Berlin & Majestic Rhine: Castles, Vineyards & Spa Towns

Welcome to Berlin, the historic capital of Germany and steeped in momentous history. After being welcomed at the airport, you'll then be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Berlin, your home, for the next three nights. This evening, enjoy meeting your fellow guests and tour director for a convivial welcome drink.

Today, you’ll have time to explore this intriguing German capital at leisure. Perhaps discovering the creative lifestyles of the Berlin residents and the vibrant arts scene, or savouring one of the many chic restaurants on offer throughout the city. Your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan your Berlin explorations during your stay.

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Berlin
You're invited to join a fascinating guided tour of Berlin, where you can discover for yourself how the city’s tangible history is evident along every street. Enjoy learning about the Berlin Cathedral and iconic Berlin Wall, a symbolic monument that represents how this city was once divided for nearly three decades and then reunited. 

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Tastes of Berlin (extra expense)
Delve into Berlin’s bold flavours on a tasting tour that celebrates the city’s culinary icons. Indulge in the sweet delight of a Berliner Pfannkuchen and savour the spicy kick of currywurst paired with tangy sauerkraut that showcases true German comfort food. All this is wonderfully complemented by a refreshing German beer - an authentic taste of Berlin’s vibrant food culture.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1.5 hours

Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Berlin at your own pace. You may wish to discover more of the historic architecture and modern landmarks found in numerous spots across the German capital. There are also several excellent museums worth visiting, including Berlin’s Museum Island. You could immerse yourself in the popular food markets in the city’s market halls, or browse the luxury shops along Kurfürstendamm, one of Berlin’s most famous avenues. 

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Guided tour of Potsdam (extra expense)
Step into the royal history of Potsdam with a visit to the magnificent Neues Palais, where grand halls, lavish interiors, and centuries of Prussian heritage bring the past to life—an unforgettable journey through one of Germany’s most stunning palaces.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

This morning, after breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Frankfurt. Upon arrival, you'll then be transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Star-Ship in Mainz for the start of your exciting cruise. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Wiesbaden is an elegant historic spa town and the capital of Hesse, set near the Rhine at the edge of the Taunus hills. Known for its long thermal spa tradition and 26 hot springs, it combines grand 19th-century architecture, leafy parks and lively cultural life, creating a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere.  

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Wiesbaden with spa tradition
Discover the timeless art of relaxation in Wiesbaden, one of Europe’s most celebrated spa towns. Renowned for its natural thermal springs, Wiesbaden has drawn visitors seeking rest and rejuvenation for centuries. Return feeling refreshed, revitalised and connected to one of Europe’s great spa traditions. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Wiesbaden
Set out to explore the town on two wheels, with a guided bike tour that will give you a different perspective on this renowned spa destination. 

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Eberbach Abbey with wine tasting (extra expense)
Discover the quiet beauty of Eberbach Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery set among Rheingau vineyards. A guided tour reveals centuries of monastic and winegrowing history within its atmospheric cloisters and cellars, followed by a tasting of regional wines that showcases the area’s enduring viticultural tradition. This experience combines heritage, architecture and flavour in one memorable visit.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3.5 hours

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

Wake in the ancient city of Koblenz, the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, it was established around 8 BC for its strategic value. Today, it’s a modern park- and flower-filled city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. 

Included Excursion
Invigorating walking tour of Koblenz
Your morning excursion in Koblenz blends gentle exercise, riverside beauty and clean eating. It is designed for guests who want to feel refreshed and energised without a strenuous program, just movement, scenery and fresh nutrition. You’ll also enjoy a fresh smoothie or cold-pressed juice as a wellness recharge break. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
You may wish to discover Koblenz and the surrounding area on two wheels. Cycle along the banks of the Rhine, cross over bridges, pass the city’s most famous sights, and admire pretty villages and vineyards en route. 

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Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)
Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Eltz Forest, Burg Eltz is considered one of the most magical castles in Germany. With its eight towers and turrets, the beautifully preserved castle looks like something out of a storybook. It has been under the ownership of the same family for over 850 years and contains many original furnishings and interiors to this day, including 15th-century murals.
Activity level: Moderate/Active, Duration: 3.5 hours 

Later, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, exemplifying the extraordinary beauty of an area that left the philosophers and artists of the German Romanticism movement entranced. Look out for the iconic Lorelei Rock, where a beautiful siren is said to have lured sailors with her song.

Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.

Arrive in Mannheim early this morning. Sitting where the Rhine and Neckar rivers meet, you’ll have easy access to one of Germany’s largest inland ports and a lively university city. From the river, the skyline blends historic Baroque architecture with industrial heritage, with a grand palace set alongside the compact city centre. 

Included Excursion
Morning yoga in the park Start the day in calm balance with a guided outdoor yoga session in the green heart of Mannheim. Led by a professional instructor, the session focuses on gentle movement, breathwork and mindful stretching, and is suitable for all levels. The natural setting enhances relaxation, allowing guests to reconnect with body and mind while enjoying the quiet atmosphere before the city awakens. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Mannheim As a mostly flat city, Mannheim is ideal for exploring by bike. Join this guided active tour to make your way past the highlights and along the riverbanks on two wheels. 

