DANUBE HOLIDAY MARKETS
S.S. MARIA THERESA / RIVER PRINCESS
CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN THE BIRTHPLACE OF MANY BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Witness firsthand the celebrations and festivities in Europe during this festive season. Glorious baroque architecture, delightful concerts and ravishing scenery will make this Christmas season unforgettable as you sail along the enchanting “Blue Danube”.
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.
*Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
INCLUSIVE UNIWORLD EXPERT EXPERIENCES
Do as the locals do
Experience life like a local, from riding the subway to stopping at a café for a local treat.
Village Day
Get an in-depth look into the quaint destinations you will visit and the local people who bring them to life.
Nights Out
Private after-hours tours of popular attractions and fun local nightlife experiences.
8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS BUDAPEST TO PASSAU
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.
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.
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.
Make a choice from among these alternatives:
a) Budapest City Tour with Christmas Market
A panoramic tour will carry you from Heroes’ Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousand-year anniversary of Hungary’s founding and its greatest historical figures, past some of the city’s most striking architectural sights, and on to Vörösmarty Square. Here, you’ll find Budapest’s most celebrated Christmas Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. The enticing aromas of cinnamon, baking bread, and meats grilling over open fires drift among the 100 or so gaily decorated stalls.
Only the finest Hungarian craftspeople are invited to participate in this market, so you can be assured of finding unique and beautifully made gifts.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
OR
b) Budapest Walk with Local Treats and Christmas Market
Meet your local guide outside the ship for a short walk to the metro station, where you’ll hop on a train towards the Parliament Building, Budapest’s most iconic architectural marvel. From there, you’ll make your way to your first treat of the tour, a slice of strudel from a local bakery. Marvel at St. Stephen Cathedral’s intricate tile rooftops and walk down Fashion street to arrive at the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market. Here, your guide will order you a hot drink to sip as you wander around the market on your own. We suggest checking out the enchanting gingerbread ornaments decorated with Hungarian folk motifs.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
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.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Featured Excursions:
Nights Out: Bratislava Christmas Market
After dinner, follow your Cruise Manager back into town to see Bratislava’s Christmas Market in a new light. Twinkling lights brighten the scene when the sun goes down, and hot mugs of mulled wine become particularly tempting.
Make a choice from among these alternatives:
a) Bratislava Walking Tour with Christmas Market
St. Martin’s Cathedral gives you a hint of the surprising history of this surprising city. The Gothic church was built into the medieval city’s fortifications, and 19 Habsburg rulers were crowned inside it, including Empress Maria Theresa. Close to the cathedral you’ll find St. Michael’s Gate, the last remaining portal in the medieval wall—and your entryway to Bratislava’s Old Town, which blends Gothic, baroque, and art deco structures with some less graceful reminders of the Communist era. The stately 18th-century Primatial Palace, in the center of Old Town, was the site where the Pressburg peace treaty was signed in 1805. Another 18th-century palace, Grassalkovich, is now the president of Slovakia’s official residence. Your tour ends in the heart of Old Town, where the Christmas Market is in full swing. Vendors at this charming market specialize in small handcrafted items, such as figurines made from corn husks, bells, lace, wire jewelry, and pottery from specific regions of Slovakia. Try a mug of a local honey wine, which is served hot; as you browse through the offerings and listen to schoolchildren sing Christmas carols.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
OR
b) Life Beyond the Iron Curtain
Take an authentic look into Communist-era Bratislava as you follow a local guide through the city. As you go, listen to real stories about life in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic: how some locals escaped past the iron curtain, the Prague Spring of 1968, the Velvet Revolution, and more. Following your tour, you’ll sit with a representative of a local NGO known as Post Bellum. Post Bellum works to preserve history by documenting first-hand accounts of life during World War II and Communism, interviewing everyone they can find—from resistance members to ex-KGB agents.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 4: Quality Education; and Global Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences support sustainable tourism, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.
