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The Majestic Rhine

Emerald Astra

10th Aug 26

7 Nights

From

£1,995PP

Itinerary
Ship

Day 1

Basel, Switzerland

Fly from selected UK airport to Basel, Switzerland. Welcome to the medieval city of Basel. Here, you’re greeted by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Day 2

Breisach, Germany > Colmar, France

Your journey through the heart of Europe will commence with a tour of Colmar. A magical place, Colmar resembles the imagery found within a beloved fairy tale. 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’re feeling more active, you may instead wish to embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar.

Day 3

Kehl, Germany > Strasbourg, France

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Kehl, where you will be transferred across the river to Strasbourg, a city perfectly encapsulating the region’s medieval charm. Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways. You’ll explore the historic architecture on a canal tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Relax on board as you pass through the idyllic surrounds of Petite France and conclude in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s noteworthy buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Day 4

Rastatt (Baden Baden), Germany

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, 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. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert in a historical venue.

Day 5

Mannheim (Heidelberg), Germany

Strolling down Heidelberg’s cobblestone streets, you may find yourself as entranced as the German Romanticist thinkers before you. Heidelberg is a living representation of the legend-steeped cityscapes depicted by the romanticists, its peaceful surroundings beckoning exploration. Today, you'll explore Heidelberg Castle or opt to hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas.

Day 6

Koblenz, Germany

Koblenz is an ancient city 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, and peaceful parks 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.

Day 7

Rüdesheim, Germany

This morning enjoy the peaceful and inspiring sailing through the Rhine valley, and discover the fascinating legends of the Rhine during your EmeraldPLUS onboard. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Rüdesheim, a captivating city known for its authentic atmosphere and traditional appeal. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner. Your included tour will be a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, a half-timbered tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes that houses one of the best collections of music boxes in the world. You will also get the opportunity to ride on the charming minitrain and taste famous Rüdesheimer coffee, made with one of the most famous brandies in Germany.

Day 8

Mainz > Frankfurt, Germany

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

Why Book

Emerald Astra Cabin Options:

Cat E Stateroom starting from £1,995pp

The Majestic Rhine Cruise Highlights:

Return Flights & Overseas Transfers
Summer Offer - Save up to £1290pp
7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
All tipping and gratuities
20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner

Destination Highlights:

Private Concert on the Rhine
Guided tour of Baden-Baden
Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Bike tour in Koblenz
Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
Guided tour of Colmar
Guided bike tour to Colmar
Guided hike to Altes Schloss
Legends on the Rhine
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Walking tour of Koblenz
Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Get in touch now to book this deal or make an enquiry

Emerald Astra

Overview

Experience the luxurious Emerald Astra

Launching in 2026 the Emerald Astra has been built, designed and will be operated by our expert team. With luxurious interiors and cutting-edge features, the ship debuts a refreshed look and feeling having taken inspiration from our luxury yachts, with art installations in partnership with leading European galleries and collaborations with luxury design houses such as Missoni and Freifrau. Guest suites and staterooms feature luxurious ESPA toiletries, premium linens, pillows (with an expanded pillow menu), towels, mattresses, and toppers from top European brands, with select suites incorporating Missoni soft furnishings.

Other firsts on Emerald Astra will include complimentary guest laundry facilities and a reimagined Sun Deck with new furniture and refreshed outdoor spaces that maximise panoramic views.

Food & Drink

Indulgent regional flavours

Indulge in the rich regional flavours of Europe, from epicurean five-course dinners to light bites on deck. Each meal takes inspiration from local produce and the authentic tastes of your destination. Enjoy a celebratory welcome and farewell dinner, with friendly hospitality from the moment you step on board to when you leave. With no formal dress code, you can step straight from ship to shore and return to a smart-casual evening of beautifully prepared cuisine.

Entertainment

As you cruise through Europe, your dedicated Activity Manager curates a programme of activities and engagingm entertainment. Enjoy an afternoon of trivia, an insightful on board lecture, or a lively evening performance, with each journey as unique as the region you’re in. Local entertainers will join you on board bringing the spirit, sounds, and stories of each European destination to life for a truly immersive experience. Between events, enjoy relaxed conversation with fellow guests and the welcoming, sociable atmosphere.

Emerald Astra - Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Emerald Astra - Games Area and Golf Putting Green

Health & Fitness

If you want to feed your body and mind during your cruise, we’ve got you covered with EmeraldACTIVE. During your Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Danube, or Douro cruise, our activity managers will be on hand to help you stay active during your voyage.

Terms & Conditions

*Deposit required at time of booking. Reduced deposit available on new 2026 Europe river cruise bookings made 28th July – 31st October 2025 and is valid when booking with Best Available Fare only. Best Available Fare must be paid in full 10 months prior to departure, or at the time of booking if less than 10 months prior to departure. ~Savings are dependent on itinerary and departure date booked an apply to the cruise element only. ^Flights are included up to a credit amount of £500 per person. If credit is exceeded, a supplement will be charged. Full T&Cs apply.