The Majestic Rhine

Visiting Germany. Enjoy curated shore excursions, cultural discoveries, and world-class luxury amenities onboard.

Welcome to Frankfurt, where you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Frankfurt prior to 02:00 PM.

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes.

During your EmeraldPLUS experience, discover the fascinating legends of the Rhine in this engaging lecture that delves into the region's rich history and mythology.

EmeraldPLUS
Legends on the Rhine

Included Excursion
A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

EmeraldACTIVE
Bike tour in Koblenz

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Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle Visit (extra expense)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.

Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

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Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim (extra expense)

Visiting Germany. Enjoy curated shore excursions, cultural discoveries, and world-class luxury amenities onboard.

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert in a historical venue.

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert on the Rhine

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Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)

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Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg.

Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll embark on a traditional canal boat

tour. Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of the

city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Visiting France. Enjoy curated shore excursions, cultural discoveries, and world-class luxury amenities onboard.

Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Colmar

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Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)

Visiting France. Enjoy curated shore excursions, cultural discoveries, and world-class luxury amenities onboard.

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.