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.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Featured Excursions:
“Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum & Christmas Markets
The Vienna Art History Museum (Kunsthistorisches Museum) is home to an astonishing collection of artistic treasures. Its doors open early especially for you as you join an art historian for a tour of some of the masterpieces gathered here: View a unique group of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Vermeer’s Allegory of Painting, Raphael’s Madonna in the Meadow, and portraits by Rembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens, Titian, Tintoretto, and Van Eyck, among others, in the Picture Gallery before moving on to the Kunstkammer galleries, where you can see Benvenuto Cellini’s legendary salt cellar (the only gold sculpture he created that has survived to the present day) and hear its remarkable story. You’ll also have time to explore on your own and to visit the Christmas market.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
“Taste of Christmas” Vienna Walking Tour
Vienna is a delicious experience for visitors (and for locals too, of course) at any time of the year, but it’s especially inviting during the winter holidays. Join an exclusive excursion that combines delectable treats of the season with a look at some of the highlights in the Innere Stadt—the historic city core. This district offers a stunning array of Vienna’s gems in just a few blocks.
Stroll with your local guide down elegant shopping streets, including the Graben and Kohlmarkt (don’t miss the dazzling display of holiday confectionary art in the windows of Café Demel, which once supplied Empress Sissi with candied violets), step into a newly restored 15th-century courtyard house, see where Mozart once lived (though he moved often as his finances changed), peek into some of the Hofburg’s courtyards and churches, and discover as you go along the luscious flavors of Vienna’s favorite holiday sweets and savories, some of which will be available for you to sample. Vienna also cherishes its New Year’s traditions, so you’ll find market stalls offering the good-luck charms Viennese people exchange on New Year’s Eve: You may spot marzipan pigs, chocolate chimney sweeps, plush mushrooms, tiny metal ladybugs, even lucky pennies— they all symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. Pick up some good luck and a mug of mulled wine and roam on your own through this short- lived market before returning to the ship.
Masterpiece Collection:
Private Mozart and Strauss Concert
Vienna is linked inextricably with music, as so many great composers lived and worked here: Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss, Schubert, Mahler, Brahms-the list is as long as it is glorious. Enjoy an evening of chamber music performed by some of Vienna’s world-class professionals in a historic and intimate concert venue.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Activity Level: Easy
Price: USD$135 pre-purchase, EUR€120 onboard
Schönbrunn Palace with Christmas Market
Perhaps the apex of baroque design in Vienna, Schönbrunn was Empress Maria Theresa’s favorite palace, and, beginning in 1740, she made it the social and political center of her empire. Your visit will concentrate on the rooms occupied by Emperor Franz Joseph and his empress, Elisabeth (known as Sissi). Franz Joseph restored the state rooms to their rococo splendor, but his private rooms reflect his rather severe nature, making for an illuminating contrast. You will also have some time to explore the charming Christmas Market set up right in front of the Schönbrunn, which is spectacularly illuminated for the season.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Activity Level: Intermediate
Price: USD$90 pre-purchase, EUR€80 onboard
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
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.
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.
Featured Excursions:
Melk Village Stroll
Join your Cruise Manager on a leisurely walk around Melk. Look up from anywhere in town to admire the palatial, cheery yellow Melk Abbey crowning the hill atop the city. Sprawling out around it is a maze of winding lanes and charming shops, adorned with some unique artistic touches—keep an eye out for the colorful stones amongst cobbles, which subtly mark walking paths to important spots around town.
Make a choice from among these alternatives:
a) Dürnstein Village Stroll with Spiced Wine Tasting and Organ Concert in a Monastery
Considering its diminutive size, the village of Dürnstein offers much to explore. The famous blue baroque tower of the abbey church is doubtless its best-known landmark, but the ruined castle above the town provides its most romantic tale. There Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned until he was found by his faithful bard, Blondel, and ransom could be raised—or so the legend goes. Walk with the Cruise Manager through the Kremser Gate, which dates to the 15th century, and past 16th-, 17th-, and 18th-century houses; it’s an up-close look at over 300 years of local architectural styles. The inhabitants of this region have grown apricots and grapes for many centuries, and they have happily turned both into delectable beverages through the years. Taste a local spin on mulled wine—spiced with Wachau Valley saffron—after your walk, then sit back and enjoy an organ concert inside a rococo Augustine monastery.
