Danube Holiday Markets (2025)
Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts, and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable as you cruise through the holidays along the Danube. Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble through the Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square, admiring the handmade porcelain, stop to watch as kürtos kalács (a pastry) is baked on rods over an open fire and then coated with sugar before it’s handed to you.
In Bratislava, where a lively young art scene is revitalizing the compact city core, stalls abound with traditional Slovakian Christmas items such as medovníky (spiced ginger cookies) and šúpolie (figurines made from corn husks). Experience Uniworld’s exclusive “Taste of Christmas” program in the heart of Vienna during the day.
Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable as you sail through the holidays on the Danube.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Other Excursions:
A panoramic tour will carry you from Heroes’ Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousand-year anniversary of Hungary’s founding and its greatest historical figures, past some of the city’s most striking architectural sights, and on to Vörösmarty Square. Here, you’ll find Budapest’s most celebrated Christmas Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. The enticing aromas of cinnamon, baking bread, and meats grilling over open fires drift among the 100 or so gaily decorated stalls.
Only the finest Hungarian craftspeople are invited to participate in this market, so you can be assured of finding unique and beautifully made gifts.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Meet your local guide outside the ship for a short walk to the metro station, where you'll hop on a train towards the Parliament Building, Budapest's most iconic architectural marvel. From there, you'll make your way to your first treat of the tour, a slice of strudel from a local bakery. Marvel at St. Stephen Cathedral's intricate tile rooftops and walk down Fashion street to arrive at the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market. Here, your guide will order you a hot drink to sip as you wander around the market on your own. We suggest checking out the enchanting gingerbread ornaments decorated with Hungarian folk motifs.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Featured Excursion:
- Nights Out: Bratislava Christmas Market
After dinner, follow your Cruise Manager back into town to see Bratislava’s Christmas Market in a new light. Twinkling lights brighten the scene when the sun goes down, and hot mugs of mulled wine become particularly tempting.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
- Life beyond the Iron Curtain
Take an authentic look into Communist-era Bratislava as you follow a local guide through the city. As you go, listen to real stories about life in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic: how some locals escaped past the iron curtain, the Prague Spring of 1968, the Velvet Revolution, and more. Following your tour, you’ll sit with a representative of a local NGO known as Post Bellum. Post Bellum works to preserve history by documenting first-hand accounts of life during World War II and Communism, interviewing everyone they can find—from resistance members to ex-KGB agents.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 4: Quality Education; and Global Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.
Other Excursions:
St. Martin’s Cathedral gives you a hint of the surprising history of this surprising city. The Gothic church was built into the medieval city’s fortifications, and 19 Habsburg rulers were crowned inside it, including Empress Maria Theresa. Close to the cathedral you’ll find St. Michael’s Gate, the last remaining portal in the medieval wall—and your entryway to Bratislava’s Old Town, which blends Gothic, baroque, and art deco structures with some less graceful reminders of the Communist era. The stately 18th-century Primatial Palace, in the center of Old Town, was the site where the Pressburg peace treaty was signed in 1805. Another 18th-century palace, Grassalkovich, is now the president of Slovakia’s official residence. Your tour ends in the heart of Old Town, where the Christmas Market is in full swing. Vendors at this charming market specialize in small handcrafted items, such as figurines made from corn husks, bells, lace, wire jewelry, and pottery from specific regions of Slovakia. Try a mug of a local honey wine, which is served hot; as you browse through the offerings and listen to schoolchildren sing Christmas carols.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Featured Excursions:
- “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum & Christmas Markets
The Vienna Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) is home to an astonishing collection of artistic treasures. Its doors open early especially for you as you join an art historian for a tour of some of the masterpieces gathered here: View a unique group of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Vermeer’s Allegory of Painting, Raphael’s Madonna in the Meadow, and portraits by Rembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens, Titian, Tintoretto, and Van Eyck, among others, in the Picture Gallery before moving on to the Kunstkammer galleries, where you can see Benvenuto Cellini’s legendary salt cellar (the only gold sculpture he created that has survived to the present day) and hear its remarkable story. You’ll also have time to explore on your own and to visit the Christmas market.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Masterpiece Collection:
- Private Mozart and Strauss Concert
Vienna is linked inextricably with music, as so many great composers lived and worked here: Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss, Schubert, Mahler, Brahms-the list is as long as it is glorious. Enjoy an evening of chamber music performed by some of Vienna's world-class professionals in a historic and intimate concert venue.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
- Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Market
Perhaps the apex of baroque design in Vienna, Schönbrunn was Empress Maria Theresa's favorite palace, and, beginning in 1740, she made it the social and political center of her empire. Your visit will concentrate on the rooms occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his empress, Elisabeth (known as Sissi). Franz Joseph restored the state rooms to their rococo splendor, but his private rooms reflect his rather severe nature, making for an illuminating contrast. You will also have some time to explore the charming Christmas Market set up right in front of the Schönbrunn, which is spectacularly illuminated for the season.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
- “Taste of Christmas” Vienna Walking Tour
Vienna is a delicious experience for visitors (and for locals too, of course) at any time of the year, but it’s especially inviting during the winter holidays. Join an exclusive excursion that combines delectable treats of the season with a look at some of the highlights in the Innere Stadt—the historic city core. This district offers a stunning array of Vienna’s gems in just a few blocks.
