River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Zurich

   Thu, Jun 20, 2024

   Straddling the northernmost tip of Lake Zurich, Zurich is one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. Today, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or frequenting one of its many charming cafés. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

2. Day 2
   Zurich – Lucerne

   Fri, Jun 21, 2024

   This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, perhaps strolling down cobblestone streets in its colourful Altstadt.

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Zurich

   
   Meals: Breakfast
3. Day 3
   Lucerne

   Sat, Jun 22, 2024

   The awe-inspiring natural beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower.

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Lucerne

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   Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast
4. Day 4
   Lucerne - Basel

   Sun, Jun 23, 2024

   This morning, journey by coach through idyllic landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side town of Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Breisach - Colmar

   Mon, Jun 24, 2024

   Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour of Colmar. A magical place, Colmar resembles the imagery found within a beloved fairy tale. Your included tour of the town will enable you to traverse its cobblestone lanes, passing medieval half-timbered façades and window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers. If you’re feeling more active, you may instead wish to embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided bike tour to Colmar

   Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Colmar

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   Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Kehl - Strasbourg

   Tue, Jun 25, 2024

   This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a city perfectly encapsulating the region’s medieval charm. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways. You’ll explore the historic architecture on a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.

   Relax on board as you pass through the idyllic surrounds of Petite France and conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s noteworthy buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Rastatt – Baden-Baden

   Wed, Jun 26, 2024

   This morning, you’re transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, known for its peaceful surroundings and the celebrities who have visited it over the last century.

   If you’re feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a hike to Altes Schloss, where your local guide will show you the castle ruins, including the dungeons and winding staircases. The panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest region are certain to make this a truly unforgettable experience.
   Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, witnessing the luxurious façades of the independent boutiques and the well-manicured gardens, before entering the world-famous Baden-Baden Casino.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Entrance to the Baden-Baden Casino

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided hike to Altes Schloss

   Included Excursion
   Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Ludwigshafen - Heidelberg

   Thu, Jun 27, 2024

   Strolling down Heidelberg’s cobblestone streets, you may find yourself as entranced as the German Romanticist thinkers before you. Heidelberg is a living representation of the legend-steeped cityscapes depicted by the romanticists, its peaceful surroundings beckoning exploration.

   Today, you'll explore Heidelberg Castle or opt to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

   Included Excursion
   Guided tour of Heidelberg

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Koblenz

   Fri, Jun 28, 2024

   Koblenz is an ancient city often considered to be the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. The Romans originally built a city here as a stronghold, but the area is now known for its idyllic beauty, and peaceful parks full of colourful flowers. Today, you will be able to relax during a guided tour of the city, including a cable car ride across the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Bike tour in Koblenz

   Included Excursion
   Walking tour of Koblenz and a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

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   Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Rüdesheim

    Sat, Jun 29, 2024

    This afternoon, you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

    Your included tour will be a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, a half-timbered tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes that houses one of the best collections of music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to ride on the charming Winzerexpress and taste famous Rüdesheimer coffee, made with one of the most famous brandies in Germany.

    Included Excursion
    Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Mainz – Frankfurt – Berlin

    Sun, Jun 30, 2024

    After breakfast, you will be transferred from your Star-Ship to the airport for your flight to Berlin. The German capital has much to offer, from its captivating entertainment to its historic architecture. A two-night stay in a centrally located hotel is included in your itinerary.

    
    Meals: Breakfast
12. Day 12
    Berlin

    Mon, Jul 01, 2024

    This morning, join your local guide for a walking tour of Berlin, passing by the famous Alexanderplatz, the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, a monument that tells of the division and reunion of the city. This afternoon, enjoy exploring Berlin at leisure, perhaps venturing into one of its chic restaurants of discovering more of its charming architecture.

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Berlin

    
    Meals: Breakfast
13. Day 13
    Berlin

    Tue, Jul 02, 2024

    After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of romantic cityscapes.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

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