Jewels of the Rhine

Departure Date: September 26, 2020

EXCEPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

• 23 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners
• Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
• Visit four countries
• Seven-nights in a suite or stateroom of your choice onboard the vessel
• First-class service by an English-speaking crew
• All gratuities included once aboard ship
  
• Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
  
• Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  
• Personal listening device for shore excursions
  
• All meals included onboard
  
• Variety of international cuisine
  
• Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners
  
• Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
  
• Complimentary WiFi onboard
  
• Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
  
• All port charges included
  
• Two-night hotel stay and touring in Lucerne
• $55 in Mayflower Money

Day 1 – Depart the USA: Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Day 2 – Amsterdam, the Netherland: Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead. Meal: D

Day 3 – Amsterdam: This morning you can choose to enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s canals OR a guided bike tour. Return to the ship for your first day cruising through the Dutch countryside, passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight, the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner. Meal: B, L, D

Day 4 – Cologne, Germany: Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest and famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed gothic Cathedral. After lunch onboard, join your local guide for an included walking tour of the Old Town, with free time for exploring. Cologne is one of Germany's largest and most modern cities largely due to a rebuilding plan post WWII, and has many museums and galleries. Meals: B, L, D

Day 5 – Koblenz, Germany: Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a tour of Koblenz and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river. This fortress was part of the Prussian defense against the French in the 19th century and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. This afternoon, sail through the spectacular 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 Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle Visit (additional expense)

NOTE: You can choose either the included tour of Koblenz OR the DiscoverMORE
option, as both tours operate at the same time.

Day 6 – Mannheim / Heidelberg, Germany: Continue upstream to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. From there, you have the opportunity to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg including the impressive castle which overlooks the town, or take part on an active hike to Heidelberg Hill. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

EmeraldPLUS: Wine Tasting in Heidelberg

Day 7 – Kehl / Strasbourg, France: Once docked in Kehl, travel by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in France. Your guided walking tour includes the Grande Île - the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the cathedral, dominating the main square. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Guided Tour of Strasbourg

Day 8 – Breisach: On today’s adventure, visit a typical Black Forest village, full of charm, cuckoo clocks and other German specialties. Alternatively, take part on a guided hike along some of the Black Forest trails. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike along some of the Black Forest trails

EmeraldPLUS:  Black Forest Cake assembling presentation and tasting

Day 9 –  Basel to Lucerne, Switzerland: After breakfast, disembark the ship in Basel and begin your Swiss adventure. Depart by coach to Lucerne, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and meadows. An included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark - the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge. 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. Meals: B

Day 10 – Optional Excursion: Mt. Pilatus: Your last day is left free of planned activities. Explore on your own, or join the optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus – a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This evening, get together for an included dinner at the hotel. Meals: B, D

Day 11 – Lucerne / USA: Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River during tulip time. Meals: B

Hotel Accommodations
Days Two through Eight  Aboard an Emerald Sun Ship
Days Nine and Ten Hotel Europe, Lucerne, Switzerland