8 Days | European Holiday Markets Cruise | With UNIWORLD
Vienna - Dürnstein - Linz - Passau - Regensburg - Roth - Nuremberg
7 Nights cruising with Uniworld in a Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom
Cruise across Austria and Germany experiencing the famous Christmas markets
Visit 3 amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites
All Meals onboard, unlimited beverages and much more!
From $3,599 Typically $5,599 pp twin share
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Step into a world of enchantment with Uniworld's European Holiday Markets tour, where you'll immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Europe during the most magical time of the year.
Traverse through Central Europe and discover some of the most renowned and delightful holiday markets, each one offering a unique tapestry of tradition and festivity.
Picture yourself strolling through these markets, adorned with wooden stalls showcasing an array of traditional crafts. From whimsical fruit characters donning Bavarian attire to intricately carved Nativity figures, every corner is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Lose yourself in the allure of exquisite ornaments and contemporary crafts, while quaint villages exude an aura of holiday splendor.
As day fades into night, witness the transformation as sparkling lights illuminate ancient cathedral squares, casting a spellbinding glow over the festivities. The air is filled with the joyful melodies of carols, intermingling with the laughter of children, creating an atmosphere that is truly enchanting.
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One of the highlights of your journey is Uniworld's exclusive "Taste of Christmas" program in Vienna, where you'll be treated to a visual feast of astonishing confectionary decorations adorning the windows of Café Demel. Indulge your senses as you savor the flavors of the season and immerse yourself in the festive spirit that permeates every corner of this historic city.
But beyond the sights and sounds, this journey is about more than just experiencing the holiday markets—it's about embracing the essence of the season in a new and profound way. As you meander through old lands steeped in tradition and folklore, you'll come to understand the timeless wisdom of the Christkind's words: "While this market's splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal."
So join us on this unforgettable voyage through Europe's holiday markets, where every moment is infused with the magic of the season and memories are made to last a lifetime.
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.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8
Vienna
Arrive at Vienna International 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.
Departure time is set for 9PM.
Meals: All Meals onboard
Accommodation: S.S. Beatrice or River Princess
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.
Choose between your choice of 'Vienna city tour with Christmas market' or 'Taste of Christmas Vienna walking tour'
Meals: All Meals onboard
Accommodation: S.S. Beatrice or River Princess
Dürnstein (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.
Featured Excursion- Dürnstein village stroll with spiced wine tasting and organ concert in a monastery.
Meals: All Meals onboard
Accommodation: S.S. Beatrice or River Princess
Linz (Cruising the Danube River)
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.
Choose between your choice of 'Linz walking tour with Christmas market' or 'Linz town stroll and cider farm visit'.
Meals: All Meals onboard
Accommodation: S.S. Beatrice or River Princess
Passau (Theresienthal)
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.
Featured Excursion- Passau walking tour with Christmas market and Bavarian Forest adventure.
Meals: All Meals onboard
Accommodation: S.S. Beatrice or River Princess
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.
Featured Excursion- Regensburg walk with Thurn & Taxis Castle visit and Christmas market.
Meals: All Meals onboard
Accommodation: S.S. Beatrice or River Princess
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.
Accommodation: S.S. Beatrice or River Princess
Nuremberg
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 Nuremberg Airport for your flight home.
Meals: All Meals onboard
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom
- 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
- 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 Nordic walking sticks
- Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days
- 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
About your cabin: The price is based on the ''Classic stateroom' on the Moselle Deck. Upgrades to other categories is available on checkout and subject to availability and price fluctuations.
Direction of Travel: The 9th of December 2023 as well as the 8th & 9th of December 2024 run in Reverse from Nuremberg to Vienna.
Ship allocated on each Departure Date:
- 9th December 2023- River Princess
- 15th December 2023- S.S. Beatrice
- 16th December 2023- River Princess
- 8th December 2024- S.S. Beatrice
- 9th December 2024- River Princess
- 15th December 2024- S.S. Beatrice
- 16th December 2024- River Princess
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance (Highly recommended for this program)
- Any meals or drinks not listed
- Any activities not listed
Travelling solo: Contact us for a quote!
Group Size: Uniworld's elegant ships feature an average capacity of 128 guests and one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the river cruise industry.
About the Ships: 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.
S.S. Beatrice offers four dining options all inspired by famous Austrian composers, including Mozart’s, the ship’s main restaurant; Wolfgang’s bar and lounge and newly added Schubert’s and Max’s. For guests seeking an immersive culinary experience, Max’s restaurant offers intimate cooking classes where guests can create local European cuisines alongside the chef. Schubert’s, an 18-seat café located at the bow of the ship, offers guests shared plates from lunch through dinnertime. The cozy Austrian-styled eatery features menus reflecting the cuisine of the ship’s destinations.
The stunning foyer of the 128-passenger River Princess sets an indulgent and luxurious tone for your European journey. Throughout the ship, jewel-tone greens, warm browns and a mix of black and white create a sophisticated ambiance, while stylish public areas—including a Main Lounge, a Sky Lounge and a Captain’s Lounge and Library—provide comfortable places to curl up with a good book, chat with friends, or sip your favorite cocktail.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
