River Cruises from Basel
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10 best River Cruise tour packages from Basel
Compiled by
MelissaBasel travel expert at TourRadar
- Treasures of the Rhine from Basel Crucevita Superior
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle 2026 - 15 Days (from Basel to Amsterdam)
- The Majestic Rhine 2025 - 8 Days (from Basel to Frankfurt-am-Main)
- Rhine Getaway Basel to Amsterdam
- Magical Christmas extravaganzas in Switzerland and Alsace along the Rhine (port-to-port cruise) (6 destinations)
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine 2026 Start Basel, End Amsterdam
- Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards 2025 - 11 Days
- Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Bruges 2026 - 18 Days (from Basel to Brussels)
- The Rhine and Moselle Basel → Amsterdam (2026)
- Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets Basel to Amsterdam (2025)
From Basel's medieval Market Square and red sandstone Town Hall, cruise along scenic waterways aboard MS Crucevita. Experience the city's late Romanesque cathedral and Switzerland's oldest university atmosphere, departing at mid-afternoon for an enchanting river journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
- NZ$4,090
A warm welcome reception aboard your Scenic Space-Ship awaits in Basel. The city's connection to the Rhine and Black Forest region comes alive before sailing to medieval towns. Basel Cathedral and local vineyard tastings highlight the trip. Between excursions, the ship's innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and premium suites provide luxury relaxation.
Duration 15 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $9,845
30% Off- NZ$6,845You save $3,000
The Emerald Destiny or Sun welcomes passengers in Basel for an 8-day Rhine adventure. Medieval Basel's charm sets the stage before sailing to Colmar's fairy-tale streets and Strasbourg's UNESCO center. Seven nights unfold in premium suites with panoramic views and gourmet dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $20,508
62% Off- NZ$7,751You save $12,757
Viking's luxury ships, complete with river-view staterooms and heated bathroom floors, await at Basel's historic riverfront. The Black Forest's traditional workshops showcase local craftsmanship, while Swiss cuisine delights the palate. Expert guides lead tours through Basel's medieval Old Town.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From $5,751
44% Off- NZ$3,193You save $2,558
Duration 4 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
44% Off- NZ$2,057
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator AmaWaterways From
44% Off- NZ$6,673+$408 upfront costs
The waterfront of Basel sets the stage for an extraordinary cruise aboard Emerald Cruises' Star-Ship. Medieval Marksburg Castle, Colmar's timber-framed old town, and exclusive wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg await. The 10-night luxury voyage includes 29 meals and guided excursions.
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $19,507
59% Off- NZ$8,085You save $11,422
Your Scenic Space-Ship hosts a welcome reception in Basel. The city's unique position between Rhine River and Black Forest sets the stage before sailing to Breisach's volcanic Kaiserstuhl vineyards. Fairy-tale Colmar's canals and historic Freiburg Munster cathedral showcase 13th-century architecture.
Duration 18 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $13,310
23% Off- NZ$10,310You save $3,000
The Travelmarvel Rigel provides an intimate river cruise from Basel. Premium river-view rooms complement 20 included meals with local wines. Guided tours reveal Basel's vibrant nightlife, while historic houses and medieval bridges showcase the city's maritime heritage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
23% Off- NZ$4,145
Basel's enchanting Christmas Market sets a festive mood as you board the Travelmarvel Capella. A 7-night cruise begins with a Welcome Reception and local wines. The historic center reveals its charm before sailing towards the Black Forest region.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
23% Off- NZ$3,745+$850 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours from Basel
- Treasures of the Rhine cruise (Basel-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita
We found this very relaxing way travel
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam)
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.
- From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise) (9 destinations)
We enjoyed our river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. The ship and staff were great but the choice of excursions and the entertainment (with the exception of Francisco, he was great). were less impressive. Thankfully we were able to go off the ship on our own.
What our customers ask about River Cruises from Basel
What's the best time to take a river cruise starting from Basel?
May through September is ideal for Basel river cruises, with comfortable temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and little rain. Each season has something special to offer - you'll see flowers blooming along the Rhine in spring, enjoy warm weather perfect for exploring in summer, or experience magical Christmas markets in December. Many travelers find May and September sweet spots, with nice weather and fewer tourists than peak summer months.
What are the most popular stops after departing Basel on Rhine river cruises?
Your first stops after Basel will be Breisach and Strasbourg, followed by Mannheim, Rüdesheim, and Cologne. Breisach is usually your first main stop - it's a lovely town between the Black Forest and Alsace wine region. Many travelers love taking a trip to nearby Colmar from Breisach. As one traveler told us, "the fairytale-like atmosphere of Colmar's old town was an unexpected highlight after leaving Basel."
How many countries do Rhine river cruises typically visit when starting from Basel?
You'll visit 4-6 countries on most Basel cruises. The usual route takes you through Switzerland, France (stopping in Strasbourg), Germany (where you'll see places like Cologne and Koblenz), and the Netherlands (ending in Amsterdam). Some longer trips like the Jewels of the Rhine & Copenhagen add Denmark or Belgium to the mix. Travelers often mention how much they enjoy experiencing the different cultures as they cruise through each country.
What are the main attractions included in the first few days after departing Basel?
Right after leaving Basel, you'll visit Breisach in Germany's Black Forest and Strasbourg in France's Alsace region. In Strasbourg, you can explore La Petite France with its beautiful old houses and see the impressive Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Your ship might also take you to spots like the Freiburg Botanical Gardens, and you'll get to try local wines in the Baden-Baden area.
How do river cruise ships handle transportation between Basel and major airports?
Most cruise lines will pick you up for free from either Basel Airport (BSL) or Zürich Airport (ZRH) and take you to your ship in Basel, usually at the Rhine pier or St. Johann port. It's about a 15-minute drive from Basel Airport (4.3 miles) or 1.5 hours from Zürich (53 miles). If you want to arrive early, you can stay at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois or Hyperion Hotel Basel near the dock. One happy traveler told us "the seamless transfer service made arrival day stress-free."
How much free time is available to explore each port independently?
You'll usually get 4-8 hours to explore each stop on your own, and in bigger cities like Strasbourg and Amsterdam, you might even stay overnight. When you're in Basel, you'll have a whole day to check out places like the Basel Minster and Old Town at your own pace. Travelers really like how the cruises mix guided tours with free time to explore places like Koblenz's Deutsches Eck and Cologne's historic center.