Journey along Europe’s most picturesque waterway, the River Rhine, past historic castles, terraced vineyards and the famous Lorelei Rock on this superb holiday.
Explore Amsterdam with its quaint coffee shops, charming churches and intricate maze of canals, before heading to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest yet most modern cities.
Visit historic Koblenz situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, admire the famous Lorelei Rock and continue upstream to Mannheim, a pivotal place during WWII, from where you can visit Heidelberg’s impressive castle.
Explore beautiful Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region in France then discover the stunning Black Forest region, famous for Black Forest gateau and cuckoo clocks, before this holiday comes to an end in Basel.
EM133 Operated by Emerald Waterways
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Jewels of the Rhine Itinerary
Day 1 - UK – Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Fly from a choice of UK regional airports to Amsterdam. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your deluxe river cruise ship. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board. (D) Please note: Return travel on the Eurostar is available. Please contact us for pricing.
Day 2 - Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a fascinating city which is home to over 50 world-class museums including the Van Gogh Museum. After breakfast, explore the city with its many quaint coffee shops, charming churches and picturesque canals by canal cruise or join the guided bike tour of the city. Back on board, cruise through the Dutch countryside passing famous windmills. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Cologne (Germany)
Today your ship cruises along the River Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest yet most modern cities. After lunch on board, join a local guide for a tour of the Old Town with its beautiful squares, characteristic wells and of course the World Heritage-listed Gothic Cathedral, Kolner Dom. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Koblenz
Arrive in the 2000-year old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and explore the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. Later, the ship cruises the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle. In 2019, there is an optional visit to Cochem Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Mannheim
Your ship cruises upstream to the town of Mannheim, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. It has long been associated with inventions in industry including the world’s first compact diesel-powered car. From Mannheim, travel to Heidelberg by coach for a tour including a visit to the impressive castle. In 2019, there is a wine tasting and also a guided hike to Heidelberg Hill. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Kehl
From Kehl transfer by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region overlooked by the majestic Gothic Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the medieval city centre. The afternoon is spent at leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Breisach
In 2018, enjoy a visit to Vogtsbauernhof Museum which features a number of reconstructed Black Forest farms or perhaps join the hike through a typical Black Forest village. Alternatively, experience a typical Gasthof owned by a local family where you’ll enjoy a tasting of Black Forest gateau. Back on board, enjoy a spectacular Farewell Dinner. In 2019, enjoy a visit to a traditional Black Forest village or join the guided hike along some beautiful Black Forest trails. There is also an EmeraldPlus activity; watch an assembling of Black Forest gateau and enjoy a tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Basel (Switzerland) – UK
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Alternatively, you can travel back on the Eurostar. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.