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers the ideal blend of wellness, history and indulgence.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s church, standing upon a volcanic hill, is visible from a great distance and is a notable landmark. 

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Spectacular and historic Freiburg im Breisgau, commonly known just as Freiburg, sits on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest in southern Germany. A photogenic old city that was founded in 1120, Freiburg lays claim to having the most sunshine in the entire country. Life in this vibrant university city centres on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some delicious local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as Black Forest ham.

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Commence your magical morning with a tour through Colmar. Discover the vivid history of the town as you stroll through the medieval cobblestone lanes.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

Welcome to Switzerland and Basel (Huningue). Gracing the banks of the Rhine River. Basel is known for its high concentration of museums, showcasing anything from contemporary art to scientific achievements.

Today, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your Emerald Star-Ship and fellow guests as you transfer to Zurich, taking memories of the dazzling jewels of Europe with you. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 12:00 PM.

Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam’s city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Emerald Cruises will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with our booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure.

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.