EMERALD CRUISES — RHINE &. MOSELLE

Rhine Castles & Mosel Vineyards

Round-trip Zurich to Amsterdam

"This cruise gives you the very best of the Rhine in one beautiful journey. You start in fairytale Alsace — the flower boxes of Colmar and the canals of Strasbourg — then glide past the castles and the Lorelei in the Rhine Gorge, and detour up the Moselle for Riesling tasted right in the vineyards above Bernkastel. Finishing in Holland makes it all the more special. Four countries, no packing and unpacking, and a new storybook town every day." — Rick

Save $1,200-$1,700 per person

Book by December 30, 2026

Route Overview
Zurich to Amsterdam — Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards
Four countries, three rivers — from fairytale Alsace to the castles of the Rhine
Emerald Star-Ship – Only 180 Guests
Sail from Switzerland to the Netherlands on a 12-day journey along the Rhine and Moselle. Wander the flower-filled lanes of Colmar and the canals of Strasbourg's Petite France, then cruise the castle-lined Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei. Taste Riesling at Schloss Johannisberg and on a vineyard hike above Bernkastel, explore Cochem beneath its Reichsburg Castle, and visit Beethoven's birthplace in Bonn before finishing in Holland with Nijmegen, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. All aboard an intimate Star-Ship with just 180 guests. Select departures sail in reverse, from Amsterdam to Zurich.

DAY BY DAY

Your complete itinerary — 12 days, with ten nights aboard your Emerald Star-Ship from Zurich (Basel) to Amsterdam

Click the ▾ arrow on any day to see full details, shore excursions, and included meals

1Day

Depart Home

Home airport

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Your European river adventure begins today as you board your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland. Fairytale Alsace, castle-lined Rhine valleys, Moselle vineyards, and the charm of Holland await.
2Day

Zurich — Basel (Huningue)

Switzerland · Embarkation

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Dinner includedAirport transfer included
Welcome to Switzerland! You'll be met at Zurich Airport and transferred to your elegant Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel (Huningue), where your friendly captain and crew are waiting to welcome you onboard. Settle into your stateroom, and this evening, join your fellow travelers for your first dinner onboard. Please plan your flight to arrive in Zurich before 1:00 PM. Meals: D
3Day

Breisach — Colmar

Germany · France

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerColmar visit included
Perched high above the Rhine and its vineyards, Breisach is where Germany's Black Forest meets the lush Alsace region, a town shaped by both cultures and a shared passion for wine. Spend a magical morning across the border in Colmar, France, strolling cobblestone lanes past half-timbered façades and window boxes overflowing with colorful blooms. It's easy to imagine characters from Grimm's Fairy Tales around every corner. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Canoeing on the Rhine (included)
4Day

Strasbourg, France

France · Alsace

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided walking tour included
Discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of Alsace, where French and German cultures blend in its architecture, language, and food. A walking tour leads you through Petite France, with its storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and covered bridges, past the Vauban Dam and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional Add-On Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)
5Day

Mainz — Rüdesheim

Germany · Rhine Valley

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided city tour included
Arrive in Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, a captivating blend of Roman ruins, Baroque churches, and modern architecture. Join a guided tour to see the impressive sandstone cathedral and the Old Town's medieval market squares and half-timbered houses, and learn about the city's most famous resident, Johannes Gutenberg. Later in the afternoon, dock in charming Rüdesheim, known for its authentic atmosphere and wine-growing traditions. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional Add-On Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)
Optional Add-On Rüdesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)
6Day

Rüdesheim — Sankt Goar

Germany · Rhine Gorge

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerSchloss Johannisberg wine tasting
Discover more of the beautiful region around Rüdesheim this morning, including a wine visit and tasting at the renowned Schloss Johannisberg estate. Later, sail through the castle-studded Upper Middle Rhine Valley to Sankt Goar, a quintessential German town directly opposite the legendary Lorelei Rock, with the ruins of Rheinfels Castle looking out over the town. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
Active Option Hike to the Niederwald Monument (included)
Active Option Afternoon hike in Sankt Goar with the Activity Manager (included)
7Day

Bernkastel

Germany · Moselle Valley

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerVineyard hike & wine tasting
Enjoy a relaxing morning of scenic cruising along the Moselle before arriving in Bernkastel. Dating back to 3000 BC, this charming town has a beautifully preserved medieval center with buildings from the 15th century, surrounded by steep terraced vineyards that produce the Moselle's world-famous Riesling. Today, head into those vineyards on an included hike, finished with a tasting of the local wines. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
Active Option Hike to Landshut Castle ruins (included)
8Day

