7 Night Christmas Markets on the Rhine Cruise from Zurich

Welcome to Basel. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 1 PM.

Today, as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS program, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will amaze you. You'll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, from where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace Region. Cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses make Strasbourg appear as if it has been effortlessly suspended in time, and you will get the opportunity to explore the past during your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Witness the ornate beauty of many of Strasbourg's highlights, including the Maison Kammerzell and the canal network that weaves through Petite France, before enjoying free time to explore at leisure. And tonight, an EmeraldPLUS invites you to join a magical private evening concert.

Relax onboard this morning as you sail towards Ludwigshafen, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Travel by motorcoach to Heidelberg, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about how it became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired the likes of Mark Twain and William Turner with its historical setting. Your guided tour of the town will allow you to find your own inspiration among its delightful landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. Alternatively, revel in a hike from Mount Konigstuhl to Heidelberg.

Cruise to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz today and discover its fairy tale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your local guide will tour you through the Roman town, touching on the twin-towered facade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where the two inspirational waterways meet.

Effortlessly steeped in history and tales of the past, Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany, encapsulating a timeline that spans more than two millennia. Your included city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town.

This morning, you can choose to embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, learning about how the water is reclaiming Holland as you pass through quintessential Dutch surrounds and witness traditional villages and windmills. Alternatively, take to Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network during a glass-top canal cruise, passing Roman patrician houses and ornate merchant houses that tell tales of the prosperous Dutch Golden Age.

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Black Forest and charming Strasbourg with you.