Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers - Cologne (Start Amsterdam, End Marseille)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey that takes you through the heart of Europe, from the vibrant city of Amsterdam to the enchanting landscapes of France. This multi-day tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of these regions. You'll cruise along the Rhine and Rhône rivers, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and taste local delicacies. From the Dutch Golden Age to the French Revolution, you'll journey through time, visiting ancient fortresses, medieval villages, and Roman ruins. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, this tour offers a wealth of experiences that will create lasting memories.
Included
14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 14 dinners
Airport transfers outside Australia are included
14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Emerald Dawn: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Suite ,Emerald Stateroom
The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
Canal cruise in Amsterdam
Seeking the treasures of Cologne
Guided bike tour to Waterland
Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
Seeking the treasures of Cologne
Orientation walk of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Guided tour of Strasbourg
Cheese and olive tasting on board
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
Guided bike tour of Lyon
Guided bike tour in Breisach
Guided tour of Lyon
Regional wine tasting on board
Guided bike tour to Glun
Guided hike through the vineyards
Guided tour of Tournon
Guided tour of Viviers
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
Guided tour of Avignon
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam - Arrival day
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Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Your friendly captain and crew will greet you and help you settle in for your exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam
- Amsterdam
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- Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen
- Westerkerk
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Today, you'll delve into the rich history of Amsterdam. Relax on a glass-top canal boat tour through the city's elaborate UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, or embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing traditional windmills and flower fields. In the afternoon, enjoy sailing through the countryside towards the Rhine River.
Day 3 – Day 3: Discovering Cologne
- Cologne
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- Cologne Central Mosque
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Today, you'll explore Cologne, one of the oldest cities in Germany. Your guided city tour will take you to the heart of its Old Town, where you'll uncover local delicacies and cultural gems along quaint historic streets.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey to Koblenz
Day 4: Journey to Koblenz
- Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
- Basilica of St. Castor
- Welterbe Kulturlandschaft Oberes Mittelrheintal
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Today, you'll cruise to Koblenz, a town with a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your guided tour will unveil the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest preserved fortresses in Europe. In the afternoon, enjoy sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge.
Day 5 – Day 5: Unveiling Heidelberg
Day 5: Unveiling Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Palace
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Today, you'll discover the idyllic UNESCO City of Literature, Heidelberg. A guided tour will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where serene water features, sculptures, and colourful flowerbeds await.
Day 6 – Day 6: Strasbourg's Charm
- Kehl
- Strasbourg
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- Durbacher Winzergenossenschaft eG
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This morning, you'll be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg. Your guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town will touch on many of Strasbourg's highlights. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Strasbourg at your leisure.
Day 7 – Day 7: Freiburg and Breisach
- Freiburg im Breisgau
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Today, you'll visit the city of Freiburg, considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest'. As part of your visit, you'll have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, you can choose to join a guided bike tour of Breisach.
Day 8 – Day 8: Journey to Lyon
- Basel
- Lyon
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After breakfast, you will disembark your Star-Ship and be transferred by coach to Lyon, where your river cruising journey will continue.
Day 9 – Day 9: Chalon-sur-Saône and Beaune
- Beaune
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Today, you'll travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune, a former hospital for the poor that is now home to one of Burgundy's most popular wine auctions. You'll also have the opportunity to taste local cheese and olives on board your Star-Ship.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lyon's Rich History
- Lyon
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- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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Today, you'll explore Lyon, a former Roman capital and the gastronomic heartbeat of France. A guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. You can also choose to explore the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour.
Day 11 – Day 11: Tournon and Glun
- Luc
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- Crest Tower
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Today, you'll explore the picturesque village of Tournon, dominated by a 16th-century castle and a set of ancient watchtowers. You can choose to embark on a guided hike through local vineyards or a guided bike tour to the rural village of Glun. A regional wine tasting on board your Star-Ship will round off the day.
Day 12 – Day 12: Viviers' Middle Age Flair
Day 12: Viviers' Middle Age Flair
Today, you'll arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France's oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city's numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.
Day 13 – Day 13: Avignon's Rich History
- Avignon
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- Remparts d'Avignon
- Palais des Papes
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Today, you'll explore Avignon, a city with a rich history from the Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes. Your guided tour will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes and the ancient stone bridge, Pont d'Avignon. In the evening, you'll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.
Day 14 – Day 14: Uncovering Arles
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Today, you'll uncover the past in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans. Your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, including the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Marseille
- Arles
- Marseille - Departure day
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After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport. As you depart, you'll take with you the memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine. Please book your flight to depart out of Marseille after 11:00 AM.
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