DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - Depart the USA:
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich,
Switzerland.
DAY 2 - Zurich – Basel, Switzerland:
Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival, you will be met by a
representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred
to your awaiting motorcoach. Flights should arrive by 1:00pm.
Journey to the town of Basel where your captain and crew await
to welcome you aboard your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.
Enjoy time to become acquainted with your new accommodations,
and this evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard.
Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review
the activities and itinerary for the days ahead. Meal:
D
DAY 3 - Breisach, Germany:
Begin the day with a guided tour of Breisach, also know as
the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. This afternoon,
enjoy a scenic drive through the Black Forest Highlands on
your way to the Hofgut Sternen complex located at the foothill
of Ravenna Gorge, a place where history and tradition merge.
This was the site where, in 1770, Marie Antoinette stopped
with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her
wedding to King Louis XVI. During this holiday season, see
the picture-perfect Christmas market situated underneath the
130’ high Ravenna Viaduct where unique handcrafted regional
items await your perusal. Enjoy local entertainment onboard
this evening. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS:
Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct
DAY 4 - Strasbourg, France:
Upon arrival in Kehl (docking site for Strasbourg), travel
by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city
of the Alsace Region in France. A local guide leads you on
a walking tour through this picturesque town. Stroll along
the Grand Île and through the charming Old Quarter, ‘La Petit
France’. Admire 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 and its centerpiece, the Gothic cathedral.
Enjoy free time to visit the stalls of Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik,
one of the oldest in Europe, before returning to the ship.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 - Ludwigshafen – Heidelberg,
Germany: From the port of Ludwigshafen, depart
by coach for Heidelberg. Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s
rich history includes a wine tasting and a visit to the ruins
of Heidelberg Castle, overlooking the Neckar River and a red-roofed
skyline. A stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old
Town touches on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest
university in Germany, further enhancing your visit to this
historic city. Enjoy local entertainment onboard this evening.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 - Koblenz:
This morning, enroute to Koblenz, sail through the spectacular
Rhine Gorge, where a landscape of castles and quaint towns
awaits. Don’t miss the infamous Lorelei rock and statue and
other photo opportunities that abound around every bend. Cruise
to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence
of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. During a walking tour of
Koblenz, see the German Corner monument and traverse the cobblestone
lanes of the historic city center. A visit to Ehrenbreitstein
Fortress, crossing the river via aerial tram, is also included.
After the excursion, time to visit more than 100 glittering,
festive, cottage-style stands filled with Lebkuchenherzen
(traditional gingerbread hearts) and other special treats
and handicrafts, all creating a magical European Christmas
experience. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE:
Moselle & Cochem Castle Visit (additional expense)
DAY 7 - Cologne:
Seven markets transform picturesque Cologne into a winter
wonderland over the Christmas season. Following a guided walking
tour of the city, be sure to pay a visit to the shopping stalls
around the Alter Markt, Neumarkt, Rudolfplatz and the UNESCO
World Heritage cathedral, beneath which you’ll locate the
Christmas tree. Decorated mugs hold steaming hot Glühwein,
and local vendors sell handmade sweets and local delicacies
at the Christmas market stalls. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS:
Christmas traditions in Europe lecture onboard by the Cruise
Director
DAY 8 - Amsterdam, the Netherlands:
In Amsterdam, board a glass-top canal boat for a morning
tour along the UNESCO World Heritage canal system. Pass historic
merchant’s houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch
Golden Age, as well as delightful Christmas market stalls.
Meander through the Christmas market during your free time
to pick up any last minute gifts or souvenirs! Meals:
B, L, D
DAY 9 - Amsterdam / USA:
It’s time to bid farewell to the Captain and crew and depart
for Schiphol Airport as you say goodbye to Europe and return
home with lifelong memories of your Christmas markets cruise
along the Rhine River. Meal: B
Itinerary and vessel are subject to change.
CRUISE ACCOMMODATIONS
Days 2 though 8
– Aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
|
|
