Jewels of the Rhine with Lucerne & Zurich

If you'd prefer not to fly, return via Eurostar is available. 

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. (D)

Today, you can choose to relax during a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the medieval centre of the city and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and fields that are bursting with colourful tulips. Enjoy sailing through the countryside and on towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before enjoying a gala dinner. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour to Waterland
EmeraldEXCURSION: A canal cruise

With a history spanning two millennia, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Set out on an exploration of the past today, as a guided walking tour takes you through the ancient heart of the city, touching on Roman mosaics and the Great St. Martin Church, built on the remnants of a Roman chapel. Your tour will conclude at Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. (B,L,D)
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided city walking tour

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surrounds today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of the town will unveil the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon, where romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear as though they have been suspended in time. (B,L,D)
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided walking tour of Koblenz
DiscoverMORE: A Moselle & Cochem Castle visit

A relaxing cruise past Mannheim will be the perfect start to the day, as you follow the Rhine River to Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature 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 ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds. Enjoy a wine tasting session before strolling down cobbled lanes in the old town to see the Church of the Holy Spirit and Heidelberg University, one of the oldest in Europe. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: A hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting

This morning, dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses. Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town will touch on many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at leisure. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: A guided tour of Strasbourg
DiscoverMORE: Tour of Riquewihr (extra expense)

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a postcard-worthy Black Forest destination, a charming village where history is brought to life among furnished farmhouses and outbuildings. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike through the Black Forest, weaving through the woodland and admiring the lush canopy of evergreens. Later, enjoy a Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: A Black Forest gateau presentation and tasting
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike in the Black Forest
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to a Black Forest village

Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to Lucerne, including a two-night stay. (B)

Lucerne is known around the world for its spectacular setting, perfectly encapsulating a traditional Swiss city with a backdrop of snow-topped mountain ranges. Your morning will start with a guided tour of the city, touching on its well-preserved medieval Altstadt, delightful waterfront promenades and colourful buildings. (B)
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lucerne
DiscoverMORE: Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)

This morning, transfer by coach from Lucerne to the cosmopolitan city of Zurich, known for its towering church steeples, winding cobbled lanes and contemporary centre. When you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of Zurich, followed by free time to explore its delightful lakeside setting, perhaps discovering its famous old town. (B)
EmeraldEXCURSION: Guided tour of Zurich

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way. (B)

If you'd prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (town hall).