Experience Europe’s old-world charms during the most magical time of the year

“Welcome, young and old, to my little community of wood and cloth.” These words spoken by the Christkind open the Nuremberg Christmas Market. Though the iconic representative of the market is named for the infant Jesus, she—yes, she—is a girl dressed as a crowned angel. All over Germany, the Christkind is a symbol of the holiday’s magic.

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” programme 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 splendour is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal.”

Who will enjoy this cruise

Those looking to experience Europe at its most magical will enjoy the chance to discover the delightful holiday traditions and treats of Germany and Austria, and to find special gifts for loved ones back home.

Travel through time along three great rivers, uncovering the gems of European history, culture, scenery, and art. Lovers of history, rejoice! This remarkable voyage through some of Europe’s most scenic and beautiful destinations is perfect for you. Travel through four countries and enjoy 23 up-close shore excursions, including visits to Budapest’s Grand Market, exclusive “Vienna, City of the Arts” tour, and exploring a farm and village in the Franconian Hills in Northern Bavaria, just to name a few.

Embark on a history-steeped, perfectly paced European journey that takes you through four countries along three great rivers—the Danube, Main, and Rhine—and to countless UNESCO World Heritage sites.

When you step into Melk Abbey’s great library overlooking the Danube, you are entering a center of learning that influenced all of Europe. Walk through the Medieval lanes of Bamberg and see a layout that established a model for urban development across the Continent. Stand beneath the Würzburg Residenz’s soaring ceiling fresco and understand that, even centuries ago, art knew no boundaries, as artists like Tiepolo traveled from Italy to work throughout the Habsburg Empire. Encounter Budapest, which was fought over for centuries, but whose citizens now enjoy a thriving cultural life and a serious interest in good food and wine. Vienna may boast glorious imperial palaces, but it’s also a hip, multicultural urban center, as you’ll see when you stop by one of its diverse city markets. Throughout your journey, you’ll sample regional delicacies and sip the fine Rieslings that hail from the Rhine River Valley. All these jewels that have sparkled through the ages are yours to discover now.

Travel through time along three great rivers, uncovering the gems of European history, culture, scenery, and art. Lovers of history, rejoice! This remarkable voyage through some of Europe’s most scenic and beautiful destinations is perfect for you. Travel through four countries and enjoy 23 up-close shore excursions, including visits to Budapest’s Grand Market, exclusive “Vienna, City of the Arts” tour, and exploring a farm and village in the Franconian Hills in Northern Bavaria, just to name a few.

Embark on a history-steeped, perfectly paced European journey that takes you through four countries along three great rivers—the Danube, Main, and Rhine—and to countless UNESCO World Heritage sites.

When you step into Melk Abbey’s great library overlooking the Danube, you are entering a center of learning that influenced all of Europe. Walk through the Medieval lanes of Bamberg and see a layout that established a model for urban development across the Continent. Stand beneath the Würzburg Residenz’s soaring ceiling fresco and understand that, even centuries ago, art knew no boundaries, as artists like Tiepolo traveled from Italy to work throughout the Habsburg Empire. Encounter Budapest, which was fought over for centuries, but whose citizens now enjoy a thriving cultural life and a serious interest in good food and wine. Vienna may boast glorious imperial palaces, but it’s also a hip, multicultural urban center, as you’ll see when you stop by one of its diverse city markets. Throughout your journey, you’ll sample regional delicacies and sip the fine Rieslings that hail from the Rhine River Valley. All these jewels that have sparkled through the ages are yours to discover now.

e inspired by the fairytale beauty and romantic spirit of the castle-laden, vineyard-rich Rhine. The Rhine River is your gateway to a truly enchanting journey. Sail her shimmering tide past stately castles, lush hillside vineyards, and storybook towns. You’ll discover highlights of four countries, The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland, on this itinerary that transports you into a fairytale world, one full of romance and beauty. And Uniworld’s Epicurean Adventurer Program™ gives you unique experiences like an exclusive wine tasting at Castle Vollrads in Germany, a Black Forest cake-baking demonstration and tasting, and much more.

Flowers tumble from baskets lining streets of half-timbered houses, and lights glint off quiet canals. A mighty river carries ships and cargo through a landscape shaped by time and history. The spires of Medieval churches and castles appear around each bend in the river, and vineyards climb the verdant hillsides.

Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other—and savor French joie de vivre and German Gemütlichkeit . Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a wine-making tradition that goes back to the Romans. Bicycle beside the river, passing Roman ruins and Romanesque churches. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses guarding territory and trade routes, and that now tower above the water as romantic ruins. Visit the fairytale cities of Riquewihr, Kayserberg, Colmar, Strasbourg, and Rüdesheim, and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown. Beethoven and Byron loved the romantic landscapes of the Rhine River. The beauty that inspired them is still yours to experience.