C R U I S E C O M P A N I O N Holiday

Transcription

1 C R U I S E C O M PA N I O N Holiday

2 Icon/Letter Code Legend The symbols below will help guide you through the descriptions of the daily itineraries. They will give you an idea of the length and pace of the excursions, and they will note which meals are provided. Uniworld Signature Icons u UNESCO Site b e Embark/Disembark Motorcoach ICON/LETTER CODE LEGEND Dining Letter Codes CB Continental Breakfast BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner WD Welcome Gala Dinner FD Farewell Gala Dinner Tour Duration Icons 5 1 /4 Day 7 1 /2 Day 9 3 /4 Day 8 Full Day WELCOME Our world begins with you Thank you for selecting Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. We want to do everything we can to ensure you have the most enjoyable and worry-free vacation. With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet for you, so you can plan your trip with the greatest of ease. Consider it a guideline to help you get ready for your upcoming trip. It contains valuable tips and advice on what to pack, your flight and transfer experience, onboard information, day-to-day details and much more. We highly look forward to hosting you onboard our beautifully appointed ships and making your vacation the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible. Shore Excursion Icons All tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a panoramic tour. In many cases, the walking takes place over uneven ground, cobblestones or flagstone walkways, and several tours involve stairs or short uphill climbs. Please wear comfortable, non-skid walking shoes while on all tours. These symbols give an idea of what to expect on each program Easy walking Includes walking of 15 minutes or less from multiple motorcoach stops to and around historical sites. Possibly some steps, or gentle uphill and downhill walks. Intermediate walking Includes walks of up to two hours on uneven terrain. Limited seating at sites. Multiple stairs and/or uphill/ downhill walking. Strenuous walking Involves walking at all sites. Many stairs and uphill/ downhill passages. Those with physical limitations and those who may need private arrangements should contact the Cruise Manager when onboard. Sincerely, The Uniworld Team COVER: Frankfurt, Germany Vienna, Austria uniworld.com / 1

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CRUISE COMPANION Helpful Hints Before You Go 4 Travel Documents Passports Visa Requirements Passenger Information Form Travel Protection Plan 5 Cruise Documentation Final Documentation Includes 6 Baggage Limitations 16 Laundry 16 Lounge and Coffee Station 17 Mail 17 Mooring and Docking Facilities 17 Quietvox 17 Responsibility and Waiver 17 Safety Deposit Box 18 Shopping 18 Shore Excursions TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 Travel Essentials 18 Smoking 7 Health and Mobility Physical Limitations Medical Special Diets 8 General Money Matters ATMs Currency Exchange Credit Cards and Travelers Checks Transaction Fees Getting There 18 Spa Treatments and Massage 18 Stateroom and Suite Amenities 19 Sun Deck Access 19 Visitors 19 Water 19 Weather 19 What to Wear 20 Omissions 20 Frequently Asked Questions 9 Airport Security and Check-In 9 Transfers Airport Arrival Transfers Airport Departure Transfers Private Car Transfers Guests with Independent Arrangements Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights Baggage Delays 2017 RIVER CRUISE PROGRAMS Rhine Holiday Markets 23 Basel to Cologne / 8 Days 33 Cologne to Basel / 8 Days Danube Holiday Markets 12 Pre- or Post-Cruise Optional Extensions 43 Budapest to Passau / 8 Days 13 Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-Out 54 Passau to Budapest / 8 Days 13 Embarkation and Disembarkation Embarkation Disembarkation Classic Christmas Markets 66 Nuremberg to Frankfurt / 8 Days About Your Uniworld Cruise Package and Onboard and Onshore Services 74 Frankfurt to Nuremberg / 8 Days European Holiday Markets 14 Dining 82 Nuremberg to Vienna / 8 Days 15 Elevators 92 Vienna to Nuremberg / 8 Days 15 Fitness Center 15 Front Desk 15 Gift Shop Parisian Royal Holiday 101 Paris to Paris / 8 Days 15 Go Active 16 Gratuities 16 Health and Hygiene Enchanting Christmas & New Year s Cruise 110 Passau to Budapest / 11 Days 16 Ice Machine 16 Internet Access Grand Christmas & New Year s Cruise 123 Nuremberg to Budapest / 13 Days 2 uniworld.com / 3

