The Majestic Rhine: 8 days Frankfurt to Zurich

Welcome to Frankfurt, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board as you cruise towards Rüdesheim, where you’ll dock overnight.

Please book your flight to arrive into Frankfurt prior to 02:00 PM.

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner. Rüdesheim is also at the heart of the Rhine wine region, renowned for its Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Included Excursion
A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum 
Ride the local mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, complete with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes, the quirky museum is home to a collection of more than 350 mechanical musical instruments and rare music boxes. 

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Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
On your visit to the charming town of Rüdesheim, take a short ride on the mini train to taste the specialty coffee in the region. A swig of Rüdesheimer coffee is a treat for wine-lovers and coffee-fans alike.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Wake in the ancient city of Koblenz, the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, it was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it’s a modern park - and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture.

Later, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors with her song.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz
Immerse yourself in the fairytale surrounds of Koblenz on this guided walking tour. You’ll see the city’s highlights, including the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s great rivers meet at the German Corner, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
Discover Koblenz and the surrounding area on two wheels. Cycle along the banks of the Rhine, cross over bridges, pass the city’s most famous sights, and admire pretty villages and vineyards en route. 

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Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Eltz Forest, Burg Eltz is considered one of the most magical castles in Germany. With its eight towers and turrets, the beautifully preserved castle looks like something out of a storybook. It has been under the ownership of the same family for over 850 years and contains many original furnishings and interiors to this day, including 15th-century murals.
Activity level: Moderate/Active, Duration: 3.5 hours 

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German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)
Experience the heart and soul of German hospitality with a visit to an authentic beer garden in Koblenz, where good company and freshly poured beer come together. Sip on local brews – such as crisp Königsbacher or a smooth Bitburger – served in authentic German style.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board your Emerald Star-Ship as you cruise along the Rhine. After lunch, dock in the bustling port of Mannheim. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Transfer to nearby Heidelberg, a place that inspired poets and composers of the German Romanticism era. It’s easy to see how the town’s idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets, captivated these great artists. Your guided tour will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, taking in many of the town’s most famous sights. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Take the historic funicular to the summit of Mount Königstuhl and admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding Neckar Valley. Continue on foot through the forest to Heidelberg Castle, where you’ll explore the ruins before descending into the town below. 

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Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim (extra expense)
Travel to the famed spa town of Bad-Dürkheim for an active walk through the beautiful vineyards of Fritz Ritter Winery. Learn the story of this family-owned winery that dates back nine generations and taste their delicious wines. You can also see 400-year-old oak trees and the largest ginkgo tree in Germany.
Activity level: Difficult/active, Duration: 3 hours

Arrive in Rastatt early this morning. A small town on the edge of the Black Forest, it’s known for its architectural masterpieces – including one of Germany’s most beautiful Baroque palaces – and the glorious landscapes that surround it, complete with thick forest, lush valleys and crystal-clear lakes. 

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
Transfer to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries, where they came to take the healing waters. Enjoy a guided walking tour, soaking in the opulence of the old town with its elegant boutiques, elaborate bath houses and timeless gardens. 

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
The breathtaking Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is made up of over 50 buildings in Baroque style with ornate Rococo decorations. In one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, the chamber music hall, also known as the Kammermusiksaal, you’ll enjoy a private evening classical concert. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Embark on an active guided hike to Altes Schloss, the old castle, a fascinating ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. 

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Entrance to the Baden-Baden Casino (extra expense)
Step into a world of elegance and intrigue with a visit to the legendary Casino Baden-Baden, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic gaming houses. With its gilded halls, crystal chandeliers, and ornate interiors inspired by French palaces, this 19th-century jewel has hosted royalty, artists and aristocrats for more than 150 years.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour 

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Baden-Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Escape to the heart of Germany’s Black Forest for a rejuvenating day at the world-renowned Baden-Baden spa. Famous for its healing thermal waters and elegant ambience, Baden-Baden offers the perfect blend of wellness, history and indulgence.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours

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Visit to Rastatt Palace & Gardens (extra expense)

Wake in Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The World Heritage-listed centre is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years. 

Included Excursion
Hidden Treasures of Strasbourg
Discover the city’s charm on a walking tour through Petite France, featuring storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and the covered bridges. See the Vauban Dam and the World Heritage-listed Neustadt quarter, home to Strasbourg’s administrative buildings. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace.

Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, Breisach is where Germany’s Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. It’s another town with influences from both cultures, as well as a strong passion for wine. It centres around the hilltop St Stephen’s Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic structure that dominates the skyline and can be seen from a great distance. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar
Spend a magical morning in nearby 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. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour to Colmar
Set out from your Emerald Star-Ship by e-bike to explore the pretty riverside scenery and lush wineries on two wheels. Once you arrive in Colmar, enjoy a short orientation tour and some free time before a coach transfer back to your vessel. 

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Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting (extra expense)
Travel to Freiburg, set on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest. This photogenic city was founded in 1120 and lays claim to the most days of sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city centres on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as Black Forest ham.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to Zurich airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 12:00 PM.

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.