Jewels of the Rhine River Cruise

Enjoy a cruise on the romantic Rhine River where UNESCO World Heritage sites, gothic cathedrals in Cologne and Strasbourg, historic fortresses, and picturesque canals greet you in the various ports of call. Sail through the scenic Rhine Gorge and experience the beauty and splendor of the Rhine. Along with the two-night stay in Lucerne, Switzerland, set against the dramatic Swiss Alps, you’ll have an amazing holiday on this adventure with Mayflower Cruises and Tours.

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Bask in the historical magnificence of charming towns and villages while cruising along the beautiful Rhine River, rich in culture and heritage. From majestic towering cathedrals in Germany and France to the enchanting canals in Amsterdam, experience the best of this European river. You’ll embark on a 7-night river cruise, unpacking in your comfortable stateroom aboard the exclusively-chartered luxury Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, and spend two nights ashore in Lucerne, Switzerland. Pass countless medieval castles and vineyards lining the shores of the Rhine Gorge; explore a typical Black Forest Village in Breisach, Germany featuring many famous black forest items; visit the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz, Germany; explore many medieval towns; visit the historical city center of Strasbourg, France, the Grand Île, well-known for its towering cathedral; enjoy a walking tour of Old Town Cologne to witness one of Germany’s most modern cities after its significant rebuilding since WWII; and so much more.

Highlights

23 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners
Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
Visit four countries
Seven-nights in a suite or stateroom of your choice onboard the vessel
First-class service by an English-speaking crew
Onboard Activity Manager will support all EmeraldACTIVE excursions and host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment
All gratuities included
Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Personal listening device for shore excursions
All meals included onboard
Variety of international cuisine
Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners
Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
Complimentary WiFi onboard
Complimentary bicycles onboard for use ashore
All port charges included
Two-night hotel stay and touring in Lucerne

Accommodations

Days 2 - 8 Aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship

Days 9 - 10 Hotel Europe or similar, Lucerne, Switzerland

Many dates available at several different stateroom levels/rates. Please click here for details.

Day 1

Depart the USA

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

Day 2

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, and cafés. Flights should arrive by 4:00 p.m. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your luxurious 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.

Day 3

Amsterdam

Experience the city on a canal cruise aboard a glass-top boat. Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage network of canals, passing Roman patrician and ornate merchant houses from the Dutch Golden Age.

Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing through quintessential Dutch landscapes of quaint villages and windmills. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and gala dinner.

B, L, D

Day 4

Cologne, Germany

Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne. The city is one of Germany’s oldest and famous for its magnificent gothic cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join your local guide for an included walking tour of the city, traversing quaint alleyways, seeing historic monuments, and touching on the historical charms of the Old Town. After the tour, journey to a one-of-a-kind farm estate that provides locals with sustainable products.

Experience a cooking demonstration of Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and get a glimpse of behind the scenes sustainable farming.

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Day 5

Koblenz

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, the Church of Our Lady, and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress by cable car 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 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.

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Day 6

Ludwigshafen/Heidelberg

Continue sailing to the town of Ludwigshafen, docking site for Heidelberg. Travel by coach to Heidelberg for a guided visit of the castle ruins and a walk along the cobblestone lanes of the old town.

B, L, D

Day 7

Kehl/Strasbourg, France

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 timberframed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the cathedral, dominating the main square. Enjoy free time this afternoon to continue exploring this charming town on your own.

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Day 8

Breisch, Germany/Freiburg

On today’s adventure, visit the city of Freiburg, considered the ‘capital of the Black Forest’. Aside from seeing the lovely sights, sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city center near the main cathedral. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

B, L, D

Day 9

Basel, Switzerland - Lucerne

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.

Day 10

Lucerne

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.

B, D

Day 11

Lucerne/USA

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

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

This tour is operated by the DayTripper Extended and Vacations Department through our partners at Mayflower Cruises and Tours. This booking form is not a confirmed reservation, and there is no deposit required to complete your inquiry. Once we have your information an agent from Mayflower will contact you to answer your questions, give you a quote for airfare if you like, and if you are ready to move forward in booking, they will take your reservation. There is no financial obligation or requirement to make a reservation by submitting your request.

You may also reach our Extrended Vacations Department by phone at (800) 456-7910.