4 Whenever using a visa service, it is highly recommended that you provide the service with a copy of your entire travel itinerary. There are times when multiple-entry visas may be required, or when there may be restrictions to entering one country from another depending on your nationality. If the service does not have your full itinerary, this may result in improperly issued documentation. Passenger Information Form: By now, you should have completed the Uniworld Passenger Information Form. The information on this form is used to comply with certain foreign government and airline security restrictions in advance of your arrival onboard our ships. If you have completed this form, we thank you for your prompt attention. If you have not completed this form, please visit our website at uniworld.com and complete the online Passenger Information Form in the Already Booked section. Each guest must complete the form. Travel Protection Plan: Uniworld strongly recommends that each guest purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please carry all policy information with you during the course of your trip. CRUISE COMPANION Helpful Hints Before You Go Travel Documents CRUISE COMPANION Passports: All Uniworld river cruises require a passport. In most cases, passports must be valid for six (6) months after the scheduled return date from the trip. Each guest is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying the travel documents necessary for his or her travel itinerary. Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documents. Visa Requirements: No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens on the itinerary shown in this booklet. Non-US or non-canadian citizens must contact each consulate of the country or countries to be visited for specific requirements. Information for US citizens and Canadian citizens can also be found at uniworld.com in the Already Booked section. All guests are strongly advised to obtain necessary visas well in advance of departure to avoid unnecessary expedited processing charges. During the cruise, it is advisable to have copies of important documents (i.e., first page of your passport, photo, credit card numbers and bank/credit card company phone numbers) in a separate packet, in case the originals are lost or stolen. Cruise Documentation Uniworld sends all final cruise and air documents between 21 and 30 days prior to your trip departure, provided that Uniworld has received a completed Passenger Information Form and your booking is paid in full. All documents are sent via a priority mail delivery service, such as UPS or FedEx. Final Documentation Includes: Cruise Ticket Passenger Ticket Contract (which is legally binding between Uniworld and each guest) Airline Tickets or E-Ticket Confirmation (if international air ticket was purchased from Uniworld) Cruise Companion Baggage Tags Leave-Behind Communication Card Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet (if Uniworld travel protection was purchased) Pre- or Post-Cruise Optional Extension Information (if optional extension was purchased) 4 uniworld.com / 5

5 CRUISE COMPANION Baggage Limitations Airline baggage restrictions change frequently, and each guest needs to check with his or her specific air carrier for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage charges. This information can be found on the carrier s website or on Uniworld s website at uniworld.com/baggage. Remember to check for both international (over the water) and domestic (intracontinental) regulations, as limitations differ depending on flight routings. Overweight or excess baggage charges vary, and guests who exceed an airline s recommended limit may be asked by the airline to pay fees ranging from $25 to $80 US dollars (USD), or possibly more, per infraction. Onboard the ship and motorcoaches, storage space is very limited. Therefore, for your comfort and convenience on the cruise as well as on pre- or postcruise optional extensions we ask that you bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Please note that there may be a fee assessed on-site for excess baggage. Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal belongings they are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal belongings. A Travel Protection Plan covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage is highly recommended. Travel Essentials The following items are essential for any destination: comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and a lightweight raincoat or outerwear garment appropriate for the seasonal weather conditions. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medication, copies of credit card information and copies of your passport information pages. Make sure that your baggage has identification tags both inside and outside with your contact information and address clearly marked. Do not pack valuables or important medication in your checked baggage unless required to do so by your airline; these should be carried with you in your carry-on baggage. Please contact your air carrier for any additional regulations. Health and Mobility Physical Limitations: Uniworld trips are exciting, relatively active vacations. While there will be plenty of time to relax, there will also be much to see and do. Your included excursions generally require an extensive amount of walking, as well as navigating numerous steps and cobblestone streets. During shore excursions, guests with physical limitations will find access to sites generally restricted. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and some do not have elevators. Uniworld, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage or to require a current passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety and enjoyment, or that of other passengers. The use of mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc. is not recommended for travel in Europe, and such devices cannot be readily obtained in the region. Medical: Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships, nor can the onboard gift shop carry medications that are sold over the counter in the US and other countries (most European nations allow the sale of medications by licensed pharmacies only). Should you require medical attention, you will need to obtain it at local facilities at your own expense. Uniworld is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of medical service or for the quality of medical care received. A Travel Protection Plan covering medical expenses is highly recommended. Special Diets: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions in advance of your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel. To the extent possible, and in consideration of local conditions, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as necessary concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter. Dietary restrictions should be reiterated to the service staff at the time of placing orders in restaurants. CRUISE COMPANION 6 uniworld.com / 7

