Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll get picked up at Amsterdam airport and head to your hotel in the city center for two nights. Amsterdam's got a lot going for it, from the museums and art scene to all those famous canals running through it.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 2
Amsterdam
A local guide takes you on a walking tour through Amsterdam's neighborhoods, sharing the city's history and architecture along the way. You'll spend time at the Rijksmuseum, which has over 8,000 pieces including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
Landmarks Rijksmuseum - Day 3
Amsterdam to Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
After checking out of your hotel, you'll be driven to the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. That evening, you'll join the other passengers for a welcome dinner on board.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner on board)
- Day 4
Alkmaar - Rhine River Sailing
You can either head to Alkmaar to walk around its historic canals and medieval buildings, including the old cheese market, or join a bike tour through the Dutch countryside. Later in the day, the ship starts sailing on the Rhine before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Welcome dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Cheese Market - Day 5
Düsseldorf to Cologne
A walking tour introduces you to Düsseldorf's boutique shops and the Old Town along the Rhine. You'll then sail to Cologne for a guided tour covering the Old Town and the Gothic Cathedral. Spend the afternoon wandering around and trying local food.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf
- Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
Optional Activities
- German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral Düsseldorf Old Town 
- Day 6
Koblenz - Rhine Gorge Cruise
The ship docks in Koblenz, where you'll walk around and see the Church of Our Lady at the German Corner (where two major European rivers meet). Later, you'll sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage area with castles and half-timbered villages along the banks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks German Corner Church of Our Lady Rhine Gorge 
- Day 7
Heidelberg
In Heidelberg, a guide shows you around the Renaissance castle ruins and its gardens. If you'd rather stay active, there's a hike available with great views of the city. That evening, there's a private concert in a historic building.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Private Evening Concert dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle 
- Day 8
Kehl to Strasbourg
You'll dock in Kehl and take a coach to Strasbourg, where medieval squares with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets fill the town. Your included tour goes through the Alsace region, where you'll try local food and learn about regional cooking traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Flavours of Alsace experience), Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg Old Town 
- Day 9
Freiburg - Black Forest
As part of the EmeraldPLUS program, you'll visit Freiburg, known as the Black Forest's capital. You can sample local Black Forest dishes, or choose to bike around Breisach or explore Colmar on your own if you prefer something different.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Black Forest delicacies tasting), Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg - Day 10
Disembarkation and Transfer to Basel Airport
After breakfast, you'll leave the ship and say goodbye to your fellow passengers. A transfer takes you to the airport with memories from the Black Forest and the river cruise behind you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
