Emerald Cruises - It's your time to explore the rivers of Europe

Here's Our Top 5 Europe River Cruise Itineraries 

Highlights: 

• Emerald Cruise itineraries with options to choose from - Danube, Rhine & Moselle, Eastern Europe, Lyon & Provence
• Emerald Cruises, Special offer - Save up to £2,600 per couple 
• Return flight tickets from UK
• Airport transfers to and from the ship
• All meals Included
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
• Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• Wine tasting in Bernkastel
• Cochem Castle visit with entertainment
• Guided hike to the UNESCO Heritage-listed Ivanovo Church
• Canoeing excursion in Avignon
• Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
• Entrance to Casino in Baden-Baden
• Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
• Book with Confidence: You can change your travel to an alternate date or itinerary or even Cancel up to 60 days prior to departure with no additional cost

---

  

Itinerary 1: Danube Delights

An unforgettable cruise down the iconic Danube & through the heart of old Europe. Walking tours, invitations into the homes of locals & sightseeing excursions showcase the magnificence of yesteryear.

Overview:

This insightful itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously. Guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany tell their own story, and city tours of Vienna and Budapest exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many.

• Ship: Emerald Sun
• Cabin: E-Emerald Stateroom 
• Duration: 7 Nights
• Sail Date: 30th Oct 2022

Emerald Cruises Price: £1,245 per person

What's Included?

• 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Airport transfers to and from the ship
• The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
• Port taxes and charges
• All tipping and gratuities

Excursions:

• Guided coach tour of Budapest
• A walking tour of Bratislava
• Guided tour of Vienna
• Guided tour of Melk Abbey
• Guided tour of Passau
• Guided tour of Regensburg

EmeraldPLUS:

• Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
• Traditional Bavarian band on board

EmeraldACTIVE:

• A hike to Buda Hill
• Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• Guided bike tour in Vienna
• Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
• A guided bike tour along the Danube River
• Hike to Veste Oberhaus

Dining:

• 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Day-wise itinerary:

Day 1: Budapest

Return economy flights from one of up to 16 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. Welcome to Budapest. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying time at leisure to explore Budapest.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.

Day 2: Budapest

The ancient Roman city of Aquincum once sat on the site of modern Budapest, where architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda on the right and Pest on the left offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe.

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Buda Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama of the Danube banks. 

Day 3: Bratislava

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre.

If you are feeling more active, then you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, offering the perfect environment for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake.

Day 4: Vienna

Set on the banks of the Danube, Vienna has been considered to be Europe’s capital of music for centuries. Viennese Classicism is still highly regarded around the world, as the 18th century brought with it the First Viennese School, consisting of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Today, your local guide will take you for a drive around the world-famous Ringstrasse and a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Vienna, including a peppering of lavish Baroque mansions and the Vienna State Opera. If you are feeling more active, then choose to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, home to a traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.

Day 5: Dürnstein - Melk

This morning, arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. When you arrive, you will have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, traversing the banks of the Danube.

Later, sail through the Wachau Valley, a place that showcases a plethora of historic architecture, in the form of monasteries, castles and ruins, and the development of urban design through the ages. When you arrive in Melk, you will be taken for a tour of the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, touching on the lavish surrounds of the former palace and viewing ancient manuscripts in the monastic library.

Day 6: Passau

After a morning of sailing along the Danube, perhaps relaxing with a drink in hand on the Sun Deck, we will take you into the heart of Passau. As the point at which the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet, Passau is also known as the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the “City of Three Rivers”.

Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. The town was destroyed by a series of fires in the 17th century, leaving a blank canvas for Italian architects to work with.

After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at leisure, before an afternoon spent sailing towards Regensburg.

Day 7: Regensburg

This morning, we will arrive in Regensburg, a city that has been generously steeped in history, built on the site of an ancient Roman fort that went on to become a major centre for trade during the Middle Ages. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where ancient Roman architecture can be found sitting alongside 11th – 13th century patrician houses. Narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city.

This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band on board.

Day 8: Regensburg - Munich 

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Roman architecture and the cultural divide in Budapest with you. 

