Rhine Holiday Markets

Rhine Holiday Markets

About This Cruise

Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe's most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel's Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to Place Kléber to behold the enormous, brilliantly lighted tree of Strasbourg. See how the baroque town hall of Koblenz is transformed into an Advent calendar and find unexpected treasures in the stalls clustered around Cologne's magnificent cathedral.

Savor tantalizing once-a-year treats with Uniworld's "Taste of Christmas" program, including gingerbread and warm spiced wine. Revel in brightly painted carousels and handmade ornaments, medieval squares illuminated by twinkling lights, life-sized Nativity figures, and joyful brass choirs. Sail through castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming towns decked in festive finery for a holiday season you will never forget.

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?

  • Adults only

    S.S. Antoinette is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. Antoinette

Departure Date

2 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

Switzerland

Basel

Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Switzerland

Basel

Basel is a cultural and artistic powerhouse, with all sorts of galleries, theaters, and museums. And at this time of year, the city’s Christmas Market draws visitors from all over Europe, as does its Christmas Street, lined with more than 100 beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas trees. Do you have a special wish for Christmas? Write it in the Wish Book, which lies open in Basel’s 17th-century Town Hall during Advent, waiting for residents and visitors to express their hopes and dreams for the holiday—or for the world.

France

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, a rather overused word that in this case is perfectly apropos. It’s also been known as the “Crossroads of Europe” for its strategic location halfway between Paris and Prague. With a friendly local expert, see this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests, and impossible-to-resist pastry shops that will win your heart. You won’t want to miss the holiday treats like bûche de Noël, the delicious Christmas cake made to look like a yule log.

Germany

Mannheim

Your ship left France behind and sailed into Germany during the wee hours of the morning. If you speak no German, here’s one phrase you might want to learn now: “Fröhliche Weihnachten,” or “Merry Christmas!” Today you’ll have two choices: Venture into the storied city of Baden-Baden, whose contemporary flair meshes with hot springs, spas, and unspoiled nature, or visit the Doktorenhof vinegar estate for a special vinegar tasting. The atmospheric cellar is like no other you’ll ever experience, and the candlelit tasting room is decked for the holidays.

Germany

Mainz

Mainz’s Old Town brims with specialty shops tucked into lovingly restored buildings. You’ll find jewelry, leather goods, books, toys—something special for every special person on your list. Or opt to explore neighboring Wiesbaden’s Christmas Market. However you choose to spend your time in Mainz, you’ll head back to the ship for a short cruise to Rüdesheim, which, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rüdesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse.

Germany

Koblenz

Spend a spectacular morning onboard your luxurious boutique ship as you sail the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stretch of the Rhine is extraordinarily picturesque: Castles perch atop steep cliffs above the water and each quaint village is marked by the spire of its historic church. After sailing past 40 miles (65 kilometers) of gorgeous scenery, you’ll reach the famous intersection of the Rhine and the Moselle. Here, where the two rivers meet, you’ll find the enchanting town of Koblenz. Watch the waters of the Moselle gush into the Rhine as you stand on the spit of land called German Corner before embarking on a walking tour of Koblenz’s historical treasures.

Germany

Cologne

Your local expert will show you favorite haunts around the Old Town and share some of the cathedral’s most intriguing and magical secrets with you.

Germany

Cologne

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

Overview

Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe's most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel's Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to Place Kléber to behold the enormous, brilliantly lighted tree of Strasbourg. See how the baroque town hall of Koblenz is transformed into an Advent calendar and find unexpected treasures in the stalls clustered around Cologne's magnificent cathedral.

Savor tantalizing once-a-year treats with Uniworld's "Taste of Christmas" program, including gingerbread and warm spiced wine. Revel in brightly painted carousels and handmade ornaments, medieval squares illuminated by twinkling lights, life-sized Nativity figures, and joyful brass choirs. Sail through castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming towns decked in festive finery for a holiday season you will never forget.

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

Grand Suite

Luxurious riverview grand suite (391 sq ft - 36.3 sq m) with a 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, plush towels, towel warmers, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, separate rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors and a secluded toilet and bidet 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 (294 sq ft - 27.3 sq m) with enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows (note: Suites 402 and 403 have been stunningly redesigned and no longer have an enclosed balcony)

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 Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (196 sq ft - 18.2 sq m) with enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

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

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

Balcony

Deluxe Balcony A

Luxurious riverview stateroom (196 sq ft - 18.2 sq m) with enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

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

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

Deluxe Balcony B

Luxurious riverview stateroom (196 sq ft - 18.2 sq m) with enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows

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

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

Luxurious riverview stateroom (196 sq ft - 18.2 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 and satellite

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 (196 sq ft - 18.2 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 and satellite

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 (196 sq ft - 18.2 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 and satellite

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 (163 sq ft - 15.1 sq m)

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

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

regional

Restaurant de Versailles

Restaurant de Versailles can be found on the La Duchesse Deck

buffet

L'Orangerie Sky Lounge

L'Orangerie Sky Lounge can be found on the Sun Deck

Bar

Salon du Grand Trianon

The Salon du Grand Trianon can be found on the La Princesse Deck

Bar

Bar du Leopard

Bar du Leopard can be found on the Sun Deck

Cinema

Le Cinema de Pigalle

Le Cinema de Pigalle can be found on the La Countesse Deck

Spa, Pool

Serenity River Spa & Pool

Serenity River Spa & Pool can be found on the La Princesse Deck

Gym

Fitness Centre

The Fitness Centre can be found on the La Duchesse 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