OR
b) Krems Town Visit
Stroll around charming Krems as it takes on the most festive of forms. A local expert will take you on a tour of the town, including a visit to the Christkindlmarkt featuring local crafts. During this time of year, baroque and medieval houses are stunning backdrops for alleys and streets lined with stalls for the market and storefronts adorned with holiday décor. Spend your free time this morning wandering along Museum Mile, perhaps stopping in one of the many fascinating museums for a tour, such as the Gozzoburg. This 13th century merchant mansion is a testimony to Krems as a trade center and features wonderfully preserved fresco paintings, including the largest preserved medieval fresco and graffito paintings north of the Alps. Or, opt for grabbing a bite to eat and something to drink at a cozy bar or café in the Krems Stein, a lively student town. Then, peruse the local shops for a souvenir to commemorate your time in Krems before heading back to the ship.
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.
Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.
Make a choice from among these alternatives:
a) Full-Day Salzburg Walking Tour with Christmas Markets
Salzburg’s musical heritage is apparent everywhere in its UNESCO-designated Old Town. The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg celebrates its most famous son in many forms—with statues, with chocolates, with concerts—but there are other musical associations to discover too. Walk with your guide through the Mirabell Garden, the beautiful formal gardens where Maria sang “Do-Re-Mi” with her young charges in the movie The Sound of Music, and through the heart of the Old Town, which lies on both sides of the river. Because Salzburg belonged to the archbishops, the splendid cathedral has been the focal point of the city for nearly 600 years. The archbishop’s magnificent residence faces the square now named for Mozart, and the house where Mozart was born is nearby. (Mozart worked for the archbishop of his day—whom he despised—before he moved to Vienna.
After your walking tour, you have some leisure time to explore the enchanting Christmas Market located in the square in front of the cathedral. Here you’ll find everything from Austrian lace to cinnamon-marbled cakes. Shop, nibble, browse, and sing along with the carolers as you celebrate the holidays in this magical part of the world. Your guide can also suggest some great restaurants in the area: Café Tomaselli has hosted musical notables, from Mozart to Max Reinhardt, since 1705.
Note: Today’s lunch will be on your own.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
OR
b) Linz Town & Country: Cider Farm Visit and Christmas Markets
Enjoy a stroll through the city’s Old Town and marvel at the sights, including Old Market Square, the Plague Column, and the historic Landhaus—a lightly-colored, Renaissance-style government building. The former monastery was transformed into a meeting place for Austrian politicians, but still holds on to its 16th century roots. Embark on a short ride to the Austrian countryside to an authentic family-owned-and-operated “Mostheuriger” farm. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the owner and the farm’s many critters. They’ll tell you the story of their family, farm, and products, and you’ll indulge in a tasting of the region’s most popular drink, cider, and “Brettljause,” a spread of local delicacies. Then, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside en route back to the ship.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences support sustainable tourism, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.
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.
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.
Featured Excursions:
Passau Walking Tour with Christmas Market
Join your local expert for a walk through picturesque lanes in the heart of Passau, stopping at the Town Hall to see its magnificent atrium, which boasts several massive works by the famous German painter Ferdinand Wagner, and pausing to admire the beautiful rococo stairway of the bishop’s New Residence. After much of the town burned to the ground in 1662 and again in 1680, the reconstruction involved many Italian artists, who gave Passau the baroque and rococo touches you see everywhere. Monumental St. Stephan’s Cathedral, built in glorious baroque style, forms the backdrop for the Passau Christmas Market. You’ll find a lot to enjoy here—from miniature Bavarian houses and blown-glass ornaments to spun-sugar confections—in more than 70 stalls. At times, the Passau Christmas Market also features demonstrations by local craftspeople, such as glassblowers, candle makers, wood carvers, and confectioners, so you can buy your gifts directly from the people who made them.
