About Basel
Basel, which lies in the northwest region of Switzerland, near its French and German borders, is a delightful city with a rich history, intriguing medieval quarter, fabulous art galleries and stunning architecture. It also boasts a lively social scene, much of which focuses around the city's most important asset, the meandering Rhine River.
The mighty river first becomes navigable at Basel, which makes the city the nearest thing landlocked Switzerland has to a seaport, and residents really make the most of it. The river banks are lined with restaurants and hotels (which charge extra for a river-view room).
Many residents use little tow-lined ferries rather than bridges to travel between Grossbasel (Big Basel, home to the medieval Old Town) on the south bank and Kleinbasel (Little Basel, center of the city's lively social scene) on the north bank.
Basel is an important turnaround port for Rhine riverboats, many of which run between there and Amsterdam on weekly rotations. Because it's an embarkation and debarkation port, many river cruise passengers spend at least a day in Basel , which is no hardship, considering it's not only a fascinating city, but also a gateway to Alsace and Germany's Black Forest region.
Find Cruises to Basel
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Viking River Cruises)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Kinderdijk
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Speyer
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsViking Alruna - Viking River Cruises
Suites with separate bedrooms and sitting rooms
Daily excursions, drinks with lunch and dinner and other extras included in the fare
Attentive, English-speaking crew
ReviewsViking Alruna Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Viking River Cruises)]()
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Day 1Basel
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Day 2Breisach
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Day 3Strasbourg
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Day 4Speyer
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Day 5Koblenz
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Day 6Cologne
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Day 7Kinderdijk
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Day 8Amsterdam
Ship DetailsViking Eir - Viking River Cruises
Sails Europe's Rhine and Danube
Tours and most drinks included in price
Real balcony cabins; a rarity in river cruising
ReviewsViking Eir Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Viking River Cruises)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Kinderdijk
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Speyer
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsViking Eir - Viking River Cruises
Sails Europe's Rhine and Danube
Tours and most drinks included in price
Real balcony cabins; a rarity in river cruising
ReviewsViking Eir Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Viking River Cruises)]()
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Day 1Basel
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Day 2Breisach
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Day 3Strasbourg
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Day 4Speyer
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Day 5Koblenz
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Day 6Cologne
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Day 7Kinderdijk
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Day 8Amsterdam
Ship DetailsViking Alruna - Viking River Cruises
Suites with separate bedrooms and sitting rooms
Daily excursions, drinks with lunch and dinner and other extras included in the fare
Attentive, English-speaking crew
ReviewsViking Alruna Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Viking River Cruises)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Kinderdijk
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Speyer
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsViking Hermod - Viking River Cruises
Tours and most drinks included in price
Real balcony cabins; a rarity in river cruising
Sails France's Saône and Rhône Rivers
ReviewsViking Hermod Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Viking River Cruises)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Kinderdijk
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Speyer
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsViking Tialfi - Viking River Cruises
Destination-intensive itineraries with included daily excursions
Varied cuisine with complimentary drinks at lunch and dinner
Attractive Scandinavian-inspired design
ReviewsViking Tialfi Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Scenic)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Amsterdam
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Mannheim
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Day 6Baden-Baden
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Day 7Strasbourg
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsScenic Ruby - Scenic
Pros
Gratuities, booze, excursions and butlers all included in fare
Cons
Spotty Wi-Fi, slow room service with limited menu
Bottom Line
Unlimited free beverages, butlers and no tipping = relaxing way to see Europe
ReviewsScenic Ruby Reviews
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Day 1: Berlin
Day 3: Frankfurt
Day 4: Rudesheim
Day 5: Koblenz
Day 6: Heidelberg
Day 7: Baden-Baden
Day 8: Strasbourg
Day 10: Basel
9 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Ship DetailsEmerald Sun - Emerald Waterways
Pros
Modern design in public areas and cabins, enclosed indoor pool, included gratuities
Cons
Perfunctory service; lackluster dining
Bottom Line
A good value with a contemporary feel, moderate inclusions and a casual, friendly atmosphere
ReviewsEmerald Sun Reviews
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Day 1: Berlin
Day 3: Frankfurt
Day 4: Rudesheim
Day 5: Koblenz
Day 6: Heidelberg
Day 7: Baden-Baden
Day 8: Strasbourg
Day 10: Basel
Day 10: Lucerne
Day 12: Zurich
12 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![12 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Emerald Waterways)]()
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Day 1Berlin
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Day 2Berlin
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Day 3Berlin
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Day 3Frankfurt
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Day 4Rudesheim
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Day 5Koblenz
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Day 6Heidelberg
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Day 7Baden-Baden
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Day 7Black Forest
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Day 7Rastatt
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Day 8Kehl
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Day 8Riquewihr
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Day 8Strasbourg
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Day 9Breisach