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Guided tour of Heidelberg (extra expense)
Transfer to nearby Heidelberg, a place that inspired poets and composers of the German Romanticism era. It’s easy to see how the town’s idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets, captivated these great artists. Your guided tour will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, taking in many of the town’s most famous sights.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours 

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Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim (extra expense)
Travel to the famed spa town of Bad-Dürkheim for an active walk through the beautiful vineyards of Fritz Ritter Winery. Learn the story of this family-owned winery that dates back nine generations and taste their delicious wines. You can also see 400-year-old oak trees and the largest ginkgo tree in Germany.
Activity level: Difficult/active, Duration: 3 hours

Rastatt, Germany, is a charming town in the Baden-Württemberg region, known for its Baroque architecture and historic significance. The centerpiece is the Rastatt Palace, a stunning example of Baroque grandeur with its beautiful gardens. The town offers picturesque streets, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural scene. Located near the Rhine River, Rastatt combines historical charm with a lively atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for exploring its architectural heritage and enjoying its local culture.

Arrive in Rastatt early this morning. A small town on the edge of the Black Forest, it’s known for its architectural masterpieces – including one of Germany’s most beautiful Baroque palaces – and the glorious landscapes that surround it, complete with thick forest, lush valleys and crystal-clear lakes. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Baden-Baden with spa experience
Today you can relax in the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, where thermal traditions meet refined contemporary wellness, surrounded by leafy promenades and Belle Époque architecture. You’ll unwind in beautifully designed spa facilities, enjoying time to soak in the indoor and outdoor mineral-rich pools, as well as saunas, steam baths and whirlpools. It’s a chance to pause and savour the town’s soothing atmosphere before returning to the river cruise refreshed. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Embark on an active guided hike to Altes Schloss, the old castle, a fascinating ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former resident

EmeraldPLUS
Evening Concert at Bruchsal Palace
This evening you are invited to a unique EmeraldPLUS experience at the breathtaking Bruchsal Palace, also known as the Damiansburg, is made up of over 50 buildings in Baroque style with ornate Rococo decorations. In one of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, the chamber music hall, also known as the Kammermusiksaal, you’ll enjoy a private evening classical concert. 

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Walking tour of Baden-Baden and entrance to the Casino (extra expense)
Explore Baden-Baden on foot before stepping into a world of elegance and intrigue with a visit to the legendary Casino, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic gaming houses. With its gilded halls, crystal chandeliers, and ornate interiors inspired by French palaces, this 19th-century jewel has hosted royalty, artists and aristocrats for more than 150 years.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 1 hour 

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Visit to Rastatt Palace & Gardens (extra expense)
Step inside one of Germany's most impressive baroque residences, Rastatt Palace. A short coach transfer from the dock brings you to this magnificent estate, where a guided visit reveals grand state rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace – whether you linger in the gardens or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours 

We arrive in Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. Set on the border between France and Germany, the city is a unique blend of cultures, which can be seen in its architecture, language and food. The region also has a strong culture of wellness and pleasure, with mindful indulgence and sensory delights to be celebrated. The World Heritage-listed centre is threaded with beautiful canals lined with traditional buildings and the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, the tallest building in the world for more than 220 years. Tonight on board, enjoy a performance from local bell ringers. 

Included Excursion
Alsatian vineyard hike with tasting
Hike through the steeply terraced vineyards of the Alsace, surrounding Strasbourg. See ancient stone terraces that have supported the vines for generations and admire the sweeping views over rolling hillsides, medieval castles and colourful villages. Stop for a tasting of the local varieties, including the famed Alsatian riesling. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk in Strasbourg with a visit to Orangerie Park
Set out on foot to discover the charms of Strasbourg, admiring the historic buildings and pretty canals that wind through the centre. Visit Orangerie Park, the oldest park in the city and a meeting place for locals since the 18th century. 

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Excursion to Colmar (extra expense)
You’ll explore the storybook charm of Colmar on a guided walking tour that reveals its half-timbered houses, canals and historic squares, with time to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. Wandering through cobbled lanes decorated with window boxes full of colourful blooms, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 4 hours 

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Route de Vin village festival (extra expense)
A fabulous excursion through the Alsatian region where you will get to experience some of the best regional wines and learn more about the tradition of winemaking.

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen's Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

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. 

Included Excursion
Art & nature in Breisach Reconnect with nature during a relaxing outdoor painting experience in charming Breisach. Surrounded by rolling vines and peaceful landscapes, you'll capture the beauty of the region on canvas while embracing a slower pace of travel. This creative wellness activity offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, find inspiration and immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere of the Rhine Valley. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Breisach Explore Breisach and its surroundings on two wheels, joining your guide for a relaxed ride through vineyard-dotted hills and riverside paths. This active tour lets you enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise and time to soak up charming views before you return to your Star-Ship. 

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Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting (extra expense)
Travel to Freiburg, set on the edge of the mountainous Black Forest. This photogenic city was founded in 1120 and lays claim to the most days of sunshine in the whole country. Life in this vibrant university city centres on the Altstadt's cobbled and arcaded Rathausplatz (City Square), lined with Gothic churches and civic buildings interspersed with buzzy cafés and bars. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the city and sample some local delicacies during a visit to a local market, such as Black Forest ham.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to Zurich airport, taking memories of fine food, beautiful landscapes and invigorating wellness with you.

Emerald Cruises transfers are only available for flights departing out of Basel after 10:00 AM.

Emerald Cruises transfers are only available for flights departing out of Zurich after 12:00PM. Please contact us if you wish to secure this option.

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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.