Switzerland and Netherlands: A One-Day Itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam

  • 9:00AM: Basel Old Town
    Walking distance (0 miles) from Basel SBB Station

    Basel's Old Town is a picturesque historic district with buildings that date back to the medieval era. Visitors can wander the narrow streets, explore the many shops and cafes, and marvel at landmarks such as the Basel Minster.

  • 10:30AM: Rhine Falls
    1 hour and 10 minutes (54 miles) from Basel Old Town

    Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe and a natural wonder that's not to be missed. Visitors can take a boat ride close to the falls and even climb a staircase to a platform that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

  • 1:00PM: Lunch at Markt, Rotterdam
    2 hours and 45 minutes (228 miles) from Rhine Falls

    Markt is a vibrant indoor food hall in Rotterdam, with a range of culinary delights on offer from fish and chips to sushi. The perfect place to stop for lunch and refuel before continuing your trip.

  • 3:30PM: The Hague
    20 minutes (14 miles) from Markt, Rotterdam

    The Hague is a beautiful city with elegant streets, stunning architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Peace Palace, the Mauritshuis museum, and the Binnenhof parliament complex.

  • 6:00PM: Amsterdam Canal Cruise
    40 minutes (35 miles) from The Hague

    The Amsterdam Canal Cruise is a must-do activity that provides visitors with a unique perspective of the city. Glide along the city's canals while seeing famous landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Basel Old Town (1 hour, free)
  • Rhine Falls (2 hours, 10 CHF for boat ride)
  • Lunch at Markt (1 hour, 15 EUR per person)
  • The Hague (2 hours, free)
  • Amsterdam Canal Cruise (1 hour, 16 EUR per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding transportation): 31 CHF / 31 EUR per person

Transportation

Travelers will need to consider using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis to complete this itinerary. Estimated travel time from one location to another is listed in each list item. Travel costs will depend on the specific mode of transportation and can be calculated via the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and NS (Netherlands Railways) websites.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Kroller-Muller Museum in Otterlo, which is home to a stunning collection of modern art. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider skipping Rhine Falls or The Hague.

Airports

The primary airports in Switzerland and the Netherlands are Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), respectively. Zurich Airport is located approximately 6 miles from the city center and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is located approximately 9 miles from Amsterdam's city center.

0