6 CRUISE COMPANION General Money Matters The currency in Austria, France, Germany and Slovakia is the euro. The euro comes in banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. One euro is divided into 100 cents, and coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, or 1 euro and 2 euros. Currency in Hungary is the forint, which comes in banknote denominations of 200, 500, thousand, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 forints. Hotels, banks and bureaux de change can all be used for currency exchanges, along with some restaurants, airports, railway stations and travel agencies. All currency exchange receipts should be retained in case they need to be presented to officials. ATMs are available in most towns, and the vast majority of international credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. Currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc. The Swiss franc is available in banknotes that bear the value of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 or thousand francs. International currencies can be exchanged at banks and foreign exchange dealers while on tour in Switzerland. You will need to show your passport as proof of identity for foreign exchange transactions. All popular credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are accepted widely in shops, airports, railway stations and other payment centers across Switzerland. Uniworld features a cashless environment onboard, and all charges are billed directly to each guest s onboard account. Currency accepted onboard for settlement of final bills is either the euro or US dollar (the total amount will be converted into US dollars based on the onboard exchange rate). The major credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard and American Express, and these will incur extra bank charges for transactions, which will be your responsibility. Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your debit and/or credit card(s) overseas. ATMs: The ship does not have ATMs onboard, but ATMs linked to major bank networks can be found throughout Europe. Most debit and major credit cards can be used for cash withdrawals ashore. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access and whether a debit or credit card must be used. Make sure you have the correct PIN for the card you plan to use before leaving home, as the PIN is required for all money withdrawals. It is also recommended that you bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling. Currency Exchange: Limited currency exchange is available onboard for the exchange of cash only (US dollars and euros). Credit cards cannot be accepted for money exchange. All hotels and major tourist sites have exchange facilities. We recommend that you do not carry euro bills in denominations greater than 100, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break larger bills into smaller denominations for you. Credit Cards and Travelers Checks: Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted worldwide. There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred or where a particular credit card cannot be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least one major credit card, as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card. It is not advisable to bring Travelers Checks, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to cash them at local banks. Transaction Fees: Please note currency exchange transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve transaction fees. It is always best to inquire as to the fee before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask you if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction. Note: = Euro. Getting There Airport Security and Check-In It is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your departure to verify that there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule found on your travel documents. After your travel documents are issued and sent to you, Uniworld is not responsible for notifying guests of any changes in flight schedules. Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure to complete check-in and security procedures. For peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Transfers Airport Arrival Transfers: If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer (and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been communicated to Uniworld), or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer from Uniworld, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship or hotel. Transfers are only provided on the actual start day of the cruise. Guests who have purchased a pre-cruise optional extension will also be met by a Uniworld representative CRUISE COMPANION 8 uniworld.com / 9

7 CRUISE COMPANION at the airport of the city in which the extension is to take place. You will be met as you exit the secure customs area. Please claim all of your baggage before exiting the baggage claim area. Porterage services at the airport are not included. Please note that transfers are nonrefundable. There may be a waiting period of up to two (2) hours for scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings of flight arrivals. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed, changed, canceled or missed flights; for missed cruise or extension days; or for extra costs resulting from delayed, changed, canceled or missed flights. Flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all guests making their own flight arrangements must be given to Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to departure in order for transfers to be properly arranged. Your flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Uniworld s recommended transfer guidelines. For complete details, please see the Terms and Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com. Guests who have purchased extra nights with a Uniworld optional extension will be provided private transfers as part of the extra nights purchase as long as Uniworld has received their flight information no later than 45 days prior to departure. If your cruise package does not include transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld s recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then please make your way to the ship or hotel as per your itinerary at your own expense. Guests who have purchased extra nights with a Uniworld optional extension will be provided private transfers as long as Uniworld has received their flight information no later than 45 days prior to departure. If your cruise package does not contain transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld s recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then please make your way from the ship or hotel as per your trip itinerary at your own expense. Private Car Transfers: Guests who make independent flight arrangements and arrive outside Uniworld s recommended transfer time guidelines can purchase private car transfers from Uniworld at an additional cost. Private car transfers are only available on the cruise start and end dates. Please ask your preferred Travel Professional or Uniworld for details. In some locations, private transfers are not available due to the distance between the airport arrival city and the port of embarkation and disembarkation. Guests with Independent Arrangements: For guests who are making their own way to the ship and who are not using Uniworld s transfer options, we strongly suggest that you call the ship to determine its exact location before proceeding to the dock. The ship s telephone number will be shown on your Cruise Ticket. Docking assignments for river cruise vessels can change at the last minute, and the information provided on your Cruise Ticket about the expected docking location could be incorrect on your day of arrival. It is not possible for Uniworld to notify guests making their own way to the ship of any last-minute changes. CRUISE COMPANION Airport Departure Transfers: If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer (and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been communicated to Uniworld), or if you have purchased a private departure transfer from Uniworld, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Transfers are only provided on the actual end day of the cruise. Guests who have purchased a post-cruise land extension will be transferred from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport accordingly. Porterage services at the airport are not included. In accordance with Uniworld s transfer guidelines, all guests making their own flight arrangements are required to provide Uniworld with their flight information and post-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to departure in order to receive transfers. For complete details, please see the Terms and Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com. Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights: If your package includes a Uniworld arrival transfer and you experience a travel delay of any kind, please proceed as follows: Advise an airline representative at twhe airport that you are a cruise passenger set to sail that day or the following day. Upon clearing customs in the cruise or extension start city, look for the Uniworld representative outside the customs area. Depending on the nature of the delay, Uniworld s ground staff may be able to track flight changes. If your flight arrangements were drastically altered, it is unlikely that the ground staff will be notified in time of your specific flight changes. And due to security protocols enacted after September 11, 2001, airlines very rarely provide updated flight information to third parties. 10 uniworld.com / 11

