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European Holiday Markets

with UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises
Dec. 08, 2026 - Dec. 15, 2026
8 days6 ports

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.

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  • SERENITY SUITE
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Itinerary

Day 1: Vienna
Day 2: Vienna
Day 3: Dürnstein
Day 4: Linz
Day 5: Passau
Day 6: Regensburg
Day 7: Nuremberg
Day 8: Nuremberg
Day 1: Vienna

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Day programme:

Arrive at Vienna International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Vienna

Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines.

Day programme:

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 3: Dürnstein

Dürnstein is a town located in the Northeast of Austria, situated on the Danube river. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and wine region of Wachauer. It is a popular destination for wine lovers as many wineries offer accommodation. In addition to wine tasting and vineyard tours, visitors will find exploring the area on foot is easy and enjoyable. Take one of the many beautiful hiking trails across ancient rocks and admire the impressive views across the Danube valley. Children will enjoy exploring the outdoors of Dürnstein too, with outdoor playgrounds and theme trails available to keep them entertained. In addition, children and adults will enjoy Austria’s only outdoor biological swimming pool, Kuenringerbad, with an average temperature of 23 degrees celsius. Enjoy views of the town from overhead helicopter tours, leisurely river excursions, or hike up into the mountains and explore some of Dürnstein’s ruins. The mountains offer the ruins of Dürnstein castle and city wall as well as beautiful flora and fauna to spot.

Day programme:

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.

Day 4: Linz

Linz is a city in northern Austria located on both banks of the Danube River and is a short distance from Salzburg and Vienna. Linz has been awarded UNESCO City of Media Arts status and prides itself on offering a broad spectrum of events, activities and cultural institutions. Enjoy popular open air concert such as Klassik am Dom and extravagant street performances, which attract large crowds and popular international artists. Art galleries and centres are in abundance around the city as well as many museums housing international collections and depictions of the history and heritage of Linz. The architecture of the city also plays an important role in Linz’s cultural heritage with Main Square, Old Town and Mariendom Cathedral being some key attractions. Families will enjoy a trip to Postlingberg, located high up in the mountains and featuring a zoo, the Grottenbahn and spectacular views of the river and city below.

Day programme:

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.

Day 5: Passau

Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce.

Day programme:

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 6: Regensburg

Regensburg is a medieval city of Bavaria in southeast Germany. It is situated on the northern point of the Danube River at its confluence with the Regen and Naab rivers. The city is famous for its iconic 12th Century stone bridge and sixteen arches, crossing the Danube into Old Town and is the oldest preserved bridge in Germany. Regensburg is also noted for its 13th Century Regensburg Cathedral and Gothic twin spires that feature prominently on the city’s skyline. Recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, the city is home to many preserved sites. Visit the the 2nd Century Porta Praetoria which served as the north gate to a Roman camp and St Peter’s Cathedral, with its French Gothic architecture. Also the 18th Century Thurn and Taxis Palace and the Old Town Hall, which is now home to the Imperial Diet Museum, are also worth a visit. Regensburg benefits from lots of parks and gardens for visitors to relax in, as well as walks and cycle paths along the banks of the rivers.

Day programme:

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 7: Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria’s second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

Day programme:

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.

Day 8: Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria’s second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

Day programme:

Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Nuremberg Airport for your flight home.

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Ship features

Royal Suite

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

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

Royal Suite
Grand Suite

Grand Suite

Luxurious riverview grand suite (310 sq ft – 28.8 sq m)

Grand suites include 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, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

Royal Suite
Grand Suite
Suite

Suite

Luxurious riverview suite (225 sq ft – 20.9 sq m)

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, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

Royal Suite
Grand Suite
Suite
Deluxe French Balcony

Deluxe French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft – 14 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Royal Suite
Grand Suite
Suite
Deluxe French Balcony
French Balcony

French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft – 14 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Royal Suite
Grand Suite
Suite
Deluxe French Balcony
French Balcony
French Balcony A

French Balcony A

Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft – 14 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings. 

Royal Suite
Grand Suite
Suite
Deluxe French Balcony
French Balcony
French Balcony A
French Balcony B

French Balcony B

Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft – 14 sq m) with a French balcony

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

This category is only available on 2027 & 2028 sailings. 

Royal Suite
Grand Suite
Suite
Deluxe French Balcony
French Balcony
French Balcony A
French Balcony B
Classic

Classic

Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft – 14 sq m)

Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line; additional details on the cabin are available on request

Mozart's

Mozart's

Mozart’s can be found on the Danube Deck

Mozart's
Max's

Max's

Max’s can be found on the Rhine Deck

Mozart's
Max's
Schubert's

Schubert's

Schubert’s can be found on the Rhine Deck

Excursions

Excursions

Let’s Go

Our active excursions invite you to appreciate the natural world with invigorating walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, and golfing activities.

Do as the Locals Do

Whether we’re seeking local favorite treats or hopping on public trams to zip around town, these tours capture what it’s like to live in the destinations you visit.

