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The Majestic Rhine River Cruise

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The Majestic Rhine

From £1,787 pp

Discover the beauty of the Rhineland and its many evocative heritage destinations with an 8-day river cruise on the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers. Transporting you from Frankfurt to Basel, you’ll encounter historic towns like Koblenz and Heidelberg, and cruise through the majestic landscapes of the inimitable Rhine Gorge. The Rhine and Main rivers showcase the historic destinations and rich cultures of southern Germany. From Rudesheim, with its delicious signature coffee and Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, to the haunting Roman ruins of Baden Baden, tucked away in the enigmatic Black Forest; this 8-day river cruise offers immersive cultural encounters at every turn. Throughout your journey, you’ll have the chance to experience a range of enriching excursions, including a hand-picked selection of EmeraldACTIVE and EmeraldPLUS activities – helping you experience more on these captivating waterways. Hike to the imposing castle of Altes Schloss in Baden Baden, experience the captivating medieval beauty of Strasbourg on a guided canal boat tour, and cycle amid the cosy streets and half-timbered houses in Colmar, one of the most enchanting towns in the picturesque Alsace region of northern France. With time spent on three captivating waterways, The Majestic Rhine river cruise promises an enthralling journey through the heart of Europe.

What’s included On Board

  • Complimentary Wine, Beer and soft drinks to accompany Lunch & Dinner
  • All on board meals
  • Indoor pool, that transforms into a cinema at night
  • Spacious accommodation
  • Coffee station
  • Bottled water re stocked daily in your suite
  • Included shore excursions
  • Visits to UNESCO World Heritage listed sites
  • Emerald Plus and Emerald Active, extra special excursions
  • First class service form an English speaking crew
  • Knowledgeable local guides
  • Complimentary WIFI
  • On board bicycles
  • All on board Gratuities
  • Return economy flights from a choice of UK airports
  • all internal airport transfers to and from your ship
Titan Travel Mainz Main Square
Day 1 - UK - Frankfurt - Mainz

Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports. Welcome to Frankfurt, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship in Mainz.

This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Day 1 - UK - Frankfurt - Mainz

Dinner

Day 2 Rudesheim

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany; where stalls adorned with cuckoo clocks captivate and live oompah bands playing in beer gardens during the summer months entertain.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum.

When you arrive, peruse exhibits full of rare music boxes inside of a 15th-century knight’s tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Day 2 Rudesheim

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Koblenz

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, the area is now full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. These are yours to discover today during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine.

This confluence is best viewed during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley.

Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in breathtaking vistas along the way. This fascinating area has a storyline that has crossed the centuries, moving from people fighting and leaving ruins behind to the Romantics of the 19th century immortalising its beauty.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Koblenz and a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day 3 - Koblenz

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Mannheim – Heidelberg

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairytale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost their imaginations to the beauty of Heidelberg. Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence.

Visit some of the town’s main highlights, including the oldest university in Germany, before enjoying a wine tasting session. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.

EmeraldACTIVE: A hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting

Day 4 - Mannheim – Heidelberg

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Rastatt – Baden Baden

This morning, a coach will take you from where the ship is docked in Rastatt to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town that has been frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you are feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a 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 the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the nostalgic elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before entering The Baden-Baden Casino, a favourite of silent film star Marlene Dietrich.

EmeraldPLUS: Entrance to The Baden-Baden Casino EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Altes Schloss EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

Day 5 - Rastatt – Baden Baden

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Kehl - Strasbourg

This morning, dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is from its quaint waterways, which is why today’s EmeraldPLUS activity will involve embarking on a traditional canal tour.

Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, a place where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based.

This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. EmeraldPLUS: A canal boat tour in Strasbourg DiscoverMORE: Tour to Riquewihr (extra expense)

Day 6 - Kehl - Strasbourg

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 Breisach - Colmar

Commence your magical morning with a tour to Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms.

Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Colmar

Day 7 Breisach - Colmar

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Basel - UK

Welcome to Basel, the centre for Switzerland’s pharmaceutical industry. After breakfast you will disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

Breakfast

Day 1 - Basel

Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports. Welcome to Basel, a medieval city bordering the Rhine River. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Dinner

Day 2 - Breisach - Colmar

Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour to Colmar, a magical place that looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a beloved fairytale.

Your included tour of the town will enable you to traverse its cobblestone lanes, passing medieval half-timbered façades and window boxes full of brightly coloured flowers.

