European Holiday Markets

European Holiday Markets

About This Cruise

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.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Couples

    Luxury service and an intimate, small-ship feel

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. Beatrice

Departure Date

8 December 2026

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Austria

Vienna

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.

Austria

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.

Austria

Dürnstein

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.

Austria

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.

Germany

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.

Germany

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.

Germany

Nuremberg

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.

Germany

Nuremberg

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Balcony

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. 

Balcony

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. 

Outside

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

wine

Mozart's

Mozart's can be found on the Danube Deck

steakhouse

Max's

Max’s can be found on the Rhine Deck

wine

Schubert's

Schubert's can be found on the Rhine Deck

Lounge

Wolfgang’s Bar and Lounge

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

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

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

Shop

Boutiques

Boutiques can be found on the Danube Deck

Reception

Reception

The Reception can be found on Rhine Deck.

Spa, Wellness

Serenity River Spa

The Serenity River Spa can be found on the Moselle Deck

Gym

Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre can be found on the Moselle Deck

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