Stroll with your local guide down elegant shopping streets, including the Graben and Kohlmarkt (don’t miss the dazzling display of holiday confectionary art in the windows of Café Demel, which once supplied Empress Sissi with candied violets), step into a newly restored 15th-century courtyard house, see where Mozart once lived (though he moved often as his finances changed), peek into some of the Hofburg’s courtyards and churches, and discover as you go along the luscious flavors of Vienna’s favorite holiday sweets and savories, some of which will be available for you to sample. Vienna also cherishes its New Year’s traditions, so you’ll find market stalls offering the good-luck charms Viennese people exchange on New Year’s Eve: You may spot marzipan pigs, chocolate chimney sweeps, plush mushrooms, tiny metal ladybugs, even lucky pennies— they all symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. Pick up some good luck and a mug of mulled wine and roam on your own through this short- lived market before returning to the ship.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Featured Excursion:
- Melk Village Stroll
Join your Cruise Manager on a leisurely walk around Melk. Look up from anywhere in town to admire the palatial, cheery yellow Melk Abbey crowning the hill atop the city. Sprawling out around it is a maze of winding lanes and charming shops, adorned with some unique artistic touches—keep an eye out for the colorful stones amongst cobbles, which subtly mark walking paths to important spots around town.
Other Excursions:
Considering its diminutive size, the village of Dürnstein offers much to explore. The famous blue baroque tower of the abbey church is doubtless its best-known landmark, but the ruined castle above the town provides its most romantic tale. There Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned until he was found by his faithful bard, Blondel, and ransom could be raised—or so the legend goes. Walk with the Cruise Manager through the Kremser Gate, which dates to the 15th century, and past 16th-, 17th-, and 18th-century houses; it’s an up-close look at over 300 years of local architectural styles. The inhabitants of this region have grown apricots and grapes for many centuries, and they have happily turned both into delectable beverages through the years. Taste a local spin on mulled wine—spiced with Wachau Valley saffron—after your walk, then sit back and enjoy an organ concert inside a rococo Augustine monastery.
Stroll around charming Krems as it takes on the most festive of forms. A local expert will take you on a tour of the town, including a visit to the Christkindlmarkt featuring local crafts. During this time of year, baroque and medieval houses are stunning backdrops for alleys and streets lined with stalls for the market and storefronts adorned with holiday décor. Spend your free time this morning wandering along Museum Mile, perhaps stopping in one of the many fascinating museums for a tour, such as the Gozzoburg. This 13th century merchant mansion is a testimony to Krems as a trade center and features wonderfully preserved fresco paintings, including the largest preserved medieval fresco and graffito paintings north of the Alps. Or, opt for grabbing a bite to eat and something to drink at a cozy bar or café in the Krems Stein, a lively student town. Then, peruse the local shops for a souvenir to commemorate your time in Krems before heading back to the ship.