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Day 9Colmar
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Day 10Basel
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Day 10Lucerne
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Day 11Luzern
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Day 12Lucerne
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Day 12Zurich
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Day 13Zurich
Ship DetailsEmerald Dawn - Emerald Waterways
Contemporary ship with a friendly vibe
Swimming pool that converts into a movie theater
Value for money fares
ReviewsEmerald Dawn Reviews
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Day 1: Amsterdam
Day 3: Cologne
Day 4: Koblenz
Day 5: Heidelberg
Day 6: Strasbourg
Day 8: Basel
Day 8: Lucerne
Day 10: Zurich
10 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Ship DetailsEmerald Destiny - Emerald Waterways
Star-Ship design features heated pool with retractable roof
Line offers inclusions at a reasonable fare
Bikes onboard as well as active excursions
ReviewsEmerald Destiny Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Avalon Waterways)]()
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Day 1Basel
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Day 2Breisach
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Day 3Strasbourg
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Day 4Ludwigshafen
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Day 5Rudesheim
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Day 6Cologne
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Day 7Amsterdam
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Day 8Amsterdam
Ship DetailsAvalon Visionary - Avalon Waterways
Pros
Panoramic sliding-glass doors that create "open-air balconies" and beds facing the river
Cons
All plugs are European only
Bottom Line
An intimate and comfortable ship, small enough to sail places others can't
ReviewsAvalon Visionary Reviews
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4 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Day 1Frankfurt
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Day 2Heidelberg
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Day 3Strasbourg
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Day 4Breisach
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Day 5Basel
Ship DetailsAvalon Imagery II - Avalon Waterways
Sightseeing excursions led by local guides
Beds in most rooms face the windows, not the wall
Fare includes wine with dinner, tours and Wi-Fi
ReviewsAvalon Imagery II Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Avalon Waterways)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Amsterdam
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Mainz
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsAvalon Visionary - Avalon Waterways
Pros
Panoramic sliding-glass doors that create "open-air balconies" and beds facing the river
Cons
All plugs are European only
Bottom Line
An intimate and comfortable ship, small enough to sail places others can't
ReviewsAvalon Visionary Reviews
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4 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Day 1Basel
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Day 2Breisach
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Day 3Strasbourg
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Day 4Speyer
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Day 5Frankfurt
Ship DetailsAvalon Tranquility II - Avalon Waterways
Spacious 200 square foot standard cabins
High levels of comfort and personal service
Panoramic windows are largest in industry
ReviewsAvalon Tranquility II Reviews
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8 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Day 1Nuremberg
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Day 2Bamberg
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Day 3Wurzburg
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Day 4Wurzburg
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Day 5Frankfurt
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Day 6Boppard
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Day 7Strasbourg
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Day 8Breisach
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Day 9Basel
Ship DetailsAvalon Imagery II - Avalon Waterways
Sightseeing excursions led by local guides
Beds in most rooms face the windows, not the wall
Fare includes wine with dinner, tours and Wi-Fi
ReviewsAvalon Imagery II Reviews
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Day 1: Budapest
Day 2: Vienna
Day 4: Durnstein
Day 5: Passau
Day 6: Regensburg
Day 7: Nuremberg
Day 9: Bamberg
Day 10: Wurzburg
Day 12: Frankfurt
Day 14: Strasbourg
15 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
Ship DetailsAvalon Imagery II - Avalon Waterways
Sightseeing excursions led by local guides
Beds in most rooms face the windows, not the wall
Fare includes wine with dinner, tours and Wi-Fi
ReviewsAvalon Imagery II Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Avalon Waterways)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Amsterdam
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Mainz
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsAvalon Tranquility II - Avalon Waterways
Spacious 200 square foot standard cabins
High levels of comfort and personal service
Panoramic windows are largest in industry
ReviewsAvalon Tranquility II Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (AmaWaterways)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Amsterdam
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Rudesheim
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Day 5Ludwigshafen
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Basel
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsAmaPrima - AmaWaterways
Terrific variety of fee-free shore excursions
Many cabins offer French and traditional verandahs
Warm and personable service
ReviewsAmaPrima Reviews
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Day 1: Basel
Day 4: Strasbourg
Day 5: Speyer
Day 6: Mainz
Day 6: Rudesheim
Day 7: Koblenz
Day 8: Cologne
Day 9: Amsterdam
10 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Ship DetailsCrystal Bach - Crystal River Cruises
Pros
Exceptional dining and wine options makes ship a foodie haven
Cons
Nascent enrichment programming still has holes
Bottom Line
Beautifully designed ship with top-notch service provides luxurious cruising experience
ReviewsCrystal Bach Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Amsterdam
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Koblenz
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Day 5Cruising
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Day 5Rudesheim
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Day 6Mannheim
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Day 7Strasbourg
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsCrystal Debussy - Crystal River Cruises
Sailings on the Rhine, Danube and Main rivers
Launching in April 2018
