Selected Itinerary
Welcome to Amsterdam, a fantastic city to explore the many joys of Europe at Christmastime in. Here, intricate networks of picturesque canals are adorned by world class museums, theatres and quaint cafés.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning, board a glass top canal boat for a tour down Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age and delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
A canal cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you will have the opportunity to explore independently, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.
Guided tour of Cologne's old town
Visit to Eau de Cologne Museum (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, relax on board as we cruise into Koblenz, a town that sits straddling the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your guided tour of Koblenz will include Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
This afternoon, return to your comfortable Star-Ship to sail through the Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles, vineyards and ruined monasteries.
Walking tour of Koblenz & visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
A Moselle Valley and Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, continue enjoying your time spent on board as we cruise towards Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. Here, you will have the chance to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg.
A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we will dock in Kehl and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace Region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the Grande Île, the historical centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that is known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system.
After your guided tour of Strasbourg, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets.
A guided tour of Strasbourg
Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the black Germany’s Black Forest and witness the cultural charm of the region known for its thick forests, ravines, lakes, cuckoo clocks and traditional costumes. Alternatively, embark on a guided active walk through the Black Forest region, weaving through the woodland and admiring the lush canopy of evergreens.
A visit to a traditional Black Forest destination
A Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and emerald canopies 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast