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
- Enchanting Rhine 2026
- Rhine Getaway Basel to Amsterdam
- Jewels of the Rhine 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Rhine Highlights 2026 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound) 2026
- Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets Basel → Amsterdam (2025)
- Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards with Amsterdam 2026|2027 - 13 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland (2026) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2026)
- Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets Basel to Amsterdam (2025)
- Enchanting Rhine 2025
The 8-day river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam connects 14 cities across 4 countries. AmaWaterways' ships sail through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, passing medieval castles and vineyards. Guests enjoy daily guided excursions, gourmet dining, and well-appointed staterooms with twin balconies.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
- NZ$5,349+$418 upfront costs
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 $7,476
36% Off- NZ$4,796You save $2,680
An 8-day Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam visits 9 cities across 4 countries. The itinerary features Heidelberg Castle, the German Corner in Koblenz, and Alkmaar's cheese market. Guests travel aboard Emerald Cruises' luxury Star-Ship with panoramic suites.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $13,364
50% Off- NZ$6,682You save $6,682
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
50% Off- NZ$5,885
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$8,863+$552 upfront costs
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
50% Off- NZ$3,847+$837 upfront costs
Duration 13 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $19,904
46% Off- NZ$10,713You save $9,191
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
10% Off- NZ$7,019You save $780
The Travelmarvel Capella sails an 8-day route from Basel to Amsterdam, visiting 7 cities in 4 countries. Passengers glide through the castle-rich Rhine Gorge, wander Strasbourg's UNESCO-protected center, and finish at Amsterdam's atmospheric Ice Village Market.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
10% Off- NZ$3,847+$837 upfront costs
A spectacular 8-day river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard luxurious ships like AmaLucia connects 9 destinations. The route includes medieval Colmar, UNESCO-listed Strasbourg, and the castle-rich Rhine Gorge, featuring premium accommodations with twin balconies and exclusive dining at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
10% Off- NZ$6,185+$401 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Basel to Amsterdam
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (10 destinations)
It was wonderful. Some communication problems occurred between time to be at the bus versus when the bus was leaving. We had to wait 4 1/2 hours as a result. Water was not provided and we were told nothing by the guide. But aside from that, the crew, the food, accommodations, were all excellent.
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.