You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or on the Sun Deck today as your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley. Over the eons, the Danube cut a gorge through the foothills of the Bohemian Mountains, resulting in a 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of riverine scenery so beautiful; UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Landscape. Castle ruins dominate hilltops; baroque church towers appear on the riverbanks, marking historic villages and splendid abbeys; and vineyards and apricot orchards cling to the rocky slopes. Some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced from grapes grown on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes were first planted 2,000 years ago.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
- Linz Town & Country: Cider Farm Visit and Christmas Markets
Enjoy a stroll through the city’s Old Town and marvel at the sights, including Old Market Square, the Plague Column, and the historic Landhaus—a lightly-colored, Renaissance-style government building. The former monastery was transformed into a meeting place for Austrian politicians, but still holds on to its 16th century roots. Embark on a short ride to the Austrian countryside to an authentic family-owned-and-operated “Mostheuriger” farm. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the owner and the farm’s many critters. They’ll tell you the story of their family, farm, and products, and you’ll indulge in a tasting of the region’s most popular drink, cider, and “Brettljause,” a spread of local delicacies. Then, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside en route back to the ship.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.
Other Excursions:
Salzburg’s musical heritage is apparent everywhere in its UNESCO-designated Old Town. The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg celebrates its most famous son in many forms—with statues, with chocolates, with concerts—but there are other musical associations to discover too. Walk with your guide through the Mirabell Garden, the beautiful formal gardens where Maria sang “Do-Re-Mi” with her young charges in the movie The Sound of Music, and through the heart of the Old Town, which lies on both sides of the river. Because Salzburg belonged to the archbishops, the splendid cathedral has been the focal point of the city for nearly 600 years. The archbishop’s magnificent residence faces the square now named for Mozart, and the house where Mozart was born is nearby. (Mozart worked for the archbishop of his day—whom he despised—before he moved to Vienna.)
After your walking tour, you have some leisure time to explore the enchanting Christmas Market located in the square in front of the cathedral. Here you’ll find everything from Austrian lace to cinnamon-marbled cakes. Shop, nibble, browse, and sing along with the carolers as you celebrate the holidays in this magical part of the world. Your guide can also suggest some great restaurants in the area: Café Tomaselli has hosted musical notables, from Mozart to Max Reinhardt, since 1705.
Note: Today’s lunch will be on your own.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Masterpiece Collection:
- Bavarian Winter Walk
You’ll want to wear sturdy hiking boots for this surprising holiday excursion; and be sure to dress warmly too: while there is no guarantee it will snow, it will definitely be seasonably chilly. You will hike a nice paved path along the river Ilz to a small village-like suburb of Passau, Hals (approximately 2.5 miles). Encounter seasonal transitions as you go, from carols to fairytales, and even the occasional sweet. In Hals, you’ll be invited to an old farmhouse right by the Ilz river bank, where you’ll warm up in the courtyard with a cup of mulled wine while enjoying a private mini concert of Bavarian tunes. Before you leave, a surprise is waiting for you at the farm house to show you one last piece of a typical Bavarian Christmas.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
Featured Excursion:
- Passau Walking Tour with Christmas Market
Join your local expert for a walk through picturesque lanes in the heart of Passau, stopping at the Town Hall to see its magnificent atrium, which boasts several massive works by the famous German painter Ferdinand Wagner, and pausing to admire the beautiful rococo stairway of the bishop’s New Residence. After much of the town burned to the ground in 1662 and again in 1680, the reconstruction involved many Italian artists, who gave Passau the baroque and rococo touches you see everywhere. Monumental St. Stephan’s Cathedral, built in glorious baroque style, forms the backdrop for the Passau Christmas Market. You’ll find a lot to enjoy here—from miniature Bavarian houses and blown-glass ornaments to spun-sugar confections—in more than 70 stalls. At times, the Passau Christmas Market also features demonstrations by local craftspeople, such as glassblowers, candle makers, wood carvers, and confectioners, so you can buy your gifts directly from the people who made them.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Masterpiece Collection:
- Bavarian Winter Walk
