ITINERARY
Wed, 05 Aug Fly NZ to Amsterdam
Thu, 06 Aug – Sat, 09 Aug 3 nights pre-cruise Amsterdam, Room & Breakfast (B)
Three days free to explore Amsterdam.
Sat, 09 Aug Amsterdam (D)
Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.
Sun, 10 Aug Amsterdam (B,L,D)
Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells a tale of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the city’s medieval centre and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and flower fields.
Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.
Included Excursion: Canal cruise
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland
Mon, 11 Aug Cologne (B,L,D)
Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Tue, 12 Aug Koblenz (B,L,D)
Immerse yourself in fairy tale-like surroundings today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman town will unveil the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe.
Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon. Here, romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear suspended in time.
Included Excursion: Walking tour of Koblenz
DiscoverMORE: Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Wed, 13 Aug Heidelberg (Mannheim) (B,L,D)
This morning, you will discover Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds. And tonight, our EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Heidelberg
EmeraldACTIVE: Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
EmeraldPLUS: Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace
Thu, 14 Aug Kehl – Strasbourg (B,L,D)
This morning, you’ll dock in Kehl to be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses.
Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town will touch on many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Strasbourg
Fri, 15 Aug Breisach – Freiburg (B,L,D)
Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the ‘Capital of the Black Forest’, Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you’re feeling more active, you can choose to go for a guided bike tour in Breisach
EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach
Sat, 16 Aug Basel – Zurich (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest with you.
Sat, 16 Aug – Wed, 20 Aug – 4 nights Bed & Breakfast in Switzerland (B)
Free time to explore. Buy a Swiss Railpass and take day trips into Zurich, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Lake Contance or the Lindt Chocolate Factory
Fri, 22 Aug Arrive home in NZ
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.
NOTE: Our packages are completely flexible. It is possible to travel earlier or return later if you wish to visit friends or family or incorporate other European Adventures.
Not included in your package…
*Meals and drinks not shown in inclusions.
*DiscoverMORE – optional sightseeing tours at extra cost.
*Travel Insurance = price varies depending on age and pre-existing medical conditions.
*Swiss Rail Pass = approx $500pp for 3 days.
