European Holiday Markets
Book with Confidence
ABTA & ATOL protected holidays
Low risk-free deposit
Flexible change options
Free 3 day booking hold
Committed to your wellbeing
This cruise will transport you to some of Central Europe’s most renowned and charming holiday markets. Each market features wooden stalls showcasing traditional crafts, from whimsical fruit-based characters donning Bavarian attire to exquisitely carved and painted Nativity figures. Additionally, you’ll discover exquisite ornaments and contemporary crafts, all set against the backdrop of fairy-tale villages adorned with holiday decorations.
As the ancient cathedral squares shimmer with twinkling lights and the joyful laughter of children mingles with carolers’ melodies, you’ll have the opportunity to savor Uniworld’s exclusive “Taste of Christmas” program in Vienna. There, you can admire the breathtaking confectionery displays in Café Demel’s windows. Experience the holiday season in a fresh and enchanting manner as you wander through historic landscapes, and always remember the wise words of the Christkind: “While this market’s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal.”
Itinerary
DAY 1 Nuremberg (Embark)
Arrive at Nuremberg 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.
*Itinerary also available from Vienna to Nuremberg
DAY 2 Nuremberg, Roth
For a truly over-the-top holiday extravaganza, look no further than Nuremberg, which boasts the largest and grandest Christmas Market in all of Germany—and that’s really saying something. The “Gingerbread Capital of the World” pulls out all the stops during the holidays, as you’ll see for yourself on a panoramic tour guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. Two hundred stalls filled with holiday wares—ornaments, nutcrackers, seasonal treats and hand-carved toys—await you, and the irresistible aromas of roasting nuts, cinnamon and grilled sausages waft through the air.
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour with Christmas market
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 3 Regensburg
The Old Town of Regensburg sparkles with holiday lights and decorations this time of year, adding to its already considerable charms. Check out the brightest cultural sights, then head to what may very well be the most romantic Christmas Market in all of Germany, nestled within the courtyard of a beautiful baroque castle—as you take in the delights of the markets.
DAY 4 Deggendorf (Theresienthal), Passau
Take some time today to explore the beautifully expansive and heavily wooded Bavarian Forest. As the largest continuous forested region in Europe, there’s plenty to uncover—like unspoiled landscapes, abundant wildlife and idyllic atmosphere.
DAY 5 Cruising the Danube River, Linz
There’s more to Linz than its famous Linzer torte, although that alone makes it well worth a visit. The city has a thriving contemporary art scene, and its two Christmas Markets are over-the-top enchanting. In keeping with the Austrian traditions of good food and good music, Linz gave rise to both the Linzer torte and the Linz Symphony. The symphony is one of Mozart’s most celebrated works. The story goes that the composer was so inspired by the beauty of the city that he finished his Symphony No. 36 in less than a week here in 1783.
Choice of Linz walking tour with Christmas market or Linz town stroll and cider farm visit
DAY 6 Cruising the Wachau Valley
After a scenic cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley, we’ll reach the tiny village of Dürnstein. Walk along its cobbled streets, browse the shops selling apricot schnapps, and perhaps take a quick jaunt up to the ruins of a castle (with an intriguing tale all its own). Later, you can taste mulled wine and attend an organ concert at an Augustine church.
DAY 7 Vienna
Vienna is a city steeped in history, music and elegant architecture. Mozart, Austria’s most famous citizen, was at the height of his creative powers when he lived here, writing perhaps his best-known works, including The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. He found Vienna a very inspiring place, and so will you. You’ll have a full day to savor the Christmas spirit in Vienna with over 140 wooden stalls enticing you with every sort of delicacy. Be sure to try the rum balls and nutmeg-spiced macarons, which are local favorites, and amble through the adjacent park to admire the elaborately decorated trees.
DAY 8 Vienna (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 Vienna International Airport for your flight home.
About this trip
2 countries: Germany and Austria
Departure Months
December
What's included
7 NIGHTS
Accommodation
PREMIUM ALL INCLUSIVE
7 breakfasts, 5 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 S.S. Beatrice boasts yacht-style light wood with blue and white finishes throughout, a renovated lobby featuring elegant mirrors, marble floors, a white Murano chandelier with blue shades, and a grand staircase made of nickel and black iron—a signature design element of Uniworld’s Super Ships. The ship’s redesigned lounge features sofas and chairs with hand-made upholstery, a parquet floor and upholstered ceiling panels, solar shades, and new USB ports allowing guests to charge anywhere they are sitting. The artwork throughout the ship includes pieces from Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, and Pino Signoretto.
Picturesque cruising along the Main-Danube Canal and Danube river.
Some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe
The Bressenden difference
DINING
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
7 breakfasts, 5 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, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Guided “Taste of Christmas” program
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 majestic S.S. Beatrice or the stunning River Princess
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: Austria, Germany
3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
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
Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
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
DanubeEuropeRiver Cruises -
Not Included
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