You’ll want to wear sturdy hiking boots for this surprising holiday excursion; and be sure to dress warmly too: while there is no guarantee it will snow, it will definitely be seasonably chilly. You will hike a nice paved path along the river Ilz to a small village-like suburb of Passau, Hals (approximately 2.5 miles). Encounter seasonal transitions as you go, from carols to fairytales, and even the occasional sweet. In Hals, you’ll be invited to an old farmhouse right by the Ilz river bank, where you’ll warm up in the courtyard with a cup of mulled wine while enjoying a private mini concert of Bavarian tunes. Before you leave, a surprise is waiting for you at the farm house to show you one last piece of a typical Bavarian Christmas.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
Featured Excursion:
- Passau Walking Tour with Christmas Market
Join your local expert for a walk through picturesque lanes in the heart of Passau, stopping at the Town Hall to see its magnificent atrium, which boasts several massive works by the famous German painter Ferdinand Wagner, and pausing to admire the beautiful rococo stairway of the bishop’s New Residence. After much of the town burned to the ground in 1662 and again in 1680, the reconstruction involved many Italian artists, who gave Passau the baroque and rococo touches you see everywhere. Monumental St. Stephan’s Cathedral, built in glorious baroque style, forms the backdrop for the Passau Christmas Market. You’ll find a lot to enjoy here—from miniature Bavarian houses and blown-glass ornaments to spun-sugar confections—in more than 70 stalls. At times, the Passau Christmas Market also features demonstrations by local craftspeople, such as glassblowers, candle makers, wood carvers, and confectioners, so you can buy your gifts directly from the people who made them.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
- Linz Town & Country: Cider Farm Visit and Christmas Markets
Enjoy a stroll through the city’s Old Town and marvel at the sights, including Old Market Square, the Plague Column, and the historic Landhaus—a lightly-colored, Renaissance-style government building. The former monastery was transformed into a meeting place for Austrian politicians, but still holds on to its 16th century roots. Embark on a short ride to the Austrian countryside to an authentic family-owned-and-operated “Mostheuriger” farm. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the owner and the farm’s many critters. They’ll tell you the story of their family, farm, and products, and you’ll indulge in a tasting of the region’s most popular drink, cider, and “Brettljause,” a spread of local delicacies. Then, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside en route back to the ship.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.
Other Excursions:
Salzburg’s musical heritage is apparent everywhere in its UNESCO-designated Old Town. The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg celebrates its most famous son in many forms—with statues, with chocolates, with concerts—but there are other musical associations to discover too. Walk with your guide through the Mirabell Garden, the beautiful formal gardens where Maria sang “Do-Re-Mi” with her young charges in the movie The Sound of Music, and through the heart of the Old Town, which lies on both sides of the river. Because Salzburg belonged to the archbishops, the splendid cathedral has been the focal point of the city for nearly 600 years. The archbishop’s magnificent residence faces the square now named for Mozart, and the house where Mozart was born is nearby. (Mozart worked for the archbishop of his day—whom he despised—before he moved to Vienna.)
After your walking tour, you have some leisure time to explore the enchanting Christmas Market located in the square in front of the cathedral. Here you’ll find everything from Austrian lace to cinnamon-marbled cakes. Shop, nibble, browse, and sing along with the carolers as you celebrate the holidays in this magical part of the world. Your guide can also suggest some great restaurants in the area: Café Tomaselli has hosted musical notables, from Mozart to Max Reinhardt, since 1705.
Note: Today’s lunch will be on your own.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Featured Excursion:
- Nights Out: The Christmas Market of Krems
After dinner, put on your warmest coat and head out to the quaint Christmas Market of Krems, which opens just for us this evening. Here, you’ll find little huts serving spiced Wachau Valley wine, roasted chestnuts, and other seasonal treats.
Other Excursions:
Considering its diminutive size, the village of Dürnstein offers much to explore. The famous blue baroque tower of the abbey church is doubtless its best-known landmark, but the ruined castle above the town provides its most romantic tale. There Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned until he was found by his faithful bard, Blondel, and ransom could be raised—or so the legend goes. Walk with the Cruise Manager through the Kremser Gate, which dates to the 15th century, and past 16th-, 17th-, and 18th-century houses; it’s an up-close look at over 300 years of local architectural styles. The inhabitants of this region have grown apricots and grapes for many centuries, and they have happily turned both into delectable beverages through the years. Taste a local spin on mulled wine—spiced with Wachau Valley saffron—after your walk, then sit back and enjoy an organ concert inside a rococo Augustine monastery.
