Cruising with Uniworld
Surrounded by the ambiance of an elegant, destination-inspired ship and embraced by their passionate staff, you’ll notice the Uniworld difference immediately. This is what the absolute best in luxury river cruising feels like. Where every expectation is exceeded, every destination is uniquely experienced, and every instance of delight is quickly followed by another inspiring moment.
Inclusive Cruising; from free-flowing fine wines and liquors to delicious cuisine and daily included experiences.
A Boutique Hotel Experience on the Water; inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design.
Curated Experiences; Uniworld goes the extra mile to craft immersive and memorable onshore excursions, with a variety of activities that speak to the diverse interests of our guests.
Culinary Excellence; fresh local ingredients and a masterful culinary team come together to create an incredible dining experience that brings the flavours of your destinations onboard.
River Heritage Club; travel with Uniworld once, and you are welcomed into our River Heritage Club loyalty program. Members receive exclusive perks and savings
Germany & Austria Christmas Markets Pre-Cruise Itinerary
15 to 23 December 2026
DAY 1
Arrive Frankfurt, Germany
Arrive in Frankfurt, settle into the hotel and meet the group and your tour guide in the afternoon. It’s a gentle start to your beautiful winter escape with a Frankfurt city tour, taking in the historic Römerberg with its festive lights, the imposing Emperor’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Church and the riverside Museum Embankment. Frankfurt has a lovely blend of modern skyline and old-world charm, especially in December.
We come together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, a relaxed way for everyone to connect before returning to the hotel for the night.
Meals: Dinner
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Meet group and tour leader
- Easy paced Frankfurt city tour
- Welcome dinner
DAY 2
Frankfurt to Würzburg to Nuremberg, Germany
After breakfast we make our way to Würzburg, travelling through rolling countryside into one of Bavaria’s prettiest cities. A guided tour introduces the grand UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence (photo stop), the Old Main Bridge and the lively Market Square.
There is plenty of time for lunch and to wander afterwards, including a visit to the Würzburg Christmas Market, one of the most atmospheric in Franconia. Wooden stalls fill the square with seasonal decorations, crafts and warm treats. Later in the afternoon we continue to Nuremberg, arriving with time to settle into the hotel. Dinner is at leisure tonight, with the option to explore the nearby Old Town.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel from Frankfurt to Würzburg (120km | 2 hours)
- Würzburg city tour
- Free time including time to visit Würzburg Christmas Market
- Travel to Nuremberg / hotel check in
DAY 3
Nuremberg, Germany
This morning’s city tour reveals Nuremberg’s rich medieval history, from its towering Imperial Castle to the half-timbered lanes around the Hauptmarkt. The old quarter is especially festive in December, with decorations lining the streets and seasonal aromas drifting through the squares. We also take an Old Town mini-train ride, an easy and fun way to see more of the historic landmarks. The rest of the afternoon is free and ideal for exploring the world-famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.
In the early evening, we join the Red Beer and Deep Cellars experience, discovering Nuremberg’s brewing tradition and its extensive underground cellar network. Dinner is at leisure tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Nuremberg city tour
- Old Town mini-train ride
- Afternoon free for Christmas Market time
- Red Beer and Deep Cellars tour and tasting
DAY 4
Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Nuremberg, Germany
Today we visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a walled medieval town that feels like stepping into a fairytale. A guided tour showcases its beautifully preserved squares, town walls and colourful shopfronts. You’ll have generous free time to explore the Reiterlesmarkt, one of Germany’s most charming Christmas markets, renowned for its traditional crafts and mulled wine.
We return to Nuremberg for dinner at a local restaurant before a relaxed evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (80km | 2 hours return)
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber guided walking tour
- Free time for Reiterlesmarkt Christmas Market
- Dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 5
Nuremberg to Munich, Germany
We farewell Nuremberg and travel south to Munich, arriving around midday. After checking in, the day is at leisure to explore the Bavarian capital as you wish. The Munich Christmas Market is one of the oldest in the region and sits in the heart of the Old Town, ideal for browsing stalls or warming up with a traditional hot drink. With no structured afternoon activities, explore Munich at your own pace before settling in for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Munich
- Afternoon at leisure
- Free time to visit the Munich Christmas Market
DAY 6
Munich to Schwangau to Oberammergau, Germany
Today we head into the alpine region, travelling to Schwangau for our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched on a rugged hill and dusted with winter light, it’s spectacular at this time of year. Your admission includes the return shuttle, keeping the visit easy. We enjoy lunch in Schwangau before continuing to Oberammergau, a village famous for its frescoed houses and traditional woodcarving.
The evening is free for dinner as you wish, allowing you to explore the peaceful alpine setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Schwangau (125km | 2.5 hours)
- Neuschwanstein Castle admission and shuttle
- Lunch together at a local restaurant
- Travel to Oberammergau (45km | 1 hour)
DAY 7
Oberammergau & Zugspitze, Germany. Travel to Innsbruck, Austria
We start with a stroll through Oberammergau, known for its colourful painted facades. It’s a gentle, scenic beginning to the day. The continue to Garmisch-Partenkirchen to ascend to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Enjoy sweeping alpine views before a warming lunch at the summit.
