Destinations

Zurich to Lucerne, Switzerland

Upon arrival in Zurich, transfer to your hotel in Lucerne to begin your Swiss adventure. The afternoon is at leisure to begin discovering your beautiful new surroundings. This evening, join your Mayflower representative and traveling companions for an included dinner at the hotel.

• Included Meals: Dinner

Lucerne

After breakfast, an included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark, the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its paintings of heroic town events, that crosses the Reuss River. 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. 

• Included Meals: Breakfast

Lucerne – Basel

Before departing for your ship in Basel, the day is free to enjoy at leisure or join the morning optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus – a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel, Switzerland for embarkation of your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star Ship. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. 

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DiscoverMORE: Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)

Breisach, Germany

Today you have a choice of activities. Visit a typical Black Forest Village, full of charm, cuckoo clocks and other German specialities. See demonstrations of traditional handicrafts, each offering a glimpse into rural life in the forest. Alternatively, take part in a guided hike along some of the Black Forest trails.

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

EmeraldPLUS: Black Forest Cake demonstration and tasting

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike in the Black Forest region

Strasbourg, France

Once docked in Kehl, coaches await to take you across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. The guided walking tour takes you along narrow lanes and across footbridges as you discover the Grande Île, the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its medieval black and white timber- framed buildings, picturesque le Petite France, old tanning houses, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the ornate cathedral, dominating the main square. This afternoon, the city is yours to explore at leisure. 

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Riquewihr (additional expense)

DiscoverMORE: Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (additional expense)

Mannheim / Heidelberg, Germany

Relax onboard as the vessel cruises along the Rhine River to Mannheim, docking site for Heidelberg. Travel by coach to Heidelberg, home of the oldest university in Germany. The guided walking tour visits the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, with fantastic views overlooking the Neckar River, and takes you through the cobblestoned streets of the medieval city below. Enjoy a wine-tasting before returning to the ship. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg.

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

Koblenz

Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city as your guide points out historic monuments and buildings. See the ‘German Corner’ monument marking the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Panoramic views await from the visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, reached by cable car, crossing the river! 

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Cologne

Continue cruising along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany’s oldest and is famous for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral. Join your local guide for an included walking tour of the city, touching on the historical charm of the Old Town and its Roman history. Traverse the quaint alleyways and see historic monuments alongside modern architecture. The tour concludes at the cathedral, whose twin spires dominate the skyline. This evening, back onboard, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. 

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DiscoverMORE: Farina Eau de Cologne Museum (additional expense)

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Welcome to Amsterdam, the final port of call. Experience the city on

a cruise aboard a glass-top boat. Traverse the UNESCO World Heritage network of canals, passing Roman patrician and ornate merchant houses from the Dutch Golden Age. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing through quintessential Dutch landscapes of quaint villages and windmills. 

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland

Amsterdam / USA

Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life-enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River.

• Included Meals: Breakfast