Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Arles
You'll arrive at Nice airport and get transferred to Arles, where you board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening there's a welcome reception and dinner where you'll meet the other guests on your cruise.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome reception and dinner with fellow guests)
Included Activities
- Welcome reception and dinner
Landmarks/POIs Arles 
- Day 2
Arles
A guided tour takes you through Arles to see the ancient Amphitheatre and learn about the chariot races that once happened there. You'll also hear about Vincent van Gogh's time in the city and how it influenced his paintings. After that, you have free time to wander around on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
- Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale
Optional Activities
- In the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)
- Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)
- Provençal Cosmetics Workshop (extra expense)
- Provençal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Arles Amphitheatre - Day 3
Avignon
During a guided walking tour, you'll see Avignon's rich history and the impressive Gothic Palais des Papes, which took two decades to build with seven different Popes overseeing the work. In the evening, there's a classical concert included as part of the EmeraldPLUS program.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Classical concert in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Palais des Papes 
- Day 4
Viviers
You'll head to the medieval town of Viviers with its pastel buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. A guided walking tour takes you through the Old Town so you can take in the historic architecture and character of the place.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
Optional Activities
- Visit to Chauvet Pont D'Arc (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Viviers Old Town - Day 5
Tournon
The ship sails down the Rhône River to Tournon, where a 16th-century castle overlooks the village. You can choose between a guided tour with wine tasting or join an active hike through the local vineyards if that appeals more to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon with wine tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided hike through the vineyards
Landmarks/POIs Tournon Castle - Day 6
Vienne
You'll explore Vienne, an important town in the Rhone-Alpes region with history going back to Gaulish and Roman times. The walking tour shows off monuments from both the Roman period and the medieval era. Back on the ship, there's a cheese and olive tasting for you to enjoy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Vienne
- Cheese and olive tasting on board
Landmarks/POIs Vienne 
- Day 7
Lyon
In Lyon, one of France's largest cities and a former Roman capital, you can choose your activity. Either take a walking tour to see the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviève or join a guided bike tour to check out the city's architecture. The city is also known for its local cuisine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tastes of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
- Lyon by Night (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviève 
- Day 8
Lyon to Basel
After breakfast, you disembark the Emerald Liberté Star-Ship and travel by coach to Basel, where your river cruise continues along a different route.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Freiburg
As part of EmeraldPLUS, you'll visit Freiburg, known as the Capital of the Black Forest, and try authentic Black Forest specialties. If you prefer something more active, there's a guided bike tour option in Breisach instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Freiburg 
- Day 10
Strasbourg
You'll arrive in Kehl and transfer to Strasbourg, a medieval town with cobblestone squares and half-timbered houses. An included culinary excursion highlights typical Alsatian flavors and food. This evening, there's a private concert in a historical venue as part of EmeraldPLUS.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Strasbourg Old Town 
- Day 11
Heidelberg
The ship sails along the meandering Rhine before you transfer by coach to Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature that inspired writers like Mark Twain. Your guided tour covers Heidelberg Castle and other historical sites throughout the town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Landmarks/POIs Heidelberg Castle - Day 12
Koblenz
You'll sail through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, passing romantic castles and medieval villages, then arrive in Koblenz. A local guide takes you through the cobbled squares to see the German Corner where two major European rivers meet, and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation Walk of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs German Corner Ehrenbreitstein Fortress 
- Day 13
Cologne and Düsseldorf
In Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities, you'll get close to the famous Cathedral. After lunch, you travel to Düsseldorf for a walking tour of this vibrant city with stylish shops, a charming Old Town, and views of the Rhine River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
- Walking tour of Duesseldorf
Optional Activities
- Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral 
- Day 14
Alkmaar and Amsterdam
You'll discover Alkmaar, a Dutch town with historic canals and medieval buildings, and see the centuries-old cheese market. Alternatively, join a bike tour through the Dutch countryside if that interests you more.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
- Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Alkmaar Cheese Market 
- Day 15
Departure
After breakfast, you disembark the Star-Ship and say goodbye to your fellow passengers. You'll transfer to the airport with memories of the Black Forest and the charm of Strasbourg and all the other towns you visited.
- Meals
- Breakfast
