Jewels of the Rhine & Copenhagen

Welcome to Switzerland. You’ll be greeted at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. 

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

Today, as part of your marvellous EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll visit the delightful city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest', Freiburg reveals lovely sights that will amaze you and you’ll have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour in Breisach.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach

DiscoverMORE
Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

This morning, you'll arrive in Kehl and disembark your Star-Ship, then be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg. Here, an enthralling medieval past is yours to discover, including quaint cobblestone squares framed by well-preserved, half-timbered houses.During your included excursion, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the heart of Alsace in Strasbourg and embark on a culinary journey where you’ll discover typical flavours of this region. Alternatively, join a guided hike through the scenic Alsace region.

Included Excursion
Flavours of Alsace

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Alsace

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra epxense)

Strasbourg is a picturesque city in northeastern France, notable for its unique blend of French and German influences. Thanks to well-preserved, awe-inspiring medieval architecture such as the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and the historic La Petite France district, Strasbourg has earned its spot on the map as a famous, must-visit European destination.

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship as you sail towards Germersheim, following the meandering Rhine River and passing the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar. Then travel by coach to Heidelberg, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about how this became a UNESCO City of Literature, having inspired luminaries such as American writer Mark Twain and British artist, William Turner, with its stunning historical setting.
Your guided tour of Heidelberg will allow you to find your own inspiration among its dreamy  landmarks, including Heidelberg Castle, one of the most impressive Renaissance ruins in all of Europe. Alternatively, revel in a guided hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg. Tonight, as part of your  EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert within a historical venue.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

EmeraldPLUS
Private evening concert along the Rhine

Today, cruise to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz and discover its fairy tale-like surrounds, nestled on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your local guide will take you through this Roman-era town, taking in the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner, where these two inspirational waterways converge. 

Included Excursion
Orientation Walk of Koblenz

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Cologne at your own pace, one of Germany’s oldest cities that is steeped in history and folklore.

After lunch, join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture and discover hidden gems off-the-beaten path. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere, indulge in the delicious local cuisine, and marvel at the contrast of Düsseldorf’s ancient and modern charms.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Düsseldorf

DiscoverMORE
Cologne Beer Experience (extra expense)

This morning, discover charming Alkmaar, a picturesque Dutch town just a short distance from the iconic city of Amsterdam.  Explore its historic centre, lined with scenic canals and medieval buildings. Alkmaar is famous for its centuries-old cheese market, where traditional cheesemakers showcase their craft and engage in lively auctions. Immerse yourself in the local culture in this quintessential Dutch town. Alternatively, embark on a bike tour through the Dutch countryside, cycling past traditional windmills.

Included Excursion
Excursion to Alkmaar

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

DiscoverMORE
Private hidden Gems tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Dutch Delights (extra expense)

Welcome to Denmark and Copenhagen, the fascinating capital city that is home to centuries of Danish royal family history. You'll be transferred from the airport to your hotel for your included 3-night stay, where you'll meet your fellow travellers and tour director.

By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.

Today, join a guided city tour and enthralling journey through the heart of Denmark's capital, where rich historical landmarks blend with picturesque waterways. As you glide through the serene canals, you'll pass by charming old buildings and iconic sights, such as the colourful Nyhavn district, where prolific Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, lived and drew inspiration for his literary fairy tales. Along the way, you'll also spot the regal Amalienborg Palace, the Copenhagen residence of the Danish royal family.

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Copenhagen and canal cruise

Begin your day with a visit to the striking Christiansborg Palace, once the home to kings and queens and today, seat of the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend exploring Copenhagen at leisure, soaking up the sights of this enchanting  Nordic city. You may wish to visit the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, or Rosenborg Castle, a four centuries-old  Renaissance castle that houses the Danish crown jewels. Or perhaps relax at one of Copenhagen's delightful café terraces, or sample delicious open-faced sandwiches with a cold beer at one of the capital’s many restaurants. Your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your Copenhagen explorations.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Christiansborg Palace

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to Copenhagen, leaving with memories of your marvellous Rhine Cruise and fairy-tales of the Danish capital.

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 note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

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Get set for a gastronomic adventure in Reflections Restaurant, your go-to dining area for sumptuous local dishes expertly prepared by our skilled chefs. Spacious and contemporary, with flexible seating options, it’s your space for food discovery.

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An idyllic spot for breakfast and light lunches, The Terrace is Emerald Destiny’s indoor/outdoor dining area. And with a favourable position at the very front of the ship, inspiring views are guaranteed.

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The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.

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From our elegant Star-Ships to our inclusive EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE events, every aspect of an Emerald Cruises river cruise is designed to bring you closer to the heart of local life, discovering hidden gems and rare insights that go beyond ordinary travel encounters. And now, to help you immerse further in local history and culture, we’re proud to introduce DiscoverMORE – a collection of special events that invite you to delve deep into the wonders of Europe.

For those who want to experience more of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry, DiscoverMORE provides in-depth excursions which complement those provided by EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE. These optional events can either be booked before you go or while you’re on-board. Look out for details of the DiscoverMORE options available on each of our detailed river cruise itineraries.

