Day 1: Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Day 2: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Welcome to
Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque
canals, world class museums, and cafés. You will be met
and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises
Star-Ship. Become acquainted with the amenities of your
ship, or begin exploring the city. This evening, join your
fellow travelers for dinner onboard. Meal: D
Day 3: Amsterdam
This morning, depart by coach
for an included visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Discover
why it 's called the 'Garden of Europe ' as you admire
gorgeous flowers at the peak of tulip season. Colorful
displays of tulips, hyacinths, orchids and other flowers
stretch as far as the eye can see as you stroll along
the perfectly manicured meandering paths. Return to
the ship for your first day cruising through the Dutch
countryside, passing windmills and sailing through locks
towards the Rhine River. Tonight, enjoy a welcome
reception and gala dinner. Meal: B, L, D
Day 4: Cologne, Germany
Cruise along the Rhine
River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is
one of Germany 's oldest and famous for its magnificent
World-Heritage listed gothic cathedral. This afternoon
upon arrival, visit Cologne Botanical Gardens. A local
expert accompanies you through the gardens, explaining
about the flora and history of the park. Continue with
a local guide on an included walking tour of the city,
touching on the historical charm of the Old Town. Traverse quaint alleyways and see historic monuments.
The tour concludes at the cathedral, whose twin spires
dominate the skyline. Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Koblenz
Day 6: Ludwigshafen - Schwetzingen
Relax onboard as the vessel cruises along the Rhine River to Ludwigshafen. Upon arrival travel by coach to visit Schwetzingen Palace, famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Visit the interior of the palace, along with the beautiful gardens, maintained in their original design.
Today they remain a cultural heritage site of European significance, and contain more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. Alternatively, embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim
(instead of included tour)
DiscoverMORE Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
(additional expense)
Day 7: Kehl / Strasbourg, France
Once docked in Kehl,
travel by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital
of the Alsace region in France. Your guided walking tour
includes the Grande Île - the historical city center and
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its medieval
black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning
houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river
locks, the city 's star attraction is the cathedral, dominating
the main square. Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Breisach, Germany
Experience the 'tale of two
cities ': Breisach, Germany and Neuf-Breisach, France,
divided by the Rhine. During the guided visit to these
two wonderful gems on the Rhine River, you 'll pass the main sights and attractions, including the UNESCO World
Heritage fortress overlooking Neuf-Breisach.Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine
EmeraldPLUS Guided bike tour in Breisach
Day 9: Basel, Switzerland - Lucerne
After breakfast,
disembark the ship in Basel and begin your Swiss
adventure. Depart by coach to Lucerne, a picturesque
town surrounded by mountains and meadows. An
included walking tour highlights the city 's landmark - the
famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge.
See the 17th-century
Renaissance Town Hall and town squares, all set amongst
the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The remainder of
the day is at leisure. Meals: B
Day 10: Lucerne
Your last day is left free of planned
activities. Explore on your own, or join the optional excursion
to Mt. Pilatus - a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a
unique alpine experience! This evening, get together for an
included dinner at the hotel. Meals: B, D
DiscoverMORE Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)
Day 11: Lucerne / USA
Bid 'auf wiedersehen ' to
Europe and return home with memories of life enriching
experiences from your European adventure and cruise
along the Rhine River during tulip time. Meal: B
All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour
operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material
provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates
are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices
on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors,
omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to
confirm availability and pricing.
