December 1-8, 2025

European Holiday Markets

Vienna to Nuremberg on the S.S. Beatrice - UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

the run down

Deposit Due: ASAP to reserve your stateroom
Final Payment Due: July 20, 2025
Travel Dates: December 1-8, 2025

when + important dates

Experience the enchantment of Europe’s Christmas markets on this 8 night river cruise through two countries Vienna and Germany in Central Europe’s most charming holiday destinations. Explore festive stalls filled with handcrafted treasures, stroll through fairy-tale villages, and bask in the glow of twinkling lights and carolers' songs. This trip is perfect for those who have never experienced a river cruise, cherish holiday traditions, love to explore unique cultures, and want to celebrate the season in an unforgettable way.

where + What

Reach out to your preferred Lisell Travel advisor.
If you are not currently working with a member of the Lisell Travel team, contact Tara by email: tbd@lisell.com or phone: 903-209-5500

how to book

about the trip

Join us on a magical Christmas Market River Cruise through Europe’s most festive cities, where you’ll explore the rich history, culture, and holiday traditions of Austria and Germany. Begin in Vienna, savoring the city's famous Christmas markets, filled with handcrafted gifts, delicious treats like rum balls and nutmeg-spiced macarons, and beautifully decorated trees.

Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the charming village of Dürnstein, known for its apricot schnapps and an organ concert in a historic church. In Linz, enjoy the enchanting markets and discover the city’s musical legacy, including Mozart's famed Linz Symphony.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Bavarian Forest before arriving in Regensburg, where the Old Town twinkles with lights and hosts one of Germany’s most romantic Christmas Markets in a baroque castle courtyard.

Conclude your journey in Nuremberg, home to the grandest Christmas Market in Germany, brimming with seasonal delights like nutcrackers, hand-carved toys, and the scent of cinnamon and roasted nuts. This unforgettable cruise combines holiday cheer with scenic river views, local delicacies, and festive markets at every turn.

European Holiday Markets

Day-to-day itinerary

Arrive at Vienna 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.
Note: For Arrival, Departure and Transfer details, please visit Uniworld.com/transfers. For Port Location details, please visit Uniworld.com/ports

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.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

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

TRIP details

What's included

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 bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Accommodations
  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant S.S. Beatrice
  • 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
Experiences
  • 2 countries: Austria and Germany
  • 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
  • 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

FLights

Depending on your travel plans, you have a few options for your flights. Uniworld offers competitive airfare from most major gateways in the United States. You also have the option to make your own flight arrangements using points, miles, status with your preferred airline or booking method.  

Payments

A deposit of 10% of the reservation is required to secure your room.
The remaining balance is due by July 20, 2025.
Reservations must be secured with a MasterCard or VISA credit card. 

Cancellation Policy

Click HERE to read the full Terms & Conditions for 2025 Uniworld sailings.  We understand that things may happen and you may need to cancel your trip. Please note that all payments are non-refundable. We believe that your upcoming trip is a significant investment. For this reason, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel protection. If you choose to decline this valuable coverage, you are assuming any financial loss associated with your travel arrangements.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

All members of your travel party, regardless of age, need a valid passport for international trips. Please be aware that a passport BOOK is mandatory for air travel. Passport Cards are not accepted.

If you already have a passport, take a moment to check its expiration date to ensure it will be valid for your upcoming journey. Additionally, it's recommended by the U.S. State Department to have at least 6 months of validity remaining on your passport after your return trip date.

For detailed information on the passport application process, you can visit the U.S. Department of State website


Who do i contact for more information?

Reach out to your preferred Lisell Travel advisor.
If you are not currently working with a member of the Lisell Travel team, contact Tara Brown (see contact details below).
Email: tbd@lisell.com
Phone: 903-209-5500


Urgent & important passport information

A passport is required. Current passport process time is up to 8 weeks. 

If you do not have a passport yet, this doesn’t allow much time for a hiccup. I strongly recommend that you get your passport applications submitted NOW! 

If you have a passport, check your expiration date NOW!

Do not wait, do not pass go, because there is NO get out of jail free card on this thing! DO NOT get a Passport card because it is cheaper. That only works for travel by car, crossing the borders to Mexico and Canada.
YOU NEED THE BOOK!

available room types

  • 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

Rates are PER PERSON
Single occupancy means 1 person in a room.
Double occupancy means 2 people in a room.
Rates DO NOT include airfare or insurance.

Classic

  • 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 

Rates are PER PERSON
Single occupancy means 1 person in a room.
Double occupancy means 2 people in a room.
Rates DO NOT include airfare or insurance.

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

Rates are PER PERSON
Single occupancy means 1 person in a room.
Double occupancy means 2 people in a room.
Rates DO NOT include airfare or insurance.

Deluxe French Balcony

  • 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
  • Additional 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, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

Rates are PER PERSON
Single occupancy means 1 person in a room.
Double occupancy means 2 people in a room.
Rates DO NOT include airfare or insurance.

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
  • Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Rates are PER PERSON
Single occupancy means 1 person in a room.
Double occupancy means 2 people in a room.
Rates DO NOT include airfare or insurance.

Grand Suite

travel insurance

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
travel insurance information

We believe that your upcoming trip is a significant investment. For this reason, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel protection. If you choose to decline this valuable coverage, you are assuming any financial loss associated with your travel arrangements. Anything can happen while you are away from home. Whether your flight is delayed due to bad weather, you need to find a doctor or hospital, or your passport gets stolen, you will have access to 24/7 emergency travel assistance services.


view full coverage details >>

email TARA >>

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