River Cruises from Amsterdam to Basel
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10 best River cruises from Amsterdam to Basel
Compiled by
MelissaAmsterdam travel expert at TourRadar
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Basel)
- Captivating Rhine (Christmas Cruise) 2025
- Romantic Rhine and Moselle Scenic Club Departure 2026 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Basel)
- Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
- Reflections on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
- Magical Rhine and Moselle Rivers (Amsterdam to Basel)
- Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas Cruise) 2026
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2026)
- The Rhine and Moselle Amsterdam → Basel (2026)
- Magical Rhine and Moselle Rivers (Zurich to Amsterdam)
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,870
22% Off- NZ$10,070You save $2,800
Captivating Rhine (Christmas Cruise) 2025
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise experience has not failed me a bit. Am recommending it to more friends.”
Charurat, traveled in October
An 8-day voyage aboard premium ships like AmaViola or AmaCerto connects Amsterdam to Basel. The route includes 9 cities including Düsseldorf, Strasbourg, and Breisach. Highlights feature the UNESCO Rhine Gorge and medieval towns with expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
22% Off- NZ$10,552+$422 upfront costs
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,170
22% Off- NZ$7,970You save $2,200
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
22% Off- NZ$7,211+$406 upfront costs
The route from Amsterdam to Basel on Avalon Imagery II features Cologne's twin-spired cathedral and Heidelberg's hilltop castle. The itinerary includes UNESCO Rhine Gorge, Strasbourg's La Petite France, and Black Forest traditions at the Vogtsbauernhof museum.
Duration 10 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
22% Off- NZ$8,970+$523 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
22% Off- NZ$8,149
The 8-day voyage from Amsterdam to Basel aboard AmaSerena spans 4 countries. Highlights include the UNESCO Rhine Gorge, Strasbourg's La Petite France, and optional excursions like Basel's three-country bike tour or Europe's largest waterfall, Rhine Falls.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
22% Off- NZ$6,859+$440 upfront costs
The S.S. Antoinette carries passengers on an 8-day luxury cruise covering 500 river miles from Amsterdam to Basel. The route includes Cologne's medieval gates, Strasbourg's half-timbered district, and Rüdesheim's wine estates before reaching Basel's EuroAirport.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,399
23% Off- NZ$4,899You save $1,500
A river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard Travelmarvel Rigel spans four countries over eight days. The journey features Cologne Cathedral, Cochem Castle, and Strasbourg's Franco-German quarter, plus Rüdesheim's musical museum and the Black Forest.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
23% Off- NZ$4,145+$850 upfront costs
Duration 9 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From
23% Off- NZ$8,149
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Amsterdam to Basel
What are the typical stops on an Amsterdam to Basel river cruise?
Your journey starts in Amsterdam and winds through several charming cities along the Rhine. You'll stop in Cologne to see its famous cathedral, then continue to Koblenz and Rüdesheim. The cruise visits Mannheim and Speyer in Germany, followed by the French city of Strasbourg before reaching Basel. Many travelers love staying at places like the Grand Hotel Amrâth in Amsterdam. One TourRadar traveler summed it up nicely: "The castles along the Rhine make the trip a very enjoyable cruise."
How many countries do these river cruises typically visit?
Your cruise will take you through four countries: starting in the Netherlands, spending several days in Germany with stops like Cologne and Koblenz, visiting France where you'll explore Strasbourg, and finishing in Switzerland at Basel. If you choose a longer trip like the 15-day Grand Rhine and Dutch Canals route, you might also visit Belgium.
What are the main highlights and stops along an Amsterdam to Basel river cruise?
Your trip starts with Amsterdam's beautiful canals, then continues to Cologne where you can explore its towering Gothic Cathedral. You'll cruise through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO site with more than 40 castles, and stop in the wine town of Rüdesheim. The journey includes medieval Strasbourg in France's Alsace region and the Black Forest area near Breisach. One TourRadar traveler shared: "seeing the castles along the Rhine Gorge while sailing was absolutely magical." You'll also visit Koblenz, where two rivers meet, and get to explore Heidelberg's hillside castle.
What is the average duration of Amsterdam to Basel river cruises?
Most river cruises between Amsterdam and Basel take 8 days, though some extend to 10 days. You'll cover about 500 miles along the Rhine River, passing through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. The ships dock overnight in different ports like Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Many travelers enjoy staying at places like the Victoria Hotel in Koblenz during their journey.
When is the best time to take a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel?
The best cruising happens from April through October when the weather is good for both sailing and exploring. Summer months of July and August are warmest at around 75°F (24°C). Spring and fall are great if you prefer mild weather and fewer tourists. Many people also love the Christmas market cruises in November and December. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "September offered perfect weather and beautiful fall colors along the Rhine."
What are the most visited destinations between Amsterdam and Basel on these cruises?
Your cruise will take you to Cologne, where you can visit its impressive Gothic cathedral. You'll sail through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO site packed with castles, and stop in Rüdesheim to learn about its wine traditions. Strasbourg offers an interesting mix of French and German culture, and you'll get to explore the beautiful Black Forest region near Breisach. One TourRadar traveler shared: "Visiting the small cities along the Rhine was nice, especially exploring places like Cochem Castle and the medieval town of Bernkastel."