Onboard water-sports equipment includes kayaks, bikes and personal watercrafts
ReviewsCrystal Debussy Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
Cruise Itinerary
![7 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Viking River Cruises)]()
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Kinderdijk
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Koblenz
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Day 5Speyer
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Day 6Strasbourg
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsViking Mimir - Viking River Cruises
Pros
Design is modern, sleek, clean; staff goes above and beyond
Cons
Food is standard and bland; few options for active passengers
Bottom Line
This Longship represents the best of Viking: quality accommodations, great service and value
ReviewsViking Mimir Reviews
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4 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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![4 Night Cruise to Basel Route (Avalon Waterways)]()
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Day 1Frankfurt
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Day 2Heidelberg
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Day 3Strasbourg
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Day 4Breisach
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Day 5Basel
Ship DetailsAvalon Envision - Avalon Waterways
Pros
Emphasis on more space; lower draft to handle low/high river levels
Cons
No USB ports by the bed (coming in 2020)
Bottom Line
Ship continues the line's focus on views and interesting excursions
ReviewsAvalon Envision Reviews
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4 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Day 1Basel
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Day 2Breisach
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Day 3Strasbourg
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Day 4Speyer
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Day 5Frankfurt
Ship DetailsAvalon Envision - Avalon Waterways
Pros
Emphasis on more space; lower draft to handle low/high river levels
Cons
No USB ports by the bed (coming in 2020)
Bottom Line
Ship continues the line's focus on views and interesting excursions
ReviewsAvalon Envision Reviews
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7 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Day 1Amsterdam
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Day 2Amsterdam
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Day 3Cologne
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Day 4Rudesheim
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Day 5Ludwigshafen
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Day 6Gengenbach
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Day 7Breisach
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Day 8Basel
Ship DetailsReviewsAmaSiena Reviews
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Day 1: Vienna
Day 3: Melk
Day 4: Passau
Day 5: Regensburg
Day 6: Nuremberg
Day 9: Bamberg
Day 10: Wurzburg
Day 12: Rudesheim
Day 13: Heidelberg
Day 14: Strasbourg
15 NightCruise to BaselHide Cruise InfoItinerary
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Ship DetailsAvalon Tranquility II - Avalon Waterways
Spacious 200 square foot standard cabins
High levels of comfort and personal service
Panoramic windows are largest in industry
ReviewsAvalon Tranquility II Reviews
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Pros: Charming Basel combines medieval architecture with a lively social scene.
Cons: Most shops are closed on Sundays, museums on Mondays.
Bottom Line: This city offers a unique vibe with subtle French and German influences.
The landing stage for riverboat passengers is between Johanniterbrucke and Dreirosenbrucke, out in the suburbs. You cannot walk there from town.
There's nothing much near the boat dock, just suburban streets. The best bet is to go to the tram station (an easy few minutes' walk away) and head for central Basel. Residents are very friendly and will help with directions.
Most of the shops are closed Sundays. Main shopping hours in Basel are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, though big department stores tend to stay open later, until 8 p.m., and Thursday is late-night shopping day, when most city stores are open until 8:30 p.m. or 9 p.m.
If you are in the city on a Monday and love art and culture, you might be disappointed because nearly all the city's galleries and museums are closed on that day. A notable exception is the Fondation Beyeler and Basel Munster.
From the Airport: The EuroAirport Basel is located 15 minutes away from central Basel (by taxi). Alternatively -- if you're traveling light -- you can take a tram to the German railway station Badischer Bahnhof and pick up Bus No. 50 to the airport.
Every traveler staying in a hotel in Basel receives a free Mobility Ticket when they check in. This is valid for 30 days and allows free use of Basel's excellent public transportation system; it also extends into the city (zones 10, 11, 13 and 15, including the airport).
If you're staying in Basel before your river cruise, print out the hotel reservation confirmation and take it with you because you'll also qualify for free transport from the airport to your hotel if you show it to the bus or tram driver.
By Tram: Basel is immensely -- and rightly -- proud of its transportation system, and tourist offices and hotels are very efficient at advising which particular trams you need to take to get to various parts of the city. Residents also are very helpful, and most speak English, at least to some extent.
By Taxi: Basel prides itself on being an eco-friendly city, so extensive use of taxis is somewhat frowned upon and correspondingly expensive. A taxi from the city center to the EuroAirport costs about CHF 40, while a cab to the Swiss or German railway stations (SBB Bahnhof or Badischer Bahnhof/BBF) would cost about CHF 20. And that's without surcharges for trips in the evening or on Sundays.
Taxi services include 33er Taxi AG (+41 61 333 33 33) and Taxiphon Genossenschaft (+41 61 444 44 44).
By Car: All the major car rental companies -- including Hertz, Avis and EuropCar -- are represented in Basel.
By Rail: If you want to go traveling before or after your cruise, Basel offers good rail links throughout Switzerland (including to Geneva and Zurich). It also has fast links to destinations in France and Germany. Paris is about five hours away, Frankfurt just under four, Brussels about seven and Berlin nearly a 10-hour trip. You can zip over to lovely Strasbourg in only 90 minutes.
The currency in Switzerland is Swiss francs. For exchange rates, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Some taxis also accept credit cards, but it is worth changing some money if you plan to spend time in the city. Euros are not widely accepted, and even where they are, you could lose out badly on the exchange rate. ATM machines are located throughout Basel -- in banks and main post offices.
Basel Cruise Reviews
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