Netherlands North Holland Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel — 8 Days

7 nights · Netherlands North Holland · River cruise · Departs Amsterdam (Netherlands) · Visiting Nijmegen, Cologne, Konigswinter, Koblenz, Mainz, Kehl-Strasbourg, Breisach am Rhein, Basel · Aboard CroisiEurope on the ms Symphonie

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Waterways

This river cruise sails the Rhine, departing Amsterdam.

Cruise lineCroisiEurope
Shipms Symphonie
Duration7 nights
Port calls9
Departures15 sailings
From fare$987 per person
Year built1997
Guests162
Cabins79
Crew20
Length110 m
Beam10 m
Cruising speed9.0 kn
  1. Days 1–2

    Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Amsterdam pairs world-class museums with the everyday pleasure of canal-side life. Its Golden Age houses, narrow waterways and lively markets make the city rewarding well beyond its famous sights. Visit the Rijksmuseum for Dutch masters, then explore the canal belt on foot or by boat. Leave time for a neighbourhood café: in Amsterdam, the best discoveries often come between the landmarks.

  2. Day 3

    Nijmegen, Netherlands

    Nijmegen is often called the Netherlands’ oldest city, with roots in a Roman settlement on the Waal. The river gives the historic centre an open feel, while cafés and independent shops keep it lively. Visit Valkhof Park for Roman remains and river views; nearby, the medieval Stevenskerk anchors the old town. Nijmegen’s bridges figured in Operation Market Garden in 1944, a defining episode of the Second World War. Come ashore to discover a compact city shaped by history and river.

  3. Day 4

    Cologne, Germany

    Cologne announces itself from the Rhine with the soaring twin spires of its Gothic cathedral. Step ashore to explore a compact old town, Roman remains, and museums holding major works of art. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, anchors the city centre. Enjoy Kölsch in a traditional brewery, then cross the river for a view of the skyline.

  4. Day 4

    Konigswinter, Germany

    Königswinter sits on the Rhine’s eastern bank, opposite Bonn, where the river meets the wooded hills of the Siebengebirge. Ride the historic Drachenfelsbahn uphill for sweeping river views. At the summit, paths lead to the ruins of Drachenfels Castle. Nearby, Schloss Drachenburg pairs ornate 19th-century architecture with a dramatic hillside setting. The riverside promenade and cafés offer a relaxed pause before exploring this gateway to the Romantic Rhine.

  5. Day 4

    Koblenz, Germany

    Koblenz stands where the Rhine and Moselle meet, beneath the watchful gaze of the Deutsches Eck. From here, river valleys, vineyard slopes and hilltop castles make an easy day’s exploration. Ride the cable car across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, whose ramparts command sweeping views. The compact old town is readily explored on foot, with cafés and riverside promenades within easy reach.

  6. Day 5

    Mainz, Germany

    Mainz is best explored on foot, where Roman foundations meet the Rhine. Begin at the cathedral, whose red sandstone towers have watched over the old town for more than a millennium. Nearby, the Gutenberg Museum celebrates the Mainz-born inventor whose printing press transformed Europe. Browse market stalls, pause in a wine tavern, or follow lanes lined with timbered houses and shops. With history close at hand and Riesling on the menu, Mainz makes a rewarding day ashore.

  7. Day 6

    Kehl-Strasbourg, Germany

    Strasbourg rewards visitors with a rare blend of French elegance and German character. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, threaded with canals and half-timbered houses. At its heart, Strasbourg Cathedral rises above the old streets, its pink sandstone façade a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Take time for a table of Alsatian cooking, where French technique meets hearty regional tradition. Then follow the riverfront lanes and discover a city shaped by centuries on Europe’s border.

  8. Day 7

    Breisach am Rhein, Germany

    Breisach rewards a short walk uphill: its old town gathers around St. Stephen’s Minster, above the Rhine. Inside, the minster’s carved altar and medieval murals offer a close encounter with Upper Rhine art. Across the river lies Alsace; inland, the Kaiserstuhl’s volcanic slopes are known for vineyards and distinctive wines. Allow time for the compact center and its river views; Breisach makes a rewarding pause between Freiburg and Colmar.

  9. Day 8

    Basel, Switzerland

    Basel sits where Switzerland meets France and Germany, with the Rhine running through its centre. A short walk from the river leads to the red-sandstone Rathaus and Münster, whose terraces open across the rooftops. The city rewards unhurried exploring, from medieval lanes in the Old Town to galleries and renowned art collections. Cross the river by ferry, or use Basel’s efficient trams to reach museums, cafés and the lively Marktplatz.

ms Symphonie Cruises

Published September 16, 2026
Last updated October 11, 2026
Author: J. Richard


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