1-800-342-0019 Speak to a River Cruise Expert
Hero Image

Christmas Markets of the Rhine on Emerald Sun

From Amsterdam, Netherlands to Zurich, Switzerland
Length: 8 Days - Departs: Sat, Nov 30, 2024
Operator
Departure
Nov 30, 2024
Arrival
Dec 07, 2024

Why Pay Retail? Call us or click for a quick quote and save money!

This river cruise qualifies for unpublished pricing. Please call us or Click Here To Get Our Low Price

Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON EMERALD CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Emerald - Guaranteed!

Winter Savings up to $4500 + 2 For 1 Fares

Mention Promo Code: PT3107
Promotion Image

Winter Savings up to $4500 + 2 For 1 Fares

Winter Savings up to $4500 + 2 For 1 Fares

Promotion Details
Book during this Winter Sale and save up to $1500 per suite on select Europe departures. Pay in full and receive an additional up to $3000 per suite. Bonus savings are combinable with 2-for-1 fares on select itineraries. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. (Not all itineraries may apply, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings).
Must Book By Fri, Dec 08, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new bookings only made between November 15 - December 08, 2023 on select 2024 Emerald Cruises river departures. Deposit due at time of booking.

Savings: Bonus savings of up to $1500 per suite available on select departures. Savings are combinable with 2-for-1 fares and pay-in-full offers, are capacity-controlled. Not combinable with Emerald Exclusive savings.

2-for-1 Fares: 2-for-1 fares are displayed as a per-person rate in a double occupancy cabin. Fares are based on full fare pricing and may not have resulted in a sale. Offer applies to cruise pricing only; does not apply on land extensions, air or any other add-ons.

Pay in full: Up to $3000 additional savings per suite available when paid in full combinable with Cyber Savings and 2-for-1 fares. Pay in full Air offers available in lieu of pay in full savings: Free premium economy air available on the S, RA and SA categories with a max value $2500pp. Free Premium economy air is available on the S and SA categories for South East Asia with a max value of $3000pp. Free economy air is available on other cabin categories with a max value $1500pp; European River cruises for July and August 2023 departures have a max value of $2000pp economy air. Must pay in full within 30 days of booking, or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is soonest. Departures outside of 11 months can pay in full at 10 months prior to departure to receive these benefits.  Air offers are only valid 61 or more days prior to departure. All flights will be booked on Emerald Cruises' choice of airline and routing, and are subject to availability.

Single Supplement: Free single supplement offer is available. Single supplement is appled to the 2-for-1 fare; single guest pays one guest fare.  Pay in full required within 30 days of booking, or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is soonest. Not combinable with any other offers. Offer is capacity controlled.

All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. Port charges are included in the price shown. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please visit emeraldcruises.com or contact your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. For complete terms and conditions visit emeraldcruises.com.

Exclusive Offer, $150 Savings on River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3084
Promotion Image

Exclusive Offer, $150 Savings on River Cruises

Exclusive Offer, $150 Savings on River Cruises

Promotion Details
Take advantage of this exclusive offer when you book on 8+ day river cruise and enjoy bonus savings of $75 per person ($150 per couple). Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings.
Must Book By Sun, Dec 31, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Exclusive offers are available for new bookings only on 8+ day itineraries across the river product lines. Exclusive offers are combinable with 2-for-1 fares, pay-in-full offers, Emerald Exclusive savings, Flash sales, Military discounts, Show Vouchers and Loyalty offers unless otherwise specified. Combinable with groups. Not combinable with any other offers. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please call your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for legal residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. Additional restrictions may apply.

