Tulips & Rhine River Cruise 2028

Day One

Depart the USA - Today you’ll depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

Day Two

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.

Day Three

Zurich – Lucerne - This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne for your included two-night hotel stay. 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.

Day Four

Lucerne - 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 (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Train & cable car ride to Rigi–Weggis (extra expense)

Day Five

Lucerne – Basel Huningue) - This morning, after breakfast, journey by coach 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 on board.

Day Six

Breisach, Germany - Set high above the Rhine at the point where the Black Forest joins Alsace, Breisach presents a charming blend of German and French cultures. Discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled amidst the Black Forest. Explore its historic center, lined with colorful halftimbered houses and a vibrant market square. Wander through the picturesque botanical garden, showcasing a diverse array of flora at their most spectacular in spring EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour in Breisach
DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Day Seven

Strasbourg, France - Today, you’ll arrive in Strasbourg, a city shaped by both French and German influences and renowned for its fascinating history and beautiful architecture. 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.
EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Orangerie Park
DiscoverMORE: Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS:Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace

Day Eight

Mannheim, Germany - Today, you’ll travel to nearby Heidelberg, the charming UNESCO City of Literature that 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 carefully curated gardens are still peppered with serene water features, sculptures and colorful flowerbeds.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through the vineyards in Bad-Dürkheim
DiscoverMORE: Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee

Day Nine

Koblenz - Cruise through the 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. 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’ll also have the chance to see the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers converge at the German Corner.
DiscoverMORE: A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit

Day Ten

Cologne – Düsseldorf - Join your local guide and explore the city of Cologne, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. You’ll conclude at the World Heritagelisted Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, perhaps shop for trinkets or explore further in the city, before returning to your Emerald StarShip. Discover the vibrant city of Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour that takes you through its cultural landmarks and picturesque streets. During your tour, you can explore the historic Altstadt and modern cityscape.
EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens
EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Düsseldorf Gardens
DiscoverMORE: German beer experience (extra expense)

Day Eleven

The Netherlands - This morning, you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares (79 acres) of spring-flowering bulbs. Open only from March to May each year, more than seven million bulbs are planted, including 800 varieties of tulips. This 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’ll also see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme.
EmeraldPLUS: Clog painting on board
DiscoverMORE: Hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Dutch Delights (extra expense)

Day Twelve

The Netherlands / USA - Today, after breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests as you disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of spring-blooming flowers and delightful cobblestone squares with you.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner