Join us on an unforgettable European Christmas Market tour, where you’ll discover the festive charm of iconic cities like Prague, Budapest, and Munich. Explore Prague's Old Town, Hradčany Castle, and vibrant Christmas markets – our tour has been purposefully timed to coincide with the opening night! Head to Budapest to soak in its rich history and magical holiday spirit. Cruise along the Danube River, with stops in enchanting towns like Bratislava, Vienna, and Melk, all beautifully adorned for the season. Visit Salzburg’s picturesque Christmas markets, and experience Nuremberg's famous Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest in Europe. In Munich, enjoy the city's iconic sights and festive cheer, making this holiday season one to remember.

Get Printable PDF Itinerary for this holiday

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Return economy airfares Brisbane to Prague and Munich to Brisbane
• Air-conditioned coach travel within Europe 
• 9 nights First Class or Superior hotel accommodation  
• 8-day luxury river cruise with Uniworld in a French Balcony cabin from Budapest to Passau with all meals and unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship including regional wine, beer, premium spirits, specialty coffee, water, and soft drinks 
• Local English-speaking guide throughout the tour
• Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
• Gratuities, tips and porterage
• Meals as per itinerary
• Hosted by an experienced Tour Host

Group size: Minimum 15, Maximum 25

DAY 1 - 26TH NOVEMBER - AUSTRALIA TO PRAGUE

Today, you will meet your Tour Host and fellow travellers at Brisbane International airport to embark on this remarkable journey. We will spend the day enroute to our first destination, Prague. 

DAY 2 -27TH NOVEMBER - PRAGUE

Welcome to Europe! Upon arrival, we will be met by our tour guide and transferred by coach to our home for the next three nights, the Marriott Prague. You will have free time to settle in, before we meet this evening for a welcome dinner at our hotel. 

Meals: D

Accommodation: Marriott Prague

DAY 3 - 28TH NOVEMBER - PRAGUE

After breakfast, we embark on a captivating full-day journey through Prague taking in the city’s iconic sights. Wander through the charming Old Town Square, where history and vibrant culture come alive, then explore the majestic Hradčany Castle, with its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city below.  A special highlight of our journey will be the opportunity to celebrate the first day of Advent with the opening of the Prague Christmas Markets, one of the best in Europe. Enjoy the magic of Christmas with the momentous turning on of the Christmas lights, while sipping your mulled wine and sampling the local goods. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Marriott Prague

DAY 4 - 29TH NOVEMBER - PRAGUE

Enjoy a free day to explore Prague at your own pace. Take a leisurely walk along the Vltava River or cross the iconic Charles Bridge for stunning views of the city. Be sure to check out the festive Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can browse local crafts, sip on mulled wine, and enjoy the holiday cheer. You can also explore local shops or relax in one of the city’s parks. Whatever you choose, it’s your day to experience the charm of Prague however you like. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Marriott Prague

DAY 5 - 30TH NOVEMBER - BUDAPEST

After breakfast, we set off on an awe-inspiring train adventure from Prague to the vibrant heart of Budapest.  Step aboard and enjoy the picturesque European countryside, quaint villages, and historic towns as you take in the scenic splendour along the Danube. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Novotel Budapest Centrum

DAY 6 - 1ST DECEMBER - BUDAPEST

Today we spend the day exploring Budapest with our guide. We visit the city’s top sights, including the stunning Fisherman’s Bastion, the impressive Heroes’ Square, and the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica. You will also get a chance to check out the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths. After the tour, we enjoy some free time to wander through the festive Christmas markets, filled with local treats and crafts, before heading back to the hotel. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Novotel Budapest Centrum

DAY 7 - 2ND DECEMBER - BUDAPEST

We leave our hotel and are transferred to the port to embark on the S.S. Maria Theresa for our eight-day cruise to Passau. Settle into your cabin and explore the onboard facilities. Named "Best New River Ship" by Cruise Critic editors in her maiden season, the S.S. Maria Theresa features ultra-luxurious accommodation and an array of thoughtful personal touches, ensuring a truly unforgettable voyage along the Danube River. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: UNIWORLD - S.S.  Maria Theresa

DAY 8 - 3RD DECEMBER -BUDAPEST

Today you will get a taste of Hungary’s dynamic capital city. Experience the sights of the city with countless opportunities for your choice of spectacular tours. 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 first king of Hungary who spread Christianity throughout his nation. Over the centuries Hungary has been controlled by Romans, Germans, Austrians, and Ottomans, all of whom have left traces, resulting in a truly unique culture. This evening, we enjoy a special Captain’s welcome reception and dinner on board. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: UNIWORLD - S.S.  Maria Theresa

