Home > Tours > Europe Tours > Jewels of the Rhine & Glacier Express

Jewels of the Rhine & Glacier Express

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor

Jewels of the Rhine & Glacier Express

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
River View
$7,815
Balcony
$9,746
Suite
$10,442
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Zurich
11 Day Jewels of the Rhine & Glacier Express Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Zurich
11 Day Jewels of the Rhine & Glacier Express Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
ESAZ-1
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
ESAZ-1

Overview

Begin in Amsterdam, before exploring one of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne, with its spectacular Gothic cathedral. In Koblenz, at the gateway of the Rhine Gorge, you’ll learn about the legends of this majestic waterway. Discover Heidelberg’s impressive castle, marvel at Strasbourg’s half-timbred buildings and immerse yourself in typical Black Forest village life. Concluding with a two-night hotel stay in Lucerne and a final night in Zürich.
Begin in Amsterdam, before exploring one of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne, with its spectacular Gothic cathedral. In Koblenz, at the gateway of the Rhine Gorge, you’ll learn about the legends of this majestic waterway. Discover Heidelberg’s impressive castle, marvel at Strasbourg’s half-timbred buildings and immerse yourself in typical Black Forest village life. Concluding with a two-night hotel stay in Lucerne and a final night in Zürich.

Itinerary

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. (D)

Every narrow street and gabled façade 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 centre 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.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland

Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

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-listed 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 of this incredible place.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farm estate with cooking demo (B/L/D)

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 façade 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.

  • Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning 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 colourful flowerbeds.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • DiscoverMORE Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you'll dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach 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 façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at leisure.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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 centre near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach (B/L/D)

Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to mountain resort village of Zermatt, including a two-night stay. (B)

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, which could be described of one of the world's most famous mountains. This picturesque village entrenched on the Swiss Alps is also a sustainable destination for being car-free zone, and for having its original character preserved. Enjoy a guided walking tour in this elegant village. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Zermatt (B)

This morning, you will experience the highlight of this tour, which is the rail journey through the Swiss Alps, know as the Glacier Express. Your train will take you from Zermatt to the town of Chur during the day. Sit back and relax while contemplating at the amazing views of the Alps. When you arrive in Chur, you will be taken by coach to Zurich for your overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way. 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. (B)

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. (D)

Every narrow street and gabled façade 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 centre 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.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland

Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

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-listed 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 of this incredible place.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

EmeraldPLUS Visit to a local farm estate with cooking demo (B/L/D)

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 façade 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.

  • Included Excursion Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning 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 colourful flowerbeds.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
  • DiscoverMORE Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you'll dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach 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 façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at leisure.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Strasbourg

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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 centre near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Breisach (B/L/D)

Welcome to Switzerland and the quaint Rhine-side town of Basel. After breakfast, you will be transferred by coach to mountain resort village of Zermatt, including a two-night stay. (B)

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, which could be described of one of the world's most famous mountains. This picturesque village entrenched on the Swiss Alps is also a sustainable destination for being car-free zone, and for having its original character preserved. Enjoy a guided walking tour in this elegant village. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Zermatt (B)

This morning, you will experience the highlight of this tour, which is the rail journey through the Swiss Alps, know as the Glacier Express. Your train will take you from Zermatt to the town of Chur during the day. Sit back and relax while contemplating at the amazing views of the Alps. When you arrive in Chur, you will be taken by coach to Zurich for your overnight stay. (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, passing a backdrop of mountains and forests on your way. 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. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Destiny

Emerald Destiny
Emerald Destiny

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Europe Star-Ship Suites
Europe Star-Ship Suites

Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more

Cruise & Tour In Style
Cruise & Tour In Style

Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more

Brochure

Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2024)

As small ship experts, we know that our minimal guest numbers, relaxed ambience, and high level of personal service, provide the perfect setting from which to enjoy Europe’s network of iconic rivers. The small ship lifestyle brings you to the heart of each destination for an intimate look at the local life along the riverbanks. Revolutionary in design,...more life on board our deluxe Emerald Cruises Star-Ships, promises contemporary comfort and unique innovations, while our suite of generous inclusions delivers exquisite dining experiences, exceptional service, and handpicked immersive itineraries.

Brochure

Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerising rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Exclusive Savings
Sunday 16 Jun 2024
Wednesday 26 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
$7,429
View Cabins
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 07 Sep 2024
Tuesday 17 Sep 2024
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 31 May 2025
Tuesday 10 Jun 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $160
$7,815
View Cabins
Balcony
$9,021
View Cabins
Suite
$10,442
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 28 Jun 2025
Tuesday 08 Jul 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $160
$7,815
View Cabins
Balcony
$9,021
View Cabins
Suite
$10,442
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Monday 04 Aug 2025
Thursday 14 Aug 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $154
$7,521
View Cabins
Balcony
$8,727
View Cabins
Suite
$10,148
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 16 Jun 2024
Wednesday 26 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Sun
River View
$12,721
View Cabins
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 07 Sep 2024
Tuesday 17 Sep 2024
River View
$8,805
View Cabins
Balcony
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 31 May 2025
Tuesday 10 Jun 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $206
$10,084
View Cabins
Balcony
$15,930
View Cabins
Suite
$18,772
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 28 Jun 2025
Tuesday 08 Jul 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $206
$10,084
View Cabins
Balcony
$15,930
View Cabins
Suite
$18,772
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Monday 04 Aug 2025
Thursday 14 Aug 2025
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $200
$9,790
View Cabins
Balcony
$15,342
View Cabins
Suite
$18,184
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 03 May 2025
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $160
$7,815
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $199
$9,746
View Cabins
Suite
$10,442
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 03 May 2025
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $206
$10,084
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $355
$17,380
View Cabins
Suite
$18,772
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar Tours

12 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe & Istanbul (Emerald Cruises)

12 Days Budapest Istanbul

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 8,114
Save 166
12 Day Istanbul & Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Emerald Cruises)

12 Days Istanbul Budapest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 8,614
Save 176
16 Day Discover the Treasures of the Danube (Emerald Cruises)

16 Days Bucharest Munich

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 10,858
Save 229
15 Day Christmas Markets of Europe (Emerald Cruises)

15 Days Budapest Amsterdam

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 8,668
Save 177

Travel Styles