8 CRUISE COMPANION If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please contact the Transfer Provider in your arrival city. Their contact information is shown in the transfer section of your Cruise Ticket. If unable to match you up with a scheduled group transfer, the Transfer Provider will ask you to make your way to the ship or hotel at your own expense. Costs incurred due to missed transfers are the responsibility of the guest, and in most cases, compensation can be obtained from your Travel Protection Plan provider or airline carrier. If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting point of your cruise, you will need to get to the next stop on the ship s itinerary at your own expense. Using the ship s phone number shown on your Cruise Ticket, please contact the ship for its exact location on your revised date of arrival. The ship s personnel will advise you on the best course of action. Uniworld is not responsible for missed transfers or additional costs incurred in getting to the next destination due to missed or delayed flights. Baggage Delays: Baggage delays do unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If traveling with a companion, we recommend that one (1) person exit the baggage claim area and locate the transfer representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that transfers are properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary and the ship s contact information. Report your lost baggage to the Uniworld representative and provide your Uniworld Cruise Manager with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. This will assist our staff in helping to locate your baggage as quickly as possible. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and/or personal belongings. A protection plan covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage is available through the Uniworld Travel Protection Plan. Pre- or Post-Cruise Optional Extensions All Uniworld land programs are fully hosted by a Uniworld local host who will be on hand during your stay to provide you with information and assistance. Daily breakfast, transfers and porterage are also included. Most feature at least one (1) special sightseeing program. Guests on a pre-cruise optional extension will receive a welcome briefing from the on-site Uniworld representative the evening of the first day of the extension. Guests on a post-cruise optional extension will receive their briefing onboard the ship prior to disembarkation. This briefing will familiarize you with the scheduled program and provide additional information about excursions, dining recommendations, shopping tips and more. Details of your pre- or post-cruise optional extension are included with your final documents. Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-Out Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival at the hotel. This is not always possible due to differences in hotel check-in times and scheduled airport-to-hotel transfers. Most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 2:00 pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 2:00 pm, you may need to wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out must be no later than 12:00 pm. Embarkation and Disembarkation Embarkation: Guests are to embark no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled sailing time. Rhine Holiday Markets (Basel to Cologne) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. Rhine Holiday Markets (Cologne to Basel) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. Danube Holiday Markets (Budapest to Passau) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. Danube Holiday Markets (Passau to Budapest) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. Classic Christmas Markets (Nuremberg to Frankfurt) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. Classic Christmas Markets (Frankfurt to Nuremberg) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. European Holiday Markets (Nuremberg to Vienna) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. European Holiday Markets (Vienna to Nuremberg) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. Parisian Royal Holiday (Paris to Paris) The ship will set sail at 6:30 pm. CRUISE COMPANION 12 uniworld.com / 13

9 Enchanting Christmas & New Year s Cruise (Passau to Budapest) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. Grand Christmas & New Year s Cruise (Nuremberg to Budapest) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. In addition, al fresco dining may be available on the Sun Deck on scheduled nights, weather permitting. Reservations are necessary as space is limited. Reservations can only be made onboard the ship. All meal times are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast can take place very early in the morning. CRUISE COMPANION All times shown are subject to change without notice. Uniworld is not responsible for any loss, damages, personal costs or inconvenience incurred due to such changes. On embarkation day, the ship is being cleaned and prepared for your arrival. Most of the ship s facilities, including your stateroom or suite, will not be available before 3:00 pm. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Should you arrive at the ship earlier than 3:00 pm, you may leave your baggage at the Front Desk and take a walk in the area or relax in the lounge. Please keep your hand baggage with you at all times. Complimentary coffee, water and light snacks will be available for your enjoyment. Disembarkation: About two (2) evenings before your departure from the ship, your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about what to expect on the morning of disembarkation and what time to have baggage available for pick-up, and will distribute any documentation necessary to make your departure as smooth as possible. Please notify Uniworld immediately if you have any special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be taken into account while traveling with us. We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but we cannot guarantee that every request can be met in all cases. Elevators The S.S. Joie de Vivre, S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Antoinette, River Beatrice and River Queen are each equipped with an elevator that services all decks except the Sun Deck. There is also a chair lift available to aid in accessing the Sun Deck. Fitness Center The Fitness Center is open 24 hours a day. Use of the fitness equipment is at your own risk. Front Desk The Front Desk operates 24 hours a day. The Night Receptionist will make hourly safety checks of the ship. CRUISE COMPANION All guests must vacate their staterooms and suites no later than 8:00 am the day of disembarkation so the staff and crew can prepare for the next group of guests. Breakfast hours are coordinated around airport transfer times, which, in some cases, can be very early in the morning. It is not unusual in some destinations to have airport transfers as early as 4:00 am. In such cases, we will provide guests with coffee, tea, juices and pastries from our 24-hour coffee station. About Your Uniworld Cruise Package and Onboard and Onshore Services Dining Your ship s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed environment and accommodates all guests with open seating. It offers both local and international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, while evenings feature specialties of the chef and regional dishes. Gift Shop There is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of toiletries, souvenirs and other sundries. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each day s program. Please note: No over-the-counter medications are available, in accordance with European laws. Go Active Complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are available for your onshore enjoyment. Bicycle and walking paths are easily accessible from some of the ports of call. Your Cruise Manager can offer recommendations. The number of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks available is limited, and they can only be reserved through the Front Desk 24 hours in advance of the time you wish to use them (or on the day of, if available). Their use is solely at your own risk; all guests must sign a release form prior to using bicycles or Nordic walking sticks. All beverages are included (excluding premium wine and premium spirits) during your cruise. 14 uniworld.com / 15

