Upon arrival at Zurich airport, you will be met and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for your arrival. Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM. (D)
Commence your magical morning with a tour to Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it's easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm's Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine.
Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine
DiscoverMORE Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense) (B/L/D)
This morning, we'll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France's Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg's charm is via its quaint waterways, so today we'll embark on a traditional canal boat tour.
Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, a place where many of Strasbourg's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Included Excursion Canal boat tour in Strasbourg (B/L/D)
Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and see the impressive sandstone cathedral, the tremendous Old Town.
Included Excursion Guided Tour of Mainz
DiscoverMORE Visit to Gutenberg Museum & workshop (extra expense) (B/L/D)
Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, uncover a unique wine culture and a special history during this exclusive tour.
Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used in the production of this exemplary wine. These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea' where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively, participate on an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.
EmeraldPLUS Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg
EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument (B/L/D)
Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You'll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, as well as the town hall and its many other gems.
Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle
EmeraldACTIVE Cycling along the Moselle (B/L/D)
Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.
EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Landshut Castle Ruins
Included Excursion Walking tour of Bernkastel (B/L/D)
Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors including the castle kitchen, the knight's hall, the armoury and an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress and, with a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, it looks not unlike something you would find in a Brothers Grimm tale.
Included Excursion Visit to Marksburg Castle
EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Marksburg Castle (B/L/D)
Today you will visit the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th-century windmills is considered a Dutch icon throughout the world.
Included Excursion Guided tour Kinderdijk Windmills (B/L/D)
As part of your EmeraldPLUS program, you will start the day by exploring a canal cruise through the Oudegracht or Old Canal, which is not only the oldest in Utrecht, but it is also older than the canals in Amsterdam. Along this canal, and for centuries, the wealthiest have built their mansions with the peculiarity of having their warehouses and service entrances just above water level. Undoubtedly, the castle of Oudaen stands out among all the rest: an urban castle that has been preserved despite being more than eight centuries old.
EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour near Utrecht
EmeraldPLUS Canal cruise and cheese tasting (B/L/D)
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 all the beautiful destinations visited. 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)
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