The Majestic Rhine: 8 days Basel to Frankfurt

Welcome to the medieval city of Basel. Here, you’re greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship.
This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Basel prior to 03:00 PM.

Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour of Colmar. A magical place, Colmar resembles the imagery found within a beloved fairy tale. Your included tour of the town will enable you to traverse its cobblestone lanes, passing medieval half-timbered façades and window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers. If you’re feeling more active, you may instead wish to embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Colmar

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Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a city perfectly encapsulating the region’s medieval charm. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways. You’ll explore the historic architecture on a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.

Relax on board as you pass through the idyllic surrounds of Petite France and conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s noteworthy buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert in a historical venue.

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert on the Rhine

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

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Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss

Strolling down Heidelberg’s cobblestone streets, you may find yourself as entranced as the German Romanticist thinkers before you. Heidelberg is a living representation of the legend-steeped cityscapes depicted by the romanticists, its peaceful surroundings beckoning exploration.

Today, you'll explore Heidelberg Castle or opt to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

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Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim (extra expense)

Koblenz is an ancient city often considered to be the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. The Romans originally built a city here as a stronghold, but the area is now known for its idyllic beauty, and peaceful parks full of colourful flowers. Today, you will be able to relax during a guided tour of the city, including a cable car ride across the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

EmeraldACTIVE
Bike tour in Koblenz

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Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)

This morning enjoy the peaceful and inspiring sailing through the Rhine valley, and discover the fascinating legends of the Rhine during your EmeraldPLUS onboard.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Your included tour will be a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, a half-timbered tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes that houses one of the best collections of music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to ride on the charming minitrain and taste famous Rüdesheimer coffee, made with one of the most famous brandies in Germany.

Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

EmeraldPLUS
Legends on the Rhine

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Petite France and fairy tale-like settings with you.

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 Frankfurt after 12:00 PM.