Your Itinerary

1Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland. You will be met at the airport by an Emerald Waterways representative and transferred to your luxurious Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

2Breisach
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the black Germany’s Black Forest and witness the cultural charm of the region known for its thick forests, ravines, lakes, cuckoo clocks and traditional costumes. Alternatively, embark on a guided active walk through the Black Forest region, weaving through the woodland and admiring the lush canopy of evergreens.

3Kehl / Strasbourg
This morning, we will dock in Kehl and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace Region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the Grande Île, the historical centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that is known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system. After your guided tour of Strasbourg, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets.

4Mannheim / Heidelberg
This morning, relax on board as we cruise along the Rhine River, passing Mannheim on our way to Heidelberg. The streets of Mannheim are laid out in a traditional grid system, which is why it is also known as the “City of Squares”. Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a wine tasting, and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the old town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany.

5Koblenz
Today, we will take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city that looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a German fairytale. Enjoy a picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets. Your tour will include the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle at the German Corner and idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

6Cologne
Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you will have the opportunity to explore independently, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.

7Amsterdam, Netherlands
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and emerald canopies 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.