Jewels of the Rhine

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

Upon arrival in Zurich, transfer to your hotel in Lucerne to begin your Swiss adventure. Flights should arrive by 3:00pm. The afternoon is at leisure to begin discovering your beautiful new surroundings. This evening, join your Mayflower representative and traveling companions for an included dinner at the hotel. Meal: D

After breakfast, an included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark, the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its paintings of heroic town events, that crosses the Reuss River. See the 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall and town squares, all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Meal: B

Before departing for your ship in Basel, the day is free to enjoy at leisure or join the morning optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus – a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel, Switzerland for embarkation of your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. Meals: B, D

DiscoverMORE: Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)

As part of the EmeraldPLUS program, visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the ‘capital of the Black Forest’, Freiburg has lovely sights that will leave you amazed. You also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city center near the main cathedral. If you’re feeling more active, join the guided bike tour in Breisach. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Freiburg
EmeraldACTIVE: Bike tour in Breisach

Once docked in Kehl, coaches await to take you across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. The guided walking tour takes you along narrow lanes and across footbridges as you discover the Grande Île, the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, picturesque le Petite France, old tanning houses, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the ornate cathedral, dominating the main square. This afternoon, the city is yours to explore at leisure. Meals: B, L, D

Relax onboard as the vessel cruises along the Rhine River to Ludwigshafen, docking site for Heidelberg. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, home of the oldest university in Germany. The guided walking tour visits the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, with fantastic views overlooking the Neckar River, and takes you through the cobblestoned-streets of the medieval city below. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. Local entertainment is provided onboard this evening. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Begin the day sailing through the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. Pass countless medieval castles and vineyards lining the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities around every bend. See the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. Continue cruising to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city as your guide points out historic monuments and buildings. See the ‘German Corner’ monument marking the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Panoramic views await from the visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, reached by cable car, crossing the river! This evening, attend a private concert as part of the EmeraldPLUS program. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle Visit (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Private Evening Concert

Continue cruising along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany’s oldest and is famous for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage gothic cathedral. Join your local guide for an included walking tour of the city, touching on the historical charm of the Old Town and its Roman history. Traverse the quaint alleyways and see historic monuments alongside modern architecture. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, back onboard, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Amsterdam, the final port of call. Experience the city on a cruise aboard a glass-top boat. Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage network of canals, passing Roman patrician and ornate merchant houses from the Dutch Golden Age. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing through quintessential Dutch landscapes of quaint villages and windmills. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Guided bike tour to Waterland (instead of canal cruise)

Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life-enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River. Meal: B