Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam and connect with your Emerald Cruises representative at the airport. From there, you're transferred to your Star-Ship where you can settle into your cabin and get to know the ship that'll be your home for the next week.
- Day 2
Amsterdam
This morning you'll head to Keukenhof Gardens and walk through 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs, tulips, hyacinths, and orchids. Later you sail toward the Rhine River, and during the afternoon there's a clog painting activity on board. It's a nice way to get into the rhythm of the cruise.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
- Clog painting on board
Landmarks Keukenhof Gardens - Day 3
Düsseldorf - Cologne
You'll check out Düsseldorf's lively streets and the Japanese gardens there. After lunch, you sail along the Rhine to Cologne where you can see the gothic Cathedral and take an active walk through the city's gardens. The cathedral's really the centerpiece of the old town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf with visit to the Japanese Garden
- Guided tour of Cologne
- Active walk to Cologne's Gardens
Optional Activities
- German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Japanese Garden Cologne Cathedral Cologne Gardens 
- Day 4
Koblenz
A local guide takes you through historic Koblenz on a walking tour, pointing out architecture that survived the war years and the Church of Our Lady. You'll visit German Corner where two major European rivers meet and see Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Later the ship cruises through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation walk of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Church of Our Lady German Corner Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Rhine Gorge 
- Day 5
Bad-Dürkheim - Schwetzingen
You have choices here. There's Schwetzingen Palace with its cultural heritage gardens and over 100 sculptures, or a guided hike through the vineyards around Bad-Dürkheim if you want something more active. Heidelberg is also available for an extra cost if neither of those appeals to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
- Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)
Landmarks Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens Bad-Dürkheim Vineyards - Day 6
Strasbourg
You transfer from Kehl to Strasbourg and explore this city's beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage Neustadt district and Maison Kammerzell, a great example of German Renaissance design, are on the itinerary. You'll also walk through Petite France, the historic quarter that looks like it came straight from a painting. An active walk to Orangerie Park is another option.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Strasbourg
- Active walk to Orangerie Park
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Neustadt District Maison Kammerzell Petite France Orangerie Park 
- Day 7
Freiburg - Breisach
Freiburg in the Black Forest has colorful half-timbered houses and a vibrant market square waiting for you, plus the botanical garden. If you prefer being active, there's a guided bike tour around Breisach, a medieval town with Rhine River views. Colmar is available as a paid alternative.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Freiburg visit with Botanical Garden
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg Botanical Garden Breisach - Day 8
Basel to Lucerne
After breakfast, you're heading to Lucerne by coach where your tour director walks you through the city's key spots. You'll see the Chapel Bridge and wander through the Old Town before checking into your accommodation for two nights. The drive gives you time to settle in and get oriented before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Lucerne including Chapel Bridge and Old Town
Landmarks Chapel Bridge Lucerne Old Town 
- Day 9
Lucerne
This is your day to explore at your own pace. The Old Town has plenty of character with its preserved buildings and quiet streets, or you can take it easy by the waterfront and grab lunch at one of the local cafes. If you want something more active, there's an optional trip up Mount Rigi where you'll get views across the Alps and surrounding lakes from up there.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Train and cable car ride to Rigi-Weggis (extra expense)
Landmarks Mount Rigi - Day 10
Lucerne to Zurich
You transfer by coach from Lucerne to Zurich, driving through scenic mountain and forest areas. Once there, a guided tour covers the city with its church steeples, cobbled lanes, and modern center. You'll have free time afterward to walk around the lakeside and check out the old town on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Zurich
Landmarks Zurich Old Town 
- Day 11
Zurich
After breakfast you say goodbye to everyone and transfer to the airport. The drive takes you back through the scenic mountains and forests, wrapping up your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