For more information,

ENQUIRE NOW TO UNLOCK >> 

---

  

Itinerary 2: Legendary Rhine & Moselle

Savour the finest wines in Bernkastel amid the town's majestic scenery, before embarking on a guided tour of Trier, home to beautifully preserved Roman remains. In Cochem, explore the slopes of the Moselle Valley by bike, then witness the fairytale-like Marksburg Castle in Koblenz. Rüdesheim in the Rheingau region will enchant you with its medieval architecture and rolling vineyards, whilst the spa town of Wiesbaden offers a relaxing way to end your river cruise.

• Ship: Emerald Dawn
• Cabin: E-Emerald Stateroom 
• Duration: 7 Nights
• Sail Date: 19th June 2022

Emerald Cruises Price: £1,395 per person

What's Included?

• 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Airport transfers to and from the ship
• The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
• Port taxes and charges
• All tipping and gratuities

Excursions:

• Walking Tour of Bernkastel
• Guided tour of Trier
• Guided tour of Cochem
• Visit to Marksburg Castle
• Visit of Eberbach Abbey
• Walking tour of Wiesbaden

EmeraldPLUS:

• Wine tasting in Bernkastel
• Cochem Castle visit with entertainment

EmeraldACTIVE:

• Guided bike tour near Bernkastel
• Guided bike tour in Cochem
• Guided Hike in Koblenz
• Guided Hike to Niederwalddenkmal

Dining:

• 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Day-wise itinerary:

Day 1: Frankfurt – Bernkastel

Return economy flights from one of up to 16 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. You will be met at the airport by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Bernkastel. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Day 2: Bernkastel

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in a guided bike tour of the area.

Day 3: Trier

In southwest Germany, near the Luxemburg border, the city of Trier is a hidden treasure often called the “Rome of the North”. During your guided tour, explore the ruins of the old city baths, once a hive of activity during ancient times, and the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.

Day 4: Cochem

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided walk through the numerous well-preserved sites of this quaint town, including the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, the Town Hall and its many other gems.

In the evening, enjoy a visit to the Imperial Castle in Cochem which stands majestically over the Mosel River valley, are an invitation for every history and culture enthusiast to enjoy a beautiful afternoon in one the highest hill castles on the Mosel River. Soaring over Cochem, this medieval castle was heavily damaged while in the possession of the electoral princes of Trier. However, it was restored in the neo-gothic style associated with German castle romanticism in the 19th century.

Day 5: Koblenz

Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors including the castle kitchen, knight’s hall, armoury, and even an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress. With a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, Marksburg Castle takes on the appearance of a fairy-tale monument, not unlike something found in a story from Brothers Grimm.

Day 6: Rüdesheim

Start your day with a visit to the Eberbach Abbey, offering you the opportunity to experience a journey with all of your senses. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries which lie in the Rheingau Region. Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Burgundy) the monastery was one of the most active in Germany, and also boasted the largest vineyards in medieval Germany. As a major filming location of 1986 film 'In the Name of the Rose', adapted from Umberto Eco's thrilling novel with same name, Eberbach deserves a visit. Today the abbey continues to make exquisite wines and offers guided tours, enabling everyone to enjoy its history and architectural splendour. It also serves as a set for film and TV: the Season 5 trailers of Game of Thrones were filmed here.

Alternatively, enjoy a hike up the Niederwalddenkmal - a monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein in Hesse, Germany. It overlooks the valley of the Rhine and was built in the 1870/80s to commemorate the Unification of Germany.

Day 7: Wiesbaden

Famous for its mineral springs dating since Roman times, Wiesbaden resembles a 19th century resort. This morning our guided tour will pass by the Russian Chapel (Russian Orthodox) and you can enjoy the magnificent view over the city and Rhine valley. We will see some fine examples of Wilhemine Architecture (UNESCO Heritage) on the way to the Kochbrunnen where you can take a sip of hot water. The walking tour will take us to the Old Town, the Castle and the Kurhaus where we will board the coaches for the ride back to Wiesbaden.

Day 8: Mainz – Frankfurt

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday.

For more information,

ENQUIRE NOW TO UNLOCK >> 

---

  

Itinerary 3: Enchantment of Eastern Europe

As the final stretch of the Danube weaves its way through the depths of eastern Europe, meet locals for lunch in their home, enjoy tours of Osijek & Belgrade & marvel at the beauty of the Iron Gate.

