Switzerland & Rhine Castles & Moselle Vinyards with Amsterdam: 16 days Zurich to Amsterdam

Today, you'll be transferred from the airport to Zurich,one of the most celebrated cities in Switzerland, resting along the shores of Lake Zurich. After settling into your centrally-located hotel in Zurich for your included one-night stay, enjoy a welcome drink with your fellow guests and tour director.

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne for your included two-night hotel stay.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, an enchanting Swiss city renowned for its spectacular lakeside and mountain setting, and well-preserved medieval architecture, where historic charm seamlessly blends with modern culture.

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Zurich
This morning, explore Zurich on a guided tour, featuring the Bahnhofstrasse and the Romanesque Cathedral. Enjoy views from the city's oldest quarters and visit the Frauenkirche before relaxing at the lakeside park

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Lucerne
The awe-inspiring natural beauty that envelopes Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and octagonal Water Tower, passing colourful buildings that highlight Lucerne’s distinctive character.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of beautiful Lucerne. Perhaps delving deeper into the charming Old Town or taking a stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne. You can also choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion; your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your explorations in Lucerne.

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Tastes of Switzerland (extra expense)
Savour the delicious flavours of Switzerland on a culinary adventure that celebrates the country’s most iconic delights. Indulge in creamy artisanal cheeses and sample world-renowned Swiss chocolates. This tasting experience invites you to discover the authentic tastes that make Switzerland a true gastronomic treasure.
Duration: 1.5 hours, Activity level: Easy

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Train & cable car ride to Rigi–Weggis (extra expense)
Enjoy an independent visit to Mount Rigi - one of the most iconic mountains in Central Switzerland. To begin, you’ll be transferred from Lucerne to the foot of Rigi Mountain, then board a small train to the summit, where you can admire the incredible panoramic views. Conclude your mountain explorations with a thrilling cable-car ride down the mountain.
Duration: 4-6 hours, Activity level: Easy

This morning, after breakfast, journey by coach through picturesque landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side city of Basel (Huningue). Upon arrival, you’ll board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, Breisach is where Germany’s Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. It’s another town with influences from both cultures, as well as a strong passion for wine. It centres around the hilltop St Stephen’s Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic structure that dominates the skyline and can be seen from a great distance.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
Spend a magical morning in nearby Colmar on the French side just across the border. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, with half-timbered façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms.

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing on the Rhine
Travel upstream to Steinenstadt and board a canoe to paddle along the quiet waters of the Upper Rhine. You’ll get a new perspective on this famed waterway, taking in local plant and animal life as you are immersed in beautiful natural surroundings.

This morning, you will discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The World Heritage-listed centre is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, which was the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years.

Included Excursion
Hidden treasures of Strasbourg
Discover the city’s charm on a walking tour through Petite France, featuring storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and the covered bridges. See the Vauban Dam and the World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter, home to Strasbourg’s administrative buildings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

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Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)
Join an immersive excursion through the Alsatian region where you will get to taste some of the best regional wines and learn more about the area’s long tradition of winemaking.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

Arrive in Mainz today, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. It’s a captivating blend of history and modernity, with everything from Roman ruins and Baroque churches to innovative architecture. Mainz is known for its vibrant cultural scene, from museums and theatre to fun festivals and outdoor concerts. 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.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll dock 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. Rüdesheim is also at the heart of the Rhine wine region, which is famous for its Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Mainz
Join a guided tour of Mainz and visit the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. You’ll also learn more about its most notable resident, Gutenberg.

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Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)
Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Eberbach Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau and is home to the largest medieval vineyard in Germany. During your visit, you can indulge in the local Riesling wine tasting, experiencing the vibrant flavours of the region.
Please note, this activity is happening at the same time as your included excursion.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

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Rüdesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)
On your visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, take a short ride on the mini train to taste the specialty coffee in the region. A swig of Rüdesheimer coffee is a treat for wine-lovers and coffee-fans alike.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Discover more of the region surrounding Rüdesheim this morning.

Later, stop at Sankt Goar, a quintessentially German town in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It’s directly opposite the famed Lorelei Rock, an imposing cliff that is tied to German legends, and the ruins of Rheinfels Castle look out over the town.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
Enjoy an active hike through verdant vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal, a stunning monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein, in the German state of Hesse. This historical landmark overlooks the scenic Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany.

EmeraldACTIVE
Afternoon hike with AM in Sankt Goar
Join your Activity Manager for a refreshing afternoon hike through the picturesque town of Sankt Goar and its stunning surroundings. This invigorating walk is the perfect way to finish your day and connect with the stunning landscape of the Rhine Valley.

EmeraldPLUS
Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1,000 years. Set over 50 hectares (123 acres) in front of the Taunus mountains, it was the first Riesling winery in the world and produces wooden barrels from its onsite 121 hectare (300 acre) forest of native oak. On this exclusive tour, you’ll learn about its unique wine culture and fabled history.

