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
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (9 destinations)
- Rhine Getaway Amsterdam to Basel
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Basel)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Basel)
- Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2026
- Tulips & the Rhine 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Amsterdam to Basel)
- Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland (2026) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2026)
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)
- Active & Discovery on the Rhine (Southbound) 2026
- From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $4,661
15% Off- NZ$3,962You save $699
Rhine Getaway Amsterdam to Basel
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food on board was incredible. I have never been so well fed. The staff were all cheerful and friendly and they worked very hard to make us all happy.”
Jennifer, traveled in June
This 8-day cruise from Amsterdam's historic canals to Basel's cultural center showcases UNESCO sites. Kinderdijk windmills, Cologne Cathedral, and medieval Marksburg Castle line the route. Viking longships offer river-view staterooms and regional cuisine.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From $7,952
34% Off- NZ$5,224You save $2,728
Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Amsterdam to Basel)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
The 15-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel spans 492 miles along the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Stops at 14 ports include Utrecht's De Haar Castle, Cochem's Reichsburg fortress, and Strasbourg's Grand Ile. Shore excursions at each destination lead up to the final stop in medieval Basel.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $10,145
30% Off- NZ$7,145You save $3,000
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,870
23% Off- NZ$9,870You save $3,000
An 8-day luxury cruise from Amsterdam's historic canals leads to Basel's medieval center aboard Avalon's ships. The route includes UNESCO's Rhine Gorge, Cologne Cathedral, and Strasbourg's La Petite France. Suite accommodations offer wall-to-wall windows and gourmet dining with regional wines.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
23% Off- NZ$6,394+$399 upfront costs
The 8-day route from Amsterdam's Keukenhof Gardens to Basel's museums unfolds aboard Emerald Star-Ships. Four countries showcase Cologne's Cathedral, Koblenz's fortress, and Strasbourg's Petite France, concluding in Basel's cultural district with airport transfers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $14,503
50% Off- NZ$7,251You save $7,251
The 11-day voyage from Amsterdam's STRAAT Museum to Basel's Feldschlösschen Brewery unfolds aboard S.S. Antoinette. Highlights include Cologne's Romanesque churches, Oberwesel's medieval village, and Strasbourg's half-timbered old town, with luxury accommodations throughout.
Duration 11 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From
50% Off- NZ$8,980
Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)
44 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The crew, accommodation, food and tours were excellent.”
Paul, traveled in September
This 8-day luxury cruise aboard AMADEUS ships covers 500 miles from Amsterdam to Basel. The route weaves through Dutch waterways, German castles, French countryside, and Swiss landscapes. Highlights include Cologne Cathedral, Strasbourg's Petite France, and Basel's tri-country corner.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$4,864
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$7,086+$399 upfront costs
From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful scenery and the crew of the MS Symphonie Croisi Europe made our trip very special.”
Elaine, traveled in June
The eight-day route from Amsterdam to Basel aboard MS Symphonie covers 11 cities. Amsterdam's Keukenhof Gardens, Cologne's Gothic cathedral, and Colmar's Unterlinden Museum highlight the journey. French cuisine and panoramic cabin views enhance the experience.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$3,850
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."