Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich
You'll arrive in Zurich and get settled at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this lakeside city on your own terms. Take a walk along Lake Zurich's shores if you feel like it, or grab a coffee at one of the local cafés and soak in the atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Zurich's lakeside setting at leisure
- Visit charming cafés throughout the city
Landmarks Lake Zurich - Day 2
Zurich to Lucerne
Start with a guided walking tour through Zurich's streets, then head to Lucerne by transfer. Once you arrive, spend your afternoon wandering around this Alpine town. The medieval Altstadt has cobblestone streets and colorful buildings worth checking out at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Zurich
Optional Activities
- Explore Lucerne at leisure
- Stroll through the colorful Altstadt
Landmarks Altstadt (Old Town), Lucerne 
- Day 3
Lucerne
Join a guided tour to see what makes Lucerne special. You'll walk through the medieval Altstadt, cross the Chapel Bridge, and see the distinctive octagonal Water Tower. Your guide will fill you in on the city's history and how these landmarks shaped the place over the centuries.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lucerne
- Visit to Chapel Bridge
- Visit to Water Tower
Optional Activities
- Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)
Landmarks Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke) Water Tower (Wasserturm) Altstadt (Old Town), Lucerne - Day 4
Lucerne to Basel
Travel by coach through Swiss landscapes to reach Basel. You'll board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and meet the captain and crew. Later tonight, join other travelers for the welcome dinner on board to kick things off.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Dinner on board
- Day 5
Colmar
Take a guided walking tour through Colmar's cobblestone lanes. You'll see half-timbered houses and window boxes filled with colorful flowers. If you prefer something different, there's a canoeing option on the Rhine that gives you another way to see the town from the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Colmar
Optional Activities
- Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine
Landmarks Altstadt (Old Town), Colmar 
- Day 6
Strasbourg
Explore Strasbourg on a traditional canal boat tour. You'll pass through Petite France with its half-timbered houses and canals, see the covered bridges and Vauban Dam, then reach the Neustadt imperial quarter. After the tour, you'll have free time this afternoon to wander around on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
Optional Activities
- Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)
Landmarks Petite France, Strasbourg Vauban Dam Neustadt, Strasbourg 
- Day 7
Mainz
Start your day with a guided tour of Mainz. You'll see the impressive sandstone cathedral and walk through the Old Town with its medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. Learn about Johannes Gutenberg and his invention of the printing press here in the 15th century.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Mainz
- Visit to sandstone cathedral
Optional Activities
- Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)
- Rüdesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)
Landmarks Mainz Cathedral Altstadt (Old Town), Mainz 
- Day 8
Rheingau Region - Sankt Goar
As part of EmeraldPLUS, visit Schloss Johannisberg, the first Riesling winery in the world, located in the Rheingau region. Tour the 50-hectare estate and check out the 900-year-old abbey cellar with over 25,000 wines stored inside. If you prefer hiking, there's a vineyard route to the Niederwalddenkmal Monument. Later, join an afternoon hike from Sankt Goar to see Rheinfels Castle ruins above the Rhine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
Optional Activities
- Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
- Afternoon hike with Activity Manager in Sankt Goar
Landmarks Schloss Johannisberg Winery Niederwalddenkmal Monument Rheinfels Castle - Day 9
Bernkastel
Sail through the Moselle River in the morning while taking in the scenic views. Stop in Bernkastel, a historic town with well-preserved buildings from 1416. Try a leisurely vineyard hike through the Moselle vineyards and taste local Riesling wine. There's also an active hike option to Landshut Castle Ruins for a different perspective of the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
Optional Activities
- Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins
Landmarks Bernkastel Old Town Landshut Castle Ruins - Day 10
Cochem
Join a guided tour of Cochem to see the historic town wall remains, the town hall, and other local sites. Visit Reichsburg Castle while you're here. For a more active experience, cycle along the Moselle instead. There's also a German Beer Garden Experience available if you'd like something extra.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Cochem
- Visit to Reichsburg Castle
Optional Activities
- Cycling tour along the Moselle
- German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Reichsburg Castle, Cochem Cochem Old Town 
- Day 11
Koblenz to Bonn
You'll have a free morning in Koblenz before sailing this afternoon. Watch the landscape as the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. You'll arrive in Bonn, the former West German capital and Beethoven's birthplace. Walk through Bonn Minster with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the Altstadt, and Beethoven House. Alternatively, take a guided bike tour to see the city from a different angle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bonn
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Bonn
Landmarks Bonn Minster Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), Bonn Beethoven House - Day 12
Nijmegen
Arrive in Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands, originally called Noviomagus during Roman times. Join a walking tour through the town center to see the architecture and learn about the International Four Days Marches. You can also do a guided bike ride along the Waal river to explore the countryside, or visit Paleis Het Loo for an extra fee.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Nijmegen
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Nijmegen
- Visit to Palais Het Loo (extra expense)
Landmarks Nijmegen Town Centre - Day 13
Dordrecht to Rotterdam
You'll dock in Dordrecht and take a walk into town with your Activity Manager. Continue sailing after that, then arrive in Rotterdam. Join a walking tour here to see how the city was rebuilt with varied architectural styles after WWII. Check out the Witte Huis, Europe's former tallest office building.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Rotterdam
Optional Activities
- Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht
Landmarks Witte Huis (White House), Rotterdam Rotterdam City Centre 
- Day 14
Amsterdam
Disembark and transfer to your hotel in central Amsterdam. You'll stay here for two nights, giving you time to settle in and get ready to explore the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 15
Amsterdam
Your local guide shows you around Amsterdam and its fascinating stories, art, and remarkable architecture. Take a carefully planned walking tour that includes the Rijksmuseum, one of the world's greatest museums. Inside you'll find over 8,000 works including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Amsterdam
- Visit to Rijksmuseum
Landmarks Rijksmuseum - Day 16
Amsterdam to Airport
After breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow travelers and transfer to the airport. You'll leave with memories from your journey along the Rhine and through these historic European cities.
- Meals
- Breakfast
