DAY 1 – MALTA - FRANKFURT – MAINZ

Meet your Tour Leader at Malta International Airport for your flight to Frankfurt. Welcome to Frankfurt, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. Meals: Dinner.

DAY 2 - RÜDESHEIM

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. Located in a 15th century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes. Meals: 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 the breathtaking vistas along the way. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4 - LUDWIGSHAFEN – HEIDELBERG

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy-tale-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 themselves 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 or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. Meals: 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’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle 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 BadenBaden Casino, a favourite of silent film star Marlene Dietrich. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 6 - KEHL – STRASBOURG

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll embark on a traditional canal boat 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. Meals: 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 8 – BASEL - MALTA

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 the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you. Meals: Breakfast.