Overview: 

Five countries, all unique in their own way, accompany the Danube on its journey through Eastern Europe. Enjoy a city stay in Bucharest, the vibrant Romanian capital, before joining your cruise in Arbanasi where you will attend a choir concert. Embark on a guided city tour of Belgrade, returning to your Star-Ship for a traditional Serbian folklore evening show. In Osijek, visit a local Croatian family for home-hosted lunch and then spend your day in rural Hungary for a Puszta Horse Show in Kalocsa.

• Ship: Emerald Sun
• Cabin: E-Emerald Stateroom 
• Duration: 8 Nights
• Sail Date: 22nd Oct 2022

Emerald Cruises Price: £1,745 per person

What's Included?

• 1 night in a hotel in Bucharest
• 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Airport transfers to and from the ship
• The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
• Port taxes and charges
• All tipping and gratuities

Excursions:

• Guided drive through Bucharest with visit of Spring Palace
• Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and ArbanasiVisit to Baba Vida Fortress
• Visit to local vineyard with wine tasting
• Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
• Guided tour of Belgrade
• A guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

EmeraldPLUS:

• Choir Concert in Arbanasi
• Serbian Folklore Band evening show
• Home Hosted Lunch with a Croatian family
• Meet the local students
• A Puszta horse show

EmeraldACTIVE:

• Guided hike to the UNESCO Heritage-listed Ivanovo Church
• Guided hike to Belogradchick Fortress
• Guide bike tour in Belgrade

Dining:

• 21 superb meals including 8 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Day-wise itinerary:

Day 1: Bucharest

Return economy flights from one of up to 16 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. When you arrive in Bucharest, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your perfectly situated hotel, including a one-night stay in Bucharest.

Welcome to the “Paris of the East”. The centre of Bucharest perfectly encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city.

Day 2: Bucharest - Giurgiu

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you will get the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic highlights during your guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace, before enjoying some time to explore the leafy boulevards at leisure.

After your insightful tour, you will be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Day 3: Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Today, you will have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide, an ancient city that was strategically positioned overlooking the surrounding area. On your included tour, you will have the opportunity to traverse its cobbled streets and witness its medieval fortifications.

Afterwards, you will be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Your local guide will enable you to explore the past, as your tour touches on a number of traditional houses and ancient churches.

If you would prefer to do something more active, then you could instead choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.

Tonight, your crew will welcome you back on board for a welcome reception and dinner.

Day 4: Vidin

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and the region has prospered from winemaking for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century; known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country.

If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. It’s easy to imagine how this stronghold would have offered the Romans a perfect lookout point.

Day 5: Donji Milanovac - Golubac

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than 8 millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.

Day 6: Belgrade

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today, as your local guide takes you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. Your coach will pass through the centre, where you will be able to catch glimpses of Serbia’s turbulent recent past, set amongst now quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.

This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge to watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

Day 7:  Osijek

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets. As you walk around the city, you will notice that damage from the Homeland War is still visible, but it’s difficult to imagine turbulent times in this peaceful area.

Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic old town. This traditional star fort houses a number of different buildings, including a military hospital and armouries, making it perfect for times of conflict. Your EmeraldPLUS experiences today are certain to be a highlight of your trip, as you dine on traditional cuisine with a local Croatian family and meet some students from a local village.

Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Kalocsa

In the morning, we will sail away from Osijek and on to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you will have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first hand, as they perform for you during their horse parade and showcase some of their memorable exercise drills.

Day 9:  Budapest

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday, please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport.

For more information, 

ENQUIRE NOW TO UNLOCK >> 

---

  

Itinerary 4: Sensations of Lyon & Provence

It is no surprise that the South of France is recognized as the birthplace of photography, its unrivalled beauty comprises the finest examples of French 15th century architecture, with Roman ruins and sun-soaked vineyards nestled at the foot of colossal mountain ranges. Journey to the country’s gastronomic beating heart, Lyon, before enjoying an authentic Provençal dinner on board, hosted by renowned French chef, Fabien Morreale.

• Ship: Emerald Liberté
• Cabin: E-Emerald Stateroom 
• Duration: 7 Nights
• Sail Date: 2nd Jul 2022

Emerald Cruises Price: £1,895 per person

What's Included?

