The Majestic Rhine -Frankfurt to Basel

You will be greeted at the airport in Frankfurt and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises 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. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes. (B,L,D)

Included Excursion 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, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence 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 the breathtaking vistas along the way. (B,L,D)

Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz and a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Koblenz

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-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 themselves 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 or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. (B,L,D)

EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle 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 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 Guided hike to Altes Schloss

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll embark on an EmeraldPLUS traditional canal boat 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, where many of the city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

EmeraldPLUS Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Commence your magical morning with a tour of 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 Guided bike tour to Colmar

Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you. (B)