River Cruises from Basel
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Basel
Compiled by

MelissaBasel travel expert at TourRadar
- Treasures of the Rhine from Basel Crucevita Superior
- Treasures of the Rhine from Basel Crucevita Main Cabin
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- The Majestic Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Frankfurt-am-Main)
- Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets Basel to Amsterdam (2025)
- The Rhine and Moselle Basel → Amsterdam (2026)
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2026 Start Basel, End Amsterdam
- Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals 2026 Start Basel, End Amsterdam
- Christmas on the Rhine Basel to Amsterdam
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
- NZ$4,069
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$3,578
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
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 $21,651
62% Off- NZ$8,306You save $13,345
Basel's enchanting Christmas Market sets a festive mood as you board the Travelmarvel Capella. A 7-night cruise begins with a Welcome Reception and local wines. The historic center reveals its charm before sailing towards the Black Forest region.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
62% Off- NZ$3,745+$850 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 up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
62% Off- NZ$4,145
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $17,451
60% Off- NZ$7,046You save $10,405
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
60% Off- NZ$6,717+$411 upfront costs
The elegant AmaStella welcomes passengers in Basel. The medieval Old Town provides the first glimpse before sailing to Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. Wine tastings, guided walks, and UNESCO heritage sites fill daily excursions.
Duration 15 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, England Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
60% Off- NZ$13,436+$839 upfront costs
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 $6,922
38% Off- NZ$4,325You save $2,598
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Basel
- Treasures of the Rhine cruise (Basel-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita
Unfortunately the Rhine was flooded and our trip had to be adjusted. We felt the company did a great job of keeping us informed with all changes as quickly as they happened.
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam)
With the price paid for this cruise, it should be ALL inclusive. The ship should have hand sanitizing stations. Entertainment after dinner needs to be a bit more entertaining. More history or description of the places we pass by would be appreciated. Optional excursions should be refundable when a passenger is unable to go.
- From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise) (9 destinations)
We enjoyed our river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. The ship and staff were great but the choice of excursions and the entertainment (with the exception of Francisco, he was great). were less impressive. Thankfully we were able to go off the ship on our own.
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.