Thu, Dec 5: Fly overnight from Indianapolis to Amsterdam, Holland.

Fri, Dec 6: 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. Enjoy sightseeing in the city upon arrival and a welcome lunch with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant. Check in to your hotel for one night. (Meals: Lunch)

Sat, Dec 7: After breakfast at the hotel enjoy some free time to explore the narrow-cobbled streets and gabled houses of the Dutch capital at your leisure. In the afternoon board Emerald Destiny, your home away from home for the next seven nights. Take a moment to get acquainted with the Star-Ship and its fantastic English-speaking crew. Check out your contemporary stateroom or order a glass of wine to enjoy on the sun deck as the sights and sounds of Amsterdam surround you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome reception and dinner on board. (B,D)

Sun, Dec 8: After an overnight aboard the ship switch to a smaller glass-top canal boat for a tour down the Dutch capital’s 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 favorite festive foods. (B,L,D)

Mon, Dec 9: Seven idyllic Christmas markets effortlessly transform the postcard-worthy city of Cologne, Germany into a winter wonderland over the Christmas period. Following your included 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. (B,L,D)

Tue, Dec 10: Today, the ship docks in 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 walks 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. (B,L,D)

Wed, Dec 11: The ship stops at Ludwigshafen this morning, your gateway to Heidelberg! The guided tour includes a look into the city’s rich history as well as 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. (B,L,D)

Thu, Dec 12: Dock in Kehl, and transfer by coach across the river to Strasbourg, France, the storied capital of France’s Alsace region. The guided tour of Strasbourg will include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Île, the historical center 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 with a guide. Enjoy traditional treats and shop for presents and stocking-fillers for everyone on your list. (B,L,D)

Fri, Dec 13: 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. 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. Tonight enjoy a farewell reception and bid adieu to new friends as this journey comes to a close. (B,L,D)

Sat, Dec 14: Arrive in the medieval Swiss city of Basel. Pack up your souvenirs along with memories of quintessential European villages and markets full of treats and trinkets. After disembarkation transfer to Zurich for your return flight home. (B)