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Grand Waterways Journey to Basel

Grand Waterways Journey to Basel

About This Cruise

From Berlin to Switzerland, discover a journey of changing perspectives. This twelve-night waterways cruise to Basel combines peaceful canals, lively cities and the landscapes of the Rhine. In late September and early October, the beginning of autumn provides the setting for new discoveries and unhurried hours on board.

Reach Potsdam on your first evening, then continue via Genthin and Rothensee near Magdeburg to Wolfsburg and Hannover-Anderten. Contrasting townscapes and stretches of canal shape this opening chapter. Münster invites exploration at your own pace before Duisburg marks the transition to the Rhine.

Niederlahnstein, the Lorelei passage and Rüdesheim bring the river’s romantic scenery into focus. Watch the changing banks and enjoy views that unfold gradually from the ship. Afterwards, a stay in Mannheim until the evening leaves room for fresh impressions, a leisurely stroll and a pause between discoveries.

Strasbourg adds French character before Breisach becomes the final stop ahead of Basel. Between destinations, relaxing hours on board offer time to reflect on the places you have visited and appreciate the journey itself. Bringing together culture, Rhine romance and early-autumn scenery, this varied route gives each stage its own character, from the quieter canals to the broad river landscapes. On the final morning, arrive in Basel and disembark after breakfast.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    VIVA RUBY is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

VIVA RUBY

Departure Date

23 September 2028

Cruise Line

VIVA Cruises

Duration

12 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Germany

Berlin

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. Because of its great historical and contemporary significance, the city has many sights to offer.First and foremost, a few well-known landmarks should be mentioned: the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. In addition, all the major government buildings are located here: for example, the Reichstag, with its famous dome, is definitely worth a visit. Furthermore, the city is home to the sites of several important historical events, such as “Checkpoint Charlie” or the “East Side Gallery,” a remnant of the Berlin Wall. There is also no shortage of shopping opportunities; for example, Kurfürstendamm is very well known.”

Germany

Potsdam

Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg, is the state’s most populous city with approximately 180,000 residents. Above all, however, Potsdam stands out for its many worthwhile attractions, some of which are even designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After all, the city was added to the so-called List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites as early as 1990, as it is home to the largest concentration of World Heritage sites in Germany. Since 2019, the Brandenburg city has also been designated a UNESCO Film City. Among its best-known and most important attractions are undoubtedly the famous Sanssouci Palace with its beautiful palace gardens, as well as the Potsdam Film Museum and the Mill Museum in the historic mill.

Germany

Genthin

No summary for this day yet.

Germany

Wolfsburg

The city of Wolfsburg is located in Lower Saxony in northwestern Germany. It is best known as an “Autostadt” (car city) because it is home to a large Volkswagen plant. In addition, there is a large Volkswagen museum and an amusement park in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Visitors to Wolfsburg can also explore the “Science Center Phaeno,” which impresses with its unique architecture on the outside and its fascinating exhibits on science and technology on the inside. The center introduces visitors to over 350 scientific phenomena. The city also boasts an art museum, a planetarium, and designer outlet stores.

Germany

Anderten, Hanover

No summary for this day yet.

Germany

Munster

The beautiful city of Münster impresses with its many historic buildings, which are found primarily in the town’s lovingly restored Old Town. The Prinzipalmarkt, for example, with its well-preserved gabled houses and arcades, is well worth a visit. But a stroll along the so-called Promenade—which is open only to pedestrians and cyclists and winds its way around the entire Old Town—is also a delightful experience. Also worth a visit is the idyllic Aasee, located not far from the city center and surrounded by beautiful nature. The Allwetterzoo Münster is also very interesting, where visitors can marvel at many exotic animals.

Germany

Duisburg

Duisburg is an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia that has a lot to offer. Along the Rhine, there are interesting places and sights to discover. Among the most popular landmarks of the former coal industry is the “Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord,” which attracts visitors with numerous events such as the summer movie theater or a food truck festival. The Duisburg Zoo is known, among other things, for its koalas and dolphins. A long walk to the extravagant, walk-through artwork “Tiger and Turtle” is an experience you’ll never forget.

Germany

Niederlahnstein

In Niederlahnstein, the small and leisurely Lahn River flows into the mighty Rhine. The Lahn is known for its canoeing and kayaking, as well as for sightseeing boat tours and excursion cruises. Niederlahnstein is home to the ancient Lahneck Castle; hikes up to the castle keep are particularly popular. Stolzenfels Castle is also a popular hiking destination. In the city center, there is an old market square lined with medieval houses. Nearby is Koblenz, with its “Deutsches Eck” and beautiful old town, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Germany

Rüdesheim

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located right on the Rhine in Hesse and boasts numerous attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, which is lined with wine bars, as well as a castle and a torture museum that displays medieval instruments of torture and tells the history of the Inquisition. A cable car takes you up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here, you can take a beautiful hike through pristine forest areas and then reach the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This town is also located on the Rhine.

