Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
After landing at Amsterdam Airport, you'll get picked up and taken to your hotel in the city center. You've got two nights here, so there's time to drop your bags and start getting the feel for the place.
Landmarks Amsterdam Airport 
- Day 2
Amsterdam
A local guide takes you on a walking tour through Amsterdam, pointing out the architecture and history around you. You'll spend time at the Rijksmuseum, where there are over 8,000 works including pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
Landmarks Rijksmuseum - Day 3
Amsterdam to Ship
From your hotel, you'll head to the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. That evening, join the other guests for a welcome dinner on board and get ready to start your river cruise.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Welcome Reception & Dinner
- Day 4
Alkmaar
You'll visit Alkmaar, a Dutch town known for its cheese market where you can see traditional cheesemakers and watch the auctions. After walking through the historic center with its canals and old buildings, you'll sail on the Rhine River later with drinks up on the Sun Deck.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside (EmeraldACTIVE)
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Cheese Market - Day 5
Düsseldorf to Cologne
Start with a walking tour of Düsseldorf, checking out the shopping streets and the Old Town along the Rhine. Later the ship reaches Cologne, where you can see the Gothic Cathedral and walk around the city to find places to eat and explore.
- 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 Rhine River - Day 6
Cologne to Koblenz
You'll cruise to Koblenz, a town with vineyards and mountains around it. The walking tour shows you the twin-towered Church of Our Lady and the German Corner where two major rivers meet. Afterward, you'll sail through the Rhine Gorge, which has castles and old villages along the banks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Koblenz
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Church of Our Lady German Corner Rhine Gorge - Day 7
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is up next, known as the City of Literature. A guided tour takes you through the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its gardens. In the evening, there's a private concert in a historic venue included with your EmeraldPLUS package.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Private Evening Concert on the Rhine)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg
- Private Evening Concert on the Rhine
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg (EmeraldACTIVE)
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Mount Königstuhl - Day 8
Kehl to Strasbourg
You'll dock in Kehl and take a coach to Strasbourg. Walk through the medieval town with its cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings. Your included tour goes into the heart of Alsace, where you can sample the local food and wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg Old Town - Day 9
Freiburg
With the EmeraldPLUS program, you can head to Freiburg to learn about the Black Forest region and try some traditional food from the area. If you prefer something more active, there's a guided bike tour through Breisach instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach (EmeraldACTIVE)
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg Black Forest - Day 10
Disembark to Basel Airport
After breakfast, you'll leave the Star-Ship and get transferred to Basel Airport, ending your river cruise with memories of the Black Forest and the Rhine valley behind you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Basel Airport