Cochem — Koblenz

Germany · Moselle & Rhine

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided tour of Cochem included
Spend the day in picturesque Cochem, with its half-timbered houses, colorful squares, and the striking Reichsburg Castle standing high above the town. A guided tour reveals its well-preserved sights, from the remains of the historic town wall and fortifications to the town hall. Later, arrive in Koblenz, founded as a Roman stronghold around 8 BC and today a lovely park- and flower-filled city where the Rhine and Moselle meet. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Cycling along the Moselle (included)
9Day

Koblenz — Bonn

Germany · Rhine

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided city tour included
Relax onboard this morning as you continue cruising along the Rhine. In Bonn, a guided tour takes you to the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Beethoven House, birthplace of the legendary composer, the impressive Poppelsdorf Palace, and Bonn Minster, with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided e-bike tour in Bonn (included)
10Day

Nijmegen, Netherlands

Netherlands · Full day

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided walking tour includedShanty choir performance
Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. A walking tour through the town center reveals Roman relics and medieval architecture, including Valkhof Park and St. Stephen's Church, as you learn about Nijmegen's fascinating past. Later, enjoy a spirited performance by a traditional shanty choir. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Shanty choir performance
Active Option Guided e-bike tour in Nijmegen (included)
11Day

Dordrecht — Rotterdam

Netherlands · Final night onboard

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided walking tour included
This morning, you're docked in Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, dating back to the 13th century and filled with beautiful historic buildings. Later, continue to Rotterdam, the country's second-largest city and Europe's busiest port. A guided walking tour showcases its cutting-edge architecture and maritime history, from the striking Cube Houses to the iconic Erasmus Bridge. This evening, celebrate your final night onboard. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Walk into Dordrecht with the Activity Manager (included)
12Day

Amsterdam to Home

Netherlands · Disembarkation

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Breakfast includedAirport transfer included
Your journey concludes this morning in Amsterdam. After breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark for your transfer to the airport, carrying memories of Alsatian villages, Moselle vineyards, and the legendary castles of the Rhine. Meals: B
Please note: Some departures operate in reverse order, sailing from Amsterdam to Zurich (Basel). The same ports and experiences are included in either direction.

Have a Question or Ready to Reserve Your Cabin?

Rick and Tracey answer every enquiry personally — usually within a few hours

Email Rick & Tracey to Book

— or —

We're cruise specialists, not a call center — you'll always speak with Rick or Tracey directly

Special Group Pricing From:
$6,595
Per person · Before discounts
  • Inclusive luxury journey with a wealth of amenities
  • All prices before savings shown above
Contact Rick & Tracey to book
2028 DEPARTURES
Mar 20* Mar 30 Jun 19* Jun 23* Jul 3 Aug 14 Sep 22* Oct 2
* Reverse route — sails from Amsterdam to Zurich (Basel). All other dates sail from Zurich (Basel) to Amsterdam.
Rhine Castles and Moselle Vineyards Map
Click to enlarge
WHAT'S INCLUDED
✔ Spacious outside staterooms
✔ Exceptional dining with a regional flair
✔ Award-winning luxury cabins
✔ Wine tastings, Colmar & Strasbourg
✔ Wines, beers & soft drinks
✔ Shore excursions with active options
✔ Indoor pool & Gym
✔ Bicycles onboard for use ashore
✔ Personal listening device
✔ Gratuities, taxes & Wi-Fi ($400 value)
WHY BOOK WITH RICK & TRACEY?
✔ Personal service from first call to final travel documents
✔ Expert advice on the right cruise, ship and cabin for you
✔ Rick & Tracey have personally cruised 10+ river voyages across Europe, the Amazon and beyond
✔ Rivers sailed include the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône, Saône, Moselle, Nile and Amazon
✔ Rick & Tracey have visited all seven continents — at least twice
✔ Access to exclusive offers and added value not available to the public
✔ We're available before, during and after your trip — always a real person
Rick and Tracey
Rick & Tracey
Your Travel Experts
✔ Special exclusive group pricing · No fees, no markups!

