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Emerald Dawn
Category SSF - Seven Seas Suite Forward
Seven Seas Suite (Forward)
Photos are examples only. Actual cabin colors and features may vary.

10 Night Zurich Lucerne and Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise and Land Tour

From Zurich, (Switzerland) to Amsterdam, (Netherlands)

Emerald Dawn
Emerald Cruises
4 Stars
Cruise #: 14279372
Sail Date: Sunday, Dec 12, 2027
Return Date: Wednesday, Dec 22, 2027
Room Types & Rates:
Riverview
Call to Book1-800-543-1915
Suite
Call to Book1-800-543-1915
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy
Includes taxes & fees

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Day by Day Summary and Map

10 Night Zurich Lucerne and Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise and Land Tour

Land Segment of Itinerary

Sunday - Dec 12, 2027
Day
1
Zurich, Switzerland
  • Zurich, Switzerland
Today, you'll be transferred from the airport to Zurich, one of the most celebrated cities in Switzerland, resting along the shores of Lake Zurich. After settling into your centrally-located hotel in Zurich for your included one-night stay, enjoy a welcome drink with your fellow guests and tour director. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Monday - Dec 13, 2027
Day
2
Zurich, Switzerland
  • Zurich, Switzerland
  • Bus Travel
  • Lucerne, Switzerland
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne for your included two-night hotel stay. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, an enchanting Swiss city renowned for its spectacular lakeside and mountain setting, and well-preserved medieval architecture, where historic charm seamlessly blends with modern culture. Included Excursion: Guided city tour of Zurich: This morning, explore Zurich on a guided tour, featuring the Bahnhofstrasse and the Romanesque Cathedral. Enjoy views from the city's oldest quarters and visit the Frauenkirche before relaxing at the lakeside park. Included Excursion: Guided city tour of Lucerne: The awe-inspiring natural beauty that envelopes Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city center. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge, and octagonal Water Tower, passing colorful buildings that highlight Lucerne's distinctive character. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Tuesday - Dec 14, 2027
Day
3
Lucerne, Switzerland
  • Lucerne, Switzerland
Enjoy time at leisure to explore more of beautiful Lucerne. Perhaps delving deeper into the charming Old Town or taking a stroll along the picturesque shores of Lake Lucerne. You can also choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion; your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your explorations in Lucerne. DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Switzerland (Duration: 1.5 hours, Activity level: Easy, extra expense): Savor the delicious flavors of Switzerland on a culinary adventure that celebrates the country's most iconic delights. Indulge in creamy artisanal cheeses and sample world-renowned Swiss chocolates. This tasting experience invites you to discover the authentic tastes that make Switzerland a true gastronomic treasure. DiscoverMORE: Train & cable car ride to Rigi-Weggis (Duration: 4-6 hours, Activity level: Easy, extra expense): Enjoy an independent visit to Mount Rigi - one of the most iconic mountains in Central Switzerland. To begin, you'll be transferred from Lucerne to the foot of Rigi Mountain, then board a small train to the summit, where you can admire the incredible panoramic views. Conclude your mountain explorations with a thrilling cable-car ride down the mountain. ...
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Land Segment of Itinerary