10 CRUISE COMPANION Gratuities All tips and gratuities are included during the cruise portion of your trip as well as on pre- and post-cruise optional extensions purchased in conjunction with your cruise. Health and Hygiene As part of our commitment to a clean, safe and healthy onboard environment, Uniworld practices a strict sanitization protocol on our ships. To assist us in this important matter, we kindly ask all guests to frequently wash their hands and to consistently use the handsanitizer machines when entering the ship and when entering the restaurant. The machines are located just inside the main entrance to the ship and at the entrance to the restaurant. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this very important matter. Ice Machine For your convenience, a self-service ice machine is located at the entrance of the lounge. Please ask the bartender for an ice bucket when required. Internet Access Laptop computers allowing you to send and receive s and to access the Internet can be borrowed from the Front Desk. In addition, you may use your own laptop computer to access our Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi). Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship and is generally best in the main lounge. The use of laptops and Wi-Fi service is complimentary. Please note: The Internet connection might not be available in remote areas or when transiting locks. Expect the connectivity speed to be slower than your home connection and not suitable for services requiring a high bandwidth such as Skype or YouTube. Laundry A laundrette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer and iron is available for your use (detergent is available at the Front Desk). There are no dry cleaning facilities. The ship also provides washing, drying and ironing services for a fee. Lounge and Coffee Station The onboard lounge provides spectacular, expansive views at every turn. Relax in the comfort of soft chairs and sofas upholstered in fine fabrics and leathers. Enjoy our full-service bar and dance the night away to the music of our onboard pianist. The coffee station is located in the main lounge. Complimentary coffees and teas are available here 24 hours a day. The lounge also serves specialty coffees and finely brewed teas on order. Mail Stamps are available for purchase at the Front Desk. Mail is posted daily unless local mail facilities are not available. Uniworld is not responsible for mail that is not properly delivered to the addressee by the postal service. Mooring and Docking Facilities Local river authorities allocate docking space based upon ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships dock facing upstream, against the current. Occasionally, port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to get to their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond the control of Uniworld. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms and suites when the ship is docked. Quietvox Uniworld is proud to use Quietvox portable audio headset systems on shore excursions and tours, so that you will always be able to hear your local expert s commentary with ease and comfort. Connection to the local expert s transmitter takes about 40 seconds, so if you do not hear the local expert straight away, please be patient. The Quietvox system can be used with hearing aids that are compatible with a telecoil induction loop. All you need to do is to replace the regular Quietvox earpiece with the telecoil. We have a limited number of telecoil induction loops onboard available to loan, so please inquire with the Cruise Manager once you are on the ship. Responsibility and Waiver The guest accepts the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any organized shore excursion/tour that is provided by Uniworld. Participation in some shore excursions or tours may also be subject to an independent operator s own terms and conditions. Safety Deposit Box Each stateroom and suite onboard and hotel room onshore comes equipped with a safe. We urge you to leave valuables at home. We are not responsible for any valuables left in your stateroom or suite. Any charge to return lost and found property onboard will be at the owner s expense. Please beware of pickpockets when ashore. CRUISE COMPANION 16 uniworld.com / 17

