Rhine Castles and Moselle Vineyards with Emerald Cruises

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 welcome your arrival. Please book your flight to arrive in Amsterdam before 05:00 PM.

Meals Included: Dinner

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you will start the day by exploring a canal cruise through the Oudegracht or Old Canal, which is not only the oldest in Utrecht, but it is also older than the canals in Amsterdam. For centuries, along the water, the wealthiest have built mansions with the peculiarity of having warehouses and service entrances just above water level. Undoubtedly, the castle of Oudaen stands out among all the rest: an urban castle well preserved despite being more than eight centuries old.

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour near Utrecht

EmeraldPLUS: Canal cruise and cheese tasting

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will visit the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th-century windmills is considered a Dutch icon across the globe.

Included Excursion: Guided tour Kinderdijk Windmills

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors, including the castle kitchen, the knight’s hall, the armoury and an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress, with a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, it resembles something you would find in a Brothers Grimm tale.

Included Excursion: Visit to Marksburg Castle

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Marksburg Castle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River. Home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.

EmeraldACTIVE: Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins

Included Excursion: Walking tour of Bernkastel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, alongside the town hall and its many other gems.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle

EmeraldACTIVE: Cycling along the Moselle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine.

These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively, participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

EmeraldPLUS: Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg

EmeraldACTIVE: Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town.

Included Excursion: Guided Tour of Mainz

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Gutenberg Museum & workshop (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is via its quaint waterways. Embark on an EmeraldPLUS traditional canal boat tour.

Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion: Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

DiscoverMORE: Alsace wine route with tasting (extra expense, only available on select dates)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, with half-timbered façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE: Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take with you memories of all the beautiful destinations you have visited.

Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

On board, attention to detail has been considered throughout every feature and flourish, providing unrivalled comfort, and the most luxurious and enjoyable of journeys for all guests. Whether you prefer to while away peaceful hours in your lovingly appointed suite or stateroom, or mingle with new found friends in the spacious and welcoming communal areas, every inch of an Emerald Star-Ship has been designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind.

The stylish, contemporary décor of the fleet provides a wonderful setting for watching the beautiful river views pass by. From the illuminated atrium, to the crisp, clean linens in each of our suites and staterooms, to the centre point of the dining experience – Reflections Restaurant, it’s easy to see why these Star-Ships are award-winning.

The Star-Ships sailing the Danube, Rhine and Rhône are home to an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof. In the evenings the pool innovatively transforms into a cosy cinema.

During warmer months, the panoramic Sun Deck is the perfect spot to watch the world go by with your favourite drink in hand. On the Sun Deck of Emerald Radiance sailing Portugal’s Douro River you will find a spa-style serenity pool and on Emerald Harmony the open-air pool is ideal for Asia’s exotic climate.

Emerald Cruises are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your stay on board their Star-Ships goes above and beyond your expectations. The wealth of amenities on board are complemented by their highly-trained, skilled and attentive crew, dedicated to ensuring your Emerald Cruises holiday is unforgettable.

• Al fresco dining and BBQ area

• Complimentary tea and coffee

• Dedicated Cruise Director

• Evening cinema*

• Fitness & Wellness Area

• Hairdresser

• Innovative indoor heated pool with retractable roof*

• Spa-style Serenity Pool on the Emerald Radiance

• Stylish staterooms and suites

• Sun Deck with seating area, walking track, games area & putting green

With Emerald Cruises the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s about enjoying every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why they believe that entertainment is an integral part of your cruise experience. To ensure there’s never a dull moment on board, their Cruise Directors oversee a fantastic range of entertainment activities for you to enjoy. From the ever-popular crew show and bar quizzes to local performances in a traditional style, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

The crew members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the entertainment schedule and point you in the direction of the latest activities taking place on board. With so much to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of the Star-Ships. Surprisingly spacious and exceedingly modern, this contemporary and comfortable haven is one of the most popular areas of the Emerald vessels day or night. There’s a fully stocked bar with attentive bartenders, help-yourself to a selection of coffees from the high-tech coffee-machine, or try one of the speciality teas, and take a seat in their plush and spacious sofas and chairs. In the day it’s a place to catch up with new friends and unwind.

Each evening before dinner, your Cruise Director welcomes you to the Horizon Bar and Lounge for an informal yet fascinating talk on your forthcoming ports of call. With tips on what you’ll see and things to look out for, this is an ideal opportunity to plan for the day ahead. When the evening arrives, there is a medley of entertainment planned especially for you.

After another delicious dinner in our Reflections Restaurant, head up to the Horizon Bar and Lounge, where, on select nights there is local entertainment on-board. Relax with your favourite cocktail and catch up with your new found friends.

On select evenings guests are invited to watch local performances in the traditional style. From a Bavarian band to Hungarian dancing, there’s no finer way to celebrate the native culture than in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

The Horizon Bar & Lounge also plays host to challenging quizzes and the popular crew show. This jovial event happens at the end of every cruise after the Farewell Dinner.

Unlike any other on Europe’s waters, the ships boast a heated pool* complete with retractable roof and bar which cleverly transforms into a cinema in the evening. *please note the Emerald Radiance does not have an indoor pool/cinema.

Make your way to the back of the ship where the indoor heated pool is situated. When the evening arrives this oasis of calm is transformed into a hub of entertainment.

Watch in awe as the floor rises through the pool’s surface and a screen is lowered from above. In a matter of minutes the area is converted from a swimming pool into a cosy cinema where a selection of classic and contemporary films are shown throughout your cruise.
On selected evenings the cinema will play host to a variety of iconic concerts performed by some of the world’s most significant musicians. Popular music, classical and jazz are just some of the genres you can expect to see on the big screen.

The live music showcase is just another was to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable river cruise. Emerald are always looking for exciting and unexpected ways to entertain their guests and they are sure that you will love their collection of fun and inspirational performances.

The top deck of othe Star-Ships boasts the Sun Deck*. A panoramic rooftop space, home to a walking track, putting green and games area, as well as deck chairs and sun-loungers, perfect for warmer climates.

Why not challenge your new-found companions to a spot of putting or noughts and crosses, accompanied by the sensational backdrop of each magnificent river bank village, town or city?

Feel the breeze as you navigate your way through the heart of Europe’s most spectacular towns and cities. Raise a toast with new friends and watch as areas of outstanding natural beauty pass by.

Those travelling on Emerald Radiance through Portugal’s Douro region, can look forward to doing so from the outdoor heated Serenity Pool, a truly indulgent way to experience some of the country’s highlights.