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + More on Europe River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3219
Promotion Image

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + More on Europe River Cruises

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + More on Europe River Cruises

Promotion Details
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to make the trip of your dreams come true. Exclusive 2-for-1 fares on select Luxury River Cruises. Plus, enjoy bonus savings of $500 per suite on select departures. Pay in full and receive free air or additional savings. Free premium economy air when you reserve a Grand Balcony, Riverview or Owner's One Bedroom Suite. Free economy air on other cabin categories. Or, save up to an extra $3000 per couple in lieu of air. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Not all sailings apply, contact your travel consultant for applicable departures.
Must Book By Sun, Dec 31, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new bookings only made between October 1 - December 31, 2023, on 2023 & 2024 Emerald Cruises Europe River cruise and 2023, 2024, 2025 South East Asia departures. 2-for-1 Fares: 2 for 1 Fares are displayed as a per-person rate in a double occupancy cabin. Fares are based on full fare pricing and may not have resulted in a sale. Offer applies to cruise pricing only; does not apply on land extensions, air or any other add-ons.

Emerald Exclusive Savings: Bonus savings of $500 per suite are available on select departures. Savings are combinable with 2-for-1 fares and pay-in-full offers, and are capacity-controlled.

Pay in full: Free premium economy air available on the S, RA and SA categories with a max value $2500pp. Free Premium economy air is available on the S and SA categories for South East Asia with a max value of $3000pp. Free economy air is available on other cabin categories with a max value $1500pp; European River cruises for July and August 2023 departures have a max value of $2000pp economy air. If guests book their own airfare, they can receive $1500pp savings in lieu of premium economy airfare, or $1000pp savings in lieu of economy airfare. Air offers are available when you pay in full within 30 days of booking, or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is soonest. Departures outside of 11 months can pay in full at 10 months prior to departure to receive these benefits. Air offers are only valid 61 or more days prior to departure. All flights will be booked on Emerald Cruises’ choice of airline and routing, and are subject to availability.

Single Supplement: 45% single supplement offer is available. Single supplement is applied to the 2-for-1 fare; single guest pays one guest fare plus 45% of the 2nd guest fare. 45% single supplement is combinable with pay in full roundtrip air offer. If guest chooses to waive free air, the single supplement can be reduced to 25% when paid in full within 30 days of booking, or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is sooner. Not combinable with any other offers. Offer is capacity controlled.

All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. Port charges are included in the price shown. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please visit emeraldcruises.com or contact your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C.

$350 Group Exclusive Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3278
Promotion Image

$350 Group Exclusive Savings

$350 Group Exclusive Savings

Promotion Details
Don't miss out on this incredible group savings of $350 per person on all 2024 river cruises. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Blackout dates may apply, contact your travel consultant for applicable departures.
Must Book By Sun, Dec 31, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Emerald Cruise river departures in 2024: Book a new group and receive Mega Savings on Groups of $350 per person on 2024 river destinations on Emerald Cruises. Standard group savings apply to Douro departures. Group savings are available for the life of the agreement based on availability and standard review dates. Combinable with current offers, Emerald Exclusive, travel advisor exclusives, show vouchers, trade incentive programs, and future travel credits. Excludes Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. Group policies and benefits are subject to change at any time. Refer to Emerald Cruises Guide to Group Benefits for amenity selections. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, canceled, or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any fares and promotions at any time. Offers applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. For complete terms and conditions visit www.emeraldcruises.com


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Amsterdam
    Sat, Nov 30, 2024

    Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, quintessential cafés and innovative galleries that showcase contemporary art and the works of world-renowned artists, such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

    You’ll be met at the airport by a member of our friendly team and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you'll enjoy some free time to explore the narrow-cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital at your leisure.

    This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Amsterdam
    Sun, Dec 01, 2024

    Board a glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, passing historic merchant houses that reflect the bygone era of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when the Dutch empire was once considered among the most influential in the world. Throughout the town, you’ll marvel as you explore the delightful Christmas stalls, each surrounded by people in their finest knitwear, drinking hot mugs of mulled wine and indulging in their favourite festive foods.

    Included Excursion
    Canal cruise


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Cologne
    Mon, Dec 02, 2024

    Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your guided tour of the city, you’ll have the opportunity to wander the markets at your leisure, perhaps visiting the ornate stalls beneath the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, where you can drink traditional glühwein out of beautifully decorated mugs.

