7 Night Tulips and the Rhine Cruise from Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam. Here, you will be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a quintessentially Dutch adventure awaits.

This morning, you'll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. This scenic area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colors. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every color, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty. You will also have the opportunity to see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme. Enjoy sailing through the countryside and towards the Rhine River this afternoon, and join an exclusive EmeraldPLUS very typical clog painting onboard your star-ship.

In the morning, explore the vibrant city of Dusseldorf. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Japanese gardens, a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape. After lunch, we continue sailing on the Rhine River which will take you to Cologne and up close to its postcard-worthy Gothic Cathedral. Here you will have the opportunity to join an active walk in town, with a stop in the beautiful Cologne gardens.

Once a Roman stronghold desired for its strategic value, Koblenz is now a city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You will also have the chance to see 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. Later, we'll 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.

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad Durkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards.

Today, we arrive in Kehl, where you'll be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region's artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist's easel.

Today discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic center, lined with colorful half-timbered houses and a vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque botanical garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora. For a more active experience, choose an exhilarating bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town with stunning views of the Rhine River. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this captivating region.

Welcome to Switzerland. Basel graces the banks of the Rhine River and is known for its high concentration of museums, showcasing everything from contemporary art to scientific achievements. After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests as you transfer to the airport, taking memories infused with vibrant tulip gardens with you.