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DAY 1
DEPART THE USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the
Netherlands.
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DAY 2
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Become acquainted with the amenities of your ship, or begin exploring the city. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. (Meal: D)
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DAY 3
AMSTERDAM
This morning, depart by coach for an included visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Discover why it’s called the ‘Garden of Europe’ as you admire gorgeous flowers at the peak of tulip season. Colorful displays of tulips, hyacinths, orchids and other flowers stretch as far as the eye can see as you stroll along the perfectly manicured meandering paths. Return to the ship for your first day cruising through the Dutch countryside, passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and gala dinner. Meals: (B, L, D)
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DAY 4
COLOGNE, GERMANY
Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany’s oldest and famous for its magnificent World– Heritage gothic cathedral. This afternoon upon arrival, visit Cologne Botanical Gardens. A local expert accompanies you through the gardens, explaining about the flora and history of the park. Continue with a local guide on an included walking tour of the city, traversing quaint alleyways, seeing historic monuments and touching on the historical charm of the Old Town. (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 5
KOBLENZ
Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz seeing the German Corner where the 2 rivers meet, the Church of Our Lady, and visit the Ehrenbreitsein Fortress by cable car 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, sail through the spectacular UNESCO World-Heritage Rhine Gorge. Pass countless medieval castles and vineyards lining the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities around every bend. See the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. (Meals: B, L, D)
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DAY 6
LUDWIGSHAFEN - SCHWETZINGEN
Relax onboard as the vessel cruises along the Rhine River to Ludwigshafen. Upon arrival 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. Today they remain a cultural heritage site of European significance, and contain more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout the grounds. Alternatively, embark on an active journey to the quaint wellness town of Bad-Dürkheim for a hike through the beautiful vineyards. (Meals: B, L, D)
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DAY 7
KEHL / STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Once docked in Kehl, travel by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in France. Your guided walking tour includes the Grande Île - the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. (Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 8
BREISACH, GERMANY
Experience the ‘tale of two cities’: Breisach, Germany and Neuf-Breisach, France, divided by the Rhine. During the guided visit to these two wonderful gems on the Rhine River, you’ll pass the main sights and attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage fortress overlooking Neuf-Breisach. (Meals: B, L, D)
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DAY 9
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - LUCERNE
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. (Meal: B)
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DAY 10
LUCERNE
Your last day is left 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. (Meals: B, D)
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DAY 11
LUCERNE / 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 during tulip time. (Meal: B)
