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
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2026
- Jewels of the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Jewels of the Rhine 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2025
- Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets Basel → Amsterdam (2025)
- From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River
- From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
- Rhine Holiday Markets (2026) (Basel to Cologne, 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 $7,654
35% Off- NZ$4,990You save $2,664
The AmaWaterways' fleet welcomes guests in Basel's port. Multiple excursions include medieval Colmar tours and countryside cycling. The Chef's Table offers gourmet dining, complemented by unlimited fine wines and evening entertainment while docked in Basel's historic port.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
35% Off- NZ$6,897+$421 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $19,164
59% Off- NZ$7,899You save $11,264
Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
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 Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,845
30% Off- NZ$6,845You save $3,000
The luxurious Emerald Cruises' Star-Ship welcomes you in Basel with a special dinner. The nearby Black Forest region offers authentic tastings in Freiburg and optional Colmar tours, all while enjoying premium river accommodations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $13,443
50% Off- NZ$6,722You save $6,722
Avalon's Suite Ship welcomes passengers at Basel's historic riverport, featuring panoramic windows and elegant dining venues. Chef-prepared regional specialties and complimentary wines flow while medieval towns drift past. Guided excursions reveal Black Forest villages and traditional wineries.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$6,560+$353 upfront costs
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
50% Off- NZ$3,824+$833 upfront costs
From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“First class experience - no complaints.”
Kevin, 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 All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$5,690
From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Our overall experience was GOOD.”
Gerrit, traveled in September
Duration 7 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$3,571
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,799
10% Off- NZ$6,119You save $680
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Basel
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2026
We enjoyed the New Year AMA cruise,especially the food,the pleasant ambiance on the boat and the friendly staff. Although the weather was not amazing,the organised trips were good and there was plenty of variety.The mixture of nationalities and age groups was a real bonus and we met many interesting people from all over the world. A better variety of evening entertainment would have made the experience even better. (For us ,too much loud music,especially on New Year’s Eve ,when we would have liked something rather more special than just a loud disco.) Generally though a very enjoyable experience to be recommended.
- 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.