Germany

Mannheim

The city of Mannheim is located on the Rhine, directly across from Ludwigshafen in Baden-Württemberg. The castle is the city’s landmark and is situated not far from the river. But the water tower and, in February, the street carnival are also well-known features of the city, which lies just a few kilometers from Heidelberg. The squares that make up the city center are particularly charming. The city center is large, with numerous shopping options and plenty of cafés to stop in.

France

Strasbourg

From the very first minute, the French city of Strasbourg enchants visitors with its colorful, idyllic half-timbered architecture, Wilhelminian-style grandeur,trendy new neighborhoods, and fascinating museums. Even a short visit leaves a lasting impression thanks to all the inspiration it offers! In the picturesque La Petite France district, you can savor the moment with a slice of tarte flambée before the imposing cathedral, with its stained-glass windows and arcades, invites you on a journey back in time to the Gothic era. If you’re not afraid of heights, you should definitely climb the 332 steps up to the observation deck to catch a glimpse of the Vosges and the Black Forest in the distance.

Germany

Breisach

Although large parts of the city were almost completely destroyed during World War II, Breisach boasts a wealth of beautiful sights. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the city’s symbol, captivates visitors with its famous treasures. The striking Rheintor, which has been converted into a museum, offers a compelling glimpse into the city’s history. If that doesn’t convince you, then an extensive tour featuring romantic and historic churches will. Culture lovers will find plenty to enjoy here.

Switzerland

Basel

Basel is a city of striking contrasts. In this city located on the border between Switzerland, Germany, and France, visitors experience a unique blend of more than 2,000 years of history and modernity. In Basel’s cityscape, historic buildings from the 15th century complement state-of-the-art architecture to create a dynamic yet harmonious overall picture. The city’s main attraction is the 800-year-old Basel Cathedral. Directly behind the cathedral, the Pfalz offers a magnificent view of the Old Town and the famous Mittlere Brücke spanning the Rhine. The Red Town Hall and the Spalentor are also must-see attractions during a visit to the city. Last but not least, Basel’s approximately 40 museums are a major draw for art and culture lovers from all over Europe.

Overview

From Berlin to Switzerland, discover a journey of changing perspectives. This twelve-night waterways cruise to Basel combines peaceful canals, lively cities and the landscapes of the Rhine. In late September and early October, the beginning of autumn provides the setting for new discoveries and unhurried hours on board.

Reach Potsdam on your first evening, then continue via Genthin and Rothensee near Magdeburg to Wolfsburg and Hannover-Anderten. Contrasting townscapes and stretches of canal shape this opening chapter. Münster invites exploration at your own pace before Duisburg marks the transition to the Rhine.

Niederlahnstein, the Lorelei passage and Rüdesheim bring the river’s romantic scenery into focus. Watch the changing banks and enjoy views that unfold gradually from the ship. Afterwards, a stay in Mannheim until the evening leaves room for fresh impressions, a leisurely stroll and a pause between discoveries.

Strasbourg adds French character before Breisach becomes the final stop ahead of Basel. Between destinations, relaxing hours on board offer time to reflect on the places you have visited and appreciate the journey itself. Bringing together culture, Rhine romance and early-autumn scenery, this varied route gives each stage its own character, from the quieter canals to the broad river landscapes. On the final morning, arrive in Basel and disembark after breakfast.

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Suite

Suite

  • 20 m²
  • Diamond Deck
  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Priority embarkation (1 hour before check-in)
  • Welcome Aperitif with Wine and Canapes
  • 50 EUR laundry credit (per cabin)
  • Double bed
  • French balcony
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • Flat screen TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
  • Work area

Outside

Double Cabin Diamond Deck

  • 13 m²
  • Diamond Deck
  • French balcony
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Double bed
  • French balcony
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • Flat screen TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
  • Work area

Outside

Double Cabin Emerald Deck

  • 13 m²
  • Emerald Deck
  • Window (cannot be opened)
  • VIVA All-Inclusive

EQUIPMENT:

  • Two single beds (set apart on request)
  • Window (cannot be opened)
  • Beauty products from RITUALS®
  • Flat screen TV
  • Minibar with free water, beer and soft drinks, refilled daily
  • Hair dryer
  • Free WLAN access
  • Telephone, safe and air conditioning/heating
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Generous storage space in wardrobes and under the bed
  • Work area

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casual

Riverside Restaurant

Main restaurant "RIVERSIDE" with flexible dining hours and free choice of seating

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Bar, Lounge

Panorama Salon

In the Panorama Lounge, a cozy atmosphere with a magnificent view awaits you—ideal for winding down the day with a coffee or cocktail. 

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

Enjoy the beautiful view from the sun deck while enjoying a drink on a deck chair.

Reception

Reception

During your river cruise, the reception is open around the clock for you and the staff is always happy to assist you with any concerns or requests.

Shop

On-Board Shop

Would you like a souvenir of your time on board or a gift for loved ones back home? In our on-board boutique you can purchase exclusive souvenirs as well as everyday items and souvenirs.

Library

Library

Library with a selection of various books and games.