Zurich to Berlin & The Majestic Rhine

Fly from the UK to Zurich. Straddling the northernmost tip of Lake Zurich, Zurich is one of the most beloved cities in Switzerland. Today, you will be able to explore the city at leisure, perhaps taking in its delightful lakeside setting or frequenting one of its many charming cafés. Included is a restful one-night stay in Zurich.

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich before you are transferred to Lucerne, an area known for its spectacular natural setting. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Lucerne, perhaps strolling down cobblestone streets in its colourful Altstadt.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Zurich

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus

Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Aldstadt to the Reuss River's right bank.

The awe-inspiring natural beauty enveloping Lucerne is a true delight, and yours to discover today during a guided tour of this small city. Lucerne effortlessly reflects what most people imagine when they think of a Swiss city, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges and tree-lined boulevards cutting through the city centre. Enjoy learning about the history of Lucerne as you visit the well-preserved medieval Altstadt, Chapel Bridge and the octagonal Water Tower.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Lucerne

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Train and cable car to Rigi - Weggis (extra expense)

Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Aldstadt to the Reuss River's right bank.

This morning, journey by coach to Huningue/Basel. When you arrive, you will be able to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colorful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14-century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Aldstadt to the Reuss River's right bank.

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

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)

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

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.

EmeraldPLUS
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Kehl is a town located in southwest Germany on the River Rhine, across from the French City of Strasbourg. The town is not known as a tourist destination, however it benefits from idyllic landscape and a water-rich environment. Walk or cycle along the Reinpromenade or the garden of the Zweubüchter and enjoy a picnic at one of Kehl’s numerous excavation lakes. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting animals hiding along the rivers, lakes and bushes. Discover Kehl’s turbulent war and peace history with a guided tour of the centre and its surrounding villages. Visitors will also experience the town’s habitat and culture which is characterised through the half timbered houses and streets. Kehl town centre features a large pedestrian zone with many retail outlets, street cafes and outdoor dining to enjoy. A few minutes by public transport and visitors will find themselves in the centre of metropolitan Strasbourg.

From the first minute, the French Strasbourg enchants with colorful half-timbered idyll, Wilhelminian splendor architecture,new trendy neighborhoods and exciting museums. Even a short visit has a long-term effect thanks to the many inspirations! In the picturesque district of La Petite France, the moment can be enjoyed perfectly with a tarte flambée, before the imposing cathedral with stained glass windows and archways invites you to travel back in time to the Gothic period. Those who are free from giddiness should definitely take the 332 steps up to the viewing platformhere to see the Vosges and the Black Forest in the distance.

This morning, you’re transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, known for its peaceful surroundings and the celebrities who have visited it over the last century.

If you’re feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a hike to Altes Schloss, where your local guide will show you the castle ruins, including the dungeons and winding staircases. The panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest region are certain to make this a truly unforgettable experience.  
Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, witnessing the luxurious façades of the independent boutiques and the well-manicured gardens, before joining a unique backstage tour of the Baden Baden Opera Theater.

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

EmeraldPLUS
Backstage Opera Theater Tour

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss

Rastatt, Germany, is a charming town in the Baden-Württemberg region, known for its Baroque architecture and historic significance. The centerpiece is the Rastatt Palace, a stunning example of Baroque grandeur with its beautiful gardens. The town offers picturesque streets, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural scene. Located near the Rhine River, Rastatt combines historical charm with a lively atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for exploring its architectural heritage and enjoying its local culture.

Baden-Baden is a spa town in southwestern Germany’s Black Forest, near the border with France. Its thermal baths led to fame as a fashionable 19th-century resort. Alongside the Oos River, park-lined Lichtentaler Allee is the town’s central promenade. The Kurhaus complex (1824) houses the elegant, Versailles-inspired Spielbank (casino). Its Trinkhalle has a loggia decorated with frescoes and a mineral-water fountain.

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

Today you will have the chance to learn about Koblenz, 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.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

EmeraldACTIVE
Bike tour in Koblenz

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

This morning, relax on-board your Star-Ship and absorb the breathtaking views of the Rhine Gorge during a scenic sailing. Afterwards, 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

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located directly on the Rhine in Hesse and has many attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. A cable car goes up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here you can take a beautiful hike through pristine woodlands and then come to the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This is also located on the Rhine.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your Star-Ship to the airport for your flight to Berlin. The German capital has much to offer, from its captivating entertainment to its historic architecture. A two-night stay in a centrally located hotel is included in your itinerary.

The capital of Rhineland-Palatinate Mainz is located directly on the Rhine. St. Martin's Cathedral, which is well worth seeing, is one of the special sights, as are numerous monuments and fountains. Spacious parks and green spaces invite you to take contemplative walks. A visit to the Electoral Palace should not be missed. Historic buildings bear witness to an eventful history, from the beginnings in Roman times 2000 years ago to the present day modernity. The Haus zum Stein in the city center is the oldest preserved Mainz residential building from the Middle Ages.

Connected to the Danube via the Main-Danube Canal, Frankfurt is one of the most unique cities in Germany. After all, it is the only city with a skyline of skyscrapers. A view of the metropolis from the observation deck of the MAIN TOWER is a very special experience. However, Frankfurt is not only a very modern and busy city, but also has a lot of history to offer its visitors. For example, the Römer and the Paulskirche are among the most famous historical sights in Germany. And when it comes to art and culture, Frankfurt is also an absolute hotspot. With almost 40 museums and exhibition houses, the Frankfurt Museumsufer is one of the most important international museum locations..

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. With its rich history and modern significance, the city offers countless fascinating sights to explore. Among its most famous landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. Berlin is also home to all major government buildings – most notably the Reichstag, with its striking glass dome, which is well worth a visit. You can also discover sites of great historical importance such as Checkpoint Charlie or the East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. And for shopping enthusiasts, the Kurfürstendamm – one of Berlin’s most iconic boulevards – offers a perfect mix of boutiques, cafés, and lively city flair.

This morning, join your local guide for a walking tour of Berlin, passing by the famous Alexanderplatz, the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, a monument that tells of the division and reunion of the city. This afternoon, enjoy exploring Berlin at leisure, perhaps venturing into one of its chic restaurants of discovering more of its charming architecture.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Berlin

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. With its rich history and modern significance, the city offers countless fascinating sights to explore. Among its most famous landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. Berlin is also home to all major government buildings – most notably the Reichstag, with its striking glass dome, which is well worth a visit. You can also discover sites of great historical importance such as Checkpoint Charlie or the East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. And for shopping enthusiasts, the Kurfürstendamm – one of Berlin’s most iconic boulevards – offers a perfect mix of boutiques, cafés, and lively city flair.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK, taking memories of romantic cityscapes.

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. With its rich history and modern significance, the city offers countless fascinating sights to explore. Among its most famous landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. Berlin is also home to all major government buildings – most notably the Reichstag, with its striking glass dome, which is well worth a visit. You can also discover sites of great historical importance such as Checkpoint Charlie or the East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. And for shopping enthusiasts, the Kurfürstendamm – one of Berlin’s most iconic boulevards – offers a perfect mix of boutiques, cafés, and lively city flair.