Stroll around charming Krems as it takes on the most festive of forms. A local expert will take you on a tour of the town, including a visit to the Christkindlmarkt featuring local crafts. During this time of year, baroque and medieval houses are stunning backdrops for alleys and streets lined with stalls for the market and storefronts adorned with holiday décor. Spend your free time this afternoon wandering along Museum Mile, perhaps stopping in one of the many fascinating museums for a tour, such as the Gozzoburg. This 13th century merchant mansion is a testimony to Krems as a trade center and features wonderfully preserved fresco paintings, including the largest preserved medieval fresco and graffito paintings north of the Alps. Or, opt for grabbing a bite to eat and something to drink at a cozy bar or café in the Krems Stein, a lively student town. Then, peruse the local shops for a souvenir to commemorate your time in Krems before heading back to the ship.
You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or on the Sun Deck today as your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley. Over the eons, the Danube cut a gorge through the foothills of the Bohemian Mountains, resulting in a 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of riverine scenery so beautiful; UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Landscape. Castle ruins dominate hilltops; baroque church towers appear on the riverbanks, marking historic villages and splendid abbeys; and vineyards and apricot orchards cling to the rocky slopes. Some of Austria’s finest white wines are produced from grapes grown on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes were first planted 2,000 years ago.
Featured Excursions:
- “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum & Christmas Markets
The Vienna Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) is home to an astonishing collection of artistic treasures. Its doors open early especially for you as you join an art historian for a tour of some of the masterpieces gathered here: View a unique group of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Vermeer’s Allegory of Painting, Raphael’s Madonna in the Meadow, and portraits by Rembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens, Titian, Tintoretto, and Van Eyck, among others, in the Picture Gallery before moving on to the Kunstkammer galleries, where you can see Benvenuto Cellini’s legendary salt cellar (the only gold sculpture he created that has survived to the present day) and hear its remarkable story. You’ll also have time to explore on your own and to visit the Christmas market.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Masterpiece Collection:
- Private Mozart and Strauss Concert
Vienna is linked inextricably with music, as so many great composers lived and worked here: Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss, Schubert, Mahler, Brahms-the list is as long as it is glorious. Enjoy an evening of chamber music performed by some of Vienna's world-class professionals in a historic and intimate concert venue.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
- Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Market
Perhaps the apex of baroque design in Vienna, Schönbrunn was Empress Maria Theresa's favorite palace, and, beginning in 1740, she made it the social and political center of her empire. Your visit will concentrate on the rooms occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his empress, Elisabeth (known as Sissi). Franz Joseph restored the state rooms to their rococo splendor, but his private rooms reflect his rather severe nature, making for an illuminating contrast. You will also have some time to explore the charming Christmas Market set up right in front of the Schönbrunn, which is spectacularly illuminated for the season.
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
- “Taste of Christmas” Vienna Walking Tour
Vienna is a delicious experience for visitors (and for locals too, of course) at any time of the year, but it’s especially inviting during the winter holidays. Join an exclusive excursion that combines delectable treats of the season with a look at some of the highlights in the Innere Stadt—the historic city core. This district offers a stunning array of Vienna’s gems in just a few blocks.
