Belgian Holiday Markets
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ABTA & ATOL protected holidays
Low risk-free deposit
Flexible change options
Free 3 day booking hold
Committed to your wellbeing
There’s no more enchanting way to relish the holiday season than by immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere of a Christmas market. Embark on an all-inclusive, luxurious river cruise that allows you to explore the charming stalls of numerous markets in a single journey, each offering its own unique interpretation of the holiday spirit. Belgium, in particular, holds a special place in the heart of holiday enthusiasts. In this country, every city presents its own quintessential Christmas setup, featuring rows of stalls brimming with handcrafted treasures and delectable winter delights. Moreover, these markets are surrounded by captivating festivals, ice skating rinks, intricate light exhibitions, towering Ferris wheels, and more, all of which characterize the festive season in towns across Belgium.
Nestled among the more prominent tourist destinations of France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium, despite its small size, holds a significant cultural influence and is an excellent addition to any European itinerary, whether you are a first-time or seasoned traveler on the continent. This region is renowned for its exceptional chocolates, crispy french fries, distinctive spirits, and a wide array of beers, all of which you’ll have the pleasure of savoring during Belgium’s most joyous time of the year.
Itinerary
DAY 1 Brussels (Embark)
Arrive at Brussels Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer, or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
DAY 2 Brussels
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, offers a treasure trove of historic architecture, along with a rich culinary tradition—chocolate!—and a vibrant culinary capital. Food lovers will be lured by the divine aromas drifting from the many holiday market stalls, while others will be attracted to the city’s enchanting architecture and elaborate Christmas displays.
Featured Excursion: Brussels City Tour with Chocolate Tasting and Brussels Christmas Market
DAY 3 Ghent
Visit one of two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, or fascinating Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Belgium’s second-largest city, Ghent abounds in medieval architecture, which makes for a particularly magical canvas for the town’s Christmastime decorations.
Featured Excursion: Ghent Walking Tour with Christmas Market or Bruges Walking Tour with Christmas Market
DAY 4 Hasselt
Today, you’ll explore the trendy-yet-quaint town of Hasselt. A blend of city interest—with plenty of cafés, shopping and the area’s largest Christmas market—and an easygoing, small-town atmosphere, the mostly car-free Hasselt is a charming place to explore on foot. It is also, as you can discover at one of the tasting booths in the market, known as the unofficial capital of Belgium’s famous spirit, Jenever.
Featured Excursions:Hasselt Walking Tour with Christmas Markets
DAY 5 Maastricht
Venture into the Netherlands to visit Maastricht, known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities of Holland and loved for its convivial lifestyle and historic center, which has long played a strategic role in European politics. Not only will you explore this city’s Christmas market, but you will also have the opportunity to head into Germany to visit the famous Aachen Christmas Market.
Featured Excursions: Aachen Christmas Market and Christmas in the Caves
DAY 6 Antwerp
Discover an eclectic mix of historic and modern in Belgium’s “Second City,” Antwerp. The town intersperses its well-preserved medieval buildings with artful modern architecture, but you’ll find your final Christmas market for this journey centered in Antwerp’s Old Town, lighting up nostalgic facades and the local castle to create the perfect backdrop for this festive event.
Featured Excursion: Antwerp Walk with Concert
DAY 7 Antwerp
You’ll find a penchant for all things high quality in the country’s biggest port city. Diamonds, art, fashion, and more compete for attention here, so you’re sure to find just the thing to make your time in Antwerp memorable.
Featured Excursions: The Nottebohm Room or Antwerp Beer Tasting
DAY 8 Brussels (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Brussels Airport for your flight home.
About this trip
2 countries: Belgium and the Netherlands
Departure Months
November and December
What's included
7 NIGHTS
Accommodation
PREMIUM ALL INCLUSIVE
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners. Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
The cosmopolitan style of River Empress, with its rich jewel tones and vibrant atmosphere, is certain to captivate you. Whether you’re dining in the ship’s sleek restaurant—reminiscent of a New York jazz and supper club—or relaxing over a cup of tea on the Sun Deck as you gaze out at the 360-degree view, there is no better or more relaxing way to travel through the scenic heartland of Europe.
Indulge in all of the classic delights of a European Christmas with unique Belgian charm.
This trip is perfect for those who have been to the classic markets of Germany and are looking for something new, for anyone looking to explore a different side of Belgium than most tourists see or for those excited to lean into a holiday extravaganza for their next winter season.
The Bressenden difference
DINING
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
EXCURSIONS
6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
LUXURIOUS SHIPS
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the imperial River Empress
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
EXPERIENCES
2 countries: Belgium and the Netherlands
2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Captivating onboard local entertainment
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Booking protected.
Generations Family Program (select sailings)
Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they’re also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.
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Included
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Not Included
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