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Cruise the rivers of Germany

Jewels of the Rhine

Zurich - Amsterdam - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Sun
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Board the ship in Basel, Switzerland. First to explore in the list is the Black Forest, known for its cuckoo clocks and the live oompah bands. Here, visit a Black Forest village or hike passing under an idyllic canopy of evergreens. In Strasbourg, be amazed by the ornate beauty of Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France. Enjoy a wine tasting in Heidelberg and after that, sail to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz and visit the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner. In Cologne, tour to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. 
Explore CologneCruise the Rhine through CologneExplore the inspiring AmsterdamHistoric Zurich with River Limmat, SwitzerlandKoblenz at nightCruise the rivers of Germany
Highlights
  • Visit a Black Forest village and meet the people in the region
  • Visit Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins
  • Take a walk on the cobbled lanes weaving through the old town of Heidelberg
  • Ride a cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with exceptional panoramas
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Zurich | Basel | Embark

Welcome to Switzerland! Travel from Zurich airport to the Rhine–side town of Basel. Board the luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, and, this evening, join fellow guests for dinner on board. 

Day 2: Breisach

The Black Forest is a captivating region, known for its cuckoo clocks and the live oompah bands that grace sun-kissed gardens with their music during the summer months. Today, enjoy a visit to a Black Forest village and learn how people in the region lived for centuries. For a more active option, take a hike through the Black Forest, passing under an idyllic canopy of evergreens.

Later, enjoy one of the region’s most famous treats during a Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting.

Day 3: Kehl | Strasbourg

Wake up docked in Kehl and transfer across the river to the medieval town of Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time. Here, explore the past during a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed old town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure. 

Day 4: Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg

Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Ludwigshafen, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting.

Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. Alternatively, revel in a hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg.

Day 5: Koblenz

Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz today to discover its fairytale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Enjoy a locally-guided tour through town, touching on the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where the two inspirational waterways meet. Journey by cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, offering exceptional views of the surrounding area from its hilltop position.

Day 6: Cologne

Effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, Cologne encapsulates a timeline that spans more than two millennia and is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Today's included tour of Cologne takes us to the heart of its old town, where Roman mosaics and the Great St. Martin Church tell the stories of the people who first laid out plans for this mighty city. At the conclusion of this tour, experience the grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral.

Day 7: Amsterdam

This morning, choose a guided bike tour to Waterland to learn about how the water is reclaiming Holland while passing through quintessential Dutch areas and witness traditional villages and windmills. Alternatively, take to Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network on a glass top canal cruise, passing Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age.

Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport. 

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Sun

Pool
Restaurant
Sundeck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 24, 2025from $8,190
  • May 31, 2025from $8,190
  • Jul 5, 2025from $7,390
  • Jul 12, 2025from $7,390
  • Aug 16, 2025from $7,390
  • Aug 23, 2025from $7,390
  • Sep 27, 2025from $8,190
  • Oct 4, 2025from $7,390
  • Oct 11, 2025from $7,390
  • Oct 18, 2025from $7,390
  • Oct 25, 2025from $6,790
  • Nov 1, 2025from $6,790
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Deal available

Deals

2-for-1 Savings 26570
Connect with a Trip Planner to discuss 2-for-1 fares on select sailings.  Valid on new bookings.
Applies to select departures and subject to availability.

Special Deals 27257
Book your 2025 Scenic/Emerald Europe River cruise by March 31, 2025, and take advantage of the reduced deposit offer of $100 per person and air credit of $2000 per person. A deposit is required at the time of booking. These promotions apply to new bookings only. Offer is combinable with 2-for-1 Fares, Pay in Full offers, Emerald Exclusive/Scenic Select Savings, Flash sales, and Holiday Deals. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to 2025 Scenic and Emerald Europe River Cruises.

Spring into Savings Sale 27366
Book your Emerald Europe River cruise for select 2025 departures between March 17-31, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1,250 per suite on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $300 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to S, RA, or SA cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 90 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $125 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to 2025 Emerald Europe River Cruises.

Per person starting at
$6,790
Emerald Single Stateroom
Select a Date
Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 117 sq ft. 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Stateroom
Select a Date
Stateroom (E)
162 sq ft. 9 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Stateroom
Select a Date
Stateroom (D)
162 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
180 sq ft. 19 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
180 sq ft. 18 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
180 sq ft. 23 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Grand Balcony Suite
Select a Date
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
210 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
Select a Date
Owner's Suite (SA)
315 sq ft. 4 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks

Notes

Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Choice between Emerald Plus and Emerald Active Excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Tour Manager
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Travelers are urged to arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the tour

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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