December 8-15, 2025
This is a favorite cruise itinerary to experience the magic of the holiday season in the enchanting birthplace of cherished traditions in the ancient cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg and Munich and includes the famous Wachau wine valley of lower Austria. Immerse yourself in Uniworld’s exclusive “Taste of Christmas” program in Vienna, where you can enjoy the beauty of baroque architecture, captivating concerts, and stunning scenery as you cruise along the Danube during the holiday season.
You will visit each captivating port of call, each with its thousand-year history of Christmas celebrations dating back to ancient times. Each city offers a festive atmosphere and discoveries around each corner like no other in the world. Wander through the Christmas Markets at each spot and surprise your family with one-of-a-kind gifts you can’t get anywhere else.
Enjoy customized excursions to other parts of each city to enjoy the holiday season throughout each stop along the way.
Everything is included: Luxury river view accommodations and all features are offered in the package: Every cabin and each suite are all river view, all meals, snacks, tea time, bar drinks (soft drinks, wine, beer, champagne, mixed drinks, bar spirits, and liqueurs), tours/excursions with escorts, gratuities, guides, onboard events and entertainment plus scheduled airport transfers. starts at $3,549/person (early booking). Taxes/port fees extra $230/person.
See the cabins and prices HERE.
Dec 8 Day 1 Budapest – Arrival
Dec 9 Day 2 Budapest
Dec 10 Day 3 Bratislava
Dec 11 Day 4 Vienna
Dec 12 Day 5 Krems/Melk & Wachau Wine Valley
Dec 13 Day 6 Linz/Salzburg
Dec 14 Day 7 Passau
Dec 15 Day 8 Passau/Munich – Departure
UNIWORLD Princess
Main Lounge
• Captain’s Lounge
• Sky Lounge
• Reception
• Library
• Serenity River Spa
• Patio Lounge
• Restaurant with a river view
• Fitness facility
• Bar
• Guest Laundry
• Coffee/Tea Station 24 hours
• Sun Deck
This is the featured amenity list provided by Uniworld River Cruises
- Accommodation in 64 cabins for 128 passengers – singles or double
- Meals onboard daily for up to 128 passengers. Standard ship menu
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
- Choice of daily excursions
- Onboard entertainment and performances
- All gratuities to the ship’s staff and crew onboard
- Onboard services of a Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Scheduled airport transfers on the day that cruise services start and end, provided that the transfer is either a group transfer or that individual transfers meet standard transfer guidelines
- Sun Deck
Additional Costs
- Hotel cost
- Alcoholic beverages offered on board which are outside of standard inclusions
- Airfare and Taxes
- Gratuities to local guides and drivers
- Communication, satellite telephone charges
- Passenger laundry
- Optional shore excursions, activities, items or services of a personal nature that might be offered for purchase on board
- Port charges for US$230 per person (due at the time of final payment)
- Passengers’ travel and medical insurance
- Fees for passports and any applicable visas required by UNIWORLD or the countries visited on the cruise
- Airport transfers for extended stay before or after the 7-night cruise
Day 1 Budapest – Arrival
Upon landing at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, travelers will be met by a friendly Uniworld representative if they have booked a group or private arrival transfer as part of their cruise package. The representative will then escort them to the ship for a seamless start to their journey.
A unique Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner has been arranged for tonight.
Day 2 Budapest
Situated on opposite banks of the Danube River, Buda and Pest showcase their unique charm and appeal. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling capital city through a variety of tours, and explore the renowned Christmas Market in Budapest—one of the largest in Europe. The tradition of celebrating Christmas in Budapest dates back a thousand years to the era of St. Stephen, the monarch who established the Hungarian nation and promoted the spread of Christianity across his domain. However, Budapest’s origins can be traced back even further to its beginnings as a Roman military camp nearly a thousand years prior. Throughout its history, the city has been under the rule of various powers including Germans, Austrians, Ottomans, and Communists, all of whom have left their mark on its rich tapestry of culture and heritage.
Day 3 Bratislava
Slovakia was once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” but now it is a place of mystery and intrigue. The small capital city has a colorful history that you can explore with a local expert. You can also experience the local Christmas Market, a new and delightful tradition for Slovakians. In Slovak, “Merry Christmas” is said as “Veselé Vianoce!” Bratislava, the heart and soul of Slovakia, is full of surprises. The city sits on the Danube River and has been a key player in the politics and culture of the region for many years. While Bratislava’s Christmas Market is relatively new, starting in 1993, the Slovakians have embraced the holiday traditions of their Austrian and Hungarian neighbors. You can join in on the festive fun and experience these traditions for yourself.
Day 4 Vienna
Vienna is famous for its stunning art and architecture, beautiful classical music, delicious pastries, and rich history. The elegant city is a hub of culture and history, with a wide range of renowned former residents. Explore Vienna through various guided tours and enjoy a unique experience with exclusive VIP entry to an exceptional art collection.
Credits the above Text and photo to UNIWORLD River Cruises.
Credit to Conde Naste Traveler and Getty images for article above..
Day 5 Melk/Krems
Explore a variety of charming day trips that evoke a sense of holiday cheer in this picturesque ancient town and the scenic valley that surrounds it, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Make sure to grab a cozy spot in the lounge or on the Sun Deck today as your cruise ship sails through the stunning Wachau Valley. Throughout the ages, the Danube river carved out a breathtaking gorge in the foothills of the Bohemian Mountains, creating a 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of picturesque scenery that UNESCO has recognized as a World Heritage Landscape. Ancient castle ruins tower over the hills, while baroque church spires line the riverbanks, highlighting the historic villages and magnificent abbeys. The rocky slopes are covered with vineyards and apricot orchards, producing some of Austria’s finest white wines from grapes grown on the dry-stone terraces that have been cultivated for over 2,000 years.
Day 6 Salzburg/Linz
Our boat arrives at Linz, a city that combines modernity with history and stretches along the glistening Danube River. Next, you will visit Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, located in a stunning alpine landscape that shines like a magical winter scene during this season. If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” you might spot familiar spots from the award-winning movie in the Old Town area, where you can find the impressive cathedral and a charming Christmas Market.
Day 7 Passau
Passau is a unique intersection in multiple ways—where three rivers converge and three countries come close to meeting, creating a captivating blend of cultures. Explore the town with a guided walk, followed by a visit to the Christmas Market located in the square in front of the cathedral. With over 70 stalls, you’ll discover a variety of delights, from tiny houses to delicate blown-glass decorations and sweet spun-sugar treats.
Day 8 Passau/Munich – Departure
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. There you may continue your flight home or extend your holiday in Munich’s many stores, shops and locations for sightseeing.
