Christian Tours

Christian Tours

Making Travel Dreams Come True Since 1977!

Tulip Time on the Rhine

Netherlands • Germany • France • Switzerland - Aboard the Emerald Cruises "Star-Ship"
 
 
This tour offers many great opportunities for sightseeing. On several days optional activities are offered. You may choose whether you want to participate in the included EmeraldPLUS or EmeraldACTIVE excursions while on the cruise/tour. A complete list of DiscoverMORE excursions with pricing and information will be provided prior to the tour/cruise departure that you may choose to add to your tour experience.This tour offers many great opportunities for sightseeing. On several days optional activities are offered. You may choose whether you want to participate in the included EmeraldPLUS or EmeraldACTIVE excursions while on the cruise/tour. A complete list of DiscoverMORE excursions with pricing and information will be provided prior to the tour/cruise departure that you may choose to add to your tour experience.
Day 1

DEPART THE USA:

Today we depart the USA on our overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.
Day 2

ZURICH • LUCERNE:

Upon arrival in Zurich, we are transferred to our hotel in the charming lakeside city of Lucerne. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore Lucerne’s picturesque Old Town, Lake Lucerne, and iconic Chapel Bridge at leisure. This evening, we gather for an included welcome dinner at our hotel to meet our fellow travelers and begin our adventure. (D)
Day 3

LUCERNE:

After breakfast, we enjoy an included guided walking tour highlighting Lucerne’s most iconic sights, including the 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its historic paintings, the 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall, and charming town squares framed by the Swiss Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure to further explore, shop, or relax at your own pace. (B)
Day 4

LUCERNE • HUNINGUE, FRANCE:

This morning, you may relax in Lucerne or join an optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus for breathtaking alpine views. In the afternoon, we travel by motorcoach to Huningue, France, and embark on our luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where this evening we enjoy our first dinner onboard with fellow travelers. (B, D)
  • DiscoverMORE: Mt. Pilatus (additional expense)
Day 5

BREISACH • FREIBURG, GERMANY:

Today, we discover the enchanting city of Freiburg, nestled in the heart of the Black Forest. We stroll through its historic center with colorful half-timbered houses and a lively market square, or we may choose to explore the picturesque botanical garden filled with vibrant flora. For a more active adventure, join an optional bike tour around Breisach, a charming medieval town with stunning views of the Rhine River. (B, L, D)
  • EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Breisach
  • DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Colmar (additional expense)
Day 6

KEHL • STRASBOURG, FRANCE:

We arrive in Strasbourg, the captivating capital of France’s Alsace region. A guided walking tour takes us through narrow lanes and over charming footbridges to discover the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We marvel at medieval timber-framed houses, explore the storybook Petite France district, and admire the magnificent cathedral dominating the main square. This afternoon, the city is ours to wander, shop, and soak in its unique charm. (B, L, D)
  • DiscoverMORE: Baden Spa Experience (additional expense)
Day 7

MANNHEIM, GERMANY • SCHWETZINGEN:

Spend a leisurely morning onboard as we cruise along the scenic Rhine River to Mannheim. We step ashore to explore the stunning Schwetzingen Palace, wandering its opulent interiors and strolling the harmonious gardens dotted with over 100 sculptures. For a more active adventure, you may choose to hike through the rolling vineyards around the charming wellness town of Bad Dürkheim. This evening, we unwind with local entertainment onboard. (B, L, D)
  • EmeraldACTIVE: Guided vineyard hike in Bad-Dürkheim (instead of included tour)
  • DiscoverMORE: Guided Tour of Heidelberg (additional expense)
NOTE: You may only choose one option, as the included tour and the optional excursion take place at the same time.
Day 8

KOBLENZ:

We sail through the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge, where medieval castles and lush vineyards line the riverbanks, offering photo opportunities at every turn. Spot the legendary Lorelei statue and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a medieval toll station perched on an island in the middle of the Rhine. We continue to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, and enjoy a guided walking tour of its historic sites, including the German Corner and the Church of Our Lady. (B, L, D)
  • DiscoverMORE: Moselle & Cochem (Reichsburg) Castle Visit (additional expense)
NOTE: You may only choose one option, as the included tour and the optional excursion take place at the same time.
Day 9

DÜSSELDORF • COLOGNE:

We explore Düsseldorf on a guided walking tour through its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town, strolling along the Rhine and discovering hidden gems along the way. Later, we arrive in Cologne, home to the iconic Gothic Cathedral, and spend the afternoon immersing ourselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, savoring local cuisine, and soaking in its unique charm. (B, L, D)
  • EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Cologne’s Gardens
Day 10

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS:

This morning, we visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the ‘Garden of Europe,’ at the peak of tulip season. Wander vibrant paths, admire artistic floral displays in the pavilions, and soak in the kaleidoscope of colors across the manicured gardens. In the afternoon, we return to the ship to enjoy leisure time onboard or to explore Amsterdam’s lively streets and canals. (B, L, D)
  • DiscoverMORE: Hidden Gems of Amsterdam (additional expense)
  • DiscoverMORE: Dutch Delights Tasting Experience (additional expense)
NOTE: You may only choose one DiscoverMORE option, as the excursions take place at the same time.
Day 11

AMSTERDAM:

Bid auf Wiedersehen to Europe as we return home with unforgettable memories of life-enriching experiences—from storybook towns and iconic cities to a scenic Rhine River cruise during the vibrant tulip season. (B)
  • DiscoverMORE: Hidden Gems of Amsterdam (additional expense)
  • DiscoverMORE: Dutch Delights Tasting Experience (additional expense)
NOTE: You may only choose one DiscoverMORE option, as the excursions take place at the same time. 11 AMSTERDAM: Bid auf Wiedersehen to Europe as we return home with unforgettable memories of lifeenriching experiences—from storybook towns and iconic cities to a scenic Rhine River cruise during the vibrant tulip season. (B)

 

☆Itinerary and excursions are subject to change.
☆EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE excursions are included.
☆DiscoverMORE excursions are additional charge.

 

  • Two-night hotel stay and touring in Lucerne
  • Seven-nights onboard the Emerald Star-Ship
  • Visit four countries & UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
  • First-class service by an English-speaking crew
  • All gratuities included onboard/onshore & port charges
  • Bottled water in your stateroom daily
  • Included WiFi on board

Emerald Star Ship cabin layout

MS Scenic Gem cabin layout
Tulip Time on the Rhine
Departure Dates
11 Days
Select a date to book:
(Pricing Per Person, Double Occupancy)
CategoryRoomPrice
RivieraCat. D & E/Stateroom$6429
VistaCat. B & C/Balcony$7389
HorizonCat. A/Balcony$7889
HorizonCat. S/Grand Suite$8459
HorizonCat. S/Owner's Suite$9499
AIRFARE
(from Charlotte, NC)
April 16 - $1750
MEALS INCLUDED
Breakfasts: 9
Lunches: 6
Dinners: 8
Passport Required.
Passport Required.
NOTES
  • $200 off per person promo till March 31, 2026 with reservation and deposit
  • Free airfare until April 16, 2026 with reservation and deposit
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT
2% discount with deposit or
5% discount with full payment
by cash or check
for the APRIL 16, 2027 departure!
Activity Level: 4
Easy
Strenuous