Jewels of the Rhine: A Luxurious European River Cruise Experience

May 23, 2025

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe in 2026 with the "Jewels of the Rhine," an exclusive, culturally rich river cruise crafted in partnership with Mayflower Cruises & Tours. This 11-day immersive experience blends old-world charm with modern luxury, promising scenic splendor, historical treasures, and seamless hospitality along the legendary Rhine River.


Whether you're a river cruise rookie or a seasoned European traveler, this extraordinary itinerary will capture your imagination and spirit of adventure.


 

LEARN MORE & BOOK HERE


Tour Snapshot

  • Travel Dates: September 24 – October 4, 2026
  • Duration: 11 days (2 nights Lucerne, 7-night cruise, 1 night Amsterdam)
  • Countries Visited: Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands
  • River: Rhine River (Basel to Amsterdam)



Why Choose This Cruise?

  • Boutique-style cruising with just 180 passengers
  • English-speaking crew and personalized service
  • All-inclusive pricing: meals, excursions, gratuities, and more
  • The Excite Travel signature touch: expert hosts and curated camaraderie


Highlights at a Glance

Lucerne, Switzerland – Alpine Elegance Begin your European escape in the postcard-worthy Swiss city of Lucerne. This two-night stay features:

  • Guided walking tour of Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and the Lion Monument
  • Optional gondola ride to Mount Pilatus for sweeping Alpine views
  • Leisure time for lakeside strolls, boutique shopping, and Swiss delights


Embarkation in Basel, Switzerland Travel to France to board your elegant Emerald river cruise ship:

  • Four-star boutique vessel with balcony suites and open-air systems
  • Onboard amenities: heated pool, cinema, wellness center
  • Gourmet meals with wine/beer, exceptional service


Strasbourg, France – Historic and Charming Step ashore in this enchanting Alsatian gem:

  • UNESCO-listed Old Town with cobblestone streets and canals
  • Guided cathedral tour and local shopping opportunities
  • Taste Alsatian cuisine in Paris-style cafés


Heidelberg & Breisach – Storybook Germany Discover the romance and history of Germany’s scenic towns:

  • Heidelberg Castle and the medieval Old Town
  • Black Forest markets, cuckoo clocks, and artisan shops in Breisach
  • Optional biking and hiking adventures


The Rhine Gorge – Nature’s Masterpiece Relax as your ship cruises the dramatic Rhine Gorge:

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with over 50 castles and ruins
  • Listen to the legendary tale of the Lorelei as you sail past her iconic rock


Koblenz & Cologne – Where History Meets Modernity Explore two of Germany’s most fascinating cities:

  • Koblenz: Historic confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers
  • Cologne: Iconic Gothic cathedral, love lock bridge, and lively markets


Amsterdam, Netherlands – Dutch Delight Conclude your journey in the dynamic Dutch capital:

  • Scenic canal cruise under glass-topped boats
  • Time to explore museums, neighborhoods, and nightlife
  • Farewell gala dinner on your final night


What’s Included

  • Round-trip airfare (if booked by May 31, 2025)
  • 2 nights Lucerne, 7 nights aboard Emerald ship, 1 night Amsterdam
  • 23 meals with wine/beer and snacks
  • Guided tours and optional excursions in every port
  • Gratuities, port charges, and airport transfers
  • Excite Travel host onboard (space permitting)


Exclusive Benefits

  • Boutique River Experience – Small group, luxurious comfort
  • Cultural Immersion – Castles, concerts, and local flavors
  • All-Inclusive Ease – No tipping, no planning, just enjoyment
  • Excite Signature Service – Warm community, expert care

Solo traveler? Ask about our Guaranteed Share Program to avoid single supplements (terms apply).


Key Booking Details

  • Travel Dates: September 24 – October 4, 2026
  • Early Booking Bonus: Free airfare + $200 savings if booked by May 31, 2025
  • Deposit: $400 per person
  • Final Payment Due: June 24, 2026
  • Travel Protection (Optional): $569 per person


Reserve Your Adventure Today

This isn’t just a cruise—it’s a memory in the making. Whether you’re drawn by Europe’s timeless beauty, eager to connect with fellow travelers, or simply craving a stress-free escape, the Jewels of the Rhine delivers.


