A vibrant celebration of all things quintessentially Dutch, Amsterdam’s winding canals and a trip to Keukenhof Gardens are the perfect start to your river cruise. View traditional windmills en-route along the river towards Cologne, where a guided excursion will introduce you to its Gothic cathedral. Discover even more of archaic Germany in Koblenz and Heidelberg, before crossing the border into Strasbourg and concluding in the enchanting Black Forest.
Inclusions
- Airfare to Amsterdam and return from Basel (or in reverse)
- 7 nights river cruise aboard Emerald Star Ship
- 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
- Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
- Excursions and guided tours
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Complimentary Bicycles on board (when available)
- All tipping and gratuities
- Airport transfers to and from the ship
- Port taxes and charges
- Book by Dec 31: Reduced air* and save up to $1200 per cabin! (price reflects discount)
| March 21 – April 18, 2025 | Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax |
| Riverview | from |
| Balcony | from |
| Taxes & Fees | $475 |
Final payment is due at booking
*Maximum ticket cost, including taxes, not to exceed $1,800pp.
| New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. The prices listed are for lead-in categories, but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit may be non-refundable Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise. |
Dining Highlights
- 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
- Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
Included Excursions
- Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
- Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
- Guided tour of Strasbourg
- Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
- Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim
- Orientation walk of Koblenz
Amsterdam to Basel (or in reverse)
Day 1 Amsterdam (D)
Welcome to Amsterdam. Here, you will be met at the airport by your friendly Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a quintessentially Dutch adventure awaits.
Day 2 Amsterdam (B,L,D)
This morning you’ll visit the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, boasting 32 hectares of spring-flowering bulbs. This scenic area is infused with delightful aromas and a swathe of vibrant colours. Soak in the sights of tulips, hyacinths, and orchids of every colour, creating an expertly arranged pattern of beauty. You will also have the opportunity to see statues commissioned by world-renowned artists, each adopting the annual theme.
Included Excursion
Visit to Keukenhof Gardens
Day 3 Cologne (B,L,D)
Once the ancient Roman settlement of Colonia, Cologne is alive with ancient architecture. Your included walking tour of the city will touch on the historical charm of its Old Town. Here, you will have the opportunity to traverse rustic alleyways, visit iconic monuments and see how archaeologists have uncovered a Jewish Quarter that can be dated back to the 13th century. As part of your day, you will also explore Cologne Botanical Gardens. Established in the 19th century, the gardens are visited by more than a million people every year.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town & a visit to the Botanical Gardens
Day 4 Koblenz (B,L,D)
Once a Roman stronghold desired for its strategic value, Koblenz is now a city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Today, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Koblenz, passing examples of architecture that survived the war years, including the Church of Our Lady. You will also have the chance to see 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. Later, we’ll cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz
DiscoverMORE
A Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Day 5 Ludwigshafen – Schwetzingen (B,L,D)
Schwetzingen Palace is famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Remarkably, the original design survives to this day. Besides the palace interior, you will also visit the Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout this picture-perfect landscape. Alternatively, you can embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards.
EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim
Day 6 Kehl – Strasbourg (B,L,D)
Today, we arrive in Kehl, where you’ll be transferred to Strasbourg, a city that promises much in the way of beautiful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt district is particularly iconic, perfectly encapsulating the Rhineland. The Neustadt district is yours to discover during your included tour, as is the Maison Kammerzell, a prime example of German Renaissance architecture. Paying homage to the region’s artistic past, Petite France is an exceptional historic quarter that looks as though it has been pulled directly from an artist’s easel.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Strasbourg
Day 7 Breisach (B,L,D)
Today, you will experience the tale of two cities divided by the Rhine, Breisach (Germany), and Neuf-Brisach (France). During your guided visit to these two fantastic gems on the Rhine River, you’ll pass by the main sights and attractions, one of which is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress overlooking Neuf-Brisach.
EmeraldPLUS
A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach
Day 8 Basel (B)
Welcome to Switzerland. Basel graces the banks of the Rhine River and is known for its high concentration of museums, showcasing everything from contemporary art to scientific achievements.
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests as you transfer to the airport, taking memories infused with vibrant tulip gardens with you.
Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 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.
Flexible Booking Plan
| River Cruising | Yacht Cruising |
| $125 | $200 |
- Should you choose to defer or cancel your booking, the total monies paid to us (less third-party fees) will be applied as a Future Travel Credit which is valid for 24 months for you to use on an alternate tour/cruise.
- If you do not re-book within 24 months, your FTC it will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable. Non commissionable.
- Excludes Russia cruising.
- Not available to guests using COVID Future Travel Credits
Platinum Protection Plan
The Platinum Protection Plan (“PPP”) is available for new river and ocean cruising bookings for travel after 1 January 2022 for Scenic and Emerald Cruises (“Eligible Booking”). By adding this plan, you are covered if you unable to travel due to health reasons, or your travel plans are impacted by COVID-19, up to 31 days prior to departure with a 100% refund (less airline cancellation fees and PPP cost), or a 70% refund between 15 and 30 days prior to departure (less PPP cost). The PPP must be purchased together with the Eligible Booking at time such booking is made and may not be added at a later date. The PPP is provided at a cost of $395 per person per river cruise, $495 per person per cruise on Emerald Cruises yacht cruising and $595 per person per cruise on Scenic Eclipse voyages (“PPP Fee”).
Visa Requirements
Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders may require an ETIAS visa waiver from late 2023 when traveling to the E.U.
United Kingdom passport holders do not require visas (excluding tours that feature Russia and Turkey, where guests are required to obtain a Visa).
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, Scenic recommends that you contact the relevant Consulates for the latest information regarding visa requirements.
Clients must make their own enquiries regarding safety warnings and government warnings in relation to the destinations they are travelling to.These change quite regularly and can be found through your local government travel advisory.
Scenic can accept no responsibility for the actions of terrorism, etc. in certain locations.
Please refer to our terms and conditions for further advice.
