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, theaters and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise 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, relax during a glass top canal boat cruise through Amsterdam’s canal system, sailing through the medieval center of the city. Alternatively, if you are feeling more active, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland. 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 EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest and famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed Gothic cathedral. Join your local guide for an included walking tour of the city, touching on the historical charm of the Old Town. Traverse quaint alleyways and see historic monuments. The tour concludes at the cathedral, whose twin spires dominate the skyline. Meals: B, L, D 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 and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river. This fortress was part of the Prussian defense against the French in the 19th century and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. This afternoon, sail through the spectacular 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. Continue to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. From there, travel by coach to Heidelberg where you have the opportunity to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg on a walking tour, or take part in an active hike to Heidelberg Hill. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg Once docked in Kehl, 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. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Strasbourg DiscoverMORE: Tour of Riquewihr (additional expense) On today’s adventure, visit a typical Black Forest village, full of charm, cuckoo clocks and other German specialties. Alternatively, take part in a guided hike along some of the Black Forest trails. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Black Forest Cake demonstration and tasting EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike in the Black Forest After breakfast, disembark the ship in Basel 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 Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River. Meal: B