7 nights · Zurich, Switzerland · River cruise · Departs Basel (Switzerland) · Visiting Kehl-Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Rudesheim am Rhein, Cologne · Aboard Viva Cruises on the VIVA Inspire
Image courtesy of Viva Cruises ©
This river cruise sails the Rhine, departing Basel.
| Cruise line | Viva Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | VIVA Inspire |
| Duration | 7 nights |
| Port calls | 6 |
| Departures | 4 sailings |
| Year built | 2013 |
| Guests | 130 |
| Cabins | 67 |
| Crew | 39 |
| Length | 135 m |
| Beam | 12 m |
| Cruising speed | 12.0 kn |
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.
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.
At the edge of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden has drawn visitors to its thermal waters since Roman times. Its spa architecture and leafy promenades recall the grand European resort era. The Kurhaus and its celebrated casino anchor the town centre. Nearby, Lichtentaler Allee follows the Oos River past gardens and historic villas. Baden-Baden is one of UNESCO’s Great Spa Towns of Europe. Thermal baths, cafés and Black Forest trails are all close at hand.
Few German cities make history feel as immediate as Heidelberg. Set beside the Neckar, its old town gathers around the market square and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Cross the Old Bridge for views of the red sandstone castle, rising above the rooftops. Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University gives the city an enduring scholarly spirit. Walk the Philosopher’s Way for a wider view, then linger over the cafés and lanes below.
Rüdesheim is a rewarding first stop on the Rhine, with vineyards climbing steep slopes above the water. It stands at the southern gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, famed for castles and dramatic river scenery. Explore the old lanes and Drosselgasse, then take the cable car through the vines to the Niederwald Monument. From its hilltop setting, the Rhine spreads below in a view worth lingering over.
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.
Published September 21, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!
