Castles, Vineyards & Breweries of the Rhine & Moselle: 11 days Amsterdam to Basel

Welcome to the Netherlands and its iconic capital city, Amsterdam. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and then transferred to your award-winning Emerald Star-Ship. Here, you’ll be welcomed on board by your friendly captain and crew.

Your first port of call is Rotterdam, the second-largest city in The Netherlands, famous for its bold modern architecture, vibrant multicultural atmosphere and Europe's largest port. As the port city was rebuilt after extensive World War II destruction, this has given Rotterdam a unique, innovative character, distinct from other Dutch cities.

This afternoon, you’ll arrive in Dordrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands and of strategic importance in Dutch history. Once a thriving trading hub with its network of canals and vital   connections to other ports, Dordrecht’s affluence originates from its formidable maritime past.

Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship with your fellow guests.

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. You’ll also learn about the city’s role as one of Europe’s busiest ports and its unique blend of modern and historical influences. 

EmeraldPLUS
Fisherman choir
On board your Emerald Star-Ship, this evening enjoy a lively shanty choir performance featuring traditional sea shanties and maritime folk songs, celebrating the spirit, rhythm, and camaraderie of life at sea. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to Dordrecht
Join your activity manager today for a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Dordrecht, one of The Netherlands’ oldest cities.

Located on the Waal River in Gelderland near the German border, Nijmegen is the oldest city in The Netherlands, with a history spanning over 2,000 years, dating back to Roman times. As a vibrant city of nearly 200,000 residents, it offers a blend of ancient history, verdant green spaces and a lively student atmosphere driven by Radboud University.

EmeraldPLUS
Beer tasting with the monks
Tucked among ancient beech trees, the Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk-Dinther is the oldest monastic community in The Netherlands, founded in 1134. After centuries of history and reflection, the abbey’s traditions live on today through revived historic beer recipes, resulting in distinctive abbey beers rooted in timeless craftsmanship. Today you’ll enjoy tasting the abbey’s beers with the monks.   

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Nijmegen 
Join your fellow travelers on a guided e-bike tour of Nijmegen. Cycle 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 World War II. 

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Visit to Paleis Het Loo (extra expense)
The Netherland’s royal summertime palace for three centuries, Het Loo palace nowadays serves as a fascinating museum, showcasing the rich history of the Dutch royal family. Enjoy exploring the ornate palace as well as the exquisite gardens, a masterpiece of 17th century Dutch Baroque style. Please note, this tour operates at the same time as your included tour.

Today you’ll arrive in Bonn, a historic city set along the Rhine River. Founded as a Roman settlement in the 1st century B.C., Bonn has served as the residence of the Archbishops of Cologne and later as the West German capital. Nowadays, this is a vibrant, international United Nations city and a secondary federal hub.  The world-renowned composer Ludwig van Beethoven was born here in 1770, and his former home has been transformed into a major museum.  

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, today, you’ll explore a blend of history, culture and art that defines this charming city. Wander through the vibrant streets, enjoy picturesque squares, and uncover the secrets of Bonn’s storied past, all the while accompanied by an expert local guide who brings the city’s fascinating history to life. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Bonn
If you’re feeling more energetic, explore Bonn by e-bike on a guided tour through its historic streets, riverfront paths, and leafy parks. Pedal past landmarks like Beethoven’s birthplace, the beautiful Rhine promenade and charming Old Town corners, while enjoying fresh air and local stories along the way; an ideal way to experience the city’s culture and natural beauty. 

Founded around 3,000 BC, the charming town of Bernkastel rests along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to beautifully preserved buildings that date back to 1416 A.D., including a historic medieval Old Town. Nestled in the Moselle wine region, Bernkastel is another major centre for wine production, especially Riesling and is also well-known as a health resort and birthplace of the philosopher, Nikolaus von Kues.

EmeraldPLUS
Wine experience in Bernkasel 
Savour the storied wine culture of Bernkastel-Kues, a picturesque Mosel Valley town where steep vineyard slopes meet charming, timber-framed streets. Today, join a guided tasting to experience elegant Rieslings and local vintages, learn about centuries-old winemaking traditions, and enjoy stunning views across the river and vineyards.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike tour to Landshut remnants  
For something more energetic, join an active hike up to the remnants of Landshut Castle, majestically resting atop a rocky ledge, behind Bernkastel. In its current form, Landshut Castle dates back to the 13th century, though its origins are said to be much older. Today, join your local guide and learn about the fascinating history as well as admiring the magnificent views from the castle and hilltops.  

