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OVERVIEW

Solos Only

 

European River Cruise Solo Travel 

Basel to Brussells– A Luxurious River Journey for Solo Travellers 

Cruising with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises;  5 Star All-Inclusive Elegance

Embark on an unforgettable river cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Brussels, Belgium.

Sail aboard a Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ship, where luxury meets all-inclusive ease. Renowned for their impeccably styled vessels, personalised service, and fine dining, Uniworld offers an indulgent cruising experience with all the trimmings – from premium wines and spirits, curated excursions, and entertainment, to locally inspired cuisine and elegant décor that reflects each region.

This is more than a cruise – it’s a rich cultural immersion for discerning solo travellers. Along the way, enjoy tastings of regional wines, apricot brandy and Bavarian beers; explore majestic castles, baroque abbeys and medieval towns; and soak in the rhythm of Europe’s musical capitals.

Pre-Cruise Extension: Swiss Alps Short Tour

Make the most of your time in Hungary with our exclusive post-cruise extension, created especially for our group of solo travellers. After your river cruise, enjoy two extra nights and a full-day guided tour to the scenic Danube Bend; visiting medieval towns, riverside charm, and breathtaking viewpoints. Sample authentic local flavours, uncover the city’s culinary gems on a guided food walk, and share a farewell dinner with new friends in one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.

 

 

PACKAGE DETAILS
  • Ages:
    45+
  • Duration:
    15 Days
  • Status:
    Sold out
  • Region:
    EuropeUK
  • Destinations:
    Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary
  • Travel Style:
    On The Water, Discovery
  • Accommodation:
    Boat cabins,Quality hotels
  • Prices from:
    $
  • Transport:
    Private coach, Cruise
  • Pace:
    1
  • Max Group Size:
    36
REVIEWS

'I would highly recommend a holiday with Encounter Travel. My trip was well organised and the co-ordinator was fun and helpful and full of energy. I met some great people of all walks of life. There is a good mix of organised activities and free time. I had a blast.'

Linda, Victoria

'Thank you for your organisation of a great holiday. As a first time traveller with Encounter, I didn't know what to expect. The Red Centre is indescribably beautiful and should be on every Australians' bucket list. We saw every sensational attraction in just the right order - each new experience was more incredible than the last. Thank you for recruiting such a great group of people for my travelling companions. The hotels were clean and very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be transported across such an amazing landscape so comfortably. I learnt so much about our wonderful country and wished I had done such a trip years earlier.'

Sarah, 52 years, Sydney, Australia
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INCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATION

  • 14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant SS Audrey
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms 
  • Free Wi-Fi

DINING ON BOARD

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Captain Welcome and Farewell Reception
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water

SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS

  • 12 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • Guided "Let's Go" and "Village Day" programs
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

EXPERIENCES & OTHER

  • An Encounter Travel host on the cruise
  • 5 countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment

Not included: 

  • Airfares (unless requested)
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Any tips or porterage at airports, hotels, drivers & local staff
  • Meals and beverages not specified on itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry & medical expenses
  • Incidental expenses such as taxi fares, telecommunications

 

Itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Cruise with a solo traveller group
  • 14 nights on board River Duchess, luxury cabin with river views
  • All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure, including welcome drinks and the Captain’s Dinner 
  • Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
  • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
  • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
  • Services of the ship’s onboard cruise director and concierge

    PLUS Optional Extras: 

  • Pre Cruise Day Tour ex Amsterdam; Experience the charm of the Dutch countryside with a visit to Zaanse Schans and Volendam, featuring windmills, cheese tasting, and free time to explore before returning to Amsterdam mid-afternoon.
  • Post Cruise Optional 2 Night Tour, ex Budapest; Extend your stay in Hungary with two days of culture and cuisine, exploring the Danube Bend, Szentendre, and Budapest’s flavours, ending with a memorable farewell dinner.
     

Cruising with Uniworld

Surrounded by the ambiance of an elegant, destination-inspired ship and embraced by their passionate staff, you’ll notice the Uniworld difference immediately. This is what the absolute best in luxury river cruising feels like. Where every expectation is exceeded, every destination is uniquely experienced, and every instance of delight is quickly followed by another inspiring moment. 