Stroll with your local guide down elegant shopping streets, including the Graben and Kohlmarkt (don’t miss the dazzling display of holiday confectionary art in the windows of Café Demel, which once supplied Empress Sissi with candied violets), step into a newly restored 15th-century courtyard house, see where Mozart once lived (though he moved often as his finances changed), peek into some of the Hofburg’s courtyards and churches, and discover as you go along the luscious flavors of Vienna’s favorite holiday sweets and savories, some of which will be available for you to sample. Vienna also cherishes its New Year’s traditions, so you’ll find market stalls offering the good-luck charms Viennese people exchange on New Year’s Eve: You may spot marzipan pigs, chocolate chimney sweeps, plush mushrooms, tiny metal ladybugs, even lucky pennies— they all symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. Pick up some good luck and a mug of mulled wine and roam on your own through this short-lived market before returning to the ship.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Excursion:
- Life beyond the Iron Curtain
Take an authentic look into Communist-era Bratislava as you follow a local guide through the city. As you go, listen to real stories about life in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic: how some locals escaped past the iron curtain, the Prague Spring of 1968, the Velvet Revolution, and more. Following your tour, you’ll sit with a representative of a local NGO known as Post Bellum. Post Bellum works to preserve history by documenting first-hand accounts of life during World War II and Communism, interviewing everyone they can find—from resistance members to ex-KGB agents.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 4: Quality Education; and Global Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
This excursion is only available on sailings that belong to the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program.
Other Excursions:
St. Martin’s Cathedral gives you a hint of the surprising history of this surprising city. The Gothic church was built into the medieval city’s fortifications, and 19 Habsburg rulers were crowned inside it, including Empress Maria Theresa. Close to the cathedral you’ll find St. Michael’s Gate, the last remaining portal in the medieval wall—and your entryway to Bratislava’s Old Town, which blends Gothic, baroque, and art deco structures with some less graceful reminders of the Communist era. The stately 18th-century Primatial Palace, in the center of Old Town, was the site where the Pressburg peace treaty was signed in 1805. Another 18th-century palace, Grassalkovich, is now the president of Slovakia’s official residence. Your tour ends in the heart of Old Town, where the Christmas Market is in full swing. Vendors at this charming market specialize in small handcrafted items, such as figurines made from corn husks, bells, lace, wire jewelry, and pottery from specific regions of Slovakia. Try a mug of a local honey wine, which is served hot; as you browse through the offerings and listen to schoolchildren sing Christmas carols.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Other Excursions:
A panoramic tour will carry you from Heroes’ Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousand-year anniversary of Hungary’s founding and its greatest historical figures, past some of the city’s most striking architectural sights, and on to Vörösmarty Square. Here, you’ll find Budapest’s most celebrated Christmas Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. The enticing aromas of cinnamon, baking bread, and meats grilling over open fires drift among the 100 or so gaily decorated stalls.
Only the finest Hungarian craftspeople are invited to participate in this market, so you can be assured of finding unique and beautifully made gifts.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Budapest close on Christmas Eve and will not be operating during this tour. The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, however, will still be open for our visit.
Meet your local guide outside the ship for a short walk to the metro station, where you'll hop on a train towards the Parliament Building, Budapest's most iconic architectural marvel. From there, you'll make your way to your first treat of the tour, a slice of strudel from a local bakery. Marvel at St. Stephen Cathedral's intricate tile rooftops and walk down Fashion street to arrive at the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market. Here, your guide will order you a hot drink to sip as you wander around the market on your own. We suggest checking out the enchanting gingerbread ornaments decorated with Hungarian folk motifs.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Budapest close on Christmas Eve and will not be operating during this tour. The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, however, will still be open for our visit.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
| Cruise Departure | Double Occupancy Pricing | Ship | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mon, 24 Nov 2025
(Budapest to Passau) |
$7,899.00 |
River Princess |
Select this date | |
|
Mon, 01 Dec 2025
(Budapest to Passau) |
$0.00 |
River Princess |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 02 Dec 2025
(Budapest to Passau) |
$0.00 |
S.S. Maria Theresa |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 09 Dec 2025
(Budapest to Passau) |
$0.00 |
S.S. Maria Theresa |
Select this date | |
|
Mon, 15 Dec 2025
(Budapest to Passau) |
$7,299.00 |
River Princess |
Select this date | |
|
Tue, 16 Dec 2025
(Budapest to Passau) |
$12,199.00 |
S.S. Maria Theresa |
Select this date | |
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
- Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
- The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.
- Prices exclude additional port charges of $230 per person
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
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
Accommodations
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stately S.S. Maria Theresa or the elegant River Princess
- 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
Experiences
- 4 countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
- 4 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
