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
- Jewels of the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Christmas on the Rhine Basel to Amsterdam
- Rhine Highlights 2026|2027 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- Tulips & the Rhine 2026 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
- Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals 2025 Start Basel, End Amsterdam
- Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets Basel → Amsterdam (2025)
- Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets Basel to Amsterdam (2025)
- Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $13,513
63% Off- NZ$5,065You save $8,447
A festive winter route leads from Basel's Old Town through 9 charming cities to Amsterdam's canal-lined streets. The 8-day voyage features Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik, Cologne's magnificent Gothic Cathedral markets, and Dordrecht's historic harbors. The luxury Viking ship offers elegant accommodation and regional cuisine for approx. $560 per day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Viking Cruises From $7,652
34% Off- NZ$5,026You save $2,625
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $5,455
24% Off- NZ$4,155You save $1,300
The 8-day river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard Emerald Sun connects 9 cities across 4 countries. Highlights include Strasbourg's UNESCO Old Town, medieval Koblenz, and Keukenhof Gardens with 800+ tulip varieties. Luxury accommodation and 20 curated meals included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $14,696
50% Off- NZ$7,348You save $7,348
From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Our overall experience was GOOD.”
Gerrit, traveled in September
Duration 7 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
50% Off- NZ$3,311
This 15-day AmaStella cruise from Basel to Amsterdam visits 12 cities. Highlights include the UNESCO Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg Castle, Cologne's Gothic Cathedral, and Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum. Activities feature hiking Philosopher's Path and cycling through Kinderdijk's windmills.
Duration 15 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range Ages 12+ Operator AmaWaterways From
50% Off- NZ$13,188+$812 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$3,768+$820 upfront costs
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
50% Off- NZ$3,768+$820 upfront costs
The 8-day route from Basel to Amsterdam aboard Avalon View spans 4 countries. Covering 820 miles through the Rhine Valley, visits include Strasbourg's La Petite France and Cologne's twin-spired cathedral, featuring exclusive wine tastings and Panorama Suite accommodation.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
50% Off- NZ$6,087+$355 upfront costs
Embark in Basel's medieval port, cruising 8 days through the Rhine Valley to Amsterdam's UNESCO canals. Journey covers 4 countries, stopping at Breisach's Black Forest markets, Strasbourg's Grande Île, and Cologne's Cathedral Square, before concluding with Dutch Golden Age architecture tours.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Emerald Cruises From $21,123
58% Off- NZ$8,870You save $12,253
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Basel to Amsterdam
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (10 destinations)
We enjoyed our trip very much. The rooms are clean and tidy. Food served was appreciated by all of us. Everyone is nice and helpful. Thanks for all the arrangement that we had a peaceful time onboard.
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.