Majestic Rhine: Castles, Vineyards & Spa Towns: 8 days Basel to Frankfurt

Welcome to the contemporary city of Basel, a vibrant Swiss centre on the Rhine, where France, Germany and Switzerland meet. Here, you’ll be greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship for the start of an unforgettable journey.  This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Emerald Cruises transfers are only available for flights arriving into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

Emerald Cruises transfers are only available for flights arriving into Zurich prior to 1:00PM. Please contact us if you wish to secure this option.

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
Art & nature in Breisach
Reconnect with nature during a relaxing outdoor painting experience in charming Breisach. Surrounded by rolling vines and peaceful landscapes, you'll capture the beauty of the region on canvas while embracing a slower pace of travel. This creative wellness activity offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, find inspiration and immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere of the Rhine Valley. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Breisach
Explore Breisach and its surroundings on two wheels, joining your guide for a relaxed ride through vineyard-dotted hills and riverside paths. This active tour lets you enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise and time to soak up charming views before you return to your Star-Ship. 

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting (extra expense)
Travel to Freiburg, set on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest. This photogenic city was founded in 1120 and lays claim to the most days of sunshine in the whole 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 local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as Black Forest ham.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

We arrive in 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 region also has a strong culture of wellness and pleasure, with mindful indulgence and sensory delights to be celebrated. The World Heritage-listed centre is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years. Tonight on board, enjoy a performance from local bell ringers. 

Included Excursion
Alsatian vineyard hike with tasting
Hike through the steeply terraced vineyards of the Alsace, surrounding Strasbourg. See ancient stone terraces that have supported the vines for generations and admire the sweeping views over rolling hillsides, medieval castles and colourful villages. Stop for a tasting of the local varieties, including the famed Alsatian riesling. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk in Strasbourg with a visit to Orangerie Park
Set out on foot to discover the charms of Strasbourg, admiring the historic buildings and pretty canals that wind through the centre. Visit Orangerie Park, the oldest park in the city and a meeting place for locals since the 18th century. 

DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Colmar
You’ll explore the storybook charm of Colmar on a guided walking tour that reveals its half-timbered houses, canals and historic squares, with time to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. Wandering through cobbled lanes decorated with window boxes full of colourful blooms, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 4 hours 

DiscoverMORE
Route de Vin village festival (extra expense)
A fabulous excursion through the Alsatian region where you will get to experience some of the best regional wines and learn more about the tradition of winemaking.

Arrive in Rastatt early this morning. A small town on the edge of the Black Forest, it’s known for its architectural masterpieces – including one of Germany’s most beautiful Baroque palaces – and the glorious landscapes that surround it, complete with thick forest, lush valleys and crystal-clear lakes. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour in Baden-Baden with spa experience
Today you can relax in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, where thermal traditions meet refined contemporary wellness, surrounded by leafy promenades and Belle Époque architecture. You’ll unwind in beautifully designed spa facilities, enjoying time to soak in the indoor and outdoor mineral-rich pools, as well as saunas, steam baths and whirlpools. It’s a c

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Embark on an active guided hike to Altes Schloss, the old castle, a fascinating ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. 

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
This evening you are invited to a unique EmeraldPLUS experience at the breathtaking Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is made up of over 50 buildings in Baroque style with ornate Rococo decorations. In one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, the chamber music hall, also known as the Kammermusiksaal, you’ll enjoy a private evening classical concert. 

DiscoverMORE
Walking tour of Baden-Baden and entrance to the Casino (extra expense)
Explore Baden-Baden on foot before stepping into a world of elegance and intrigue with a visit to the legendary Casino, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic gaming houses. With its gilded halls, crystal chandeliers, and ornate interiors inspired by French palaces, this 19th-century jewel has hosted royalty, artists and aristocrats for more than 150 years.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour 

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Rastatt Palace & Gardens
Step inside one of Germany's most impressive baroque residences, Rastatt Palace. A short coach transfer from the dock brings you to this magnificent estate, where a guided visit reveals grand state rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace – whether you linger in the gardens or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

Arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Sitting where the Rhine and Neckar rivers meet, you’ll have easy access to one of Germany’s largest inland ports and a lively university city. From the river, the skyline blends historic Baroque architecture with industrial heritage, with a grand palace set alongside the compact city centre. 

Included Excursion
Morning yoga in the park
Start the day in calm balance with a guided outdoor yoga session in the green heart of Mannheim. Led by a professional instructor, the session focuses on gentle movement, breathwork and mindful stretching, and is suitable for all levels. The natural setting enhances relaxation, allowing guests to reconnect with body and mind while enjoying the quiet atmosphere before the city awakens. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Mannheim
As a mostly flat city, Mannheim is ideal for exploring by bike. Join this guided active tour to make your way past the highlights and along the riverbanks on two wheels. 

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)
Transfer to nearby Heidelberg, a place that inspired poets and composers of the German Romanticism era. It’s easy to see how the town’s idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets, captivated these great artists. Your guided tour will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, taking in many of the town’s most famous sights.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours 

DiscoverMORE
Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim (extra expense)
Travel to the famed spa town of Bad-Dürkheim for an active walk through the beautiful vineyards of Fritz Ritter Winery. Learn the story of this family-owned winery that dates back nine generations and taste their delicious wines. You can also see 400-year-old oak trees and the largest ginkgo tree in Germany.
Activity level: Difficult/active, Duration: 3 hours 

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 with her song. 

Wake in the ancient city of Koblenz, the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. 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. 

Included Excursion
Invigorating walking tour of Koblenz
Your morning excursion in Koblenz blends gentle exercise, riverside beauty and clean eating. It is designed for guests who want to feel refreshed and energised without a strenuous program, just movement, scenery and fresh nutrition. You’ll also enjoy a fresh smoothie or cold-pressed juice as a wellness recharge break. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
You may wish to discover Koblenz and the surrounding area on two wheels. Cycle along the banks of the Rhine, cross over bridges, pass the city’s most famous sights, and admire pretty villages and vineyards en route.

DiscoverMORE
Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Eltz Forest, Burg Eltz is considered one of the most magical castles in Germany. With its eight towers and turrets, the beautifully preserved castle looks like something out of a storybook. It has been under the ownership of the same family for over 850 years and contains many original furnishings and interiors to this day, including 15th-century murals.
Activity level: Moderate/Active, Duration: 3.5 hours 

Wiesbaden is an elegant historic spa town and the capital of Hesse, set near the Rhine at the edge of the Taunus hills. Known for its long thermal spa tradition and 26 hot springs, it combines grand 19th-century architecture, leafy parks and lively cultural life, creating a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Wiesbaden with spa tradition
Discover the timeless art of relaxation in Wiesbaden, one of Europe’s most celebrated spa towns. Renowned for its natural thermal springs, Wiesbaden has drawn visitors seeking rest and rejuvenation for centuries. Return feeling refreshed, revitalised and connected to one of Europe’s great spa traditions.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Wiesbaden
Set out to explore the town on two wheels, with a guided bike tour that will give you a different perspective on this renowned spa destination.

DiscoverMORE
Eberbach Abbey with wine tasting (extra expense)
Discover the quiet beauty of Eberbach Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery set among Rheingau vineyards. A guided tour reveals centuries of monastic and winegrowing history within its atmospheric cloisters and cellars, followed by a tasting of regional wines that showcases the area’s enduring viticultural tradition. This experience combines heritage, architecture and flavour in one memorable visit.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3.5 hours

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to Frankfurt airport, taking memories of the fairytale beauty of the Rhine River with you.

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.