Today we depart the USA on our overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Upon arrival in Amsterdam we are transferred to our cruise ship, the Emerald Star-Ship. This afternoon you have time to acquaint yourself with the amenities of the ship or begin exploring Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, and cafés. This evening join your fellow traveling companions for dinner onboard. (D)

This morning we depart by coach for a tour of Keukenhof Gardens. Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, we admire gorgeous flowers at the peak of tulip season. See colorful displays of tulips, hyacinths, orchids, and other flowers as we stroll along the perfectly manicured meandering paths. We return to our ship to begin our first day cruising through the Dutch countryside, passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight we enjoy a welcome reception and gala dinner. (B, L, D)

This morning we cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne. This city was founded by the Romans and is one of Germany’s oldest, famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed gothic cathedral. This afternoon join an accompanied walking tour with a local expert through the Cologne Botanical Gardens. A local guide will offer our city tour; traversing quaint alleyways and visiting historic monuments, as we experience the historical charm of the Old Town. (B, L, D)

Today we cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. This morning join a walking tour of Koblenz, visiting the German Corner where the 2 rivers meet; the Church of Our Lady; and by cable car, visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located on the opposite side of the river. This fortress was part of the Prussian defense against the French in the 19th century and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. This afternoon, as we sail through the spectacular UNESCO World-Heritage listed Rhine Gorge, viewing many medieval castles and vineyards which line the shores of this section of the river. We cruise by the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. (B, L, D)

• DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle Visit (additional expense)

NOTE: You can choose either the included tour of Koblenz OR the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours operate at the same time.

This morning relax on board as our ship cruises along the Rhine River to Ludwigshafen. Upon arrival we travel by coach to visit Schwetzingen Palace, famous for the beauty and harmony of its gardens. Visit the interior of the palace, along with the beautiful gardens, maintained in their original design, which today remain a cultural heritage site of European significance containing more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. Alternatively, you may embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. (B, L, D)

• EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
• EmeraldACTIVE: Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim (instead of included tour)

Once docked in Kehl we travel by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in France. Our guided walking tour includes the Grande Île, the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strasbourg is known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks. The city’s star attraction is the cathedral, dominating the main square. (B, L, D)

Today, experience the ‘tale of two cities’: Breisach, Germany and Neuf-Breisach, France, divided by the Rhine. During our guided visit to these two wonderful gems on the Rhine River, experience the main sights and attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage fortress overlooking Neuf Breisach. (B, L, D)

EmeraldPLUS: A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach

After breakfast, disembark the ship in Basel and begin your Swiss adventure. Depart by coach to Lucerne, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and meadows. An included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark - the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge. See the 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall and town squares, all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Your last day is free of planned activities. Explore on your own, or join the optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus - a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This evening, get together for an included dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

• DiscoverMORE: Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)

Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River during tulip time. (B)