Private Experiences

From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests.

Village Day

On a Village Day, you’ll select from a few different ways to explore village life, often by diving into a cultural pastime or getting to know someone in town.

Excursions
Nights Out

Nights Out

See your destinations in a whole new light

From private after-hours tours of popular attractions to local nightlife experiences, this new line of included excursions will go the extra mile to bring you uniquely memorable moments on your all-inclusive, luxury river cruise.

Excursions
Nights Out
Masterpiece Collection

Masterpiece Collection

One of the many qualities that set a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise apart is the degree and quality of our all-inclusive amenities. We offer more inclusions—and more luxurious inclusions—than any other river cruise line. Our guests will always find everything they need and more to enjoy a wonderful holiday with Uniworld.

For the guests looking to take their journey one step further, we’ve curated a Masterpiece Collection of optional excursions that go above and beyond our included experiences, available for an additional charge.

Excursions
Nights Out
Masterpiece Collection
Make Travel Matter®

Make Travel Matter®

These sustainably minded excursions offer our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Travelling with Uniworld means you’re travelling with purpose—supporting sustainable tourism as well as local communities and wildlife. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences take that even further, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.

They are selected with great care using a proprietary assessment tool endorsed by industry experts, which ensures that our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences directly advance United Nations Global Goals.

Wolfgang’s Bar and Lounge

Wolfgang’s Bar and Lounge

Wolfgang’s Bar and Lounge can be found on Rhine Deck.

Wolfgang’s Bar and Lounge
Sun Deck

Sun Deck

Where you can relax and take in the ever-changing views. 

Wolfgang’s Bar and Lounge
Sun Deck
Boutiques

Boutiques

Boutiques can be found on the Danube Deck

Wolfgang’s Bar and Lounge
Sun Deck
Boutiques
Reception

Reception

The Reception can be found on Rhine Deck.

Serenity River Spa

Serenity River Spa

The Serenity River Spa can be found on the Moselle Deck

Serenity River Spa
Fitness Centre

Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre can be found on the Moselle Deck

Special Generations Amenities

Special Generations Amenities

Stress-Free Holidays

You shouldn’t have to worry about micromanaging your family while you’re on holiday. On an all-inclusive Generations Collection cruise, every detail is thought of and taken care of for you—from making sure the kids are entertained onboard and onshore to providing three delicious meals a day. All you have to do is unpack once, and we’ll whisk you away to multiple towns (or countries even!) in one trip, with immersive experiences that every generation will enjoy.

Cultural Enrichment

When you share the gift of travel with the little ones in your life, you nourish their passion for world cultures, foster an adventurous spirit, and give them an invaluable learning opportunity by bringing them up close and personal to historic sites and new ideas. Our tours are designed to enhance this effect with a carefully curated combination of education and fun.

Special Amenities in Europe

  • Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families
  • Kid-friendly menus for each meal
  • The Young Travellers’ Table, reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
  • Onboard activities just for kids, such as craft workshops and cooking classes with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
  • Young Travellers’ Lounge, complete with video game console, games, movies, and local treats
  • Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 5 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
  • Kids-only movie nights in the onboard cinema, where applicable
  • A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager
Special Dietary Requirements

Special Dietary Requirements

Kindly inform us in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). This information can be provided to us when completing your Passenger Information Form. We have a “Traveling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available to us.

Special Dietary Requirements
Age Restrictions

Age Restrictions

In our experience, most young children—especially those under 4—are simply not yet old enough to enjoy river cruising. We make no special arrangements for little ones and offer few kid-friendly activities onboard or onshore. Please note: Our Generations program departures include programs and services designed for families traveling with children. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their safety and behavior onboard and onshore.

Guests must be 5 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.

Special Dietary Requirements
Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy

Smoking Policy

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.

We also ask guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.

Special Dietary Requirements
Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy
Laundry

Laundry

Most ships have either a self-serve laundrette (with ironing board) or laundry service for an additional fee. Please contact info@uniworld.com to find out what services your ship offers. No dry cleaning services are available on any ship.

Special Dietary Requirements
Age Restrictions
Smoking Policy
Laundry
Wi-Fi & Internet Access

Wi-Fi & Internet Access

Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please email us at info@uniworld.com to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

  • Sun Deck
  • Bridge
Sun Deck
Rhine Deck

Rhine Deck

  • Max’s
  • Bar
  • 24-Hour Coffee and Tea Station
  • Wolfgang’s
  • Schubert’s
  • Elevator
  • Deluxe French Balcony Staterooms
  • Royal Suites
  • Suites
  • Grand Suites
Sun Deck
Rhine Deck
Danube Deck

Danube Deck

  • Reception / Concierge
  • Mozart’s
  • Elevator
  • French Balcony Staterooms
Sun Deck
Rhine Deck
Danube Deck
Moselle Deck

Moselle Deck

  • Guest Laundry
  • Serenity River Spa
  • Fitness Center
  • Elevator
  • Classic Staterooms

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld—the world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia and Peru.
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