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The Majestic Rhine

Emerald Astra

25th Aug 26

7 Nights

From

£2,425PP

Itinerary
Ship

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Return Flights & Overseas Transfers
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

Highlights Include:

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

Emerald Astra will mark the next evolution of Emerald Cruises’ award-winning river fleet. Designed to mirror the sleek elegance of the line’s luxury superyachts, the ship features a modern, grey-tinted glass exterior and will welcome 180 guests. From ancient Greek and Latin origins, ‘Astra’ translates as ‘Star,’ and Emerald Astra promises to be a true shining star among our stylish Star-Ships – the seventh to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube.

The updated design focuses on both style and functionality, offering guests’ favourite amenities such as the pool/cinema combination, multiple dining options, and a sun deck dedicated to relaxation and panoramic views. All interiors have also been enhanced with a sleek, contemporary design, ensuring a sophisticated and spacious atmosphere for travellers on Europe’s rivers.

Emerald Astra will join the fleet in 2026 and will sail the iconic Rhine, Moselle and Danube rivers. Our 2026 Europe river cruises will be on sale in the coming weeks.

Food & Drink

Nothing beats sipping on your favourite drink at the Terrace as you watch the stunning scenery pass you by. Setting the benchmark in on board dining, the Reflections Restaurant is an elegant space to enjoy exquisite culinary experiences, imbued with continental flavours.

Explore the unique flavours of the regions you sail through

We believe that food should reflect local flavours, which is why our menus take inspiration from the regions we sail in. Our chefs source local ingredients, creating meals that capture authentic cuisine no matter where your journey takes you.

Entertainment

As the host on-board, our Cruise Directors strive to ensure there’s never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. With this in mind, a fantastic range of entertaining activities are available for you to enjoy.

Thanks to the unique design of our Star-Ships, we are able to host a unique event program throughout your cruise. In the Horizon Bar & Lounge, immerse yourself in ancient folklores, passed from one generation to another for hundreds of years, during an authentic show. Or, let the music of a nation sweep you off your feet as a local band takes to the floor in their traditional attire. Alternatively, catch that film you never got round to seeing during movie nights in the cinema.

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.

Kids & Teens

Please note: Emerald Astra does not have any specific facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.

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.