Request the full itinerary: [Download the brochure here]


Questions? Call 402-293-9282 or email us to reserve your spot.


Let the Rhine inspire you. We'll see you on board.



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At Excite Experiences, we know that life does not always go according to plan. A family situation comes up. Your health changes. Something unexpected gets in the way of a trip you have been looking forward to for months. That is exactly why we created the Payment Protection Plan. Effective for all tours booked on or after February 20, 2026, the Payment Protection Plan is a simple, optional add-on that gives you the freedom to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a full refund — right up until 24 hours before departure. No questions asked. Here is everything you need to know. What Is the Payment Protection Plan? The Payment Protection Plan (PPP) is an optional add-on available when you book any Excite Experiences tour. When you purchase it, both your deposit and all payments made toward your trip are fully refundable if you need to cancel — for any reason up to 24 hours before your departure date. Without the PPP, our standard cancellation policy applies. That policy is outlined below so you know exactly where you stand either way. How the Cancellation Policy Works Without the PPP If you choose not to add the Payment Protection Plan, the following cancellation schedule applies to your booking: 90 days before departure: Your deposit becomes non-refundable. 60 to 31 days before departure: 50% of all payments made are non-refundable. 30 days or less before departure: 100% of all payments made are non-refundable. This is a standard policy in the group tour industry and is in place because Excite Experiences commits to hotels, transportation, guides, and vendors well in advance of your trip date. The PPP exists precisely so that guests who want more flexibility have a clear, affordable way to get it. Learn more at: https://www.excitemytravel.com/payment-protect-program-travel-insurance . How the Payment Protection Plan Works Purchase the PPP at the time of booking, or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that 10-day window, the PPP can no longer be added or removed, and the cost is non-refundable. Once you have the PPP on your booking, you are covered. If you need to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and all payments made — as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your departure. If cancellation happens within 24 hours of departure, all payments are non-refundable regardless of PPP status. What Does the PPP Cost? The cost of the Payment Protection Plan is based on the total price of your trip and is priced per person. What About Travel Insurance? The Payment Protection Plan is not the same as travel insurance, and we want to be clear about the difference. The PPP is an Excite Experiences product that protects your payments if you cancel. It covers cancel for any reason, and it is managed directly by us. Travel insurance is a separate, optional product we offer through our partner Redion (TripMate). It covers unexpected events that can happen during your trip — things like medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, travel delays, and more. Travel insurance does not cover cancel for any reason. Redion insurance is available in Basic and Deluxe plans, and you have up until 30 days before your departure date to add it. Both products can be purchased together, and many travelers choose to do exactly that - PPP for cancellation flexibility, TripMate for protection once the trip is underway. Frequently Asked Questions Do I have to purchase the PPP? No. The Payment Protection Plan is completely optional. If you choose not to add it, the standard cancellation policy outlined above applies to your booking. When do I need to purchase the PPP? You can add the PPP at the time of booking or within 10 days of your initial deposit. After that window closes, it can no longer be added. Can I add the PPP to a trip I already booked? If you booked a trip after February 20, 2026 and are still within 10 days of your initial deposit, yes. If you are outside that window, the PPP can no longer be added to your booking. Contact our team and we will walk you through your options. What if I booked my trip before February 20, 2026? If your booking was made before February 20, 2026, the previous cancellation policy applies to your reservation. This new policy and the PPP apply only to tours booked on or after February 20, 2026. What counts as a cancellation under the PPP? Any cancellation made at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure date qualifies for a full refund under the PPP, regardless of the reason. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. Does the PPP cover travel insurance events like medical emergencies or baggage loss? No. The PPP covers your payments in the event of a cancellation before departure. For coverage of events that happen during your trip — medical emergencies, interruptions, lost baggage, and more, we recommend adding a TripMate travel insurance plan alongside your PPP. Book with Confidence We want every Excite Experiences traveler to feel good about booking not just about the destination, but about the decision to commit. The Payment Protection Plan is our way of making sure that if life gets in the way, your investment is protected. Questions about the PPP or any of our tours? Our team is happy to walk you through it. Call us at 402-293-9282, email info@excitemytravel.com, or visit excitemytravel.com to learn more.