If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Colmar

Day 2 - Breisach - Colmar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Kehl - Strasbourg

When you arrive in Kehl you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a town that has captivated artists for centuries.

Here, historic buildings can be found around every corner, but they are often best explored from Strasbourg’s charming canal system, which is why we would like to invite you for a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.

EmeraldPLUS: A canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Day 3 - Kehl - Strasbourg

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Rastatt - Baden Baden

This morning, you will be transferred from where the Star-Ship is docked in Rastatt to charming Baden-Baden, a spa town known for its peaceful surrounds and illustrious past. The Romans originally settled here, seeking to make the most out of the surrounding naturally occurring hot springs. If you are feeling active, then you may choose to discover a slice of Baden-Baden’s past today as you hike to Altes Schloss, the old castle ruins where features of a time long lost can still be found.

Alternatively, enjoy a walking tour of Baden-Baden, witnessing the luxurious façades of independent boutiques and well-manicured gardens before entering the world-famous Baden-Baden Casino, beloved by silent film actress Marlene Dietrich.

EmeraldPLUS: Entrance to The Baden-Baden Casino EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Altes Schloss EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided walking tour of Baden-Baden

Day 4 - Rastatt - Baden Baden

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Mannheim - Heidelberg

A single day in Heidelberg is enough to discover why it left the artists of German Romanticism captivated. Their paintings and poems frequently depicted idealistic cityscapes and scenes thought to be imaginary, and yet Heidelberg exists as a living representation of their inspiration.

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg, starting in the courtyard of Heidelberg Castle. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg.

EmeraldACTIVE: A hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting

Day 5 - Mannheim - Heidelberg

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Koblenz

Koblenz is an ancient city that is often considered to be the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. The Romans originally built a city here as a stronghold, but the area is now known for its idyllic beauty, peaceful parks and areas full of colourful flowers.

Today, you will be able to relax during a guided tour of the city, including a cable car ride across the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Koblenz and a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

Day 6 - Koblenz

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Rudesheim

This afternoon, you will arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal, where cuckoo clocks, live oompah bands and Bavarian beer can be found around every corner.

Board the Winzerexpress for a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a half-timbered knight’s manor with vaulted ceilings that is home to one of the largest collections of rare music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to try Rüdesheim coffee, made with locally distilled brandy.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Day 7 - Rudesheim

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Mainz (Frankfurt)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Petite France and fairytale-like scenes with you.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Emerald Dawn Exterior

Emerald Luna due to launch in spring 2021, like Emerald Dawn & Emerald Sun are just three of our six Star-Ships that cruise the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers.

Docking in the heart of some of the most beautiful cities in the world, you’re free to explore them at your leisure. Setting the standard in innovation, our vessels feature a wealth of contemporary design features on board.

With a three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings. Choose from our array of suite and stateroom categories, each boasting a wealth of amenities you would expect to find in any world-class hotel.

Suites include ingenious all-weather balcony systems from which you can enjoy views of the passing scenery, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, luxurious toiletries and a hotel-style bed. At the top of Emerald Dawn, Emerald Sun and Emerald Luna, the Sun Deck acts as an excellent communal area where you can enjoy the river breeze, raise a toast with new friends and relax as you watch Europe’s stunning natural beauty pass by.

Ninety generously-sized suites and staterooms, four of which are Emerald Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites, which include an outdoor private balcony, a separate living room and bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a complimentary minibar and an invitation to dine in elegance at the Captain’s Table.

Onboard Features & Facilities

  • Spacious staterooms and suites
  • Indoor Heated Pool with retractable roof
  • Evening cinema
  • Complimentary speciality tea and coffee
  • Sun Deck with seating area and walking track
  • Putting Green
  • Complimentary Bicycles
  • Fully equipped fitness centre
  • Wellness Area
  • Hairdresser *
  • Dedicated cruise director
  • Al Fresco Dining & BBQ area
  • Lift
  • Games Area
 * payable locally

Accommodation & Amenities

92 elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 162-310 ft².  Most accommodations have a open air balcony.  Try one of the 4 One-Bedroom Owner’s Suites at 310 sq ft²  with their very own bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite.  An outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allows you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements such as in suite breakfast and canapes, a larger sitting area with two chairs. 

All staterooms include amenities such ensuite bathroom with shower, Infotainment, free high-speed Internet access, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily.  

