QTS Rhine River Cruise Experience by Quality Travel Solutions

The QTS Rhine River Travel Experience

March 11, 2026 – March 18, 2026

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Wednesday, March 11, 2026) – Zurich - Basel. Your adventure begins as you arrive in the charming Swiss city of Basel. Upon landing at Zurich Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to our luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Star. There, the crew will be waiting to welcome you aboard and help you settle in for the unforgettable journey ahead. This evening, we’ll gather with fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner as you begin to unwind and soak in the beauty of life on the river. Please ensure your flight arrives in Zurich no later than 1:00 PM to allow time for your transfer and embarkation. Meals Included: Welcome dinner.

Day 2 (Thursday, March 12, 2026) – Breisach. Today we’ll set sail for our first Rhine River destination, the picturesque town of Breisach. Nestled on the edge of the Black Forest and the Alsace wine region, Breisach is rich in both history and natural beauty. We’ll enjoy views of its charming hilltop cathedral and colorful pastel buildings that rise above the riverbanks—an inviting welcome to this storybook town. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 3 (Friday, March 13, 2026) – Kehl - Strasbourg. This morning, the Emerald Sun, will dock in Kehl, where we’ll then cross the Rhine into the enchanting city of Strasbourg, capital of France’s Alsace region and a true gem of the river. With its cobbled squares, flower-filled canals, and charming half-timbered houses, Strasbourg feels like stepping into a fairy tale. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, where centuries of history come to life. Highlights include the stunning Maison Kammerzell and the scenic canals of Petite France, followed by free time to wander, shop, or sip a café au lait at your own pace. Excursions Included: Panoramic tour of Strasbourg. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 4 (Saturday, March 14, 2026) – Germersheim. Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we sail toward Germersheim, taking in the scenic beauty along the winding Rhine and the meeting point of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. From there, we’ll travel by coach to the romantic town of Heidelberg, an inspiring destination that has earned its place as a UNESCO City of Literature. On our guided tour, we’ll walk in the footsteps of greats like Mark Twain and William Turner, who were captivated by Heidelberg’s charm. Discover the storybook Old Town and marvel at the majestic Heidelberg Castle, one of Europe’s most iconic Renaissance ruins. This is a place where history, art, and beauty come together to stir the imagination. Excursions Included: Guided tour of Heidelberg. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5 (Sunday, March 15, 2026) – Koblenz. This morning, relax on deck as we glide through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site where fairytale castles crown forested cliffs and storybook villages line the riverbanks. It's one of the most iconic stretches of the Rhine, and a highlight of your journey. Later, we arrive in the charming city of Koblenz, where you’ll dive into the region’s rich winemaking heritage on a guided winery tour. Discover the secrets behind the celebrated Riesling grape as you stroll through picturesque vineyards, learn about traditional winemaking techniques, and enjoy tastings of these crisp, aromatic wines. Excursions Included: Visit to a local winery. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 6 (Monday, March 16, 2026) – Düsseldorf - Cologne. Today, our river journey brings us to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest and most iconic cities. Here, we'll have the opportunity to explore its rich history and stand in awe before the stunning Cologne Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a true postcard-worthy landmark. As we continue sailing north, we make our way to Düsseldorf, a city where contemporary style blends seamlessly with historic charm. We’ll take a guided tour through its elegant shopping streets, lively Old Town, and along the scenic Rhine promenade. Here we’ll find architectural gems, savor delicious local specialties, and soak in the vibrant energy that makes Düsseldorf such a captivating stop on our Rhine River adventure. Excursions Included: Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town, Panoramic tour of Düsseldorf. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) – Amsterdam. The Emerald Sun ports today at the last destination of our cruise, the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. When we arrive, we’ll explore Amsterdam from a unique perspective as we glide through its UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network on a scenic glass-top cruise. Along the way, we'll pass elegant Roman houses and ornate merchant homes, reminders of the city’s rich history during the Dutch Golden Age. With its vibrant neighborhoods, worldclass museums, and cozy cafés, Amsterdam offers something for every traveler. Excursions Included: Canal cruise. Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 8 (Wednesday, March 18, 2026) – Amsterdam. After a final breakfast on board, it’s time to bid farewell to the lovely Emerald Sun and the wonderful guests we've shared this unforgettable journey with. As you disembark for your airport transfer, you’ll take with you lasting memories of the fairytale towns of the Black Forest, the charm of Strasbourg, and the vibrant spirit of the Rhine. And with tulip season in full swing, you’ll be leaving just as Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside burst into color, ending your cruise on a truly spectacular note or making it the perfect reason to extend your vacation in Amsterdam. Meals Included: Farewell breakfast.

What is Included:

 7 nights on board the Emerald Sun

 Port charges and taxes

 Onboard gratuities

 20 Meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)

 Platinum Drinks Package (Unlimited spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks throughout the cruise)

 5 Land excursions (Panoramic tour of Strasbourg, Guided tour of Heidelberg, Visit to a Koblenz winery, Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town, and Panoramic tour of Düsseldorf)

 Gratuities on included land excursions

 Wi-Fi on board

 Airport transfers to and from the Emerald Sun (On March 11th and March 18th only)

Pricing:

Prices are based on double occupancy.

Single supplement is 200%. There are no single occupancy cabins available with this offer.

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of reservation. If you are paying the ‘QTS Paid in Full Fare’, final payment is due 30 days after deposit. If paying ‘QTS Fare’, final payment is due December 11, 2025 You can make additional payments at any time between the deposit and final payment date.