Wednesday - Dec 15, 2027
Day
4
  • Lucerne, Switzerland
  • Bus Travel

Cruise Segment of Itinerary

Day 4 - Wednesday - Dec 15, 2027
Day
4
Cruise Begins
  • Cruise Begins
  • Basel (Saxon), Switzerland
This morning, after breakfast, journey by motorcoach through picturesque landscapes as you carve a course to the Rhine-side city of Basel (Huningue). Upon arrival, you'll board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner onboard. ...
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Thursday - Dec 16, 2027
Day
5
Breisach, Germany
  • Breisach, Germany
Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach is a charming blend of German and French cultures. The Romanesque-Gothic St Stephen's Church is perched on a volcanic hill and visible from a great distance. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner onboard. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Breisach with Christmas Market Visit: Join your local guide for a walking tour of Breisach. See the Stephansmunster cathedral, the Radbrunnen sculpture, the Franciscan Monastery, and walk the pretty streets around Marktplatz. Afterwards, visit the Christmas market. EmeraldPLUS: Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct: Enjoy a picturesque drive through the Black Forest Highlands to the Hofgut Sternen complex at the foothill of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge. It was here that in 1770 Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI. Explore the lovely Christmas market underneath the 40-meter-high (131-foot) Ravenna Viaduct. Be amazed by the magical aroma of Black Forest specialties and handcrafted regional products. DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Colmar (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours, extra expense): Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it's easy to imagine the characters from the Grimms' Fairy Tales here. In the historic center, you will be able to see the confluence of French and German architecture, lifestyle, and culture. ...
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Friday - Dec 17, 2027
Day
6
Strasbourg, France
  • Strasbourg, France
Arrive in Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is an iconic example of 19th-century German Imperial architecture. Strasbourg is also at the heart of the Alsace wine region. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Strasbourg with Christmas Markets: Your guided walking tour will include the Grande Ile, Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city center, known for its medieval timber-framed buildings. See the Maison Kammerzell, one of the most famous buildings in Strasbourg, and Petite France, the postcard-worthy historic district with a charming canal system and half-timbered houses. Afterwards, visit one of its most charming Christmas markets to enjoy traditional Alsatian treats and shop for presents. DiscoverMORE: Baden-Baden Spa Experience (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours, extra expense): Escape to the heart of Germany's Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden spa town. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers the perfect blend of wellness, history, and indulgence. ...
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Saturday - Dec 18, 2027
Day
7
Mannheim, Germany
  • Mannheim, Germany
  • Rudesheim, Germany
Take in the beauty of the heart of the Rhineland, where red-roofed villages line the river and historic castles dot the hills. Cruise on to Rudesheim this evening. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Heidelberg and Christmas market visit: Travel to nearby 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. Afterwards, explore the city's romantic Christmas markets that are spread throughout its historic squares. DiscoverMORE: Rudesheim walk with specialty coffee (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours, extra expense): On your visit to the charming town of Rudesheim, take a short ride on the mini train to taste the specialty coffee in the region. A swig of Rudesheim coffee is a treat for wine lovers and coffee fans alike. ...
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Sunday - Dec 19, 2027
Day
8
Rhine Gorge, Germany
  • Rhine Gorge, Germany
  • Koblenz, Germany
Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors to their death with her song. Later, arrive in the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairytale. Once a Roman stronghold, Koblenz was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. It's now a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Included Excursion: Orientation walk of Koblenz and Christmas market visit: Join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing 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. Afterwards, explore the town's beautiful Christmas markets. DiscoverMORE: Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 5 hours, extra expense): Perched on a spectacular hill 91 meters (300 feet) above the Moselle Valley is the medieval town of Cochem. Take a walking tour, including a guided visit to the magnificent Cochem Castle, boasting impressive views of the Moselle Valley. The original 12th-century Romanesque style was replaced by King Louis XIV, who ordered his troops to destroy it in 1689. It was rebuilt in 1868 in Neo-Gothic style that we know today as a family's summer residence. ...
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Monday - Dec 20, 2027
Day
9
Cologne, Germany
  • Cologne, Germany
  • Dusseldorf, Germany
Cruise to the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne, where the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland can be found during the holiday season. The city is home to many Christmas markets, and the most spectacular one sits in front of the twin spires of the Neo-Gothic Cologne Cathedral. Look for stalls selling traditional lebkuchen, a beloved round or heart-shaped type of gingerbread that usually includes honey, cardamom, or candied fruit. Later, arrive in the vibrant city of Dusseldorf. With its innovative architecture, high-end art scene, and passion for fashion, it's one of the country's most intoxicating cities. It also has a proud tradition of elaborate Christmas decorations, festive celebrations, and seven themed Christmas markets. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town: History and architecture intertwine in Cologne, where ancient Roman fortifications and medieval structures sit beside buildings that rose following World War II. Your guided tour of Cologne will unveil its illustrious history. Included Excursion: Walking tour of Dusseldorf with Christmas Market visit: Join your local guide on a walking tour of Dusseldorf and discover the Old Town filled with Christmas cheer. Learn about the customs and traditions of the festive season before free time to explore the wonderful Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. DiscoverMORE: Cologne Christmas market & beer experience (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours, extra expense): Spend some time exploring the Christmas markets before setting out to discover the spirited beer culture of Cologne. This lively and flavorful guided tour will take you through the city's legendary brewhouses where you can savor its signature Kolsch, a crisp, golden beer brewed only in this region. Please note this tour occurs at the same time as your included excursion. ...
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Tuesday - Dec 21, 2027
Day
10
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
Welcome to the Netherlands. This is a wonderful destination year-round, but during the Christmas period, its cities sparkle with fairy lights and Christmas cheer. If snow dusts the narrow-cobbled streets, you'll find the Dutch warming up with oliebollen and appelbeignets - traditional deep-fried treats sold from chalet-style stalls that pop up across Amsterdam's many Christmas markets. Included Excursion: Visit to Festive Amsterdam: Amsterdam's Christmas markets are a magical blend of festive lights, cozy stalls, and Dutch winter charm, accented with the scent of warm treats like stroopwafels and oliebollen. Popular spots like Museumplein's Ice Village and the Funky Xmas Market in Westergas offer everything from handmade gifts to mulled wine and live music. Set against the backdrop of Amsterdam's iconic canals, the markets create a warm, joyful atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping and seasonal cheer. DiscoverMORE: Dutch Delights (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours, extra expense): Rug up and explore the Dutch capital on foot. Admire the highlights of this ancient city while savoring delicious Dutch treats, such as pickled herring - a favorite street food - tasty cheeses and mouth-watering poffertjes, bite-sized fluffy pancakes. DiscoverMORE: Hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours, extra expense): Explore a quieter, more authentic side of Amsterdam on this relaxed and personal tour through the city's hidden treasures. Visit the historic Jordaan area and a charming chocolate shop for a sweet treat. Continue through some of the city's most beautiful streets to Our Lord in the Attic, a 17th-century house with a fully preserved Catholic church in its attic. Finish with a beer and snacks at a local brewery. ...
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Wednesday - Dec 22, 2027
Day
11
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and Emerald Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German & French villages and the magic of Christmas with you.; Notes: Due to new restrictions on cruise ships at Amsterdam's city docks, your cruise is now likely to embark and/or disembark at a port outside central Amsterdam. If your ship does not have a central Amsterdam docking, Emerald Cruises will provide a central Amsterdam meeting point and transfers to your ship as required. These changes are required by local authorities and are in line with the booking terms which allow changes to berthing or dock locations and ports where operationally necessary. You will be advised of the confirmed docking location prior to departure. 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. ...
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