River Cruises from Basel
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Basel
Compiled by
MelissaBasel travel expert at TourRadar
- Rhine Getaway Basel to Amsterdam
- Classical Rhine Cruise - AMADEUS Queen (Basel - Amsterdam)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Bruges 2026 - 18 Days (from Basel to Brussels)
- Magical Christmas extravaganzas in Switzerland and Alsace along the Rhine (port-to-port cruise) (5 destinations)
- Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets Basel → Amsterdam (2025)
- The Rhine and Moselle Basel → Amsterdam (2026)
- Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland (2026) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2026)
- Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery (2026) (Basel to Brussels, 2026)
- Jewels of the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- German Grandeur (Eastbound) 2026
Viking's luxury ships, complete with river-view staterooms and heated bathroom floors, await at Basel's historic riverfront. The Black Forest's traditional workshops showcase local craftsmanship, while Swiss cuisine delights the palate. Expert guides lead tours through Basel's medieval Old Town.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From $6,611
45% Off- NZ$3,645You save $2,966
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,279
15% Off- NZ$2,787You save $492
Your Scenic Space-Ship hosts a welcome reception in Basel. The city's unique position between Rhine River and Black Forest sets the stage before sailing to Breisach's volcanic Kaiserstuhl vineyards. Fairy-tale Colmar's canals and historic Freiburg Munster cathedral showcase 13th-century architecture.
Duration 18 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $14,605
21% Off- NZ$11,605You save $3,000
MS Symphonie sails from Basel's port, showcasing Switzerland's largest Christmas market with 150+ vendors. Traditional spice cookies await at Lӓckerli Huus before scenic Rhine sailing. Regional wine tastings and onboard entertainment accompany the voyage to Strasbourg.
Duration 4 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
21% Off- NZ$2,600
The Travelmarvel Capella sets sail from Basel during festive season. The Christmas Market's charm precedes visits to Strasbourg's Christkindelsmarik and Rudesheim's old town. Your journey includes 20 meals with regional wines and expert-led city tours.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
21% Off- NZ$3,930+$856 upfront costs
The Travelmarvel Rigel provides an intimate river cruise from Basel. Premium river-view rooms complement 20 included meals with local wines. Guided tours reveal Basel's vibrant nightlife, while historic houses and medieval bridges showcase the city's maritime heritage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
21% Off- NZ$4,272+$856 upfront costs
Basel's historic heart reveals local treats and historic squares through guided walking tours. Guests choose between cycling adventures, awareness walks, or cultural explorations. The S.S. Antoinette provides luxurious departures from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg with seamless transfers included.
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,799
19% Off- NZ$6,299You save $1,500
Basel's charming Old Town reveals Swiss cultural highlights through local guides. Guests choose between Mount Pilatus hiking with picnic lunch or Lucerne's medieval architecture. The S.S. Victoria provides luxury accommodations after days of Swiss exploration.
Duration 15 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
19% Off- NZ$15,599
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $15,996
61% Off- NZ$6,257You save $9,738
Panoramic suites aboard the Avalon Tranquility II welcome travelers in Basel. A special dinner kicks off the cruise toward Breisach, with Rhine's scenic views nearby. The Club Lounge offers a 24-hour beverage station and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Duration 9 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
61% Off- NZ$8,353+$460 upfront costs
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Basel
What's the best time to take a river cruise starting from Basel?
May through September is ideal for Basel river cruises, with comfortable temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and little rain. Each season has something special to offer - you'll see flowers blooming along the Rhine in spring, enjoy warm weather perfect for exploring in summer, or experience magical Christmas markets in December. Many travelers find May and September sweet spots, with nice weather and fewer tourists than peak summer months.
What are the most popular stops after departing Basel on Rhine river cruises?
Your first stops after Basel will be Breisach and Strasbourg, followed by Mannheim, Rüdesheim, and Cologne. Breisach is usually your first main stop - it's a lovely town between the Black Forest and Alsace wine region. Many travelers love taking a trip to nearby Colmar from Breisach. As one traveler told us, "the fairytale-like atmosphere of Colmar's old town was an unexpected highlight after leaving Basel."
How many countries do Rhine river cruises typically visit when starting from Basel?
You'll visit 4-6 countries on most Basel cruises. The usual route takes you through Switzerland, France (stopping in Strasbourg), Germany (where you'll see places like Cologne and Koblenz), and the Netherlands (ending in Amsterdam). Some longer trips like the Jewels of the Rhine & Copenhagen add Denmark or Belgium to the mix. Travelers often mention how much they enjoy experiencing the different cultures as they cruise through each country.
What are the main attractions included in the first few days after departing Basel?
Right after leaving Basel, you'll visit Breisach in Germany's Black Forest and Strasbourg in France's Alsace region. In Strasbourg, you can explore La Petite France with its beautiful old houses and see the impressive Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Your ship might also take you to spots like the Freiburg Botanical Gardens, and you'll get to try local wines in the Baden-Baden area.
How do river cruise ships handle transportation between Basel and major airports?
Most cruise lines will pick you up for free from either Basel Airport (BSL) or Zürich Airport (ZRH) and take you to your ship in Basel, usually at the Rhine pier or St. Johann port. It's about a 15-minute drive from Basel Airport (4.3 miles) or 1.5 hours from Zürich (53 miles). If you want to arrive early, you can stay at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois or Hyperion Hotel Basel near the dock. One happy traveler told us "the seamless transfer service made arrival day stress-free."
How much free time is available to explore each port independently?
You'll usually get 4-8 hours to explore each stop on your own, and in bigger cities like Strasbourg and Amsterdam, you might even stay overnight. When you're in Basel, you'll have a whole day to check out places like the Basel Minster and Old Town at your own pace. Travelers really like how the cruises mix guided tours with free time to explore places like Koblenz's Deutsches Eck and Cologne's historic center.