11 CRUISE COMPANION Shopping Time for shopping is allowed for within the framework of most sightseeing programs. Actual time available for shopping may be limited due to tour constraints. Keep in mind that many shops in Europe may be closed on Sundays and holidays. Shopping recommendations can be made by your Cruise Manager and shipboard staff. Larger stores accept most major credit cards. Market vendors and small stores usually only accept local currency. It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash for on-the-spot gratuities or to purchase souvenirs or sundries. Shore Excursions Each cruise program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-speaking expert; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience ashore. A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is provided in this booklet. Details for your particular itinerary can also be found at uniworld.com. Smoking The ship maintains a non-smoking environment in all public areas and in the staterooms and suites. Smoking is only allowed on designated parts of the Sun Deck, which are marked on the deck plan in your room directory. For the comfort of all passengers smoking is not permitted on sightseeing or transfer vehicles. Spa Treatments and Massage Spa treatments and massage services are available onboard the ship. These services are available for a fee and can be paid for in cash or with a credit card at the time of purchase or at the time you settle any of your onboard charges prior to disembarkation from the ship. Stateroom and Suite Amenities Every riverview stateroom and suite includes an individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat, a flat-screen TV, an internal telephone, a safety deposit box, a bathroom stocked with L Occitane and Hermès bath and body products, a luxurious bathrobe for each guest, complimentary bottled water, a hair dryer and an umbrella. Electrical current is 220V, the European standard, however each stateroom and suite has one 110V outlet. The majority of staterooms have hotel beds that can be positioned separately or together. Your stateroom or suite will be serviced by your Stateroom/Suite Attendant on a daily basis. Security and maintenance checks may also be performed. Your ship features butler service in the suites. Sun Deck Access For safety reasons, access to the Sun Deck may be limited or restricted while passing through locks and areas with low bridges, and during inclement weather. Visitors Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and are not allowed to join any shore excursions. Please make arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore. Water The ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated filtration system, and the tap water in each stateroom and suite is safe for drinking. In addition, bottled water is provided in your stateroom or suite for your comfort. Also, for your convenience, we ve provided two reusable, eco-friendly water bottles in each stateroom and suite that may be refilled and carried along on your daily shore excursions. The bottles are yours to keep as a souvenir of your voyage. Weather Today, weather forecasts are widely available at the click of a button on the Internet. Uniworld s favorite resource for up-to-the-minute international weather information is weather.com. This site features a very informative vacation-planner tool that you may find useful. What to Wear Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, including artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day. Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks and walking shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. Mix-and-match color schemes work best to help keep baggage light. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable; however, we do ask that you not wear shorts to dinner. CRUISE COMPANION 18 uniworld.com / 19

12 CRUISE COMPANION Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier restaurant venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women may wish to bring a cocktail dress or two for finer dining or entertainment experiences. Don t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight windbreaker for colder temperatures. Omissions Uniworld is not responsible for omissions or printing and/or presentation errors in brochures, on Internet sites or in any other media where such information may be presented; we reserve the right to make corrections as required. Frequently Asked Questions I have concerns about my physical ability. What do I do? Guests with mobility concerns should discuss their concerns with Uniworld staff in advance of their departure. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter or walker, may not be able to participate in many shore excursions or use such devices onboard the ships. Also, guests who are limited in their ability to walk long distances may also have difficulties, as there is often uneven terrain on many shore excursions. How accurate are the shore excursion/tour descriptions? Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined in the subsequent pages. In certain circumstances, or for reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be possible or practical for the excursion to be performed exactly as written. The decision not to operate, to alter the operation, to change content, and/or to otherwise adjust or modify any element of the excursion as advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking into account the safety and best interests of the guests and the overall product delivery. Any such modifications to excursions will not result in eligibility for a refund. Can the itinerary change? What happens if it does change? You can count on the value of Uniworld s vast experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of a river, with its sources and networks of bridges and locks, means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments and modifications to the operation of an itinerary. Itineraries may need to be altered specifically because of water levels. Although every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld reserves the right to make changes and substitutions as necessary to ensure the safety of our guests and the vessels. Time permitting, every possible effort will be made to alert guests in advance of boarding of any known changes. Otherwise, all guests will be informed onboard of amendments. Any changes to itineraries, including the addition of extensive motorcoach touring to effect delivery of the intended itinerary operation, will not result in eligibility for a refund. What time will excursions depart? All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship s daily schedule. Prior to dinner each evening, your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about what activities will take place the next day. This briefing includes information about departure times, specifics about the shore excursions/tours not covered in this booklet, shopping and restaurant recommendations, and other important information about the port of call. In addition to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to each guest s stateroom or suite every evening. This program provides a written overview of all events taking place the next day whether onboard or ashore. Does each motorcoach or walking group have its own tour guide? Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local expert. Uniworld tries very hard to ensure that our guides are of the highest quality and well versed in their subjects to make sure that you have the best possible time ashore. What is the transportation like on excursions? Uniworld works with some of the world s best tour companies, all of which are chosen with our exacting standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat 40 to 45 people and are air-conditioned whenever possible. There are a few destinations where the equipment may not be of a similar standard and, in such cases, the best possible transportation will be arranged. Rest stops will be provided throughout the course of the excursions, and most of the motorcoaches used for excursions will have onboard toilets. Is smoking allowed on shore excursions/tours? Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and many historical venues now request that visitors not smoke anywhere on-site. We ask all our guests who smoke not to do so while on excursions/tours. CRUISE COMPANION 20 uniworld.com / 21

