Have questions? We're here.
Discover charming Heidelberg

Jewels of the Rhine

Amsterdam-Basel - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Sky
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Rhine River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Join an enchanting cruise along the beautiful and storied Rhine river. Begin your journey in Amsterdam, and stop at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. Explore the town of Koblenz and visit the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner.  A wine tasting is offered in Heidelberg and you can also choose to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. Explore beautiful Strasbourg, with its distinctive half-timbered houses and winding canals. Visit a Black Forest village and experience the traditional culture of the region's people. Cruise to Breisach, which is known for its cuckoo clocks and the live oompah bands. Before disembarking in Switzerland, you can explore Basel's cultural hub before boarding your ship.
Explore quaint towns along the RhineRomantic evening light over BaselExplore CologneStroll through charming StrasbourgKoblenz at nightRiver through Koblenz GermanyDiscover charming Heidelberg
Highlights
  • Discover the fairytale-like region surrounding Koblenz
  • Visit a Black Forest village and learn how people lived for centuries
  • Discover the ornate beauty of Strasbourg architectures and structures
  • Tour Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amsterdam| Embark

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for your arrival.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells tales 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 medieval centre of the city 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 on 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.

Day 3: Cologne

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Step back in time today, as a guided walking tour takes you through the ancient heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks such as Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. After your tour, you will be taken to a one-of-a-kind farm estate just outside of Cologne, which provides the locals with sustainable products. As part of your EmeraldPLUS program, enjoy a fantastic cooking demo and have a glimpse behind the scenes of this incredible place. 

Day 4: Koblenz

Immerse yourself in fairytale-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 the 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, where romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear as though they have been suspended in time.

Day 5: Ludwigshafen | Heidelberg

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 colorful flowerbeds.

Day 6: Kehl | Strasbourg

This morning, you'll dock in Kehl and 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 leisure.

Day 7: Breisach | Freiburg

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS program, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will leave you amazed. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city center near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a guided bike tour in Breisach?  

Day 8: Basel | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembarks the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of traditional cuckoo clocks and the Black Forest with you. 
Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.
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.

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Sky

Outdoor Terrace
Horizon bar
Sundeck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 13, 2025from $8,190
  • May 20, 2025from $8,190
  • May 27, 2025from $8,190
  • Aug 4, 2025from $7,390
  • Sep 21, 2025from $8,190
  • Sep 28, 2025from $8,190
  • Oct 5, 2025from $7,390
  • Oct 12, 2025from $7,390
<May 2025>
SMTWTFS
27282930123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
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.

Holiday Deals 27159
Book your Emerald River cruise for select 2025 departures by March 2, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional flash sale 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 prior to 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 in lieu of air with the same payment terms. Amount varies by region.

Bonus savings of up to $300 per person on select departures with non-refundable payment terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking. Savings vary by departure. 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 prior to 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 select 2025 departures and subject to availability.

Per person starting at
$7,390

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
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
  • Guided tour of Strasbourg, Heidelberg and Cologne's Old Town
  • Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Canal cruise in Amsterdam
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

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
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

Top Rhine River Travel Destinations

Rhine River Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Rhine River

Rhine River Trips by Duration

Rhine River Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By