Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards: 11 days Zurich to Amsterdam

Upon arrival at Zurich airport, you will be met and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel (Breisach), where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival.

Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM.

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, where window boxes full of colourful blooms adorn the façades. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine to experience the destination from another perspective.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

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Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)

This morning, you will discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. The best way to discover the city’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

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Mainz

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Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)

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Rüdesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)

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 for those who feel particularly active after sailing time, you may participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

Later in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager on a hike in Sankt Goar, although a small town, it holds the magnificent Rheinfels Castle ruins that gaze over the Moselle.

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

EmeraldACTIVE
Afternoon hike with AM in Sankt Goar

EmeraldPLUS
Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg (Please note: If Schloss Johannisberg is not available, it will be replaced with Castle Vollrads)

Enjoy a sailing morning on board your Star-Ship as you absorb the enchanting sceneries of the Moselle. Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. During your EmeraldPLUS you will have the opportunity to wander through some of the peaceful Moselle vineyards that compose this bucolic landscape and have a taste of the famous Riesling wine produced in this region. Or get a different perspective of the region when you take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.

EmeraldPLUS
Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Landshut Castle ruins

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 (Please note: Select dates will also include a visit to Reichsburg Castle)

EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling along the Moselle

Enjoy your free morning in Koblenz prior to the peaceful sailing this afternoon admiring the landscapes of the Rhine and the Moselle river.  You will arrive in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. During your walking tour you will have the opportunity to know more about Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Its old town is also quite a gem of historical buildings and quaint streets. Landmarks like the Altes Rathaus and Beethoven House will be some of the many architectural highlights.

Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Bonn and unveil some of the city’s secrets off the beaten track.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bonn

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Bonn

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its centre, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river.

Included Excursion
 Nijmegen Walking tour

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Nijmegen

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Visit to Palais Het Loo (extra expense)

This morning you will be docked in Dordrecht, where you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager for a walk into town.

 After a smooth sailing, you will arrive in Rotterdam where you will have the chance to learn more about this city during a walking tour. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore contemporary Rotterdam, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rotterdam

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of all the beautiful Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine.

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.

Please book your flight to depart out of Amsterdam after 10:00 AM.