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2025

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2026

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2027

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Who is travelling?

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From
$17,282
NZ $6,559 per person

Jewels of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich

11 days
From Amsterdam to Zurich
4.3
28 traveler reviews
From
$17,282
-62%
NZ $6,559 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

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2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
River Cruise
Scenic waterways and effortless exploration
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 30 - 182
Ages 12+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Amsterdam

    You'll arrive in Amsterdam and get transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. The captain and crew will welcome you aboard as you settle in for the journey ahead.

    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  2. Day 2

    Alkmaar - Rhine River

    Start the day in Alkmaar, where you can walk through the historic center, see the canals and medieval buildings, or join a guided bike tour through the countryside instead. Later in the afternoon, the ship sails on the Rhine River. You'll have time to relax on the Sun Deck before heading to the welcome dinner this evening.

    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome dinner)

    Included Activities

    • Excursion to Alkmaar
    • Guided bike tour to Waterland

    Optional Activities

    • Dutch Delights experience (extra expense)
    Landmarks
    Alkmaar
  3. Day 3

    Cologne

    A walking tour takes you through Düsseldorf's stylish boutiques and charming Old Town along the Rhine. From there, you'll travel to Cologne and join a guided tour of the Gothic Cathedral and Old Town. The afternoon is yours to wander around and try some local food and see what the city has to offer.

    Included Activities

    • Walking tour of Düsseldorf
    • Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

    Optional Activities

    • German Beer Experience (extra expense)
    Landmarks
    Düsseldorf Old Town
    Cologne Cathedral
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Koblenz

    The ship cruises to Koblenz, a nice town surrounded by vineyards and mountains. You'll take a walking tour to see the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner where two rivers meet. Later that afternoon, you sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing castles and medieval villages along the way.

    Included Activities

    • Walking tour of Koblenz

    Optional Activities

    • Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
    Landmarks
    Church of Our Lady, Koblenz
    German Corner
    Rhine Gorge
  5. Day 5

    Heidelberg

    In Heidelberg, you'll take a guided tour starting at the Renaissance castle ruins with its gardens and sculptures. If you prefer something more active, there's a hike option from Mount Königstuhl with views over the city. This evening, you'll attend a private concert in a historical venue, which should be a nice highlight of your stay.

    Meals
    Dinner (Private Evening Concert on the Rhine)

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Heidelberg
    • Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
    • Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
    Landmarks
    Heidelberg Castle
    Mount Königstuhl
  6. Day 6

    Strasbourg

    The ship docks in Kehl and a coach takes you to Strasbourg, a medieval town with cobbled squares and half-timbered houses. Your included excursion lets you walk around and experience the flavors and character of Alsace through the local food and architecture.

    Included Activities

    • Flavours of Alsace

    Optional Activities

    • Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
    Landmarks
    Strasbourg Old Town
    Itinerary Image 1
  7. Day 7

    Breisach

    You'll visit Freiburg, known as the Capital of the Black Forest, on a guided tour where you can try authentic Black Forest delicacies. Active travelers can choose a guided bike tour through Breisach instead, or there's an optional trip to the charming town of Colmar if you want to pay extra.

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
    • Guided bike tour in Breisach

    Optional Activities

    • Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
    Landmarks
    Freiburg
    Breisach
  8. Day 8

    Basel to Lucerne

    After breakfast, you'll get a coach transfer to Lucerne where your Tour Director takes you through the city. You'll see the Chapel Bridge and walk the Old Town, then settle in for two nights.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Guided city tour of Lucerne including Chapel Bridge and Old Town
    Landmarks
    Chapel Bridge
    Lucerne Old Town
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  9. Day 9

    Lucerne

    The day is yours to do what you'd like in Lucerne. Walk around the preserved Old Town, take a waterfront stroll, or find a café to sit and relax. If you want something more active, there's an optional trip up Mount Rigi that gives you panoramic alpine views.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Optional Activities

    • Train & cable car ride to Rigi – Weggis (extra expense)
    Landmarks
    Mount Rigi
  10. Day 10

    Zurich

    You'll transfer by coach from Lucerne to Zurich, a cosmopolitan city with church steeples, cobbled lanes, and a contemporary center. After a guided tour, you'll have free time to explore the lakeside and check out the old town on your own.

    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Zurich
    Landmarks
    Zurich Old Town
  11. Day 11

    Zurich to Airport

    After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to your fellow travelers and head to the airport. The drive takes you through scenic mountains and forests as you depart.

    Meals
    Breakfast
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Emerald Cruises

Number of tours

588

Age Range

12 to 90 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

84%

There’s nothing quite like an Emerald Waterways river cruise. From Europe to...

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Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Emerald Cruises Ship

Customer Reviews

  • Lynn
    · July 23rd, 2025
    This is the best river cruise we have had. The itinerary, staff, and organisation was excellent. The atmosphere was friendly and warm. We made some new, life-long friends. What a shame it had to end.
    Show more
  • Louis
    · August 11th, 2023
    The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!
    Show more
  • Yuri
    · August 24th, 2023
    Excellent! The best tour guide was a lady in Bratislave, and above all Petr in Prague
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends in2d2h45m52s
  • -51%
    From Sunday
    24 May, 2026
    To Wednesday
    3 Jun, 2026
    English
    From:
    $38,363
    NZ $18,829 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -59%
    From Saturday
    13 Jun, 2026
    To Tuesday
    23 Jun, 2026
    English
    From:
    $19,372
    NZ $7,970 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -60%
    From Monday
    3 Aug, 2026
    To Thursday
    13 Aug, 2026
    From:
    $17,282
    NZ $6,925 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -54%
    From Sunday
    23 Aug, 2026
    To Wednesday
    2 Sep, 2026
    English
    From:
    $19,721
    NZ $8,998 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -59%
    From Saturday
    17 Oct, 2026
    To Tuesday
    27 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    $18,327
    NZ $7,447 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -62%
    From Wednesday
    21 Oct, 2026
    To Saturday
    31 Oct, 2026
    English
    From:
    $17,282
    NZ $6,559 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -55%
    From Monday
    26 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    5 Nov, 2026
    From:
    $16,062
    NZ $7,169 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -56%
    From Thursday
    12 Nov, 2026
    To Sunday
    22 Nov, 2026
    From:
    $15,539
    NZ $6,907 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -54%
    From Saturday
    29 May, 2027
    To Tuesday
    8 Jun, 2027
    English
    From:
    $18,919
    NZ $8,632 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -55%
    From Friday
    2 Jul, 2027
    To Monday
    12 Jul, 2027
    English
    From:
    $17,874
    NZ $8,109 per person
    Multiple Room Types
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Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $100 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

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Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Emerald Cruises with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.
From
$17,282
-62%
NZ $6,559 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 296791

  • Currencies
    Euro
    France, Germany and Netherlands
    Fr.
    Swiss Franc
    Switzerland
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for type J.

    Type J
    Switzerland
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Germany.Switzerland. Ideally 6 months before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before March 8th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after March 8th, 2026, a minimum payment of $1,000 is required to confirm your booking with Emerald Cruises. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Emerald Cruises" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec