Name: Discover the Rhine & Rhone rivers
Brand: Emerald Cruises

Overview

From Marseille, Emerald Dawn, an Emerald Cruises ship, whisks you away on a 14-night journey through the waters of Northern Europe and Baltic Sea. The itinerary features stops at 3 destinations, including Arles and Breisach, before arriving in Amsterdam. There's a pleasing rhythm to this cruise - days spent exploring ashore, and time on board to relax and recharge between ports. This cruise is available from £6,289 per person - a great way to discover 3 ports in Northern Europe and Baltic Sea.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises offers a modern, relaxed, super-premium all-inclusive cruising experience, with contemporary and elegant ships and bucket-list destinations.

Onboard, guests are able to dine at four all-inclusive and unique outlets, enjoying free-flowing alcoholic beverages at mealtimes. Flexibility is key, with its range of shore excursion packages, and every aspect of the trip is taken care of – including flights and transfers.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Marseille

Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Mediterranean, Marseille beckons with a vibrant past steeped in maritime lore. Its bustling port has been a hub of trade and cultural exchange for centuries, with influences from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East converging in its bustling streets. Blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate, Marseille offers a haven for sun-seekers year-round, while its labyrinthine alleys and bustling markets promise an authentic taste of French life. Beyond the tourist hotspots, hidden gems await exploration, such as the secluded coves of the Calanques National Park, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs in a breathtaking tableau.

Days 1-2

Arles

Arles lies where the Rhône begins to fan out into the Camargue. The city was once one of the most important Roman settlements in Gaul, and many of its monuments remain in everyday use. The vast amphitheatre still hosts events, while the nearby theatre is tucked between houses and narrow lanes. Beyond the Roman past, Arles became a hub for artists, most famously Van Gogh, who painted over 300 works.Walking through Arles feels like passing between centuries. Yellow shutters, terracotta tiles and sun-bleached stone give it a soft, Provençal warmth. The Romanesque Saint-Trophime church sits next to the Place de la République, while the twisting lanes nearby hide bakeries, galleries and small shops. Cruise excursions often include walking tours taking in the main sites.A more recent addition to the city is the LUMA Arles art complex, where contemporary art installations fill a former railway yard. The twisting tower designed by Frank Gehry has become a new landmark, contrasting sharply with the city’s more traditional buildings. For those with more time, the Camargue’s wetlands, flamingos and white horses are within easy reach.

Day 3

Avignon

Few river ports carry as much historical weight as Avignon. The city served as the papal residence during the 14th century, a period that left an architectural legacy still shaping the skyline. The star attraction, the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), towers above the cobbled streets and leafy squares below. Its thick walls, cavernous halls and rooftop views give a sense of the power once concentrated here.Despite its ecclesiastical past, Avignon is far from austere. Life spills into the squares and streets, especially around Les Halles – the covered market packed with olives, cheeses and fresh Provençal produce. The city is surrounded by medieval ramparts, and within them are crooked lanes, bell towers and terracotta-roofed houses. The famous Pont d’Avignon, which ends halfway across the Rhône after parts collapsed during flooding in the 18th century, is another landmark of the city.Cruise excursions often focus on the palace, bridge and city walls, but it’s also worth exploring at your own pace. Rue des Teinturiers follows a shaded canal once used by cloth dyers and offers a quieter route through the city. In summer, the Avignon Festival transforms the town with theatre and street performances.

Day 4

Viviers

This small medieval town is known for its well-preserved historic centre with winding streets and ancient stone buildings. Once a powerful diocese, Viviers's religious past is still visible today in its cathedral and the bishop’s residence.The town's narrow, cobbled streets are lined with houses that once belonged to the city’s most influential families, their facades weathered but full of character. At the heart of the town is the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, perched on a hill and offering stunning views of the Rhône River and the surrounding countryside.Many river cruises allow for a leisurely walk through Viviers. Beyond the cathedral, there’s a serene atmosphere in the town, making it a perfect place to escape the crowds and soak in the history.

Day 5

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Day 6

Mâcon

Day 7

Lyon

Rhône River cruises typically begin or end in Lyon. The city combines Roman ruins, Renaissance alleyways and a thriving modern food scene. Its position at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône helped shape its identity as a major trade hub.Ships typically dock close to the centre, making it easy to explore on foot. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, painted shutters and hidden passageways called traboules. On the Presqu’île, the city opens out into grand 19th-century boulevards and public squares. Food is a major part of the Lyonnaise identity, and even a short visit can include a tasting at Les Halles, lunch at a traditional bouchon or a market stop on Quai Saint-Antoine.For something quieter, head up to the Roman amphitheatre and basilica on Fourvière Hill. The views over the red rooftops and intersecting rivers are among the best in the region. You can take the funicular or walk through the garden path known as Jardin des Curiosités.

Day 8

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

Day 8

Lyon

Day 9

Breisach

Breisach is set on a hilltop, overlooking the Rhine and the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region. The town’s St Stephen’s Cathedral, with its striking tower, is a prominent landmark visible from the river.Breisach’s compact historic centre offers quiet streets, traditional wine taverns and small museums. The surrounding rolling vineyards produce some of Germany’s best white wines.

Day 10

Kehl

Day 10

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

Day 11

Mannheim

Day 12

Koblenz

Koblenz occupies a strategic position where the Moselle River meets the Rhine, known as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooks the city, offering expansive views of the twin rivers and surrounding hills.The old town’s pedestrian streets have baroque churches, historic town halls and riverside promenades with cafés and markets. Visitors can take a cable car linking the Rhine to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for river and city views.

Day 13

Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges.

Day 13

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf balances modernity and tradition. Known for its fashion industry and art scene, the city has a striking skyline along the Rhine, with sleek contemporary architecture. Yet the Altstadt (Old Town) contrasts with its narrow streets, historic churches and the lively ‘longest bar in the world’, a stretch of pubs famed for serving Altbier, the local brew.The Königsallee is the city’s luxury shopping boulevard with designer stores and elegant cafés shaded by chestnut trees. For a scenic walk or to watch the sunset over the water, check out the city’s riverfront promenades.

Days 14-15

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ lively capital, famous for its historic canals and art museums. Cruising into the city reveals a network of waterways lined with tall, narrow houses with ornate gables, a hallmark of Dutch Golden Age architecture. The city’s past as a busy trading city can be seen in its harbour and historic buildings.Exploring on foot or by bike, visitors can check out world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, alongside the poignant Anne Frank House. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to wander through charming neighbourhoods like Jordaan with its boutique shops, cafés and galleries.Despite its popularity, Amsterdam maintains a relaxed vibe with leafy canals and parks offering a peaceful break from the busy centre.

Day 1

Days 1-2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Tournon-sur-Rhône

Day 6

Mâcon

Day 7

Day 8

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Kehl

Day 10

Strasbourg

Day 11

Mannheim

Day 12

Day 13

Day 13

Days 14-15

180

Passengers

Crew

2015

Launched

3544t

Tonnage

135m

Length

11m

Width

13kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

Emerald Dawn

Our innovative Star-Ships feature a wealth of contemporary design features. We’ve pushed the boundaries of European river cruising, carefully designing our three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Not 5 star

We didn't get the wow fact I was expecting it was a lovely clean yacht Entertainment was not the best very little of it considering it was almost Christmas. The staff were nice . Breakfast was ok , lunch was nice The evening meals not great . Room was big and clean it was a lovely experience, but for what we paid i would not do it again .

Emerald Cruises Emerald Sakara

Reviews

Eastern Europe on the Danube

The arrangements on the first day left a lot to be desired! We had been flown to Bucharest the day before and stayed in a lovely hotel with a large swimming pool. We were told cases to be ready by 7 a.m.and leave at 9.It was a cold,wet day so,after the city tour,we had 2 hours to waste in bad weather. We think the departure from the hotel should have been later(e.g.usual 11 a.m.checkout),done the city tour then gone straight to the ship. On board,the food and wine was good BUT often,if we as two people sat on a table for 4 or 6,we were not served until the table was full! I commented about this and we got better and quicker service for one day then it lapsed again! It was even worse if I sat by myself in the bar as I was then mostly ignored! The ports of call were interesting but mixed weather. The company still keeps calling the cabin!"Panorama Balcony" BUT the dictionary definition of balcony is"external"so an inside balcony with a window to open is NOT a balcony. I queried this with crew but was brushed off!

Emerald Cruises Emerald Luna

Reviews

Luxury at every level

We had an amazing cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia on Emerald Harmony. The boat itself is superb,, carrying a maximum of 84 passengers, though a particular cruise only had 54, with 40 crew. That means that passengers really get cared for and within 24 hours all the crew members knew our names and our preferences. The food is superb – fine dining every lunchtime and every evening, accompanied with high-quality wines. and the tourist gave a good balance of the typical things you would expect to see as a tourist (cities, palaces and temples) but also local village life, with the opportunity to meet up close with local people and to see the businesses run from their homes. It was an incredible exposure to culture of that part of the world. Emerald arranged everything superbly and we wouldn’t hesitate to travel with them again.

Emerald Cruises Emerald Harmony

Reviews

Very good

Food & crew excellent. A little diasppointed with the lack of daytime cruising. Only fault was with the travel arrangements to Lyon and return from Marseille. on both flights assistance for my wife who has difficulty walking long distances was not organised and on the return flight we were not even allocated seats together.

Emerald Cruises Emerald Liberte

Reviews