The Majestic Rhine - Frankfurt and Basel

(regional flights may be available on request)

Upon arrival in Frankfurt, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (D)

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany; where stalls adorned with cuckoo clocks captivate and live oompah bands playing in beer gardens during the summer months entertain.
Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. When you arrive, peruse exhibits full of rare music boxes inside of a 15th-century knight’s tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes. (B,L,D)
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, the area is now full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. These are yours to discover today during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. This confluence is best viewed during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in breathtaking vistas along the way. This fascinating area has a storyline that has crossed the centuries, moving from people fighting and leaving ruins behind to the Romantics of the 19th century immortalising its beauty. (B,L,D)
EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Koblenz and a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairytale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost their imaginations to the beauty of Heidelberg. Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights, including the oldest university in Germany, before enjoying a wine tasting session. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: A hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting

This morning, a coach will take you from where the ship is docked in Rastatt to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town that has been frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries.
If you are feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a 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 the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the nostalgic elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before entering The Baden-Baden Casino, a favourite of silent film star Marlene Dietrich. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Entrance to The Baden-Baden Casino
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Altes Schloss
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

This morning, dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is from its quaint waterways, which is why today’s EmeraldPLUS activity will involve embarking on a traditional canal tour. Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, a place where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: A canal boat tour in Strasbourg
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Riquewihr (extra expense)

Commence your magical morning with a tour to Colmar. As you walk down the 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. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Colmar

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport (B)

(regional flights may be available on request)