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.
From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing history and culture unfold before your eyes. The Melk Abbey’s great library overlooking the Danube and the Würzburg Residence’s soaring ceiling fresco by Tiepolo will leave you mesmerized. And throughout your journey, tantalize your senses with exclusive wine, apricot brandy and beer tastings, along with regional culinary delicacies. Discover the grand sweep of history and the dynamic present along legendary rivers on a magnificent journey that gives you the best of Europe’s great treasures as well as off-the-beaten-path gems.
Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna, and exquisitely preserved Prague. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, into Germany and past charming Bavarian villages. Exclusive treasures are plentiful on this delightful journey.
This enchanting voyage provides a variety of ways to enjoy captivating destinations as well as plenty of time to relax onboard as you sail from Budapest to Regensburg and spend two nights onshore in Prague.
Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings): Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more.
Immerse yourself in new cultures as you travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way.
Gaze in wonder at the lofty spires of Hungary’s Parliament Building as it rises majestically above the Danube in Budapest. Sit down for friendly, intimate meals with farmers in Croatia and enthusiastic locals in Bulgaria. Uncover scores of little-known treasures and step back in time to investigate the history and legends along the Danube.
Who will love this cruise? Explorers wishing to discover ancient lands and modern multicultural cities. Photographers, amateur archaeologists, connoisseurs of regional cuisines, and anyone who loves beautiful and mysterious locales.
You’ll sail through Germany, Austria, and Hungary along the shimmering Danube and past incredible sights on this unique itinerary. Explore charming old-world villages and Gothic cathedrals and escape the hurry and hassle of the holidays as you relax onboard a luxurious ship and cruise through the ravishing landscapes of the Danube.
Celebrate Christmas Eve in medieval Regensburg and ring in the New Year in Vienna. Shop the stalls of the Nuremberg Christmas Market, famous for its gingerbread. Wander through locations from The Sound of Music in beautiful Salzburg and then warm up with rum-laced coffee.
The mighty Danube takes you through three nations decked in all their holiday finery at this most delightful time of year.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious Danube, visiting baroque abbeys and medieval cathedrals, tasting fine wines, and encountering new cultures. Along the way, you’ll uncover the splendid Habsburg capitals of Vienna and Budapest, as well as the many hidden treasures of Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Travelers seeking to explore famed capitals and storied lands, to meet new people and encounter diverse cultures, will relish their time on this picture-perfect journey.
Portraits of Eastern Europe is a combination of Delightful Danube & Prague and Highlights of Eastern Europe.
The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers as well as seasoned travelers seeking to experience yet another dimension of these much-loved destinations.
Our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private early-morning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.
Generations Family Program (select sailings): Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they’re also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and lifelong learning.
Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Belgrade to Vienna via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history and culture all along the beautiful Danube.
Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Vienna to Belgrade via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history, and culture all along the beautiful Danube.
From Romania to Hungary via Serbia, you'll be surprised and delighted by this cruise that will take you to the heart of Eastern Europe. You will discover cities with remarkable landscapes and elegant architecture such as Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina regarded as the "Serbian Athens", whose cultural and artistic backgrounds will surprise you. Do not miss out on Ruse, one of the largest ports in Bulgaria and a true melting pot of Bulgarian and Romanian cultures.
Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, into Germany and past charming Bavarian villages. Exclusive treasures are plentiful on this delightful journey.
This enchanting voyage provides a variety of ways to enjoy captivating destinations as well as plenty of time to relax onboard as you sail from Budapest to Regensburg.
Jewish Heritage Program (select sailings): Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more. Please note: Tours that fall on Saturdays will not operate due to Shabbat, and some sites may be closed during other significant events, such as Passover.
Discover the beauty and magic of Europe’s most beautiful cities with this 16-day river cruise on the Danube! Your journey will begin in Munich, one of the most breathtaking cities in Germany home to the world-famous Oktoberfest Festival which takes place every year before you board your river cruise in Passau and set sail to Vienna, the capital city of Austria known for its magnificent music, bright lights, and fascinating museums. From there you will visit Solt, one of the newest ports in Hungary, and explore Mohacs, believed to be the staging place of the two iconic battles of 1526 and 1687. Set sail to Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, known for its exhilarating nightlife scene, passing through the Danube Cataracts and the famous Iron Gate, before you set sail to Ruse, often called Little Vienna, a captivating city in Bulgaria, and discover Cernavoda, founded in the 4th century BC, which translates to "black water". You will explore Giurgiu, a scenic city in Romania, and discover Novi Sad, the second-largest city in Serbia. Visit Aljmas and Batina, before you make your way over to the Hungarian capital! Budapest is known as the Queen of the Danube and is a very exciting city to explore. Next, you will discover Bratislava with its medieval Old Town, and explore Weissenkirchen, an Austrian gem, before you head back to Munich where your 16-day cruise on the Danube will come to an end!
If you’re ready to sail down one of the most extraordinary rivers in Europe, then this tour of the Danube will take you in for an adventure! Your journey will begin in Munich, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, known for its breathtaking parks, fascinating historic sites, and captivating cultural splendors. Make your way to Passau, where you will board your cruise, sail eastwards to Austrian capital of Vienna, experience its impressive imperial palaces, rich musical history and relaxed coffee house culture. Continue eastwards to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, often called Queen of Danube is known for its beautiful 18th-century homes, bridges and lampposts. From there you will make your way to Bratislava, a Slovakian city situated by the Danube, surrounded by scenic vineyards and mountains. Your next stop will be in Wachau, a gorgeous valley with UNESCO sites and extraordinary outdoor scenery, before you explore Melk, dig deep to learn about its architectural heritage, and visit Passau, the City of Three Rivers, known for its architecture and art. Finally, you will make your way back to Munich, where your cruise on the Danube will come to an end!
Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful during this cruise—what better way to create perfect holiday memories?
Commemorate a splendid musical heritage as you lift your voice and sing “Silent Night” in Oberndorf, where the beloved Christmas carol was composed. Meet the Count of Castle Clam. Spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and enjoy a holiday lunch within the walls of St. Peter’s Abbey. Discover the seasonal delicacies of Slovakia in Bratislava’s picturesque downtown and enjoy the merriment of traditional hospitality in an Austrian wine village. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine, and song as you cruise through four nations during this enchanting season.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.