Fly Stay Cruise - 20 Day Europe to Middle East Escape: Switzerland, France, Germany, Nethe...
Enjoy an exceptional-value holiday that seamlessly combines return flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or tours with a cruise—removing the stress of planning so you can enjoy every moment from departure to return.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
Our Leisurely tours are designed for a relaxed travel experience, they feature longer stays in each destination and ample free time. Unpack, unwind, and explore at your own pace with minimal early starts or hotel changes.
✓ 10-night cruise onboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
✓ Return international airfares
✓ International flight from Dubai to Muscat
✓ 6 nights in 4-star hotel in Oman & UAE
✓ Fully guided touring in Oman & UAE
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ All onboard dining, entertainment and port charges
Inspiring Value
Exclusive fly-stay-cruise package savings
Emerald Cruises signature inclusions including onboard dining
Wi-Fi onboard the ship
Sail with Emerald Cruises & Tours and enjoy world-class service, elegant ships, and unforgettable experiences at sea.
This exceptional 19-day journey combines a premium Rhine and Moselle river cruise with immersive Middle East touring, delivering outstanding value across two iconic regions. Travel through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands on a 10-night Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards cruise with Emerald Cruises, before continuing to the United Arab Emirates and Muscat, Oman. With return flights, internal flights, luxury river cruising and touring included, this seamless holiday offers comfort, convenience and exceptional value.
Your journey begins with an international flight from Australia to Zurich. Enjoy award-winning service, including in-flight entertainment and complimentary dining.
Upon arrival at Zurich Airport, you will be met and transferred to Basel to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you.
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your ship.
Please note: This itinerary is intended as a guide and may be amended for operational reasons, such as high or low water levels. As such, the cruise experience may differ slightly from what is outlined.
Begin your magical morning with a guided tour of Colmar. As you stroll along its cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine scenes from Grimm’s fairy tales, with half-timbered façades adorned by window boxes overflowing with colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure along the Rhine, experiencing this enchanting destination from a unique and tranquil perspective.
Cruise Highlights
This morning, discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace region. One of the most charming ways to experience the city is from the water, as you embark on a traditional canal boat tour.
Relax as you glide through Petite France, where storybook canals wind past half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Continue past the historic covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before arriving in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, home to many of Strasbourg’s grand administrative buildings. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Cruise Highlights
Your day begins with a guided tour of Mainz, exploring its charming Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. Visit the impressive sandstone cathedral and learn about the town’s legacy as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the first printing press and produced his earliest works in the 15th century, including the famed Gutenberg Bible.
Cruise Highlights
Today, as part of your enriching onboard programme, visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery, set in the breathtaking Rheingau region. Steeped in history, this legendary estate has been cultivating exceptional wines for over 1,000 years. Recognised as the world’s first Riesling winery, Schloss Johannisberg offers a fascinating insight into a unique wine culture and fabled past during this exclusive visit.
Spread across 50 hectares beneath the Taunus Mountains, the estate includes a 300-acre forest where native oak is grown to craft the wooden barrels used in winemaking. These remarkable barrels are stored in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, the Bibliotheca Subterranea, home to more than 25,000 treasured bottles. Alternatively, for those seeking a more active experience, enjoy a scenic hike through the vineyards to the historic Niederwalddenkmal Monument.
Later this afternoon, you may join a guided hike in Sankt Goar. Though small in size, the town is crowned by the magnificent ruins of Rheinfels Castle, dramatically overlooking the river below.
Cruise Highlights
Enjoy a leisurely morning of sailing aboard your Star-Ship, taking in the enchanting scenery of the Moselle. Dating back to 3000 BC, the charming town of Bernkastel lies along the riverbanks and is home to beautifully preserved buildings dating as far back as 1416.
Wander through the tranquil Moselle vineyards that shape this bucolic landscape and savour a tasting of the region’s renowned Riesling wines. Alternatively, gain a different perspective of the area with an active hike to the Landshut Castle ruins, offering sweeping views over the Moselle below.
Cruise Highlights
Today, discover the enchanting town of Cochem on a guided tour of its beautifully preserved sites. Explore the remains of the historic town wall and its ancient fortifications, and admire the town hall along with many of Cochem’s other architectural treasures.
Cruise Highlights
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Koblenz before a peaceful afternoon of sailing, taking in the scenic landscapes along the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Arrive in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven.
During your walking tour, explore the remarkable Bonn Minster, celebrated for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Wander through the old town, a treasure trove of historic buildings and charming streets, and admire landmarks such as the Altes Rathaus and the Beethoven House.
Alternatively, join a guided bike tour through Bonn and discover the city’s hidden gems along quieter streets and scenic routes.
Cruise Highlights
Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the town centre, marvel at its architectural treasures, and discover more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, an annual event that draws tens of thousands of participants.
For a more active experience, join a scenic bike ride along the Waal River, taking in the distinctive features of the surrounding countryside.
Cruise Highlights
This morning, your ship docks in Dordrecht, where you can join a guided walk into town.
After a relaxing sail, arrive in Rotterdam for an engaging walking tour of this vibrant city. Following the devastating air raids of WWII, reconstruction brought together a patchwork of architectural styles, reshaping the skyline forever. Today, Rotterdam is renowned for its contemporary architecture and is home to the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. Learn about the city’s reputation as the “city of high rises,” beginning with the historic 45-metre-high Witte Huis, once the tallest office building in Europe.
Cruise Highlights
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking with you memories of the scenic Moselle with its vineyards and the majestic castles along the legendary Rhine.
