DAY 1- DEPART THE USA
Today you’ll depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.
DAY 2- ZURICH TO LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND
Upon arrival in Zurich, transfer to your hotel in Lucerne to begin your Swiss adventure. Flights should arrive by 3:00pm. The afternoon is at leisure to begin discovering your beautiful new surroundings. This evening, join your Mayflower representative and traveling companions for an included dinner at the hotel. Meal: D
DAY 3- LUCERNE
After breakfast, an included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark, the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its paintings of heroic town events, that crosses the Reuss River. 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
DAY 4- LUCERNE - HUNINGUE, FRANCE
Before departing for your ship in Huningue, the day is free to enjoy at leisure or join the morning optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus – a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Huningue, France for embarkation of your Emerald Cruises luxury Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. Meals: B, D
DiscoverMORE: Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)
DAY 5- 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. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: A tale of two cities divided by the Rhine
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach
DAY 6- STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Once docked in Kehl, coaches await to take you across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. The guided walking tour takes you along narrow lanes and across footbridges as you discover the Grande Île, the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, picturesque le Petite France, old tanning houses, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the ornate cathedral, dominating the main square. This afternoon, the city is yours to explore at leisure. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7- LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY - 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. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Schwetzingen Palace & Gardens
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim (instead of included tour)
DAY 8- KOBLENZ
Begin the day sailing 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. Continue cruising 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 Ehrenbreitstein 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. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle Visit (additional expense)
DAY 9- COLOGNE
Continue cruising along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany’s oldest and is famous for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage gothic cathedral. Join your local guide for an included walking tour of the city, touching on the historical charm of the Old Town and its Roman history. Traverse the quaint alleyways and see historic monuments alongside modern architecture. The tour concludes at the cathedral, whose twin spires dominate the skyline. A visit to Cologne Botanical Gardens showcases local flora. This evening, back onboard, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 10- AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
This morning, depart by coach for an included visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Discover why it’s called the “Garden of Europe” as you wander along the paths, admiring gorgeous flowers at the peak of tulip season. Unique flower shows in the pavilions along with colorful, artistic floral displays throughout the manicured garden, are sure to please! Return to the ship in the afternoon to explore the city of Amsterdam at your leisure. Meals: B, L, D
DAY 11- AMSTERDAM / 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