Enjoy a cruise on the romantic Rhine River where UNESCO World Heritage sites, gothic cathedrals in Cologne and Strasbourg, historic fortresses, and picturesque canals greet you in the various ports of call. Sail through the scenic Rhine Gorge and experience the beauty and splendor of the Rhine. Along with the two-night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland, set against the dramatic Swiss Alps, you’ll have an amazing holiday on this adventure with Mayflower Cruises and Tours.
Day
1 Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight
flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Day
2 Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Welcome to
Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque
canals, world class museums, and cafés. Flights should arrive
by 4:00 p.m. You will be met and transferred from the airport to
your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.
Become acquainted
with the amenities of your ship, or begin exploring the city. This
evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard.
Meal: D
Day
3 Amsterdam
Experience the city on a canal 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. Tonight,
enjoy a welcome reception and gala dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland
Day
4 Cologne, Germany
Cruise along the Rhine River to
Cologne. The city is one of Germany’s oldest and famous for
its magnificent gothic cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Join your local guide for an included walking tour of the
city, traversing quaint alleyways, seeing historic monuments,
and touching on the historical charms of the Old Town. After
the tour, journey to a one-of-a-kind farm estate that provides
locals with sustainable products.
Experience a cooking
demonstration of Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and get a
glimpse of behind the scenes sustainable farming.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS
Local farm estate visit with cooking demonstration
Day
5 Koblenz
Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz seeing the German Corner where the 2 rivers meet, the Church of Our Lady, and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress by cable car 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 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.
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 Ludwigshafen / Heidelberg
Continue sailing to the
town of Ludwigshafen, docking site for Heidelberg. Travel by
coach to Heidelberg for a guided visit of the castle ruins and a
walk along the cobblestone lanes of the old town.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
DiscoverMORE
Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (additional expense)
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 timberframed
buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone
buildings, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the
cathedral, dominating the main square. Enjoy free time this
afternoon to continue exploring this charming town on your
own.
Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE
Alsace Wine Route with tasting (additional expense)
Day
8 Breisach, Germany / Freiburg
On today’s adventure,
visit the city of Freiburg, considered the ‘capital of the Black
Forest’. Aside from seeing the lovely sights, sample true Black
Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city center near
the main cathedral. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in
Breisach.
Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach
Day
9 Basel, Switzerland – Lucerne
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.
Meal: B
Day
10 Lucerne
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
DiscoverMORE
Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)
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.
Meal: B
Itinerary is subject to change.