Jewels of the Rhine with Lucerne & Zurich

Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. Please call us to check if we can offer your local airport.

Welcome to Zurich, the city is often called by the locals as Downtown Switzerland, for its internationally renowned financial importance as a centre for banking. You have the day free to enjoy the delightful lakeside setting or stroll on the Bahnhofstrasse, and other main sights of Zurich. Included is a one-night stay in Zurich.

Enjoy a tour of the delightful lakeside setting or stroll on the Bahnhofstrasse, and other main sights of Zurich. Today transferby coach Zurich to Lucerne, this scenic drive is sure to provide you some breath-taking views. Today, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Then, you will have a guided tour of Lucerne. During the tour you will see the world-famous sights such as the Chapel Bridge with the octagonal Water Tower, the Jesuit Church and the KKL Luzern (Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne). On the tour you will learn important and humorous facts about the history of Lucerne and the everyday life of its residents.

DiscoverMORE: Train & Cable Car to Rigi Weggis (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning leave Lucerne by coach for the Rhineside town of Basel, the centre of the countrys pharmaceutical industry. A warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening join your fellow travellers for dinner on board. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you have a choice to visit a typical Black Forest Village, featuring many of the famous black forest items, like Cuckoo clocks, amongst other things. Alternatively, take part on a guided hike through some of the black forest trails.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through some of the Black Forest trails
EmeraldPLUS: Black Forest Cake Assembling presentation and tasting

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Once docked in Kehl, you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. Your guided walking tour will include the Grande le, the historical city centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval black and white timber framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstones buildings, canals and river locks.
EmeraldPLUS: Guided Tour of Strasbourg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue downstream to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. There you will have a chance to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg including the impressive castle which overlooks the town or take part on an active hike to Heidelberg Hill.
EmeraldACTIVE: Active Hike to Heidelberg Hill
EmeraldPLUS: Wine Tasting on board

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. You will have a tour of Koblenz and a chance to visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river. This fortress was part of the Prussian defences against the French in the 19th century and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII.

DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Founded by the Romans, Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest and is famous for its magnificent WorldHeritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your local guide for an included tour of the Old Town, with free time for exploring. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest and most modern cities largely due to a rebuilding plan post WWII, and it has many different museums and galleries. This evening, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner.

DiscoverMORE: Football Stadium Tour (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you can decide to either enjoy a glass top canal boat tour through Amsterdams canal or a guided bike tour.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday. Please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport. If youd prefer not to fly, return travel via Eurostar is available.

Meals Included: Breakfast