Tulips & 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.

Enjoy a full day to explore the surrounding area. 

Included Excursion
Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
This morning, you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares (79 acres) of spring-flowering bulbs. Open only from March to May each year, more than seven million bulbs are planted, including 800 varieties of tulips. This area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colours. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty. You will also see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme.

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 

This morning, you’ll cross the German border and arrive in the vibrant city of Düsseldorf.  With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene and passion for fashion, this is one of the country’s most captivating cities. After lunch, 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 during 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 can go ashore and visit some of the city’s lively pubs or chic cocktail bars.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Düsseldorf
Discover the vibrant city of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour that takes you through its cultural landmarks and picturesque streets. During the tour, you can also explore the historic Altstadt and modern cityscape.  

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Düsseldorf Gardens 
As the city awakens from winter, its parks and riverside promenades burst into bloom. Take an active visit to one of Düsseldorf’s beautiful gardens, such as the Japanese Gardens, Nordpark or the Botanical Garden, to admire the vibrant tulips and cherry blossoms, along peaceful walking paths. Combined with a stroll along the Rhine, or a stop at the Old Town’s cafés, this spring experience captures the city’s lively yet tranquil charm at its most picturesque time of year   

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 will 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 your Emerald Star-Ship. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens 
Embark on an active guided walk to Cologne’s beautiful Flora and Botanical Garden. Opened in 1863, this enchanting destination houses more than 12,000 species from around the globe across themed gardens, palm houses and lush green fields.

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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. Cologne is the proud home of Kölsch - a crisp, golden beer brewed only in this region - and no visit is complete without experiencing this drink as a local.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours 

Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz 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.

Later, you’ll cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left 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
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 merge 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 (Reichsburg) Castle, boasting 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 arguably the striking Baroque Mannheim Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Cruise onwards to Germersheim tonight for an exclusive concert at Bruchsal Palace. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Travel to nearby Heidelberg, an idyllic 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, where carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim
Visit the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for an active hike through the beautiful vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy an orientation walk through the town to visit the Fitz-Ritter Winery for a wine tasting. This esteemed winery has been in the same family for nine generations.

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is a breathtaking Baroque Palace noted for its fine Rococo decoration. Made up of over 50 buildings, this impressive complex includes a three-winged residential building with an attached chapel, four pavilions separated by a road, some smaller utility buildings, and a pretty garden. This evening, you’re invited to attend a private classical concert in one of the most beautiful rooms. This exclusive experience blends culture, atmosphere, and refinement, an enchanting night in one of Germany’s most stunning historical settings. 

Today, you’ll 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 celebrated Alsace wine region. 

Included Excursion
Guided 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.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Orangerie Park
Set out on an active walk to Orangerie Park, a beautiful 17th-century estate in the centre of Strasbourg. Covering 25 hectares (64 acres), it’s the city’s largest and oldest park, and in spring it’s a riot of colour with magnolia and Japanese cherry blossoms. Look out for the storks, which famously roam free around the grounds. 

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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 an inviting 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 presents a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s church, resting on a volcanic hill, is visible from a great distance and is a notable landmark.

Included Excursion
Freiburg with Botanical Garden visit
Today, discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic centre, lined with colourful half-timbered houses and a vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque botanical garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora at their most spectacular in spring. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Breisach
For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating e-bike tour around Breisach. The route takes in the picturesque scenery between the Kaiserstuhl mountains and the river running through the woods. Once you arrive in Burkheim, take a break to enjoy some traditional Black Forest cake. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region on two wheels. 

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Commence your magical morning with a guided tour of Colmar. As you walk along the quaint, cobblestone lanes, it's easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm's Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms.
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 airport, 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.