Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam and head to your centrally located hotel for a two-night stay. Take the afternoon and evening to get settled and wander around the city at your own pace. Grab dinner somewhere nearby if you're not too tired from travel.
Landmarks Amsterdam 
- Day 2
Amsterdam
A local guide takes you on a walking tour through Amsterdam, sharing the city's history and pointing out the architecture along the way. Later you'll head to the Rijksmuseum, where you can spend a few hours looking at over 8,000 works including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens. Plan on a couple hours here at least.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
Landmarks Rijksmuseum - Day 3
Amsterdam to Rhine River Cruise
After breakfast, you'll transfer from your hotel to the Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. Once on board, settle into your cabin and join the other guests for a welcome dinner this evening. It's a good chance to meet people you'll be traveling with for the next week.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Welcome dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner on board
- Day 4
Alkmaar
The ship takes you to Alkmaar, a Dutch town with historic canals and medieval buildings worth checking out. You'll find the centuries-old cheese market here with traditional cheesemakers and auctions happening throughout the morning. Later in the afternoon, you'll sail on the Rhine River with nice views, then head back on board for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar - Day 5
Düsseldorf to Cologne
You'll join a walking tour of Düsseldorf in the morning, seeing the boutiques and checking out the Old Town area. After that, you'll stroll along the Rhine River and see some of the architecture around the city. Later the ship arrives in Cologne, and you'll have free time to walk around on your own, see the Gothic Cathedral, try local food, and just explore at your own pace.
- 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 Düsseldorf Cologne Cathedral 
- Day 6
Koblenz
The ship cruises to Koblenz, a town set against vineyards with mountains in the background. You'll do a walking tour to see the Roman town and the Church of Our Lady at the German Corner, where two major rivers meet. In the afternoon, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO site) and you'll pass romantic castles and medieval villages along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Koblenz Church of Our Lady German Corner Rhine Gorge 
- Day 7
Heidelberg
You arrive in Heidelberg and join a guided tour starting at the Renaissance castle ruins with gardens that have water features and flowers. If you want to be active, there's a hike available with views over the city. Later this evening, you'll attend a private concert in a historical venue, which is a nice way to end the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, 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 Mount Königstuhl 
- Day 8
Strasbourg
The ship docks in Kehl and you'll transfer by coach to Strasbourg. Spend time in the medieval center with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. You'll also do an included excursion where you learn about Alsace food and cooking traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg 
- Day 9
Freiburg
Today you visit Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest region. You can try authentic Black Forest food and desserts, or if you prefer, join a guided bike tour through Breisach. Either way, you'll get to experience the charm and flavors of this area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg Black Forest 
- Day 10
Basel to Lucerne
After breakfast, you'll get a coach transfer from Basel to Lucerne. Your tour director will show you around the city, taking you through the Chapel Bridge and the Old Town before you settle into your hotel for two nights. The ride takes a few hours, so you'll have time to relax before dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Lucerne including Chapel Bridge and Old Town
Landmarks Chapel Bridge Lucerne Old Town 
- Day 11
Lucerne
This is your chance to take things at your own pace in Lucerne. Walk around the Old Town, wander along the waterfront, or find a café to sit and watch the lake. If mountain views interest you, there's an optional trip to Mount Rigi that gives you those wide alpine views from higher up. Most people spend the morning exploring and grab lunch somewhere by the water.
Optional Activities
- Train and cable car ride to Rigi-Weggis (extra expense)
Landmarks Mount Rigi - Day 12
Lucerne to Zurich
You transfer by coach from Lucerne to Zurich, a modern city with church steeples, cobbled lanes, and a contemporary center mixed together. You'll join a guided tour in the morning, then have free time to walk around the lakeside and explore the old town on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Zurich
Landmarks Zurich 
- Day 13
Zurich to Airport
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to the other guests and transfer to the airport. The drive passes through mountains and forests, giving you one last look at the Swiss landscape before you head home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