• 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Airport transfers to and from the ship
• The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
• Port taxes and charges
• All tipping and gratuities

Excursions:

• Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
• Guided tour of Avignon
• Guided tour of Viviers
• Guided tour of Tournon
• Guided tour of Lyon
• Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

EmeraldPLUS: 

• Provençal dinner hosted by local Chef Fabien Morreale
• Regional wine tasting on board
• Silk presentation on board
• Cheese and olive tasting on board

EmeraldACTIVE:

• Canoeing excursion in Avignon
• Guided bike tour to Glun
• Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
• Guided bike tour of Lyon

Dining: 

• 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Day-wise itinerary:

Day 1: Marseille - Arles

Return economy flights from one of up to 16 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. If you'd prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available. You will be met at the airport or train station and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for you to board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board.

Day 2: Arles

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles and Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where spectators would have once gathered by the masses to watch superb chariot races.

Enjoy learning about the time that Vincent van Gogh spent in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including the “Starry Night Over the Rhône”, before exploring Arles at leisure.

Day 3: Avignon

Avignon has a long and storied history, as this fortified town was once the residence of Popes who fled from Rome, hoping to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire.

Embark on a guided walking tour of Avignon to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decades. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.

Day 4: Viviers

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings that have been gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the old town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour.

Day 5: Tournon

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône and into Tournon, a 16th-century castle sits overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers can be seen adorning the surrounding rural landscape.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon to learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.

Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will touch on the French countryside and the lives of the people who live there.

Day 6: Lyon

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, a lot of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But, it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world.

Join your local guide for a walking tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour around Lyon, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.

Day 7: Chalon-sur-Saône – Beaune

The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.

Day 8: Lyon

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport or train station, taking memories of French architecture and sun-kissed surrounds with you. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday. If you'd prefer not to fly, travel via Eurostar is available.

For more information,

ENQUIRE NOW TO UNLOCK >> 

---

  

Itinerary 5: The Majestic Rhine

Your journey through Germany includes a visit to see Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, while Koblenz, Mannheim’s beautiful architecture the Black Forest will be sure to amaze.

Overview:

Your journey through Germany and France includes a visit to Rüdesheim to see Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. While ancient Koblenz and Mannheim’s beautifully diverse architecture will be sure to amaze, as will your following exploration of the picturesque spa town of Baden-Baden is in the North of the Black Forest. Take a coach to the Alsace capital Strasbourg and cross the border into France on a visit to Colmar, before heading home from Basel.

• Ship: Emerald Dawn
• Cabin: D-Emerald Stateroom 
• Duration: 7 Nights
• Sail Date: 16th Oct 2022

Emerald Cruises Price: £1,745 per person

What's Included?

• 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Airport transfers to and from the ship
• The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
• Port taxes and charges
• All tipping and gratuities

Excursions:

• Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
• Walking tour of Koblenz & Visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
• Guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting
• Guided walking tour of Baden - Baden
• Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldPLUS:

• Entrance to Casino in Baden-Baden
• Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

EmeraldACTIVE:

• Bike tour in Koblenz
• Guided hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
• Guided hike to Altes Schloss
• Guided bike Tour to Colmar

Dining:

• 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Day-wise itinerary:

Day 1: Frankfurt – Mainz

Return economy flights from one of up to 16 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. Welcome to Frankfurt, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Day 2: Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany; where stalls adorned with cuckoo clocks captivate and live oompah bands playing in beer gardens during the summer months entertain.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. When you arrive, peruse exhibits full of rare music boxes inside of a 15th-century knight’s tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes.

Day 3: Koblenz

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, the area is now full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. These are yours to discover today during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. This confluence is best viewed 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 breath-taking vistas along the way. This fascinating area has a storyline that has crossed the centuries, moving from people fighting and leaving ruins behind to the Romantics of the 19th century immortalising its beauty.

Day 4: Mannheim – Heidelberg

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairytale-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 their imaginations 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, including the oldest university in Germany, before enjoying a wine tasting session.

Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.

Day 5: Rastatt – Baden-Baden

This morning, a coach will take you from where the ship is docked in Rastatt to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town that has been frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries.

If you are feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, the Old Castle, a fascinating 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.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the nostalgic elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before entering The Baden-Baden Casino, a favourite of silent film star Marlene Dietrich.

Day 6: Kehl – Strasbourg

This morning, dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is from its quaint waterways, which is why today’s EmeraldPLUS activity will involve embarking on a traditional canal 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, a place where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Day 7: Breisach – Colmar

Commence your magical morning with a tour to 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.

Day 8: Basel

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you.Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday, please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport.

For more information, 

ENQUIRE NOW TO UNLOCK >>