SPECIAL GROUP PRICING & CABINS

All-inclusive pricing · Exclusive group savings · Singles available

Contact Rick & Tracey for single rates

EXCLUSIVE GROUP SAVINGS
Take $1,700 per person off 2028 prices below
Book by December 30, 2026

Cat D / E

IDEAL FOR SOLO TRAVELERS

Picture Window Stateroom

Riviera Deck

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Mar 20*, 30 · Jun 19*, 23* · Sep 22*$6,795
Jul 3 · Aug 14 · Oct 2$6,595

Prices shown before savings

Cabin Features

Large panoramic picture window
Approx. 160 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat B / C

Panorama Balcony Suite

Vista Deck · Middle Deck

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Mar 20*, 30 · Jun 19*, 23* · Sep 22*$8,055
Jul 3 · Aug 14 · Oct 2$7,855

Prices shown before savings

Cabin Features

Floor-to-ceiling panorama balcony window
Approx. 170 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat A

MOST POPULAR

Panorama Balcony Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Prime Views

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Mar 20*, 30 · Jun 19*, 23* · Sep 22*$8,265
Jul 3 · Aug 14 · Oct 2$8,065

Prices shown before savings

Cabin Features

Floor-to-ceiling panorama balcony window
Approx. 170 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat S

Grand Balcony Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Extra Spacious

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Mar 20*, 30 · Jun 19*, 23* · Sep 22*$8,685
Jul 3 · Aug 14 · Oct 2$8,485

Prices shown before savings

Cabin Features

Full-width panorama balcony window
Approx. 210 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV · lounge area
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat SA

Owner's One Bedroom Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Ship's Largest Suite

2028TAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Mar 20*, 30 · Jun 19*, 23* · Sep 22*$9,875
Jul 3 · Aug 14 · Oct 2$9,675

Prices shown before savings

Cabin Features

Full-width panorama balcony window
Approx. 300 sq ft · separate living room
Private bedroom · king bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)
Panorama Balcony Suite · Emerald Star-Ship

Panorama Balcony Suite   Click to enlarge ↗

Grand Balcony Suite · Emerald Star-Ship

Grand Balcony Suite   Click to enlarge ↗

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Offer subject to change until deposited. * Reverse route — sails from Amsterdam to Zurich (Basel); all other dates sail from Zurich (Basel) to Amsterdam. Itinerary is subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors. Single supplement available — contact Rick & Tracey for details.

Ship & Deck Plan

Emerald Luxury Star-Ship

Award-winning river cruising · Maximum 182 guests · Built for discovery and comfort

Only 182 Guests Indoor Heated Pool Sky DeckCinema Wellness Spa & Gym Active Excursions Available Terrace Alfresco Bar
Emerald Star-Ship Deck Plan
Emerald Star-Ship · Deck Plan  Click to enlarge ↗

What's on board

Dining & Drinks

Reflections Restaurant · inspired regional cuisine
Sheltered alfresco dining at the front of the ship
Horizon Bar · cocktails & river views
All meals, wines & soft drinks included with lunch and dinner

Wellness & Leisure

Indoor heated swimming pool
Wellness spa, fitness centre & library
Open Sky Deck for scenic cruising
Cinema & extra-special included excursions and events

Activities & Service

Active touring options such as biking & hiking
Personal listening devices while touring
Onboard cultural talks & lectures
All gratuities & port charges included (a $400 pp value)
Delectable Cuisine and Beverages
Delectable Cuisine & Beverages · Click to enlarge ↗
Indoor heated pool
Indoor Heated Pool · River View · Click to enlarge ↗
Horizon Bar & Lounge
Horizon Bar & Lounge · Click to enlarge ↗

Videos

Tulip Time Cruise

Between Lucerne and Amsterdam

Tulip Time · Emerald River Cruise

Incredible Tulip Time Scenes

Emerald River Cruise · Netherlands

Budapest Highlights

Budapest Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage · Pearl of the Danube

Prague & Český Krumlov

Prague & Český Krumlov

City of a Hundred Spires · UNESCO gem

Emerald Star-Ship Experience

Emerald Star-Ship Experience

River Cruise Life on Board

River Cruise Life on Board

Have a Question or Ready to Reserve Your Cabin?

Rick and Tracey answer every enquiry personally — usually within a few hours

Email Rick & Tracey to Book

— or —

We're cruise specialists, not a call center — you'll always speak with Rick or Tracey directly