Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich
You'll arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel, then have the rest of the day to explore the lakeside city on your own terms. Walk along Lake Zurich if you're in the mood for it, or just relax at one of the local cafés and get a feel for the place.
Optional Activities
- Explore Zurich's lakeside setting
- Visit local cafés
Landmarks/POIs Lake Zurich - Day 2
Zurich to Lucerne
This morning starts with a guided walking tour covering Zurich's main sights, then you'll transfer to Lucerne for the afternoon and evening. Spend your time wandering through the Old Town with its colorful buildings and narrow streets, or hang out by the lake to soak in the atmosphere.
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Zurich
Optional Activities
- Explore Lucerne's Altstadt (Old Town) on foot
- Stroll along cobblestone streets
Landmarks/POIs Zurich Old Town Lucerne Old Town (Altstadt) 
- Day 3
Lucerne
A guide will take you through Lucerne's medieval center, showing you the well-preserved Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and the Water Tower with mountain views behind everything. If you're up for something more active, there's an optional cable car and train ride up to Rigi and Weggis with great panoramic views.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lucerne including Chapel Bridge and Water Tower
Optional Activities
- Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis
Landmarks/POIs Chapel Bridge Water Tower Lucerne Old Town Mount Rigi - Day 4
Lucerne to Basel
You'll travel by coach through the Swiss countryside toward Basel, arriving at this Rhine riverside town where the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship is docked. Meet the captain and crew, then settle in with dinner on board and get to know your fellow passengers.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner on board Emerald Cruises Star-Ship)
Included Activities
- Embarkation on Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- Welcome dinner on board
Landmarks/POIs Rhine River 
- Day 5
Basel (Black Forest)
As part of the EmeraldPLUS programme, you'll visit Freiburg in the Black Forest and taste local food and wine. If you prefer a more active day, there's an optional guided bike tour in Breisach available instead of the food and wine experience.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
Landmarks/POIs Freiburg Breisach 
- Day 6
Basel to Strasbourg
The ship docks in Kehl and you'll head to Strasbourg, the Alsatian capital. During a guided walking tour, you'll see Maison Kammerzell and wander through Petite France with its charming canals. After the tour, you have free time to explore more on your own.
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Strasbourg's Old Town
Optional Activities
- Explore Strasbourg at leisure
- Visit Maison Kammerzell
- Explore Petite France and its canal network
Landmarks/POIs Strasbourg Old Town Maison Kammerzell Petite France 
- Day 7
Strasbourg to Heidelberg
While cruising along the Rhine toward Ludwigshafen, you'll see where the Neckar joins the river. Then it's by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour of this UNESCO City of Literature, where you'll see Renaissance ruins and historic sites. There's also an optional guided hike starting from Mount Königstuhl if that interests you.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
Optional Activities
- Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Landmarks/POIs Heidelberg Castle Mount Königstuhl Rhine River Neckar River - Day 8
Heidelberg to Koblenz
The ship arrives in Koblenz, an ancient Roman town where two rivers meet. You'll take an orientation walk through town to see the Church of Our Lady and German Corner, followed by a cable car ride up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for views across the valley. An optional day trip to Moselle Valley and Cochem Castle is available.
Included Activities
- Orientation walk of Koblenz
- Visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
- Cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit
Landmarks/POIs Church of Our Lady German Corner Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Rhine River Moselle River Cochem Castle 
- Day 9
Koblenz to Cologne
You'll dock in Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities with over 2,000 years of history behind it. A guide takes you through the Old Town's highlights, and then you have time to browse shops and try local food and drinks at your own pace as part of the EmeraldPLUS experience.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
- Seeking the treasures of Cologne
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Old Town 
- Day 10
Cologne to Amsterdam
Today you can choose how to spend your time. Either join a guided bike tour through Waterland to see traditional Dutch villages and windmills, or take a glass-top canal cruise through Amsterdam's UNESCO canals and past the historic Golden Age merchant houses.
Included Activities
- Canal cruise in Amsterdam
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canal Network Waterland 
- Day 11
Amsterdam
After breakfast, you'll leave the Star-Ship and say goodbye to the friends you've made on the cruise. A transfer takes you to the airport so you can head home with memories of the Rhine valley, the Black Forest, and charming Alsatian streets.
- Meals
- Breakfast
