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
- Christmas on the Rhine Amsterdam to Basel
- Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2025
- Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2025
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2024|2025|2026 - 8 Days (from Amsterdam to Basel)
- Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets Amsterdam → Basel (2025)
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (9 destinations)
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2026)
- Magical Rhine & Moselle Rivers (Amsterdam to Basel)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (14 destinations)
An 8-day Rhine cruise from Amsterdam's historic canals to Basel's medieval Old Town aboard Viking vessels winds through Dutch waterways, German towns, and French territories. River-view staterooms and regional cuisine complement daily shore excursions across 11 cities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From $7,206
36% Off- NZ$4,623You save $2,583
This 8-day adventure aboard Avalon's Suite Ships crosses 4 countries from Amsterdam to Basel. The route winds from Dutch canals through Germany's Rhine Gorge, visiting Cologne's Gothic cathedral, Rüdesheim's wine country, and Strasbourg's La Petite France before reaching Switzerland.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
36% Off- NZ$6,598+$346 upfront costs
The 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard premium Avalon ships stops at 10 iconic ports. Highlights include Cologne's Gothic cathedral, Strasbourg's La Petite France, and the Black Forest. Luxury Panorama Suites and gourmet dining complement festive Christmas markets.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
36% Off- NZ$6,268+$346 upfront costs
The 8-day route from Amsterdam's UNESCO canals to Basel features Cologne's Cathedral market and Strasbourg's Grande Île. Emerald Star-Ship takes you through Rhine Valley, with stops at seven Christmas markets and guided tours in Koblenz and Heidelberg.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $16,152
60% Off- NZ$6,426You save $9,726
This 8-day Christmas market cruise from Amsterdam to Basel winds through UNESCO-listed canals. Highlights include Cologne Cathedral's markets and Ravenna Gorge's traditional stalls. Nine picturesque ports feature Strasbourg's Grande Île and Heidelberg's castle.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
60% Off- NZ$12,852
The 8-day route from Amsterdam to Basel aboard Travelmarvel Capella visits seven cities. Highlights include Amsterdam's historic canals, Cologne Cathedral, Cochem Castle, and Strasbourg's Christkindelsmarik before reaching Basel.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator APT From
60% Off- NZ$3,745+$850 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,780
15% Off- NZ$3,213You save $567
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 up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,399
10% Off- NZ$5,759You save $640
Duration 9 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
10% Off- NZ$8,149
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,845
30% Off- NZ$6,845You save $3,000
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."