River Cruises from Basel to Amsterdam
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10 best River cruises from Basel to Amsterdam
Compiled by
MelissaBasel travel expert at TourRadar
- Rhine Getaway Basel to Amsterdam
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam)
- Classical Rhine Cruise - AMADEUS Queen (Basel - Amsterdam)
- Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2026
- The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound) 2026
- Rhine Highlights 2026 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- The Rhine and Moselle Basel → Amsterdam (2026)
- Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland (2026) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2026)
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets Basel → Amsterdam (2025)
This 8-day Rhine cruise aboard Viking's fleet runs from Basel to Amsterdam, featuring Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral and Heidelberg Castle. The route includes the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley, Marksburg Castle, and optional 2-night extensions in Amsterdam to explore Dutch culture.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From $6,636
45% Off- NZ$3,658You save $2,977
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $5,435
15% Off- NZ$4,619You save $815
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Operator Lueftner Cruises From $3,305
15% Off- NZ$2,809You save $496
The 8-day northbound cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard Avalon's luxury ship visits 12 destinations across 4 countries. Highlights include Strasbourg's La Petite France and the UNESCO Rhine Gorge, finishing with Amsterdam canal cruising past Golden Age mansions.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
15% Off- NZ$6,472+$404 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
15% Off- NZ$9,272+$577 upfront costs
This 8-day Rhine adventure flows from Basel's historic center to Amsterdam's canal-lined streets. The ship glides 65 kilometers through the UNESCO Rhine Gorge, passing 40 medieval castles. Highlights include Strasbourg's Petite France, Baden-Baden's thermal springs, and Cologne's Gothic Cathedral, with luxury accommodations aboard Scenic Space-Ships offering all-inclusive amenities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From
15% Off- NZ$5,885
The 8-day Rhine cruise aboard Travelmarvel Rigel connects Basel to Amsterdam via 7 historic ports. The route passes through the Rhine Gorge's castle-lined banks, Strasbourg's UNESCO center, and Amsterdam's 17th-century canals. Guests enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and 20 included meals.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
15% Off- NZ$4,288+$859 upfront costs
The S.S. Antoinette charts an 11-day course from Basel to Amsterdam's STRAAT Museum. The route winds through Cologne's Old Town, reveals Nijmegen's Roman roots, and finishes with Portuguese Synagogue visits. The voyage connects 14 cities across Switzerland, France, Germany, and Netherlands.
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $7,799
19% Off- NZ$6,299You save $1,500
Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026|2027 - 15 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
A 15-day luxury voyage from Basel's historic port to Amsterdam's UNESCO canals awaits aboard Scenic's fleet. Passengers pass 40 hilltop castles along the Rhine Gorge, visit medieval Cochem, and tour Marksburg Castle. The trip culminates at Utrecht's Domtoren and Amsterdam's 16th-century waterways, featuring premium dining and butler service.
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
This 8-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam visits 7 cities across 4 countries. The Rhine Gorge's majestic castles, Strasbourg's bustling 300-stall Christkindelsmarik, and Amsterdam's Ice Village market await. Travelmarvel Capella provides comfortable lodging with 20 meals and local wine included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
30% Off- NZ$3,945+$859 upfront costs
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Basel to Amsterdam
What is the typical length of river cruise tours from Basel to Amsterdam?
Most tours run between 8 and 15 days, with many travelers choosing the popular 8-11 day trips. AmaWaterways offers a longer 15-day cruise down the Rhine, while Emerald Cruises has a shorter 8-day option. One happy TourRadar traveler told us, "The 8-day itinerary was perfect - enough time to see everything without feeling rushed while enjoying the comfort of the ship."
What are the main stops between Basel and Amsterdam?
Your cruise will take you to Strasbourg in France and several German cities including Breisach, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, and Cologne before reaching Amsterdam. You'll pass through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO site where you'll see medieval castles and hillside vineyards. Most boats stop in Cochem in the Moselle Valley and take you to see places like Heidelberg Castle and Cologne Cathedral. As one TourRadar traveler put it, "the breathtaking views of castles along the Rhine Gorge and the charming old town of Strasbourg."
How much do Basel to Amsterdam river cruises cost?
You can expect to pay between 3,000 USD and 11,690 USD per person, which usually works out to about 500-1,000 USD per day. If you're looking for luxury, Emerald Cruises has an 11-day trip for 11,690 USD. For a mid-range option, Viking Cruises offers an 8-day Rhine trip starting at 4,229 USD. Your ticket typically covers your room, meals, tours, and entertainment on the boat.
What shore excursions can I expect on Basel to Amsterdam cruises?
At each stop, you'll have chances to join city walks and local cultural activities. You can take a trip to the Black Forest from Breisach, explore Strasbourg's cathedral and historic district, visit Heidelberg Castle, cruise through the Rhine Gorge, and tour Amsterdam's canals. TourRadar travelers mention enjoying active options too - you can join bike rides and walks, which are especially nice in Cologne and along the Rhine Valley.
When is the best time to take a Basel to Amsterdam river cruise?
The cruise season runs from April through December. Most people travel between May and September when the weather's warmest and days are longest. If you're interested in Christmas markets, book a December trip. July and August are busy months with lots of departures. Spring and fall are great too - you'll find nice weather and fewer tourists. Many people love going in autumn when they're harvesting grapes in the Rhine Valley.
How long do we stay in each port?
You usually get 4-8 hours to explore each place, and some stops include overnight stays. In Strasbourg, for example, boats typically dock from 9:00 AM until 11:00 PM, so you can join tours and explore on your own. One TourRadar traveler mentioned, "We had wonderful city stops with enough time to explore both with guides and on our own." In bigger cities like Amsterdam and Basel, you often get a full day or night to see more.
What's it like sailing through the Rhine Gorge?
The Rhine Gorge is often the highlight of the trip. You'll pass medieval castles and the famous Lorelei Rock during daylight hours, usually between Rüdesheim and Koblenz. The crew points out interesting sights along the way. TourRadar travelers love this part - one said "The panorama of the myth-enshrouded Middle Rhine Valley with its castles and vineyards was absolutely spectacular." Most people hang out on the sun deck to get the best views.