River Cruises from Basel
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Basel
Compiled by
MelissaBasel travel expert at TourRadar
- Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2026
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (9 destinations)
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2026)
- Treasures of the Rhine from Basel Crucevita Superior
- The Majestic Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Frankfurt-am-Main)
- The Majestic Rhine 2026 - 8 Days (from Basel to Frankfurt-am-Main)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River
- Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery (2026) (Basel to Brussels, 2026)
- Christmas on the Rhine Basel to Amsterdam
The luxurious Avalon Suite Ship awaits in Basel, featuring wall-to-wall panoramic windows. The vessel docks near cities including Breisach and Strasbourg, offering optional excursions to the Black Forest's Vogtsbauernohf museum. Chef-prepared regional cuisine and premium wines complement the voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
- NZ$6,093+$380 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,107
15% Off- NZ$2,641You save $466
The S.S. Antoinette welcomes guests in Basel for a luxury Rhine journey from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. The historic center unfolds before sailing through wine country, with premium riverview accommodations and regional specialty dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,899
10% Off- NZ$6,209You save $690
From Basel's medieval Market Square and red sandstone Town Hall, cruise along scenic waterways aboard MS Crucevita. Experience the city's late Romanesque cathedral and Switzerland's oldest university atmosphere, departing at mid-afternoon for an enchanting river journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
10% Off- NZ$4,078
The Emerald Destiny or Sun welcomes passengers in Basel for an 8-day Rhine adventure. Medieval Basel's charm sets the stage before sailing to Colmar's fairy-tale streets and Strasbourg's UNESCO center. Seven nights unfold in premium suites with panoramic views and gourmet dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,290
60% Off- NZ$6,498You save $9,792
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $14,478
50% Off- NZ$7,239You save $7,239
A warm welcome reception aboard your Scenic Space-Ship awaits in Basel. The city's connection to the Rhine and Black Forest region comes alive before sailing to medieval towns. Basel Cathedral and local vineyard tastings highlight the trip. Between excursions, the ship's innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and premium suites provide luxury relaxation.
Duration 15 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,845
30% Off- NZ$6,845You save $3,000
From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Food absolutely gorgeous. Good animation.”
Melania, traveled in August
MS Symphonie welcomes you with cocktails in Basel. The historic center unfolds before you cruise to Breisach. The local wine regions and Unterlinden Museum in Colmar offer cultural richness. Gourmet dining and evening shows enhance your time aboard.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
30% Off- NZ$5,432
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 up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $14,699
10% Off- NZ$13,229You save $1,470
Basel's medieval Old Town transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with wooden chalet-style huts and aromatic glühwein. Hand-carved decorations and local delicacies showcase finest yuletide traditions, while luxury Viking staterooms await for your Rhine voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From $6,884
38% Off- NZ$4,300You save $2,583
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Basel
- From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River
Very happy with Croisi cruises and the effort they went to, to ensure we had a pleasant cruise. A good boat, good crew, good food, excellent destinations. I have no hesitation in recommending river cruising, being with Croisi or one of the many other cruise companies.
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (10 destinations)
We enjoyed our trip very much. The rooms are clean and tidy. Food served was appreciated by all of us. Everyone is nice and helpful. Thanks for all the arrangement that we had a peaceful time onboard.
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.
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