The Majestic Rhine River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 – Mainz
Welcome to Frankfurt, where you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board as you cruise towards Rüdesheim, where you’ll dock overnight.
Please book your flight to arrive into Frankfurt prior to 02:00 PM.
Day 2 – Rüdesheim
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.
Day 3 – Koblenz
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.
Day 4 – Mannheim > Heidelberg
Transfer to nearby Heidelberg. Strolling down its 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 may decide to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. You could also travel to the famed spa town of Bad-Dürkheim for an active walk through the beautiful vineyards of Fritz Ritter Winery, and learn the story of this family-owned winery.
Day 5 – Baden – Baden
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.
Tonight, you’ll enjoy a private evening classical concert in the breathtaking Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg.
Day 6 – Strasbourg
This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in 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.
Day 7 – Breisach > Colmar
Perched high above the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards, Breisach is where Germany’s Black Forest spills into the lush Alsace region. It’s another town with influences from both cultures, as well as a strong passion for wine. It centres around the hilltop St Stephen’s Cathedral, an impressive Romanesque-Gothic structure that dominates the skyline and can be seen from a great distance.
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.
Day 8 – Basel
After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to Basel airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you.
Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.