DAY 9 - 4TH DECEMBER - BRATISLAVA

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 colourful history. You will learn more about Bratislava’s past from a local expert and visit the local Christmas Market. 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 neighbours—and you will get to embrace them as well with a choice of excursions. This evening, the featured excursion sees us follow our 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. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: UNIWORLD - S.S.  Maria Theresa

DAY 10 - 5TH DECEMBER-VIENNA

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, including a visit to the Vienna Art History Museum with an art historian, viewing the works of artists including Raphael, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens, Titian, and many more. You can also take a walking tour of the Christmas Markets and sample some of the delectable treats of the season. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: UNIWORLD - S.S.  Maria Theresa

DAY 11 - 6TH DECEMBER - KREMS AND MELK

Today you will want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or on the Sun Deck as our 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 that 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. With a stop in charming Krems, we stroll around with a local expert on a tour of the town, including a visit to the Christkindlmarkt featuring local crafts. Later in Melk, we join our Cruise Manager on a leisurely stroll through the village. 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. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: UNIWORLD - S.S.  Maria Theresa

DAY 12 - 7TH DECEMBER - LINZ Our ship docks at Linz, a modern yet historic city that extends across the shimmering waters of the Danube. From here, we will 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 enchanting Christmas Market. If you prefer, you can explore Linz’s Old Town instead and visit a local cider farm to sample the region’s most popular drink. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: UNIWORLD - S.S.  Maria Theresa

DAY 13 - 8TH DECEMBER - PASSAU

Our final day on the water sees us arriving in Passau, a crossroads in more ways than one—three rivers meet here, and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. We get to know the town with a guided walking tour, then visit the local Christmas Market on the square in front of the cathedral. You will find a lot to enjoy here—from miniature houses and blown-glass ornaments to spun-sugar confectionery, in more than 70 stalls. This evening, a special Captain’s Farewell reception and dinner will be prepared for us. 

Meals: B + L + D

Accommodation: UNIWORLD - S.S.  Maria Theresa

DAY 14 -9TH DECEMBER - NUREMBERG

Today, we disembark the ship in Passau and travel by air-conditioned coach to Nuremburg. We visit the world-famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most popular Christmas markets in Europe. Stroll through the market’s enchanting stalls, where you can sample traditional gingerbread cookies, warm mulled wine, and shop for unique handmade crafts. Beyond the market, explore the city’s medieval Old Town, visit landmarks like the Nuremberg Castle, and take in the cozy holiday spirit that fills the air. This evening, we enjoy a group dinner. 

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Park Plaza Nuremberg 

DAY 15 - 10TH DECEMBER - MUNICH

After breakfast, we depart Nuremberg and head towards Munich, with a stop enroute at the historic Zeppelinfeld, the site where Hitler and his followers rallied in the 1930s, for a photo opportunity. From there, we continue to the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where you will have free time to explore its charming streets, ancient walls, and picturesque squares. After soaking in the beauty of this fairy-tale town, we continue our journey to Munich. This evening is at your leisure to enjoy. 

Meals: B

Accommodation: Hilton Munich City Centre

DAY 16 - 11TH DECEMBER - MUNICH

We take a full-day tour of Munich today and discover the city’s iconic sights, including the impressive Marienplatz with its famous Glockenspiel, the grand Nymphenburg Palace, and the beautiful English Garden. You will also have the chance to admire the stunning architecture of the Munich Residenz and the vibrant Viktualienmarkt. For lunch, we savour a traditional Bavarian meal at the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus. A perfect day to experience the history, culture, and flavours of Munich. 

Meals: B + L

Accommodation: Hilton Munich City Centre

DAY 17- 12TH DECEMBER -MUNICH

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps explore the Christmas Markets for some last-minute shopping. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.  

Meals: B + D

Accommodation: Hilton Munich City Centre

DAY 18- 13TH DECEMBER -MUNICH -BRISBANE
We farewell Munich and the wonderful Christmas Markets, to make our way back to Brisbane.

Meals: B

DAY 19 - BRISBANE

Our Hosted Holiday European Christmas Market tour has come to an end, and it is time to farewell our new friends and head for home with amazing memories of this incredible destination and amazing people .