Inclusive Cruising; from free-flowing fine wines and liquors to delicious cuisine and daily included experiences.

A Boutique Hotel Experience on the Water; inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design.

Curated Experiences; Uniworld goes the extra mile to craft immersive and memorable onshore excursions, with a variety of activities that speak to the diverse interests of our guests.

Culinary Excellence; fresh local ingredients and a masterful culinary team come together to create an incredible dining experience that brings the flavours of your destinations onboard.

River Heritage Club; travel with Uniworld once, and you are welcomed into our River Heritage Club loyalty program. Members receive exclusive perks and savings

 

View Full Itinerary

ACCOMMODATION

CABINS, S.S AUDREY

Total Cabins and Suites cc

  • Lav

Classic Cabin

  • windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line

French Balcony Cabin

  • l

French Balcony Cabins


More About Accommodation

PRICES

 

 

GETTING THERE

Starts In: Basel, Switzerland
Ends In: Brussels, Belgium

Departure: Brussels, Belgium

 

 

FLIGHT INFORMATION
As an Australian travel company we can provide flight assistance for flights originating from Australia. If joining the tour from outside Australia, we recommend making your own flight arrangements or to use the service of a travel advisor located within your country of residence for access to best fares. 

VISA/ENTRY INFORMATION
See 'VISA/ENTRY' information in our MORE INFORMATION section below.

DETAILS

TRIP AVAILABILITY
Bookings close: 30 November 2026


Read on for other key trip information that you should know before you decide on joining the group.

If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to book early and secure your place with a deposit.  Tour space is limited. Also, many services on this tour must be booked well in advance. To ensure your place, please check trip availability at your earliest convenience 

FELLOW TRAVELLERS 
You will enjoy this group experience with a likely maximum of 38 travellers. This is a ‘Solos Only’ tour (couple free). You are welcome to join with a friend, but couples do not join our group. 

SOLOS MIX
Our group is only for solo travellers however, there’s a mix of travellers onboard, solo travellers and couples travelling together – this is our SOLOS MIX offer.  From our ‘know-how’ these are trips popular with solo travellers.

THE PACE  [1 out of 5]
Travellers of 75 years or over may be required to return a Fit to Travel form that is completed by their doctor. 

More Information > Visit Travel Fitness 

GROUP ARRANGEMENTS
Best suited to independent solo travellers. An Encounter Travel host will escort a group of 26 or more solo travellers. 

TRAVELLER REVIEWS

'I would highly recommend a holiday with Encounter Travel. My trip was well organised and the co-ordinator was fun and helpful and full of energy. I met some great people of all walks of life. There is a good mix of organised activities and free time. I had a blast.'

Linda, Victoria

'Thank you for your organisation of a great holiday. As a first time traveller with Encounter, I didn't know what to expect. The Red Centre is indescribably beautiful and should be on every Australians' bucket list. We saw every sensational attraction in just the right order - each new experience was more incredible than the last. Thank you for recruiting such a great group of people for my travelling companions. The hotels were clean and very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be transported across such an amazing landscape so comfortably. I learnt so much about our wonderful country and wished I had done such a trip years earlier.'

Sarah, 52 years, Sydney, Australia

'Did a Red Centre solo 7 day tour absolutely fantastic, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon, Palm Valley you have to see it and experience it. The coach drivers were professional, excellent knowledge and with a great sense of humor.'

David, Eschol Park, Sydne, New South Wales
Since 2006
Since 2006 leading the way for solo travellers. As a boutique tour operator, we delight in detail, delivering personal service and finding your next best memory.©
Australian Owned
100% Australian, created by Australians for Australians; we 'get' the Australian travel style. And, better still, our arms are open to welcome our friends from other countries around the world, who'd like to travel with friendly Aussies.©
Small Group Tours
Travel solo, not alone when you join one of our small group tours. Share your journey, without the drawbacks of big coach tours or the solitude of being alone.©
Age-Matched Tours
From our traveller feedback we know that our age-matched holidays are one of the main reasons that solo travellers choose to join us. All our 'Solos Only ' tours are age-matched, making for a better chance that you'll be travelling other like minded single travellers. ©