13 Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO Rhine Holiday Markets BASEL TO COLOGNE / 8 DAYS Succumb to enchantment as you cruise the Rhine River through a winter wonderland Revel in exquisite handmade ornaments, joyful brass choirs and cobblestone squares illuminated by twinkling lights while you experience the delightful holiday markets of Switzerland, France and Germany. Ramble down Basel s Christmas Street, decked in lights just for the season, and explore the colorful stalls of Strasbourg s Christmas Market. Then continue into Germany where many of our signature holiday traditions began with stops in Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdesheim and Koblenz. Sample an array of once-a-year treats, sip fragrant glühwein and choose the ideal gift. Sail among castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming small towns, all decked in holiday finery, and rejoice in the magic of the season as you enjoy the cozy and festive atmosphere onboard your exquisitely decorated boutique cruise ship. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December 23. uniworld.com / 23

14 DAY 1 Basel b e D A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. 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 2 Basel BB L WD DAY 3 Kehl (Strasbourg) u BB L D Kehl, directly across the river from Strasbourg, will be your ship s base while you explore the Alsatian capital, which is known as the Crossroads of Europe for its strategic location halfway between Paris and Prague. It is home to a magnificent, single-spire Gothic cathedral and many beautiful half-timbered houses. BASEL TO COLOGNE Your day in Basel begins with a short panoramic tour of Switzerland s second-largest city. Long an important center of education, banking and trade, Basel boasts a glorious history that stretches back to the Roman Empire. During the Renaissance, its university and master printers drew intellectuals from all over Europe, including the great thinker Erasmus of Rotterdam, whose tomb is found within the walls of the Romanesque cathedral. To this day, the city remains a cultural and artistic powerhouse, with numerous art galleries, theaters and more than 30 museums. And at this time of year, a beloved Christmas market draws visitors from all over Europe. Basel walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b Do you have a special wish for Christmas? Write it in the Wish Book, which lies open in Basel s 17th-century Town Hall during Advent, waiting for residents and visitors to express their hopes and dreams for the holiday or for the world. Your guide will take you past the Town Hall, whose red-brick walls feature paintings by Hans Bock, so you ll know right where to go after your tour. The 800-year-old Münster, with its red sandstone walls, multicolored roof tiles and twin towers, is equally spectacular; spread out before it you ll find the wondrous Christmas Market. With more than 150 stands, it offers many locally made craft items, unique ornaments and delicious seasonal baked goods. Warm your hands on a mug of hot mulled wine as you browse. After exploring this Swiss treat, you ll want to visit the town s illuminated Christmas Street, which is beautifully decorated with more than 100 Christmas trees. If you re looking for truly unique gifts, stop by Johann Wanner s shop, with its array of elegant angel ornaments, blownglass figurines and pewter Victorian miniatures. You ll also find museums and art galleries, specialty shops and cozy wainscoted restaurants near Market Square. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Strasbourg by canal with Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Strasbourg by canal with Christmas Market 7 1 b One of the best ways to see Strasbourg is from its historic canals. Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg cross-cultural and bilingual offers a delightful combination of old and new as well as French and German characteristics. Hop aboard a glass-enclosed water taxi for a great view of both aspects, sailing past the striking contemporary architecture in the European Quarter (so named because pan-european institutions, such as the European Parliament, are housed here) and into the historic center of the city. You ll pass under the famous covered footbridges linked by three medieval towers as you enter the serene waterways of Grande Île, where the Ill River splits into canals lined with the stunning 15th- and 16th-century black and white timbered houses of Petite France, a picturesque neighborhood of cobblestone streets. The water taxi will drop you off on Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will find Strasbourg s Christmas Market, the oldest in France. In fact, this will be its 449th year. It s not only the oldest, it s also one of the largest. The market spreads out over 11 locations, each one scenic the cathedral, Place Broglie, Place Kléber and it s easy to ramble from one site to another, browsing among chalets stocked with finely crafted toys, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry and BASEL TO COLOGNE 24 uniworld.com / 25