Enjoy a morning of cruising on board your Emerald Star-Ship as you absorb the enchanting scenery of the Moselle before arriving in Bernkastel. Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is set on the banks of the Moselle River. Its well-preserved medieval centre is home to many buildings dating back to the 15th century, creating a charming fairytale ambience. The town is surrounded by steeply terraced vineyards, producing exceptional mineral-driven white wines, most notably its world-famous Riesling.

EmeraldPLUS
Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
Embark on a scenic hike through the lush vineyards of the Moselle Valley, where rolling hills and picturesque landscapes meet award-winning wine production. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll explore the region’s vineyards and learn about the history and techniques behind the famous Moselle wines. Afterwards, sample local wines while soaking in the stunning views of the river and surrounding vineyards.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Landshut Castle ruins
Get a different perspective on the region with an active hike to the ruins of Landshut Castle. The 13th-century ruins are set high on a hill overlooking Bernkastel and the Moselle River, accessed by a step path through lush green forest. Along the way, your local guide will share fascinating stories about the castle’s rich history.

Spend the day in the picturesque medieval town of Cochem, known for its half-timbered houses, colourful squares and the striking Reichsburg Castle, which stands high above the town. It’s in the heart of the Moselle wine region, and the town is surrounded by terraced vineyards, producing Germany’s signature white varietals.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem
Explore 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.

EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling along the Moselle
Set off from the ship on a guided e-bike tour of Cochem and the surrounding region. Following a flat path beside the Moselle River, you’ll take in beautiful surroundings, pass lush vineyards and pass through picturesque villages.
Later, arrive in Koblenz. Once a Roman stronghold, it was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it’s a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.

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German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)
Experience the heart and soul of German hospitality with a visit to an authentic beer garden in Koblenz, where good company and freshly poured beer come together. Enjoy your evening while you sip on local brews – like crisp Königsbacher or a smooth Bitburger – served in authentic German style.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

This morning, relax on board as you continue cruising along the Rhine.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. It’s considered one of the nation’s cultural capitals and is home to the country’s largest public university, with more than 34,000 students bringing a fun and vibrant atmosphere to the city.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bonn
Step into the rich history of Bonn on a guided tour that takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the stunning Beethoven House – birthplace of the legendary composer – to the impressive Poppelsdorf Palace, and Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements, you’ll explore the blend of history, culture, and art that defines this charming city.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Bonn
With more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) of cycling trails, Bonn is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Germany. Explore the city on two wheels with this active guided e-bike tour, soaking in the authentic atmosphere and mixing with the locals.

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Though its history stretches back more than 2,000 years, it also has a youthful vibe thanks to its large university, as well as beautiful scenery, lush green spaces and world-class museums.

Included Excursion
 Nijmegen Walking tour
Join a walking tour through the town centre, exploring its architectural wonders, rich history and charming streets. From Roman relics to medieval architecture, you’ll explore the city's landmarks, including the Valkhof Park and St. Stephen's Church, while learning about Nijmegen’s fascinating past.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Nijmegen
Join your fellow travellers on a guided cycling tour of Nijmegen. Ride along the River Waal and learn about the city during Roman times and under the rule of Charlemagne as well as the role Nijmegen played in WWII.

EmeraldPLUS
Shanty choir
On board this evening, enjoy a performance from a traditional Dutch Shanty choir. Their songs and sea shanties celebrate the country’s rich maritime heritage.

This morning you’ll be docked in Dordrecht. One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it dates back to the 13th century and is filled with many beautiful historic buildings.

Later, continue to Rotterdam. The second-largest city in the Netherlands and the busiest port in Europe, Rotterdam is a modern multicultural hub. Its historic centre was largely destroyed by German bombing in World War II, and the subsequent reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. It is home to the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the country, a visual symbol of Rotterdam’s spirit of innovation.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rotterdam
Explore the dynamic city of Rotterdam on a guided walking tour that showcases its cutting-edge architecture and rich maritime history. From the striking Cube Houses to the iconic Erasmus Bridge, you’ll discover how Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction transformed it into a hub of innovation and design.

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht
Join your Activity Manager for a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Dordrecht. Admire the colourful façades along narrow streets and pretty squares, and look out for the grand Grote Kerk church and 14th-century Groothoofdspoort gate.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Amsterdam for a delightful two-night stay in the Dutch capital. The iconic city of Amsterdam is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered around every corner. This evening, meet your fellow guests and tour director for a convivial welcome drink.

Included Excursion
Visit to the Rijksmuseum
This morning, you’ll explore one of the world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, which houses an impressive collection of over 8,000 artworks, including those of esteemed Dutch masters, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens.

Enjoy exploring the exciting Dutch capital on a guided tour. Afterwards, your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan the rest of your Amsterdam explorations during your stay. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Amsterdam
This morning, your insightful local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a city 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. 

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Tastes of Amsterdam (Dutch delights) (extra expense)
Explore the Dutch capital on foot, taking in the highlights of this iconic city while tasting some delicious Dutch treats along the way: pickled Herring, a favourite street food, a selection of tasty cheeses and mouth-watering Poffertjes (bite-sized fluffy pancakes).
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you leave your hotel and the Netherlands for your transfer to the airport, leaving with memories of a wonderful river cruise on the Rhine and Amsterdam delights.

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.