Evergreen Europe River Cruising & Tours

Day 1: Arrive Amsterdam (D) Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. You will be met and transferred^ from the airport to the dock. A warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your luxury Emerald Waterways Star Ship. This evening join your fellow travellers for a cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead. Day 2: Amsterdam – Cruising (FB,L,HD) This morning take a glass top canal boat and explore Amsterdam's maze of canals on an orientation tour around the famous landmarks of Amsterdam. Alternatively, join EmeraldACTIVE for a guided bike tour. Enjoy free time, before lunch on board and your first day sailing. Travel through the Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. As tonight is your first night sailing, the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner. Day 3: Cologne (FB,L,D) Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest and is famous for its magnificent World– Heritage listed, Gothic Cathedral. After lunch on board, join your local guide for an included tour of the Old Town, with its beautiful squares and historic monuments, with free time for exploring. Cologne is one of Germany's largest and most modern cities largely due to a rebuilding plan post WWII, and it has many different museums and galleries including a Roman artifact museum. Day 4: Koblenz (FB,L,D) Cruise to the 2000 year old town of Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river, part of the Prussian defences against the French in the 19th century, and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. Enjoy free time to wander through the town and take in the views. In the afternoon, sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, passing countless castles and vineyards as well as the infamous Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, which was built on an island in the middle of the river as a medieval toll station. Countless vineyards and medieval castles line the shores of this section of the river, with photo opportunities at every bend. Discover More: Moselle and Cochem Castle Tour. Day 5: Mannheim – Heidelberg (FB,L,D) Continue upstream to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The city was a pivotal place during the invasion of Germany by the Allies in WWII, and has long been associated with inventions in industry. Take an excursion to the medieval town of Heidelberg including a visit to the impressive castle which overlooks the town. Enjoy free time before returning to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing. Day 6: Kehl – Strasbourg (FB,L,D) This morning take a guided walking tour of Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in northeastern France and seat of the European Parliament. Visit the Grande Ile, the historical city centre 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. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the town or relax onboard. Day 7: Black Forest (FB,L,D) The beautiful Black Forest region of Germany has long been a fairy tale destination. Commence your magical morning with the Vogtsbauernhof Museum, an open air exhibition of 16th century life, featuring a number of reconstructed Black Forest farms. Alternatively, join EmeraldACTIVE for a guided hike through the Black Forest. You're Invited: enjoy a presentation and tasting of Black Forest gateau. Return to your ship to join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. Day 8: Disembark Basel – Geneva (FB,D) Welcome to Switzerland and the Rhine–side town of Basel, the centre for Switzerland's pharmaceutical industry, where you will disembark your ship and board your coach for the drive to Geneva, with views of the Swiss Alps and the picturesque Lake Geneva. This afternoon, take an orientation tour before settling into your hotel. Tonight your dinner is included. Two Night Stay: Hotel Warwick, Geneva or similar. Day 9: Geneva at Leisure (FB) Enjoy time at leisure in this lakeside city, home to the headquarters of many global organisations. Discover More: Day trip to the French panoramic town of Annecy, with views of spectacular Alps and a medieval old town boasting secluded cobbled streets and quaint canals. Day 10: Lausanne – Montreux (FB,L) After breakfast, transfer to the pier to board your Lake Geneva cruise to Lausanne. Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the views of the Swiss Alps, including Mont Blanc in the distance. This afternoon, visit the Chillon Castle - perched on a rocky outcrop at the eastern end of the lake. Tonight, your evening is at leisure to explore beautiful Montreux. Two Night Stay: Royal Plaza Montreux & Spa. Day 11: Zermatt – The Matterhorn (FB) Today is one of the highlights of your tour, as you travel into the Swiss Alps through the Rhône Valley to Sion, and then Tasch where you board your alpine train to Zermatt. The picturesque mountain village sits beneath one of the most photographed mountains in the world, The Matterhorn. Enjoy free time for lunch in this enchanting village before returning to Montreux. Day 12: Golden Pass Train – Interlaken (FB) Board the Golden Pass alpine train this morning, for spectacular panoramic views of the Swiss alpine countryside and mountains. Glass panels in the roof of the carriages allow uninterrupted views of some of the most scenic views in the world. Travel through the mountain town of Zweisimmen, then down to Spiez to meet your coach and drive onto Interlaken. Tonight is at leisure to enjoy the lake side town. Two Night Stay: City Hotel Oberland, Interlaken or similar. 17 Day Best of Switzerland and Jewels of the Rhine River Cruise 100 Medieval town of Heidelberg, Germany

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