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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld

European Holiday Markets (2025)

Everyday Price From

$8,199

8 days

No Countries

Overview

This cruise takes you to some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe. At each market, you’ll find wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky little characters made of fruit and dressed in Bavarian costume to beautifully carved and painted Nativity figures. You’ll also find exquisite ornaments and fine contemporary crafts, along with fairytale villages decked in holiday finery. Sparkling lights illuminate ancient cathedral squares and the sound of children’s laughter mingles with carols. Enjoy Uniworld’s exclusive “Taste of Christmas” program in Vienna, where you’ll see astonishing confectionary decorations in Café Demel’s windows. Celebrate the season in a new way as you meander through old lands, and remember, as the Christkind says, “While this market’s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal.” Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Locations Visited

Vienna, Dürnstein, Linz, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg

Countries Visited

Germany, Austria

Travel Style

Cruise, All Inclusive

Accommodations

7 nights included

European Holiday Markets (2025)

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

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.

  • Meals

    Dinner

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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Welcome Dinner

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

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 a local spin on mulled wine and attend an organ concert at an Augustine church.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Dinner

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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Lunch

    Farewell Dinner

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

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.

  • Meals

    Breakfast Buffet

    Continental Breakfast

Featured Excursions do not require booking. Excursions that are listed as "Choose between..." must be booked onboard however there is no additional cost. Please refer to the excursion details below to view purchasing options for our Masterpiece Collection excursions where applicable.&nbsp;<em>Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.</em>

What's Included

  • What's Included image

  • 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
  • What's Included image

  • Excursions

    • 6 days of excursions, 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 Nordic walking sticks
  • What's Included image

  • Accommodations

    • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the majestic S.S. Beatrice
    • 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 Wi-Fi
  • What's Included image

  • 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
    • Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment

Ship Details

Royal Suite
  • Luxurious riverview royal suite (390 sq ft - 36.2 sq m) with spacious living room
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, separate rain shower and tub, plush towels, towel warmers and a secluded toilet area
  • Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service
S.S. Beatrice

Dates & Prices

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Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy, is valid for select stateroom categories only.

Click on Terms and Conditions for details.

†The exact amount of the Costco Member Benefit will be calculated during the booking process.