7 Night Jewels of the Rhine Cruise from Amsterdam

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for your arrival.

Every narrow street and gabled facade in Amsterdam tells tales of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world. Today, relax during a glass-top canal boat tour through Amsterdam's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the medieval center of the city and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills, and flower fields. Enjoy sailing through the countryside and on towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Step back in time today, as a guided walking tour takes you through the ancient heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks such as Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your tour, you will be taken to a one-of-a-kind farm estate just outside of Cologne, which provides the locals with sustainable products. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a fantastic cooking demo and have a glimpse behind the scenes.

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surrounds today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of the town will unveil the twin-towered facade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe's great rivers meet at the German Corner and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon, where romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear as though they have been suspended in time.

This morning, your Star-Ship will arrive in Mannheim and you will discover Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures, and colorful flowerbeds.

This morning, you'll dock in Kehl and be transferred by motorcoach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses. Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town will touch on many of Strasbourg's highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the facade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at leisure.

Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will leave you amazed. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city center near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of traditional cuckoo clocks and the Black Forest with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.