Tulip Time on Jewels of the Rhine

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Become acquainted with the amenities of your ship, or begin exploring the city. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. Meal: D

This morning, depart by coach for an included visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Discover why it’s called the ‘Garden of Europe’ as you admire gorgeous flowers at the peak of tulip season. Colorful displays of tulips, hyacinths, orchids and other flowers stretch as far as the eye can see as you stroll along the perfectly manicured meandering paths. Return to the ship for your first day cruising through the Dutch countryside, passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and gala dinner. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Clog painting onboard
DiscoverMORE: Dutch Culinary Delights (additional expense)

Join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Later this day we will arrive in Cologne, famous for its Gothic Cathedral. This afternoon you can immerse yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and experience the unique charm of the city. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Cologne beer experience (additional expense)
EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens

Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz seeing the German Corner where the 2 rivers meet and the Church of Our Lady. This afternoon, sail through the spectacular UNESCO World-Heritage Rhine Gorge. Pass countless medieval castles and vineyards lining the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities around every bend. See the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle Visit (additional expense)

NOTE: You can choose either the included tour of Koblenz OR the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours operate at the same time.

Relax onboard as the vessel cruises along the Rhine River to Mannheim. Upon arrival travel by coach to visit Schwetzingen Palace, famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Visit the interior of the palace, along with the beautiful gardens, maintained in their original design. Today they remain a cultural heritage site of European significance, and contain more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. Alternatively, embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim (instead of included tour)
DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Heidelberg (additional expense)

Travel by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in France. Your guided walking tour includes the Grande Île – the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the cathedral, dominating the main square. This evening, local entertainment is performed onboard. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Baden Baden Spa Experience (additional expense)
EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Orangerie Park

Experience the ‘tale of two cities’:  Breisach, Germany and Neuf-Breisach, France, divided by the Rhine. During the guided visit to these two wonderful gems on the Rhine River, you’ll pass the main sights and attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage fortress overlooking Neuf-Breisach. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach
DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Colmar (additional expense)

After breakfast, disembark the ship in Huningue and begin your Swiss adventure. Depart by coach to Lucerne, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and meadows. An included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark – the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge. See the 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall and town squares, all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Meal: B

Your last day is left free of planned activities. Explore on your own, or join the optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus – a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This evening, get together for an included dinner at the hotel. Meals: B, D

DiscoverMORE: Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)

Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River during tulip time. Meal: B