Welcome to Cochem, a delightful town amid Germany’s Moselle Valley, known as the ‘Pearl of Moselle’ and celebrated for its wine industry, particularly Riesling wines and brimming with many local vineyards and wineries. Cochem also enchants with its well-preserved Old Town, with its striking medieval architecture and half-timbered houses, along with its beautiful river scenery.

Later you’ll arrive in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.  As one of the oldest cities in Germany, Koblenz comes steeped in history and brimming with fascinating landmarks. It is also renowned for its World Heritage-listed landscape and rich culture.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem
This morning, join a guided tour of Cochem’s well-preserved Old Town. Along winding streets, witness the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, the town hall, and many other ancient gems.  

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike ride along the Moselle
If you feel more active today, join a guided e-bike tour along the Moselle River. Cycle through picturesque landscapes, verdant vineyards, and

Included Excursion
German Beer Garden Experience
This evening in Koblenz, 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 unite in a lively, relaxed atmosphere. Set beneath leafy trees or along the pretty banks of the Rhine or Moselle, a local beer garden experience invites you to sip on local brews - like crisp Königsbacher or a smooth Bitburger – served in genuine German style. 

Sankt Goar welcomes as a picturesque, historic town on the west bank of the Rhine River, located in the heart of Germany’s UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Famous for the imposing remains of Rheinfels Castle, rolling vineyards, and its proximity to the legendary Lorelei Rock, it offers a quintessential ‘Romantic Rhine’ experience with traditional, half-timbered buildings and idyllic riverine views.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a delightful small town and gateway to storied German wine culture and Rhine Valley history. A blend of medieval architecture and a lively, tourist-oriented atmosphere, Rüdesheim is celebrated for its fine wines, especially Riesling and Sekt (sparkling wine). Wine-making traditions here date back over a millennia. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Morning Hike in Sankt Goar
This morning, join your activity manager for a refreshing hike through the picturesque town of Sankt Goar and its stunning surroundings. This invigorating hike is an ideal way to start your day and connect with the beautiful riverscapes of the Rhine Valley. 

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Schloss Johannisberg Winery
Today, you’ll visit the historic Schloss Johannisberg Winery, set within the picturesque Rheingau wine region. Famous for its stunning vineyard views and centuries of Riesling production, the world’s first Riesling winery comes steeped in history and is a must for wine lovers and those who appreciate quintessential vineyard scenery. Today, enjoy an elegant and world-class wine-tasting experience at this historic estate.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike through the vineyards to Niederwalddenkmal
This morning, you can enjoy a guided active hike through verdant vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal, a stunning monument located in theNiederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein. This historical landmark overlooks the beautiful Rhine Valley and was constructed in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany.

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Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
Embark on a short ride on board a mini train to sample the specialty coffee of the region. Observe a traditional Rüdesheim coffee presentation followed by a tasting – a delicious indulgence for wine-lovers and coffee-fans alike.

Welcome to Mainz, a city located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers, offering a host of impressive locations. As well as the stunning Old Town, Mainz is best known 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. This revolutionised the way books were produced in this period.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Mainz
During your guided city tour, explore the Old Town to admire the sandstone cathedral, medieval market squares and well-preserved, half-timbered houses. From your guide, you can also learn more about this city where Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press over 600 years ago, was born.

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Visit to Eberbach Abbey (extra expense)
Visit Eberbach Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau Region. Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, it was once one of the most active monasteries in Germany, boasting the largest medieval vineyard in the country. As a major filming location for the 1986 film 'In the Name of the Rose', adapted from Umberto Eco's thrilling novel of the same name, Eberbach is a must-see. Today, the abbey continues its winemaking tradition, producing exquisite wines. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a Riesling wine tasting, experiencing the vibrant flavours of the region. Please note, this tour operates at the same time as your included tour.

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.

EmeraldPLUS
Alsatian beer tasting
Discover the flavours of Alsace with a beer-tasting experience that blends French finesse and German brewing tradition. Sample distinctive local beers, from crisp lagers to aromatic ales, while learning about regional ingredients, brewing heritage, and the unique Alsatian beer culture.

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Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)
Enjoy this enthralling excursion through the Alsatian region, where you’ll get to experience some of the finest regional wines and learn more about the tradition of winemaking.

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 and visible from a great distance, is a notable landmark.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
Commence your magical morning with a tour to Colmar, the cultural centre of the French Alsace region. As you walk down the quaint cobblestone lanes of the historic centre, 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.

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing on the Rhine
For those seeking a more adventurous experience today, you can join a guided canoeing excursion along the picturesque banks of the Rhine River.

Welcome to Switzerland and the charming riverside city of Basel (Huningue). This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship. As you transfer to the airport, you’ll surely leave with cherished memories of impressive castles and palaces, exclusive viticulture and beer immersions and rich cultural traditions.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.

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.