Later we travel to Innsbruck; a small alpine city, wrapped by soaring snow-covered peaks that sit almost impossibly close to the Old Town. In December it feels especially magical, with crisp winter air, pastel buildings, Christmas lights and the dramatic Alps framing every viewpoint. The charm comes from that mix of compact city life, medieval streets and panoramic mountain scenery, all within walking distance of each other.
Tonight, in true Austrian style we come together for a cosy cheese fondue dinner to end a full alpine day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Walking tour of Oberammergau
- Transfer to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (20km | 30 minutes)
- Visit to Zugspitze with return ticket
- Lunch at summit restaurant
- Travel to Innsbruck (60km | 1.5 hours)
- Cheese fondue dinner
DAY 8
Innsbruck, Austria
We begin with a city tour through Innsbruck’s medieval Old Town, taking in the Golden Roof, Town Tower and the Imperial Palace. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the Innsbruck Christmas Markets, spread across several squares and beautifully framed by snow-covered mountains.
Tonight we enjoy a Tyrolean dinner followed by a themed show, a lively finale to our alpine touring.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Innsbruck city tour
- Free time to explore Innsbruck Christmas Markets
- Tyrolean dinner and show
DAY 9
Innsbruck to Passau
After breakfast we make an earlier start to travel to Passau, travelling through scenic alpine and rural landscapes. It’s a smooth and pleasant final travel day. We arrive in the early afternoon to embark the ship and begin the Christmas cruise portion of the holiday.
A relaxed transition from land touring into festive river cruising.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT - WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel to Passau (280km | 4 hours)
- Ship embarkation
FEATURES EXCURSIONS
Featured Excursions do not require booking.
Excursions that are listed as "Choose between..." must be booked onboard however there is no additional cost.
Please refer to the excursion details below to view purchasing options for The Masterpiece Collection excursions where applicable.
Note: The itinerary presented is subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
DAY 9 (Cruise day 1)
Passau (Embark)
Arrive at Munich Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer, or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship docked in Passau.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 10 (Cruise day 2)
Passau
Old-town Passau is built on a narrow peninsula at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Once a Roman settlement, it remains a charming and historic city of spires, squares, and cobbled lanes. Join a local expert for a guided walking tour of the highlights, including the fortress above the river and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 (Cruise day 3)
Linz (Salzburg)
Your ship docks in Linz today. From there, travel to the alpine city of Salzburg for a full-day excursion. Mozart’s birthplace sparkles in its winter setting, and fans of The Sound of Music will recognise many filming locations. Walk with your guide through Mirabell Gardens and Salzburg’s Old Town, visiting its cathedral and festive Christmas Market.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 (Cruise day 4)
Grein
Enjoy a guided walk through charming Grein, with its handsome 16th- and 17th-century houses and its strong connection to Danube river shipping. Visit Austria’s oldest theatre before continuing to Burg Clam, home to the Counts of Clam for more than 500 years. The Count will personally welcome you for a tour of his family’s historic castle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 (Cruise day 5)
Melk, Cruising The Wachau Valley, Dürnstein
Visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with an ornate library and sweeping Danube views. Cruise through the Wachau Valley, one of Austria’s most scenic regions, and arrive in the small village of Dürnstein. Here, enjoy a stroll through the town, taste spiced wine, and attend an organ concert in a local monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14 (Cruise day 6)
Vienna
Vienna is renowned for its imperial grandeur, music, and fine art. Experience the city with your choice of tours — from the Vienna Art History Museum’s private early-opening session to a highlights tour along the Ringstrasse or a walking tour of Vienna’s historic cafés and delicacies. In the evening, enjoy a concert of Mozart and Strauss at a 12th-century monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15 (Cruise day 7)
Vienna
A full day of free time to explore Vienna at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of its famous coffeehouses, stroll through festive streets, or take in the grandeur of the Schönbrunn Palace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 16 (Cruise day 8)
Bratislava
Discover Bratislava, the small but lively capital of Slovakia. Join a local guide for a walking tour through its charming old town and Christmas Market, where a few festive stalls remain open. Explore local traditions and sample seasonal delicacies.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17 (Cruise day 9)
Budapest
Welcome to Budapest, where the Danube divides the two historic halves of the city. Choose between a panoramic coach tour, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or a walking tour that explores the local market halls and Christmas Market. Celebrate New Year’s Eve on board with a gala dinner and live music.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18 (Cruise day 10)
Budapest
Spend New Year’s Day visiting Szentendre, a picturesque artists’ village near Budapest known for its craftspeople, museums, and marzipan shop. Return to the ship for the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19 (Cruise day 11)
Budapest (Disembark)
Disembark after breakfast. Transfers are provided to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
