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.
Discover heaven on earth on the ultimate holiday river cruise. If you’re looking to celebrate the holidays and welcome the New Year in incredible style, this special cruise is for you. 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.
On Christmas Eve, walk through the quiet medieval streets of Regensburg to the Gothic cathedral for Midnight Mass. As you pass through the magnificent doors, look up: You’ll see chalk marks invoking age-old blessings for all who enter. Listen to the harness bells chime as you ride through the serene Bavarian Forest in a horse-drawn wagon. Wander through locations from The Sound of Music in beautiful Salzburg and then warm up with rum-laced coffee. Meet Habsburg royalty during a private reception in a castle overlooking the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley.
Visit stunning churches and sample delicious wines in enchanting baroque villages. Ring in the New Year in Vienna, and see how a dusting of snow adds to the glamour of Hungary’s historic capital.
The mighty Danube takes you through three nations decked in all their holiday finery at this most delightful time of year.
Who will enjoy this cruise? Those who wish to just get away and relax during the busy holiday season, and anyone seeking to celebrate Christmas and welcome in the New Year in an extraordinarily memorable way.
Unlimited beverages on board (excludes premium wine and premium spirits)
Open seating for meals
Informal dress code
Mainly UK/US passengers
All gratuities onboard
Itinerary
Day 1Nuremberg
Arrive at Nuremberg 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.
Day 2Nuremberg
You could not ask for a more perfect place to begin a celebration of the holiday season than Nuremberg. The historic Old Town is an archetypal German medieval city and is home to a world-renowned gingerbread called lebkuchen.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Day 3Regensburg
Spend a leisurely day onboard as you cruise along a marvel of modern engineering, the 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal. Tonight, celebrate Christmas Eve in the enchanting town of Regensburg, known for its stunningly preserved medieval quarter.
Day 4Regensburg
The Old Town of Regensburg sparkles with holiday lights and decorations this time of year, adding to its already considerable charms and captivating architectural style. Check out the best and brightest cultural sights and plunge into the town’s ancient past.
Day 5Deggendorf
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.
Day 6Passau
Located at the confluence of three rivers, Passau is a lovely place to take a stroll with a local expert who will regale you with stories about the town’s colorful (and ancient) past.
Day 7Linz
Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. You definitely chose the perfect time of year to explore this refined and much-loved city. If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” all the better—you will recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city’s Old Town.
Day 8Dürnstein
After a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, we’ll reach the village of Dürnstein. Walk along the cobbled streets, browse the shops selling apricot schnapps, and maybe take a quick jaunt up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own).
Day 9Vienna
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.”
Day 10Vienna
Begin the day with a visit to a palace that pays tribute to the taste and wealth of the Habsburg emperors, spend some time exploring Vienna on your own, and then ring in the New Year in style.
Day 11Vienna
After enjoying some extra free time to explore Vienna on your own, relax onboard as the ship cruises to Budapest. You have the morning at leisure. You could relax onboard or ramble through glorious Vienna.
This evening, celebrate the new year with a festive Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner, and join us in the lounge after for a night of music and dancing.
Day 12Budapest
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 with a city tour that will show you all the highlights.
Day 13Budapest
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 the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home.
Grand Christmas and New Year's Itinerary
Dates and Prices
22 December 2025 - Nuremberg to Budapest - Sailing on : SS Beatrice From: £7299pp