Jewels of the Rhine

Your European adventure begins today as you fly to Switzerland. The jewels of the Rhine await.

Welcome to Switzerland! On arrival in Zurich, you'll be met and transferred to the beautiful lakeside city of Lucerne — please plan flights to arrive by 3:00 pm. The afternoon is yours to take your first strolls along the stunning waterfront or simply settle in and relax. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a wonderful included dinner at the hotel. Meals: D

Hotel Europe or similar, Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne is one of Europe's most naturally beautiful cities, and today it is all yours. An included walking tour leads you across the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge — adorned with centuries-old paintings — and past the elegant Renaissance Town Hall, all framed by the majestic Swiss Alps. The rest of the day is entirely at your leisure to explore this gem at your own pace. Meals: B

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Lucerne before transferring by comfortable motorcoach to Basel, where your magnificent Emerald Cruises Star-Ship awaits. Step aboard, settle into your elegant stateroom, and join fellow travelers for dinner as the journey down the Rhine begins in style. Meals: B, D

Today brings you to Freiburg, the charming 'capital of the Black Forest.' A guided tour reveals its lovely streets and Gothic cathedral, and the lively city market is the perfect place to sample true Black Forest specialties. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard as the ship sails on. Meals: B, L, D

Strasbourg is one of the great treasures of Europe — a city that perfectly blends French elegance with Alsatian character. A guided walking tour winds through narrow lanes, across charming footbridges, and into the Grande Île, the UNESCO World Heritage city center. The crowning glory is the breathtaking Gothic cathedral dominating the main square. The afternoon is yours to wander freely through the picturesque La Petite France district. Meals: B, L, D

A comfortable coach ride brings you to Heidelberg, home to Germany's oldest university and one of its most romantic cities. A guided walking tour visits the dramatic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, perched high above the Neckar River with sweeping views over the city below, before descending into the charming cobblestoned medieval streets. Local entertainment onboard rounds out a wonderful day. Meals: B, L, D

This morning delivers one of the great highlights of any Rhine cruise — a majestic sail through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. Medieval castles crown the hillsides, terraced vineyards sweep down to the water's edge, and photo opportunities are simply endless. Watch for the legendary Lorelei statue and the remarkable Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, rising dramatically from a mid-river island.

In Koblenz, a walking tour reveals 2,000 years of history, culminating at the famous 'German Corner' where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. The visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress — reached by a thrilling cable car ride over the river — provides breathtaking panoramic views. This evening, a private concert onboard brings a beautiful close to a spectacular day. Meals: B, L, D

Cologne is one of Germany's most historic cities, founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Its UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral is simply awe-inspiring — a masterpiece centuries in the making. A guided walking tour takes you through the atmospheric Old Town, past ancient monuments and vibrant modern architecture. The afternoon is at leisure to explore further. This evening, your Captain hosts a festive farewell reception and dinner onboard. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Amsterdam — one of the world's most captivating cities. Glide through the UNESCO World Heritage canal network aboard a glass-top boat, passing magnificent Golden Age merchant houses that have graced these waterways for centuries. It is a truly effortless and elegant way to experience this remarkable city. Meals: B, L, D