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During your time with Emerald Cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy our EmeraldACTIVE programme of excursions, encouraging you to stretch your legs, find your centre and keep active, whether you’re on board or onshore. This may consist of guided hikes to centuries-old castles, cycle rides from one spectacular town to the next, and a canoeing excursion, inviting you to get even closer to the river.

Introducing our on-board Activity Manager to all seven of our Star-Ships sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhône and Douro rivers in Europe. These dedicated members of the team perform a varied role, from coordinating on board fitness classes and active onshore excursions, to organising the evening’s entertainment.

With at least one EmeraldACTIVE* activity included in all our cruise itineraries, you can look forward to yoga and Pilates sessions, aqua aerobics in our heated pool and our ‘walk-a-mile’ classes on the Sun Deck. And, on selected evenings, we’ll have karaoke nights, cards tournaments and gameshow-style quizzes.

As we continue to receive excellent feedback for our current programme, we’ll continue introducing new and exciting activities and adventurous excursions, with the guidance of our experts, both on land and on the water. We also provide unguided experiences, if you’d prefer to explore independently, allowing you to savour a destination’s highlights on a route of your making.

To get you started, we’ve picked our favourite EmeraldACTIVE excursions on each of the European rivers we navigate.

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Immerse yourself further with EmeraldPLUS

EmeraldPLUS are our collection of extra-special excursions and events designed for you to see the destinations we visit in a different light, giving you memorable experiences that go beyond that of the ordinary traveller.

EmeraldPLUS is about seeking out rare insights, giving you the chance to uncover hidden gems you may not have discovered without the guidance of a local expert, as well as beloved tourist hotspots that cannot be missed. We believe it’s these special touches that make a holiday with Emerald Cruises truly unforgettable, offering moments of joy, wonder and discovery that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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With a different port call almost every day of your cruise; Emerald Cruises have organised a series of inspiring days ashore – taking you to the very heart of the beautiful towns and cities we visit. Exploring authentic local cultures, Emerald Cruises excursions are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides – introducing you to a wealth of knowledge.

Featuring as many as 16 destinations across up to five different countries, an Emerald Cruises cruise provides the perfect platform to absorb a huge array of cultures and traditions in one fell swoop. Every Emerald Cruises cruise itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the ship visits only the most fascinating, rewarding port towns and cities – affording you the opportunity to derive maximum reward and pleasure.

Whether exploring a new town on foot or navigating the streets of an ancient city by coach, English-speaking guides will be on hand to bring your destination to life through educational and enlightening commentary. And to ensure you don’t miss a second of the tour, we will provide all of our guests with a personal headset.

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Your warm welcome on-board begins at Emerald Destiny’s dedicated reception. Here, our friendly crew are happy to help you get the most from your time on-board – whether that’s organising the day’s excursions or arranging any special requirements you may have.

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Emerald Destiny features a range of innovative on-board features, including an infinity-style pool that transforms into an evening cinema space. Take a dip by day and catch a flick by night – two more ways to spend your downtime on the rivers of Europe.

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Welcome to the heart of Emerald Destiny – the Horizon Bar & Lounge. This is your drinking and socialising hub, where you can make new friends and enjoy a drink or two from our extensive bar menu.

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The Sun Deck is your panoramic outdoor space on-board, a place to relax, unwind and take in inspiring views of the river. Complete with deck chairs, walking track and games area, you’ll find the Sun Deck at the very top of your Emerald Star-Ship.

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Compete against new-found friends or practice your putting technique in our dedicated games area.

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Emerald Destiny features a range of innovative on-board features, including an infinity-style pool that transforms into an evening cinema space. Take a dip by day and catch a flick by night – two more ways to spend your downtime on the rivers of Europe.

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If you stick to a daily fitness regime at home, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t keep it up on your holiday. Emerald Destiny’s gym has everything you need to work up a sweat on your travels, so you can justify one more delightful dish or extravagant cocktail.

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Designed for those who like to stay active on their travels, Emerald Destiny’s dedicated walking track gives you the freedom to stretch your legs and take in the sights as you cruise through Europe. Offering a full loop around the ship, it’s great for getting your steps in and enjoying the view.

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Your space for relaxation and rejuvenation, the Wellness Area on-board Emerald Destiny provides everything from facial treatments to massages, delivered by our trained beauty therapist.

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In need of a quick trim during your travels? You can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.

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An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.

Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.

We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship. 

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We make solo travel easy and comfortable as all of our Star-Ships, except Emerald Radiance, boast two Emerald Single Staterooms. Home to a deluxe single bed, a bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, you’ll have all the comforts you need at your fingertips. Your picture window welcomes in a lovely amount of light and individual climate control ensures you can keep at a comfortable temperature regardless of which season you’re travelling in.

A flat screen TV and infotainment system shows films and television programmes, so you can spend mornings and evenings relaxing in comfort before an exciting day ahead. Catch up with loved ones, using the suite’s telephone or the free Wi-Fi, and enjoy a drink from your minibar.  

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Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.

When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.

Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship. 

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Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.

Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.

A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.

In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.

You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

Four suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun, Emerald Dawn and Emerald Luna sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Two available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France and Emerald Radiance sailing in Portugal. 

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Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer.

Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer.

Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter.

And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

Eight suites available on board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun, Emerald Dawn and Emerald Luna sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Four available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France.