Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers

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 be waiting for your arrival.

Every narrow street and gabled façade in Amsterdam tells tales of the Dutch Golden Age, a prosperous time when Dutch art was among the most acclaimed in the world.
Today, relax during a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdam’s elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, sailing through the medieval centre of the city and past Roman patrician houses. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing quintessential villages, traditional windmills and flower fields.
Enjoy sailing through the countryside and on towards the Rhine River this afternoon, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the passing scenery before joining your captain for a gala dinner.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

Included Excursion
Canal cruise

Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Step back in time today, as a guided walking tour takes you through the ancient heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks such as Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. After your tour, you will be taken to a one-of-a-kind farm estate just outside of Cologne, which provides the locals with sustainable products. As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a fantastic cooking demo and have a glimpse behind the scenes of this incredible place. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town 

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to a local farm estate with cooking demo

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surrounds today as we cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of the town will unveil 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.
Enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge this afternoon, where romantic castles sit atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages appear as though they have been suspended in time.

Included Excursion
Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

This morning you will discover Heidelberg. The idyllic UNESCO City of Literature has inspired the likes of Mark Twain and famed British artist William Turner.
A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where the carefully curated gardens host serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg 

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Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense, available on select departures)

This morning, you'll dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where a medieval past is yours to discover among cobbled squares surrounded by half-timbered houses.
Your included walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town will touch on many of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the astrological signs that adorn the façade of the Maison Kammerzell and the idyllic historic scenery around Petite France. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at leisure.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg

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Alsace wine route with tasting (extra expense, available on select departures)

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the city of Freiburg. Considered the 'capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg has lovely sights that will leave you amazed. As part of your visit, you will also have the opportunity to sample true Black Forest delicacies from the lively market in the city centre near the main cathedral. If you are feeling more active, why not join a guided bike tour in Breisach.  

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach  

After breakfast, you will disembark your Star-Ship and be transferred by coach to Lyon, where your river cruising journey will continue.

Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, it is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.

EmeraldPLUS
Cheese and olive tasting on board

Included Excursion
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country, home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
Today, enjoy a guided city tour, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.

EmeraldPLUS
Silk presentation on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon

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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.
Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.
Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.

EmeraldPLUS
Regional wine tasting on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Glun 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will showcase some of its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and central to the French Revolution. 
Your included walking tour will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. Then, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. 
This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.

EmeraldPLUS
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense)

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries.
Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps stopping at a local café or returning to your Star-Ship to relax on board.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Marseille after 11:00 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.