- 3 Days
- Basel
- City
- Culinary
- Cultural
- Sightseeing
Basel
Tours
Basel is where art, architecture, and the Rhine flow together in perfect harmony. At the crossroads of Switzerland, France, and Germany, our bespoke Basel tours and River Rhine tours reveal a city that is timeless yet forward-thinking, and cultured yet effortlessly relaxed.
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Tours of Basel
Set on the banks of the Rhine, Basel is a city that rewards those who take time to explore. Our curated Basel tours combine art, history, and local life in seamless harmony – from private museum visits and architectural walks to exclusive Rhine River tours.
It’s also a gateway to the underestimated Basel countryside, rich with hidden gems like the ancient Roman village of Augusta Raurica, which you can explore on an in-depth Basel walking tour, offering a glimpse into Switzerland’s deeper history.
For travellers seeking more than a single day, our multiday Switzerland tours often begin or end in Basel, linking the city’s creative energy with mountain landscapes, lakeside retreats, and cultural capitals across the country. Every detail is crafted to your interests and handled with the precision and grace that define Swiss luxury.
- 1 Day
- Basel
- Cultural
- Sightseeing
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Highlights of Basel
Old Town
One of the best preserved in Europe
Basel Minster & University of Basel
A highlight of any Basel city tour
Kunstmuseum & Fondation Beyeler
Creating intimate encounters with art
Rhine Promenade & Middle Bridge
Dividing the city into its historic and modern halves
Augusta Raurica
Offers an intriguing glimpse into Switzerland’s past
Three-Country Corner (Dreiländereck)
Where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet
Basel’s Old Town is one of the best preserved in Europe. Imagine a maze of cobbled lanes, medieval guild houses, and colourful fountains. At its heart stands the striking Basel Town Hall, a red-sandstone masterpiece adorned with frescoes and golden details.
Stroll past centuries-old facades to discover boutique galleries and artisan workshops. Many of our private Basel walking tour experiences – and extended multiday itineraries – begin here, with expert local guides who share stories of merchants, artists, and architects who shaped the city’s past and present.
Perched high above the Rhine, the red sandstone Basel Minster dominates the city skyline. Its Gothic spires, richly decorated cloisters, and views from the Pfalz terrace make it a highlight of any Basel city tour. Guests often enjoy a private guided visit here before continuing to the riverside promenade below for a more relaxed perspective of the city.
Nearby the Minster lies the University of Basel. Founded in 1460, it’s one of the oldest universities in the world. Its historic campus borders the Old Town, adding to the city’s rich cultural and academic heritage. A visit to Basel wouldn’t be complete without experiencing this prestigious institution, where centuries of knowledge and tradition meet.
Basel is often called the art capital of Switzerland, and with good reason. The Kunstmuseum houses masterpieces from Holbein to Picasso, while the Fondation Beyeler – designed by Renzo Piano – blends world-class art with serene architecture and gardens. Many of our bespoke Basel tours include exclusive access or curator-led visits, creating intimate encounters with art that few visitors ever experience.
The Rhine runs through the heart of Basel, dividing the city into its historic and modern halves. A stroll along the promenade offers a perfect glimpse of local life, from swimmers drifting in the summer current to evening cafés filled with quiet conversation.
Our private Rhine River tours offer a unique way to see Basel from the water, gliding beneath the Middle Bridge (Mittlere Brücke) and past the city’s iconic landmarks. Our Basel, Switzerland tours also often include a leisurely walk or ride on the famous Basel Rhine River ferries, where guests can enjoy a perspective of the city that shifts beautifully with the changing light.
Just a short distance from Basel lies Augusta Raurica, an ancient Roman village and archaeological site that offers an intriguing glimpse into Switzerland’s past. This hidden gem is often included in our bespoke tours from Basel, where guests can explore the ruins of the amphitheatre, Roman houses, and the impressive Augusta Raurica Museum – one of the best-preserved Roman settlements in Switzerland.
Located in Basel city, the Three-Country Corner marks the point where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. Our tours from Basel often include a visit to this unique spot, where you can stand in three countries at once and enjoy a picturesque view of the Rhine River as it flows through this cultural crossroads. It’s a great opportunity to experience the blend of Swiss, German, and French influences in the region.
When is the Best Time to Visit Basel?
The best time to visit Basel is spring, although it is a city for all seasons. Spring (April to June) brings riverside blossoms and the lively Art Basel fair. Summer (July to September) is perfect for alfresco dining and river swims, while autumn transforms the city with golden light and vibrant festivals.
Winter (December to February) brings the famous Christmas Market, one of Switzerland’s best. Our tours from Basel, Switzerland are available year-round, tailored to match each season’s beauty.
Why Book With Us?
1. 100% local expertise, tested first-hand
Every itinerary is designed by Swiss locals who live and breathe their regions – we’ve tested every route, restaurant, and hidden lookout ourselves.
2. Exclusive top-rated Swiss guides
Our guides aren’t just professionals – they’re storytellers and insiders, available only through Luxury Tours Switzerland.
3. Hidden gems beyond tourist routes
We open doors to secret spots, from private lakeside picnics to heritage chalets, that no typical private tours Switzerland itinerary could offer.
4. Special access through trusted networks
From after-hours museum tours to private vineyard dinners, our connections unlock Switzerland’s most exclusive moments.
Ready to plan your Swiss adventure?
Your private Switzerland trip awaits. Whether it’s a multiday Switzerland tour package or a special experience, our team is here to craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The best month to visit Basel is June, when the weather is warm and the city comes alive for Art Basel – the world’s leading contemporary art fair. For fewer crowds and softer light, September is equally enchanting, perfect for Basel walking tours and riverside dining.
It certainly can be, as Basel reflects Switzerland’s high standard of living, but it also offers exceptional value through culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. Our personalised multiday Basel tours ensure that your investment translates into unique experiences that only locals can unlock.
Basel enjoys a temperate climate, with summers averaging 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), ideal for exploring the city on foot and enjoying the outdoors. Winters are crisp, perfect for museum visits or soaking in the city’s festive charm. Spring and autumn offer mild and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for walking tours and scenic outdoor excursions.
Basel is famous for its art scene, medieval Old Town, and striking modern architecture. It hosts the world-renowned Art Basel fair and is home to over 40 museums. It’s also known for the prestigious Basel World Watch Fair, a global event for watchmaking excellence.
The city’s position on the Rhine – connecting Switzerland with France and Germany – makes it a cultural crossroads and a highlight of many tours from Basel, Switzerland.
With one day in Basel, begin with a stroll through the Old Town and a visit to the Minster for panoramic river views. Spend the afternoon at the Kunstmuseum or Fondation Beyeler before relaxing along the Rhine promenade.
Our curated day trips from Basel can also include visits to nearby Alsace vineyards or Lucerne’s lakeside charm – all seamlessly arranged as part of your bespoke Basel itinerary.
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