Please note that on or after Christmas Eve, the Christmas Market will likely have ended its season and not be part of this tour.
Masterpiece Collection:
Bavarian Winter Walk
You’ll want to wear sturdy hiking boots for this surprising holiday excursion; and be sure to dress warmly too: while there is no guarantee it will snow, it will definitely be seasonably chilly. You will hike a nice paved path along the river Ilz to a small village-like suburb of Passau, Hals (approximately 2.5 miles). Encounter seasonal transitions as you go, from carols to fairytales, and even the occasional sweet. In Hals, you’ll be invited to an old farmhouse right by the Ilz river bank, where you’ll warm up in the courtyard with a cup of mulled wine while enjoying a private mini concert of Bavarian tunes. Before you leave, a surprise is waiting for you at the farm house to show you one last piece of a typical Bavarian Christmas.
Duration: 3 hours
Activity Level: Intermediate
Price: USD$80 pre-purchase, EUR€70 onboard
*Masterpiece Collection are optional experiences that go above and beyond our daily selection of included excursions and can be booked for an additional fee. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be pre-booked. Please note that requests to pre-book must be made by calling our Reservations Team no later than 6 days prior to departure and are subject to availability. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 5 days prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 5 days they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change. Masterpiece Collection excursions may not operate if they occur on a holiday or if they require a minimum number of participants and that minimum is not met.
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.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
| Price per person in MYR (from) |
||||||||
| River Princess | ||||||||
| Sailing Date | Classic | Deluxe | French Balcony | Suite | ||||
| 24 November 2025 | 18,165 (NP: 22,075) |
20,925 (NP: 24,835) |
24,145 (NP: 28,055) |
SOLD OUT | ||||
| 15 December 2025* | 14,485 (NP: 19,315) |
17,245 (NP: 22,075) |
20,465 (NP: 25,295) |
30,585 (NP: 35,415) |
||||
| S.S. Maria Theresa | ||||||||
| Sailing Date | Classic | French Balcony | Deluxe Balcony | Suite | ||||
| 16 December 2025 | 15,405 (NP: 20,235) |
19,545 (NP: 24,375) |
23,685 (NP: 28,515) |
SOLD OUT | ||||
| *Cruise operates in reverse order [Passau to Budapest] | ||||||||
S.S. MARIA THERESA
French Balcony
RIVER PRINCESS
French Balcony
S.S. MARIA THERESA
Lobby
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
- 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stately S.S. Maria Theresa, or the elegant River Princess.
- Free Wi-Fi
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
- 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- Guided “Let’s Go,” programmes
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
- Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
- 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
PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS
- Return air ticket
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- “2025 Winter Special Sailing” offer is applicable for new booking made by 30 Jun 2025.
- Prices above are in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) based per person in a twin-share stateroom.
- Prices shown in Uniworld website are in USD ; and payment to Holiday Tours to be made in MYR.
- Rate of Exchange for USD conversion to MYR is based on Holiday Tours Finance’s Weekly FOREX (above ROE at 4.60 on 3 March 2025).
- Non-refundable deposit of MYR1,300 per person (or MYR2,500 per person for Egypt/Asia/Peru) upon booking.
- Full payment is required 120 days before departure. Sailings booked within 120-days before departure requires full payment upon booking.
- MH Enrich Points :
- Earn 1,500-points per person with minimum tour-fare of USD3,000 per person & above, before discount.
- MH Enrich Point will be credited to the Traveller’s account within 45-days after completion of the tour. Points earned are valid for use up to 1-year from date of issuance.
- HSBC Rebate MYR 200 per booking applies to minimum spend of MYR 5,000 per booking per card transaction.
- Offers/discount may be combined with “River Heritage Club Savings” (past guests discount), but not combinable with any other promotions.
- Uniworld offers seasonal sales and all prices are dynamic basis. Please speak to our travel consultants to find-out more details and dates on sale.
- Seasonal sales/discounts subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
- Other terms and conditions apply.
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