Welcome to the United Arab Emirates! Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Begin your day with a half-day traditional Dubai tour. Explore the iconic Jumeirah area and marvel at the Burj Al Arab, then visit a local art centre and the stunning Jumeirah Grand Mosque. Wander through the historic Bastakyia district before crossing Dubai Creek aboard a traditional Abra boat, and explore the vibrant spice and gold souks. The tour concludes at Dubai Mall, where you may choose to explore at your leisure. Return to your hotel independently, and enjoy lunch on your own.
No trip to Dubai is complete without a desert safari. Journey across the golden desert sands in a 4x4 vehicle, capturing photo stops along the way. Experience the thrill of dune bashing, try sandboarding, enjoy a henna painting session, and meet the desert camels. Witness a breathtaking Arabian sunset before ending the day with a delicious BBQ dinner accompanied by traditional entertainment under the stars. An unforgettable Arabian adventure!
This morning, we proceed to Abu Dhabi for a full-day tour, offering an ideal introduction to the UAE’s largest city and its capital. Abu Dhabi, an island whose name translates as “Father of the Gazelle,” is a city of modern marvels and cultural treasures.
Our first stop is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest and most stunning mosques, accommodating over 30,000 worshippers. The exquisite white marble structure is adorned with intricate Islamic art and carvings, complemented by beautifully landscaped surroundings—a truly moving experience.
The tour then continues to Yas Island, home to the Red Ferrari World, the largest covered theme park, before stopping at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi’s biggest shopping destination, where you may enjoy lunch on your own.
The afternoon includes a scenic drive through the impressive Saadiyat Island cultural district, featuring the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Museum, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s vision as a cultural Arab capital. We also stop for photo opportunities at the Abrahamic Family House and royal landmarks, before exploring the Heritage Village and local galleries.
At the end of the afternoon, we return to Dubai, arriving after approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Dinner is at leisure.
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel before your transfer to Dubai Airport for your departure to Muscat. Upon arrival in Muscat, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
A rare blend of ancient and modern, Muscat is a captivating city nestled among pleated brown mountains and caressed by the Arabian Sea. While the city has seen dramatic development over the past few decades, it proudly preserves its rich culture and heritage.
Your journey starts with a drive through the ministries’ district, where modern buildings are adorned with elements of traditional Islamic architecture. The first stop is the Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and a modern landmark of the city. Continue to the bustling fish market before exploring the folkloric Muttrah Souk, where narrow covered alleys are filled with the intoxicating aromas of spices, coffee beans, and traditional remedies.
Next, visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, showcasing Omani history and culture, offering insight into the region’s traditional values. Pause for a photo opportunity at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the twin Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali. The tour concludes back at Mutrah Souk before returning to your hotel. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
Oman is renowned for its forts and castles—striking cultural landmarks that, together with towers and city walls, historically served as defensive lookouts. With over 500 forts, castles, and towers across the country, today’s visit highlights some of the most remarkable and architecturally striking examples.
At 9:00 am, we depart for Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. Our first stop is the charming ancestral village of Birkat Al Mawz, nestled at the foot of the Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar. We then continue to Nizwa’s historic center to admire the impressive Nizwa Fort from the outside, including its massive circular cannon tower, one of the most iconic forts in Oman. Explore the traditional Nizwa Souq, bustling with local crafts and produce, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we visit the exquisite Jabrin Fort, built in the 17th century. Its ornate plasterwork, intricately carved doors, and painted wooden ceiling beams make it one of Oman’s most distinguished castles. The journey continues toward Jebel Shams, one of Oman’s most famous mountains, passing the historic town of Bahla with its fort (outside visit) before returning to Nizwa. From there, we drive back to Muscat, concluding the tour at Avenue Mall before transferring to your hotel. Dinner is at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at the hotel before your transfer to Muscat Airport for your onward flight to Australia.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Emerald Cruises & Tours Star-Ships
Discover a boutique river cruising experience designed for effortless exploration along Europe’s most iconic waterways. The fleet of award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ships combines contemporary design with comfort and innovation, offering a wealth of thoughtfully curated amenities. Light-filled, three-tiered atriums create an airy sense of space, while heated swimming pools seamlessly transform into evening cinemas. Stylish cabins and beautifully appointed public areas provide a welcoming sanctuary to relax and unwind. Life on board is defined by generous space, wellness-focused features, and the warm expertise of our dedicated crew. Onshore, handpicked included excursions deliver authentic, immersive local experiences at every destination.
Riverview Stateroom - Included
The Riverview (outside) staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other staterooms. Plus, they're bigger than other standard staterooms. These staterooms include a queen-size bed, bathroom with shower, flat-screen TV, mini-bar and safe.
Balcony Suite- from $1300 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
For guests who want that “open the door and breathe it in” feeling, a Balcony Stateroom adds a private outdoor space accessed via floor-to-ceiling glass doors. All balcony staterooms offer a king-sized double bed that can be made into two twin beds, a restroom with a shower, a cabinet, a hair dryer, a vanity, a minibar, a TV, and room service. Cleaning service twice a day.
Cabin upgrades and prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please select this option to indicate your preferred upgrade. Once confirmed, the additional cost will be added to your invoice and included with your final payment.
Instalment Schedule:
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
Cooling Off Period
This product is not eligible for a cooling-off period.
Terms and conditions
Please note that this package is a Cruises by Inspiring Vacations package. Please review the terms and conditions here: https://cruises.inspiringvacations.com/au/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package.
On arrival look out for a representative holding a sign with your name after you have collected your baggage and exited customs. If you cannot find them, try to avoid wandering around and instead stay in one place and call the emergency contact number on your documentation.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package, at a suitable time you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional AU$8,699 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences.
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Cruises by Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
This is a flight inclusive package.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
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