Itinerary
- Day 1
Nice to Arles
You'll arrive in Nice and get transferred to Arles where you board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After meeting your captain and crew, there's a welcome reception and dinner with the other guests this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome reception and dinner with fellow guests)
Included Activities
- Welcome reception and dinner
- Day 2
Arles
A guided tour takes you through Arles' Roman heritage, including the 2,000-year-old Amphitheatre. You'll learn about Vincent van Gogh's time here and what inspired his work, then have the afternoon free to wander around the city 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)
Landmarks/POIs Arles Amphitheatre - Day 3
Avignon
Head out to the lavender fields of Provence, then travel to Avignon for a guided walking tour of this historic city and the Palais des Papes. A classical concert is scheduled for this evening as part of the EmeraldPLUS programme.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour to Lavender Fields
- Guided tour of Avignon
- Classical concert in Avignon
Optional Activities
- Canoeing excursion in Avignon
- Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
- Private hidden Gems tours of Avignon (extra expense)
- Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Palais des Papes 
- Day 4
Viviers
You'll check out the medieval town of Viviers with its pastel-coloured buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. A guided walking tour takes you through the heart of the Old Town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Viviers
- Provençal soap-making workshop
Optional Activities
- Visit to Chauvet Pont D'Arc (extra expense)
- Day 5
Tournon
The ship sails down the Rhone River to Tournon, where you'll see a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and ancient watchtowers. You can choose between a guided tour of the town or an active guided hike through the local vineyards.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Tournon
- Guided hike through the vineyards
- Day 6
Mâcon
This morning you'll have a relaxed sail on the Saone River before arriving in Macon. Later, you explore the Beaujolais wine region, known for its vibrant, fruity Gamay wines, and participate in a wine tasting experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Beaujolais wine tasting
- Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
- Day 7
Lyon
Lyon, a former Roman capital, is your destination today. You can choose between a guided walking tour that includes the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere or an active guided bike tour focusing on the city's architecture and its famous Lyonnaise cuisine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lyon with cheese tasting
- Guided bike tour of Lyon
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)
- Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviève 
- Day 8
Lyon to Basel
After breakfast, you disembark from the river cruise ship and transfer by coach to Basel, where your river cruising continues.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Freiburg
Freiburg, the Capital of the Black Forest, is visited as part of the EmeraldPLUS programme. You can sample authentic Black Forest delicacies or join a guided bike tour in nearby 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)
- Day 10
Strasbourg
You arrive in Kehl and transfer by coach to Strasbourg. There's time to walk through its medieval past, cobblestone squares, and half-timbered houses. During the evening, you'll experience typical Alsatian flavours and attend an exclusive private concert in a historical venue.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
- Day 11
Heidelberg
The cruise follows the Rhine River towards Germersheim, passing where the Rhine and Neckar rivers meet. You transfer by coach to Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature, and discover its historical landmarks including Heidelberg Castle. A guided tour or active hike from Mount Konigstuhl are your options.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Landmarks/POIs Heidelberg Castle - Day 12
Koblenz
The ship cruises to Koblenz, a 2,000-year-old town where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. An orientation walk takes you through this Roman town to see landmarks like the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation Walk of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs German Corner 
- Day 13
Cologne and Düsseldorf
Cologne is next, where you'll see one of Germany's oldest cities and get up close with the famous Cathedral. After lunch, you head to Dusseldorf for a walking tour, strolling along the Rhine River and seeing its mix of ancient and modern architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cologne Old Town
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf
Optional Activities
- Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral 
- Day 14
Alkmaar
Alkmaar, a charming Dutch town near Amsterdam, has historic canals and medieval buildings to explore. You can visit the famous centuries-old cheese market or join a guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
Optional Activities
- Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
- Day 15
Amsterdam to Airport
After breakfast, you disembark from the Star-Ship and say goodbye to your fellow guests. A coach transfer takes you to the airport with memories of the Black Forest and Strasbourg.
- Meals
- Breakfast
