Amsterdam & Christmas Markets on the Rhine

Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, famous for world-class museums, artistic heritage and elaborate canal system. You will be met at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

Celebrate the Christmas season in Amsterdam, a fairy-tale mix of twinkle lights, city sparkles with bright lights, fun markets, snowy scenery and festive good cheer! The Dutch do know how to make the most of the holiday season so come join them in this special time of the year.
This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a place of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world where your destination is never too far away. Your carefully planned walking tour will take you to one of world’s greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, hosting a collecting of over 8000 works including those of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, board a glass top canal boat for a tour down Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age and delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear drinking hot mugs of mulled wine. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Included Excursion
A canal cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you will have the opportunity to explore independently, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s old town
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Visit to Eau de Cologne Museum (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, relax on board as we cruise into Koblenz, a town that sits straddling the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Your guided tour of Koblenz will include Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
This afternoon, return to your comfortable Star-Ship to sail through the Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles, vineyards and ruined monasteries.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz & visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
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A Moselle Valley and Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, continue enjoying your time spent on board as we cruise towards Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. Here, you will have the chance to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting
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Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we will dock in Kehl and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace Region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the Grande Île, the historical centre of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that is known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings and charming canal system.
After your guided tour of Strasbourg, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Strasbourg
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Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the black Germany’s Black Forest and witness the cultural charm of the region known for its thick forests, ravines, lakes, cuckoo clocks and traditional costumes. Alternatively, embark on a guided active walk through the Black Forest region, weaving through the woodland and admiring the lush canopy of evergreens.
Included Excursion
A visit to a traditional Black Forest destination
EmeraldPLUS
A Black Forest gateau demonstration and tasting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and emerald canopies with you.
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.

Meals Included: Breakfast