Rhine Holiday Markets - Basel to Cologne

The Rhine Holiday Markets - Basel to Cologne is a 7-night Europe cruise aboard S.S. Joie de Vivre, operated by Uniworld River Cruises. Departing Basel on December 16, 2026, the voyage visits 7 ports. Fares start from $4,949 per person.

Length: 7 nights
Departs: Dec 16, 2026
Returns: Dec 23, 2026
Ports of call: 7
Days at sea: 1

from $4,949

$707 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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from $4,949 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 16, 2026 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Basel photo — Day 1 Dec 16, 2026 Basel Founded right on the spot where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel soon became an important European hub and centre of trade due to its special location. A popular attraction in the city is Switzerland’s oldest zoo – which the locals affectionately call the ‘Zolli’. It is one of the most important zoos in Switzerland and has gained global recognition for its breeding programmes. Basel also has eight churches with historical organs that still fill the naves with excellent music today. Basel port guide Search cruises visiting Basel

Day 3 Dec 18, 2026 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Strasbourg photo — Day 3 Dec 18, 2026 Strasbourg Strasbourg is a major city in France and is also the capital of the Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region. The Rhine forms a natural border with Germany. The Maas and Aar also flow through the city. The district "La Petite France" is very popular with tourists and shows old half-timbered houses on the canal. With a typical boat with a glass roof, a so-called bateau-mouche, tourists can cruise the canal and learn interesting facts about the city. The Strasbourg cathedral is the city's landmark. Strasbourg port guide Search cruises visiting Strasbourg

Day 4 Dec 19, 2026 Mannheim The city of Mannheim is located on the Rhine, directly across from Ludwigshafen in Baden-Württemberg. The castle is the symbol of the city and is not far from the river. But the water tower and the street carnival in February are also known for the city, which is only a few kilometers away from Heidelberg. The squares are particularly attractive. The city center is laid out in this way and has streets like Q 3 or P 5. There is also a large city center and numerous shopping opportunities. Mannheim port guide Search cruises visiting Mannheim

Mannheim photo — Day 4 Dec 19, 2026 Mannheim The city of Mannheim is located on the Rhine, directly across from Ludwigshafen in Baden-Württemberg. The castle is the symbol of the city and is not far from the river. But the water tower and the street carnival in February are also known for the city, which is only a few kilometers away from Heidelberg. The squares are particularly attractive. The city center is laid out in this way and has streets like Q 3 or P 5. There is also a large city center and numerous shopping opportunities. Mannheim port guide Search cruises visiting Mannheim

Day 5 Dec 20, 2026 Mainz Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture. Mainz port guide Search cruises visiting Mainz

Mainz photo — Day 5 Dec 20, 2026 Mainz Halfway between Lake Constance and the North Sea, the Rhine meets Mainz. This carnival city is known for its cheerful atmosphere and its hospitality. Why not go for a stroll along the tranquil riverbank or enjoy a good glass of local wine while you’re there? You could also visit the city’s main landmark: Saint Martin’s Cathedral. It boasts one of the richest church interiors in the Christian world. Another important building in Mainz is the Kurfürstliche Schloss (Electoral Palace). This is a prime example of the German Renaissance style of architecture. Mainz port guide Search cruises visiting Mainz

Day 5 Dec 20, 2026 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Rudesheim photo — Day 5 Dec 20, 2026 Rudesheim In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes. This strategically important point used to be protected by four castles. Picturesque Rüdesheim is known all around the world for its outstanding wines. Make sure you take a walk through the charming little streets of the old town. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, is known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar‘ and is reputed to be the most-visited tourist attraction in Germany after Cologne Cathedral. Wine cultivation was already in full swing here in Roman times – learn more about the winegrowers of antiquity and their successors at the Rheingauer Weinmuseum in the Brömserburg, an old castle. And if you want to sample the wines that are being produced today, head to the rustic wine taverns in the old town. Rudesheim port guide Search cruises visiting Rudesheim

Day 7 Dec 22, 2026 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Cologne photo — Day 7 Dec 22, 2026 Cologne It’s not just the locals who consider Cologne to be among the best cities in the world. The typical friendliness that you find at every turn makes visitors feel at home right away. It’s not unusual to quickly get chatting to strangers and even go for a couple glasses of Kölsch with them. The main landmark – Cologne Cathedral – watches over the whole city. It is the third-tallest church building in the world, at 157.38 metres. It might be a bit of a trek up to the top of the tower, but it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the city and the Rhine spread out before you. Cologne port guide Search cruises visiting Cologne

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 78-day span: $4,949 · range $4,949–$4,949

Lower than 61% of peers This week-long sailing's from-price per night is lower than 61% of comparable sailings.

same cruise line, destination, duration, and departure window · from-price per night · as of Jun 23, 2026

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $4,949

$707 / night

Fare rows

Classic

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,949

$707 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $5,999

$857 / night

Fare rows

French Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,999

$857 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,049

$1,007 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $9,649

$1,378 / night

Fare rows

Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,649

$1,378 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 23, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Uniworld River Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

30 days

○ = last available date (sold out, or no longer listed).

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview $4,949 C Classic $4,949

Balcony

Lowest Balcony $5,999 DB Deluxe Balcony $7,049 FB French Balcony $5,999

Suite

Lowest Suite $9,649 S Suite $9,649

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 lines at once.

Show all 23 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
French Balcony	A	Balcony
French Balcony	B	Balcony
Deluxe Balcony	DB	Balcony
Deluxe French Balcony	DFB	Balcony
Deluxe French Balcony	DLX	Balcony
French Balcony	FB	Balcony
Signature French Balcony	SB	Balcony
Signature French Balcony	SFB	Balcony
Outside Cabin	4	Oceanview
Outside Cabin	5	Oceanview
Classic	C	Oceanview
Deluxe	D	Oceanview
Suite	1	Suite
Grand Suite	2	Suite
Royal Suite	3	Suite
Colonial Suite	CS	Suite
Grand Suite	GS	Suite
Heritage Suite	HS	Suite
Maharaja Suite	MS	Suite
Royal Suite	RS	Suite
Suite	S	Suite
Signature Suite	SS	Suite
Viceroy Suite	VS	Suite

Ship

Your ship S.S. Joie de Vivre 6★ **1,500** GT **128** guests Built **2015** S.S. Joie de Vivre brings the “joy of living” to the rivers of France. Step aboard your floating pied-à-terre in France, featuring handcrafted furniture and fine antiques, original artwork, and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design from the Golden Twenties to the free-spirited Sixties, all blending seamlessly with modern conveniences. S.S. Joie de Vivre ship guide Search cruises on S.S. Joie de Vivre

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

View	From pp	Departs
	from $4,699 $671 / night	Nov 25, 2026
	from $7,749 $1,107 / night	Dec 2, 2026
	from $7,379 $1,054 / night	Nov 25, 2027
	from $5,084 $726 / night	Dec 2, 2027
	from $3,869 $552 / night	Dec 16, 2027

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