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Danube Holiday Markets

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Our Price From 5,348 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 694 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Budapest
 Trip Finishes
Passau
8 Day Danube Holiday Markets Itinerary (Uniworld)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
Ship
Departures
Passengers
150
Crew
58
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
UNIDHM

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Uniworld's 8 Day Danube Holiday Markets. Celebrate the season in the birthplace of many beloved holiday traditions. 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...read more 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.

Itinerary

Arrive at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer, or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. You'll get a taste of this dynamic capital city with your choice of tours, and visit Budapest's celebrated Christmas Market—one of the largest in Europe.

Christmas has been celebrated in Budapest for a thousand years, since the time of St. Stephen, the king who founded the nation of Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm, but the city began as a Roman encampment almost a millennium before that. Over the centuries it was controlled by Germans, Austrians, Ottomans, and Communists, all of whom have left traces. (B/L/WD)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest City Tour with Christmas Market OR Cave Church with Home Hosted Coffee and Cake OR Budapest Walk with Local Treats and Christmas Market

Note: 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.

Once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” Slovakia retains an air of mystery and intrigue, and its small capital city has an unexpectedly colorful history. You'll learn more about Bratislava's past from a local expert and also visit the local Christmas Market—a relatively new (and thoroughly delightful) tradition for Slovakians.

How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Slovak? “Veselé Vianoce!” The heart and soul of Slovakia, Bratislava is full of surprises. The city straddles the mighty Danube and has played a leading role in the politics and culture of the region for many centuries. Unlike cities with venerable Christmas Markets, Bratislava just established its first holiday market in 1993. But the Slovakians have quickly embraced the seasonal traditions of their Austrian and Hungarian neighbors—and you'll get to embrace them as well. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursion: Bratislava Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Note: Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Renowned for its art and architecture, its classical music, its decadent pastries, and its lengthy list of famous former residents, the refined city of Vienna is a cultural treasure trove. Experience the city with your choice of tours, as well as something extra special—VIP access to an extraordinary collection of art. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum & Christmas Markets OR “Taste of Christmas” Vienna Walking Tour OR Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Market

Note: Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Enjoy a handful of delightful excursions that inspire the holiday spirit in this beautiful millennium-old town and surrounding valley—both of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Melk Village Stroll OR Dürnstein Village Stroll with Spiced Wine Tasting and Organ Concert in a Monastery OR Krems Town Visit

Note: 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.

Your ship docks at Linz, a modern yet historic city that extends across the shimmering waters of the Danube. From there, you'll head to Mozart's birthplace of Salzburg, which is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland this time of year. Fans of “The Sound of Music” may recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city's Old Town, the site of the grand cathedral and absolutely enchanting Christmas Market. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Full-Day Salzburg Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Linz Town & Country: Cider Farm Visit and Christmas Markets

Note: Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one—three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town with a guided stroll, then visit the local Christmas Market on the square in front of the cathedral. You'll find a lot to enjoy here—from miniature houses and blown-glass ornaments to spun-sugar confections—in more than 70 stalls. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Passau Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Bavarian Winter Walk

Note: 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.

Disembark the ship in Passau. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Munich Airport for your flight home. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • 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
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment

  • 6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, 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

  • 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

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stately S.S. Maria Theresa
  • 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 Internet and Wi-Fi access

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • 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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Curated Experiences

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Deck Plans

Ship Profile
 
Classic
Moselle Deck (Level 1)
 
Deluxe
Danube Deck (Level 2)
 
Deluxe
Main Deck (Level 2)
 
French Balcony
 
Suite
Rhine Deck (Level 3)

Cabins

Classic Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 151 sq ft/ 14 sq m
  • Half-Height Window(s)
  • Handcrafted Savoir® of England bed
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes, and slippers

Deluxe Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 151 sq ft/ 14 sq m
  • Picture Window
  • Handcrafted Savoir® of England bed
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes, and slippers

French Balcony Stateroom

  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom 151 sq ft/ 14 sq m
  • Handcrafted Savoir® of England bed
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes, and slippers

Suite

  • Lavishly appointed riverview suite 214 sq ft/ 20 sq m
  • Handcrafted Savoir® of England bed
  • Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe
  • Individual thermostat
  • Flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Hermès bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirrors, cozy bathrobes, and slippers
  • Additional special amenities and services include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; iPod dock; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; free laundry service

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Uniworld River Cruises (2024-25)

Sailing by river means enjoying all the conveniences of a traditional cruise, along with all the benefits of land travel. Stopping in multiple destinations on every trip, you’ll visit bustling cities and hidden gem villages, unpacking only once. River cruising is the best way to cruise, and the best and most luxurious river cruises are with Uniworl...mored.

Availability

Exclusive Savings
Monday 02 Dec 2024
Monday 09 Dec 2024
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $6,199 $6,081
Save $118 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Monday 16 Dec 2024
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $6,699 $6,571
Save $128 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Monday 24 Nov 2025
Monday 01 Dec 2025
Ship Name River Princess
From: $5,999 $5,348
Save $651 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Tuesday 02 Dec 2025
Tuesday 09 Dec 2025
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $6,399 $5,705
Save $694 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Tuesday 16 Dec 2025
Tuesday 23 Dec 2025
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $5,999 $5,348
Save $651 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Monday 02 Dec 2024
Monday 09 Dec 2024
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $10,616 $10,410
Save $206 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Monday 16 Dec 2024
Monday 23 Dec 2024
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $11,491 $11,267
Save $224 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Monday 24 Nov 2025
Monday 01 Dec 2025
Ship Name River Princess
From: $10,299 $9,180
Save $1,119 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Tuesday 02 Dec 2025
Tuesday 09 Dec 2025
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $10,999 $9,803
Save $1,196 Enquire
Earlybird Saving
Tuesday 16 Dec 2025
Tuesday 23 Dec 2025
Ship Name S.S. Maria Theresa
From: $10,299 $9,180
Save $1,119 Enquire
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Classic  (Prices Shown) $ 0
French Balcony $ 1,300
Deluxe Balcony $ 2,600
Suite $ 5,300
Grand Suite $ 9,400
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Cruise Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Uniworld. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Uniworld. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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