Overview

Discover Northern Europe and Baltic Sea over 7 nights aboard the River Duchess - sail with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises from Basel. You'll step ashore at 3 ports across Northern Europe and Baltic Sea, with standout stops at Strasbourg and Mainz along the way. With a blend of vibrant ports and tranquil sea days, this cruise strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. This cruise is available from £3,826 per person - a great way to discover 3 ports in Northern Europe and Baltic Sea.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld is one of the most luxurious river cruise lines in existence, operating a fleet of 13 unique, opulent and lavish six-star river ships.

The company was founded in 1976, becoming part of the Travel Corporation in 2004 – a group which also includes luxurious Red Carnation Hotel.

The cruise line operates on the waters of Europe, Arica and Asia, and each Uniworld ship is inspired by its destination.

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Cruise Itinerary

Days 1-2
Basel
Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.
Day 3
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.
Day 4
Mannheim
Day 5
Mainz
Mainz is known for its Roman heritage and inspiration, which is visible in archaeological sites and the Mainz Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The city is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, with a museum dedicated to his revolutionary legacy.The old town has colourful half-timbered houses, busy markets and inviting cafés where you can enjoy local wines. The Rhine promenade is perfect for relaxed walks with views of passing river traffic and bridges.
Day 6
Koblenz
Koblenz occupies a strategic position where the Moselle River meets the Rhine, known as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooks the city, offering expansive views of the twin rivers and surrounding hills.The old town’s pedestrian streets have baroque churches, historic town halls and riverside promenades with cafés and markets. Visitors can take a cable car linking the Rhine to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for river and city views.
Days 7-8
Cologne
Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges. 
Days 1-2 Basel
Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s gateway to the Rhine, combining medieval and modern charm. Its Old Town has narrow streets, Gothic spires and the impressive Basel Minster cathedral. With world-class art fairs and museums, including the Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, Basel is strong on culture. The city’s riverside promenade is lively in summer, with cafés and outdoor events.Basel is at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, making it a fascinating mix of influences, ideal for art and history lovers.

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Day 3 Strasbourg
Strasbourg

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany, and its culture and architecture reflect a blend of both influences. The Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and canals often called “La Petite France”.The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its intricate pink sandstone façade and astronomical clock, dominates the skyline. Strasbourg also has a reputation as a European political centre, housing the European Parliament.

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Day 4 Mannheim
Mannheim
Day 5 Mainz
Mainz

Mainz is known for its Roman heritage and inspiration, which is visible in archaeological sites and the Mainz Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. The city is also the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, with a museum dedicated to his revolutionary legacy.The old town has colourful half-timbered houses, busy markets and inviting cafés where you can enjoy local wines. The Rhine promenade is perfect for relaxed walks with views of passing river traffic and bridges.

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Day 6 Koblenz
Koblenz

Koblenz occupies a strategic position where the Moselle River meets the Rhine, known as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner). The imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooks the city, offering expansive views of the twin rivers and surrounding hills.The old town’s pedestrian streets have baroque churches, historic town halls and riverside promenades with cafés and markets. Visitors can take a cable car linking the Rhine to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for river and city views.

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Days 7-8 Cologne
Cologne

Cologne has roots going back to Roman times. Dominating the skyline is the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches. Don’t miss a visit to see its soaring spires, intricate façades and stained-glass windows.Beyond the cathedral, Cologne’s Old Town features cobbled streets lined with colourful medieval houses, cosy beer halls and cafés where the local Kölsch beer is served. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums dedicated to Roman history, modern art and chocolate.The Rhine promenade is a good option for a relaxed walk and a chance to check out the city’s bridges. 

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130
Passengers
41
Crew
2003
Launched
2012
Last refit
5000t
Tonnage
110m
Length
11.4m
Width
12kts
Speed
4
Decks
EUR
Currency
River Duchess

River Duchess

The 130-passenger River Duchess is decorated in soft hues of blue and green complemented by soothing earth tones, providing a tranquil and elegant onboard ambiance.

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Cabins

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews 2023-03-08 21:01:02
2023-03-08 21:01:02
Fairly expensive week cruise, seeing Venice & surrounding islands of interest, BUT outstandingly good value as it included many experiences with no expense spared, including St Marks Cathedral & The Doges Palace out of hours, which avoided queuing for over 2 hours, & doing battle with the crowds at each. Lots of trips in vaporettos. We don't know how they did it for the money. Every experience was carefully chosen, we had an outstandingly good guide, Susan Steer. We felt we saw everything of interest, & enjoyed it so much hope to repeat it. I particularly enjoyed the Opera evening onboard, with singers of Glyndebourne standard. Despite the many experiences, it was a very easy & relaxed way to see Venice. The only reason for 4 stars in the public rooms was the bar was situated in the centre of the main salon, which made it difficult for everyone to have a good view of the entertainment
5
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises S.S. La Venezia
Reviews 2022-08-05 11:17:54
2022-08-05 11:17:54
Lovely sunny weather all week . Crew were excellent. I went to find where the ship was docked in Bordeaux as i had stayed for a few days before and they let me book in even though i was not going to board until the afternoon as i was meeting a friend for lunch. We missed on destination because there had been very heavy rain in the Pyrenees and the tide was too high to get under a bridge. Lovely company and very helpful. One guest from Canada did not get her luggage and the helped her every day trying to find it at Dublin airport.
5
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises S.S. Bon Voyage
Reviews 2022-08-05 10:23:12
2022-08-05 10:23:12
As a result of airline problems, sailing was delayed by Captain. Ship and crew were first class. My stateroom was on the lower level with small high level windows which was disappointing but spent most of the time out of the room which was fully serviced every day. All restaurant staff very attentive and food exellent. Room service and snacks available all day. Highly recommed.
5
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises River Queen
Reviews 2022-08-04 19:15:35
2022-08-04 19:15:35
This was a once in a lifetime trip for myself and my husband . It was a nightmare travelling from Heathrow and our luggage didn't arrive . The room we had was very small and quite cluttered with furniture . The highlights were the staff and the food which were both excellent . The low points were the lack of evening entertainment and only having one bar to use the second smaller bar was closed most of the time . Didn't think it was value for money
4
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises S.S. Maria Theresa

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Basel
Strasbourg
Mainz
Koblenz
Cologne

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