EMERALD WATERWAYS
8 Days | Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Southbound
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
AMSTERDAM TO ZURICH
Day 1 | Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead. (D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam. This morning you can decide to either enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s canal or a guided bike tour. Return to the ship for your first day sailing through the Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight, the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE Guided Bike Tour
Day 3 | Cologne, Germany. Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne, founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest and is famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. After lunch on board, join your local guide for an included tour of the Old Town, with free time for exploring. Cologne is one of Germany's largest and most modern cities largely due to a rebuilding plan post WWII, and it has many different museums and galleries. During your free time visit the Christmas markets and shop for handicrafts before returning to your ship. (B,L,D)
DiscoverMORE Football Stadium Tour (extra expense)
Day 4 | Koblenz. Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. You will have a tour of Koblenz and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river. This fortress was part of the Prussian defences against the French in the 19th century and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. In the afternoon, sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles and vineyards as well as the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, which was built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. Countless vineyards and medieval castles line the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities at every bend. (B,L,D)
DiscoverMORE* Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (extra expense)
*NOTE: you can only choose either included tour of Koblenz or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.
Day 5 | Mannheim. Heidelberg. Continue upstream to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. There you will have a chance to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg including the impressive castle which overlooks the town, or take part on an active hike to Heidelberg Hill. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Heidelberg Hill
EmeraldPLUS Wine Tasting in Heidelberg
Day 6 | Kehl. Strasbourg, France. Once docked in Kehl you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. Your guided walking tour will include the Grande Île, the historical city centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstones buildings, canals and river locks. Strasbourg is home of one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, which you will have time to visit during your free time. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS Guided Tour of Strasbourg
Day 7 | Breisach, Germany. Today you will visit a typical black forest village, full of charm and many Cuckoo clocks and other German specialties. Alternatively, take part on a guided hike through some of the black forest trails. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through some of the Black Forest trails
EmeraldPLUS Black Forest Cake Assembling presentation and tasting
Day 8 | Basel. Disembark. Zurich. Welcome to Switzerland and the Rhine–side town of Basel, the centre for Switzerland's pharmaceutical industry. After, your breakfast you will disembark your ship and transfer to Zurich Airport for your homebound flight. (B)
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.
| SOUTHBOUND ITINERARY 8 DAYS | AMSTERDAM TO ZURICH |
|
||
to find your preferred sailing dates.
 |
|
|