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Koblenz
    Tue, Dec 03, 2024

    Included Excursion
    Today, we’ll take you into the heart of Koblenz, an ancient city pulled from the pages of a German fairy tale. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of vineyards and snow-topped mountain ranges as your local guide takes you through open cobbled squares and down narrow streets. Your tour will include the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers at the German Corner and idyllic panoramic views of the Rhine from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

    Included Excursion
    Walking tour of Koblenz & a visit to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

    DiscoverMORE
    Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Ludwigshafen – Heidelberg
    Wed, Dec 04, 2024

    Your guided tour of Heidelberg’s rich history includes a wine tasting session and a visit to the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which overlooks the Rhine River and a red-roofed skyline. Some of the most successful painters of the Romantic era drew inspiration from Heidelberg Castle, including British artist William Turner, who depicted images of the ruins in several of his paintings. Afterwards, stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, touching on the Church of the Holy Spirit and the oldest university in Germany.

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Heidelberg


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Kehl – Strasbourg
    Thu, Dec 05, 2024

    This morning, we will dock in Kehl, and you will be transferred by coach across the river to Strasbourg, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. Your guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical centre of the city, known for its medieval half-timbered buildings, old tanning houses, Baroque sandstone buildings, and charming canal system. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit one of its most charming Christmas markets to enjoy traditional German Christmas treats and to shop for presents and stocking-fillers.

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Strasbourg

    DiscoverMORE
    Evening concert at Bruchsal Palace (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Alsace wine route wine tasting (extra expense, only available on select dates)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Breisach
    Fri, Dec 06, 2024

    Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Rhine town of Breisach. Entrenched between two countries, it’s also known as the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region. In the 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. It was here that in 1770 Marie Antoinette stopped with 52 beautifully decorated carriages on the way to her wedding to King Louis XVI.

    As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll also have the chance to see the postcard-worthy Christmas market situated underneath the 40-metre-high Ravenna Viaduct. Be amazed by the magical aroma of Black Forest specialties and unique handcrafted regional products sold there.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Guided visit to the Christmas Market at Ravenna Viaduct

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Breisach


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Basel – Zurich Airport
    Sat, Dec 07, 2024

    After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and your Star-Ship as you are transferred to the airport, taking memories of quintessential German villages and the magic of Christmas with you.

    Please book your flight to depart out of Zurich after 11:30 AM.

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.


    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Rivers Visited

Rhine

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

Health and Safety Protocols for Emerald

The world may have changed, however, our commitment to our guests and crew, the guest experience and their health, safety and wellbeing remains our key priority. We are working closely with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), local and international Government Health agencies, to ensure our protocols exceed the latest regulatory requirements. Our Health & Safety Steering Committee oversees all health and safety policies and training with Emerald Cruises, ensuring you can travel with complete confidence that your wellbeing and safety are taken care of to the highest standard. In addition, we are implementing the most recent insights and technologies, with our Emerald Cruises team dedicated to exceeding the levels of cleanliness required in today’s travel climate.

We are continuously updating our protocols to safeguard both the health, safety and the experience of our valued guests. You will be informed about these important procedures, well in advance of your journey departure, which may include the following information and guidelines:

Medical Evaluation & Test
To ensure all of our guests are safe and well before your journey with us begins, we will require you to complete a pre-departure medical health evaluation. During the phased embarkation process you, and your fellow passengers, will be tested for COVID-19 by a medical specialist. This will allow you to relax with complete peace-of-mind when you board our Star-Ships, in the company of other like-minded travelers.

Our Dedicated Team
Our Captains, Hotel Managers and Cruise Directors, alongside their exceptional teams, will deliver a first-class level of service during your time traveling with us. You can enjoy the same exciting program of on board and on shore experiences, tailored to smaller groups to allow for safe social distancing. The team are readily available to ensure every detail of your journey with us is memorable, for all the right reasons. They will ensure health and safety protocols are followed on a daily basis.

Healthy Crew
Having the best crew to look after you is at the heart of our core values at Emerald Cruises, and we will go the extra mile to ensure our crew is healthy in doing so. All crew will be regularly tested for COVID-19 and will have daily temperature and health checks. They will also be trained and regularly briefed on all aspects in preventing COVID-19 amongst themselves as well as our guests. They will go beyond the ordinary to make your cruise a truly exceptional experience.