One Bedroom Owner’s Suites

315 ft² – Horizon (Upper) Deck

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air system and sliding glass door
  • Separate bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and separate lounge area
  • Bathroom with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers
  • Complimentary in-suite Mini-Bar with wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Nespresso machine
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and use of an iPad
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with pillow menu
  • Safe and Telephone
  • Individual climate control
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  • Four items of laundry a day
  • Invite to dinner at the Captain’s Table
Emerald Waterways Space Ship One Bedroom Owners Suite
Emerald Waterways Space Ship Grand Balcony Suite

Cat. S – Grand Balcony Suites

210 ft² – Horizon (Upper) Deck

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air system and sliding glass doors
  • Bathroom with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers
  • In-suite mini-bar available at own expense, complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Nespresso machine
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with pillow menu
  • Telephone and Safe for your valuables
  • Individual climate control
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  • Two items of laundry a day

Cat. A, B & C Panorama Balcony Suites

180 ft² – Horizon & Vista (Upper & Middle) Deck

  • Indoor balcony with open-air system and sliding glass doors
  • Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
  • Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Telephone and Safe for your valuables
  • Individual climate control
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Mini-fridge
Emerald Waterways Space Ship Lower Deck Stateroom

Cat. D & E Staterooms

162 ft² – Riviera (Lower) Deck

  • Picture window (150cm x 34cm) which does not open
  • Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
  • Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Telephone and Safe for your valuables
  • Individual climate control
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Mini-fridge

 

Cat. ES Single Staterooms

117 ft² – Riviera (Lower) Deck

  • Picture window which does not open
  • Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
  • Single Bed
  • Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Telephone and Safe for your valuables
  • Individual climate control
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Mini-fridge
Emerald Waterways Star Ship Single Cabin
DepartShipEmbarkFrom  
Jun 23Emerald SunBasel£1972SAVE 35%Cabin Upgrades
Cat ELower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows1972 Was £2845  
Cat DLower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows2121 Was £3075  
Cat ESLower Deck117 ft², Fixed WindowsPlease Call  
Cat CMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2573 Was £3770  
Cat BMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2644 Was £3880  
Cat AUpper Deck180 ft², French Balcony2716 Was £3990  
Cat SUpper Deck210 ft², Outside Balcony3950 Was £4585  
Cat SAUpper Deck315 ft², Outside Balcony4604 Was £5355  
Jun 30Emerald SunFrankfurt£1972SAVE 35%Cabin Upgrades
Cat ELower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows1972 Was £2845  
Cat DLower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows2121 Was £3075  
Cat ESLower Deck117 ft², Fixed WindowsPlease Call  
Cat CMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2573 Was £3770  
Cat BMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2644 Was £3880  
Cat AUpper Deck180 ft², French Balcony2716 Was £3990  
Cat SUpper Deck210 ft², Outside Balcony3950 Was £4585  
Cat SAUpper Deck315 ft², Outside Balcony4604 Was £5355  
Jul 7Emerald SunBasel£1907SAVE 35%Cabin Upgrades
Cat ELower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows1907 Was £2745  
Cat DLower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows2056 Was £2975  
Cat ESLower Deck117 ft², Fixed WindowsPlease Call  
Cat CMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2508 Was £3670  
Cat BMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2579 Was £3780  
Cat AUpper Deck180 ft², French Balcony2651 Was £3890  
Cat SUpper Deck210 ft², Outside Balcony3865 Was £4485  
Cat SAUpper Deck315 ft², Outside Balcony4519 Was £5255  
Jul 14Emerald SunFrankfurt£1787SAVE 40%Cabin Upgrades
Cat ELower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows1787 Was £2745  
Cat DLower Deck162 ft², Fixed Windows1925 Was £2975  
Cat ESLower Deck117 ft², Fixed WindowsPlease Call  
Cat CMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2342 Was £3670  
Cat BMiddle Deck180 ft², French Balcony2408 Was £3780  
Cat AUpper Deck180 ft², French Balcony2474 Was £3890  
Cat SUpper Deck210 ft², Outside Balcony3865 Was £4485  
Cat SAUpper Deck315 ft², Outside Balcony4519 Was £5255  


Why Choose This Cruise?

Emerald Waterways are a new entrant to the river cruise market and sit as Scenic’s premium river cruise sister company.  Ships are brand new and very contemporary in style and the river cruising is very relaxed.  A very welcome inclusion to the premium, luxury market.  A holiday to enjoy.

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