Contact-Free Check In & Check Out
We have adjusted the various touchpoints of your journey, allowing you to check in and check out in a completely contact-free way. Through a phased embarkation you will be able to arrive and depart from your Star-Ship smoothly and with safe social proximity in mind. And, of course, every time you return to your Star-Ship, our crew will be there to greet you with a warm smile.

Briefings & Screenings
Our medical expert will host mandatory briefings and screenings. These events are designed to ensure every member of our guests and crew are healthy, and also offer an opportunity to allay any concerns or ask any questions you may have about our safety protocols.

Enhanced Cleaning Commitment
Our on board crew will be increasing and enhancing our already frequent and high standard cleaning protocols in public areas and suites, leaving surfaces and spaces spotless. Additional care and attention will be paid to high contact zones, such as communal restrooms and dining facilities.

Socially Aware Dining
You can expect the same delightful dining experiences when you travel with us, savoring a choice of dishes inspired by regional cuisine and local produce. We are adapting and redesigning our on board food and beverage service to ensure extra care is taken in order to minimize social contact. We will serve our delicious food a la carte or via served buffets.

Contact-Free Movement
The spacious surrounds of our ships in combination with the guest numbers provide ample room for you to relax, allowing for an abundance of personal space. We are introducing contact-free movement across our Star-Ships to further reduce risks. Contact-free hand sanitizer dispensers will be readily available in all public spaces and guest corridors on board, whilst automated doors and contact-free guest servicing will minimize the number of touchpoints.

Air Circulation
Our Star-Ships are equipped with air circulation systems. These systems ensure there is no re-circulation of inside air on board the ship. When you are relaxing in your suite you will be breathing air from outside the ship that is channeled directly to your suite. The air will also be released from your suite directly to the outside.

Smaller Groups & Social Proximity
Discovering the local culture of your destination is the highlight of every river cruise. Create memories to cherish during our choice of on shore excursions. You will travel in smaller groups, allowing for a more intimate travel experience, whilst respecting social proximity and destination specific regulations. To enhance your sightseeing, you can utilize our digital headsets, which will act as your personal tour guide and travel map.

Carefully Selected Local Partners
As well as enhancing our health and safety protocols on board and with our crew, we’re working closely with our local partners. We have forged long-standing relationships with our local partners, all of whom have been carefully selected for their expertise and high levels of service, and are committed to ensuring your safety. They will receive extensive training to adhere with our enhanced protocols. We will also introduce strict control and screening procedures for anyone boarding our Star-Ships.

Wellness Throughout Your Journey
Your wellbeing is our number one priority, both during your time on board and on shore. Journey to and from your destination with complete peace-of-mind. All transport vehicles will be equipped with hand sanitizer and will undergo deep cleaning after every journey, surpassing the high industry standards required. You can also rest assured that we will monitor social proximity, allowing you to travel safely, with plenty of personal space.

We are committed to continually reviewing and updating our protocols and guidelines as new information becomes available, to ensure that our guests can travel safely in the many destinations we operate in.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Ship Information

Loading...

Cabins

Loading...

Life on Board

Loading...

Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
4.3
Itinerary
4.8
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
4.3

Ratings based off 8 reviews - currently showing 1 reviews with comments only

Great river cruise, the operator Emerald Waterways did not disappoint. On board service was exceptional and the tours were very good. Only thought would be that having a little more free time during site visits would have made the excursions good to great.

You May Also Like

  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Avalon Waterways
    Ship
    Panorama
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Basel
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,349
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Viking
    Ship
    Viking Tialfi
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Basel
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,399
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Viking
    Ship
    Viking Bragi
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Basel
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,299
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Viking
    Ship
    Viking Magni
    Starts
    Amsterdam
    Ends
    Basel
    Days
    8
    From
    $3,299

AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Emerald. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

Call Us Now 1-800-342-0019

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Lowest Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


AffordableTours.com BBB Business Review

Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2022 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read More

Get discounts by Email!