15 BASEL TO COLOGNE handmade Nativity figurines in a wonderfully festive atmosphere. Check out the giant toy storks in Santa hats, a little tribute to Strasbourg s beloved storks. You won t want to miss the holiday treats like bûche de Noël, the delicious Christmas cake made to look like a yule log, or warm crepes dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the center of Strasbourg in the afternoon. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 7 2 Alsace is famous for its excellent cuisine, which combines French and German elements in delectable and unique ways. Roam through Petite France with your guide, where the little shops are all charmingly decked out for Christmas, and explore the Christmas Market set up in Broglie Square. Stroll from chalet to chalet, as the stalls are known here, which brim with ornaments, pretzels, steaming vats of mulled wine and Alsace s best-known Christmas cookies, called bredele. There are many kinds hirschhörnle, anise, makrenle, rochers, speculatius each with a distinctive shape, history and flavoring, all of which your guide can tell you about as you sample them. During the afternoon, you will have some free time to wander through the beautiful Old Town. You might want to spend more time at the Christmas Market, which takes on an especially festive look as dark falls and the lights illuminate the entire area; visit the magnificent cathedral; or simply stroll along the lanes of Petite France. You could learn about Alsatian wines in the medieval wine cellars of the old city hospital, spend some time among the treasures of the Rohan Palace s museums or shop along the Grand Arcades. Stop for a warm drink at a café on Place Gutenberg, named for the man who invented moveable type here in Strasbourg some 560 years ago. Shuttles will be available to take you to and from the ship, in case you want to drop off your finds and return for more. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Full day Heidelberg tour with Christmas Market* B. Exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting A. Full day Heidelberg tour with Christmas Market* 8 2 b Heidelberg s castle, high above the town, may have been destroyed by lightning in the 1700s, but it remains a beautiful and intriguing destination. Your walk up to the castle ruins will end in the vast courtyard, partially enclosed by the wings of the once-great palace. The castle was the official residence of the prince electors, one of whom built the world s largest wine barrel in 1751 the Heidelberg Tun, able to hold 58,100 gallons (220,000 liters) of wine to contain the wine he collected as taxes from local vintners. It still stands as a monumental memento of the economic importance of wine in the region, and though it has been empty for centuries, you could, if you like, climb up to the top and take a spin on the dance floor that has been built on it. Your second destination is downtown Heidelberg s splendid Christmas Market, one of the largest in the country. It fills square after square, offering an inviting array of unusual arts and crafts, as well as exquisite hand-blown glass ornaments. Marvel at the Christmas pyramid, with its figures from the city s history rotating inside the tower at Market Square; take a ride on the carousel at University Square; or try out your ice skating skills on the rink in Charles Square. Your local guide can recommend places for you to enjoy a hearty lunch on your own; be sure to try some typical German fare like sauerbraten. Afterwards, you can continue to wander around Old Town, where you ll encounter the 15th-century Holy Spirit Church and the Student Prison. Heidelberg has one of the longest pedestrian streets in Germany perfect for strolling and window shopping. Or simply spend a little more time at the Christmas Market before returning to the ship. BASEL TO COLOGNE Note: Lunch is not included with the full day Heidelberg tour. DAY 4 Mannheim (Heidelberg) BB L D B. Exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting 5 1 b Your ship left France behind and sailed into Germany during the wee hours of the morning. If you speak no German, here s one phrase you might want to learn now: Fröhliche Weihnachten, or Merry Christmas! Today you ll have two choices: Venture into the storied city of Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in the country, or visit the Doktorenhof vinegar estate for a special vinegar tasting. For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right a vinegar 26 uniworld.com / 27

16 BASEL TO COLOGNE tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar mother, as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric cellar (think candles, cloaks and choir music) is like no other you ll ever experience, and the candlelit tasting room is decked for the holidays. You ll have plenty of time to explore their enticing gift shop, too. DAY 5 Mainz, Rüdesheim BB L D Mainz, standing at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main rivers, may be best known as the city where Johannes Gutenberg prepared his priceless 42-line Bible for publication in 1485, using his newly invented printing press. You have the morning at leisure to explore the city that inspired such ingenuity, venturing off on your own to visit the Gutenberg Museum or one of the other intriguing museums nearby. Or you could stroll with the Cruise Manager through the old-town neighborhood known as the Cherry Orchard, which is lined with picturesque half-timbered houses, on your way to the 200-year-old St. Nicholas Christmas Market. The millennium-old St. Martin s Cathedral acts as its backdrop, and the holiday pyramid smack in the middle of the square reflects Mainz s history figures of Gutenberg and the ancient Roman commander Dresus join the standard angels and Santas. Mainz s Old Town brims with specialty shops tucked into lovingly restored buildings: You ll find jewelry, leather goods, books, toys something special for every special person on your list. However you choose to spend your time in Mainz, you ll head back to the ship for a short cruise to Rüdesheim, which, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rüdesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse. It s also home to a unique and fascinating little museum devoted to mechanical musical instruments. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with Christmas Market B. Eberbach Abbey by candlelight A. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with Christmas Market 5 2 Board a delightfully quaint mini train to Siegfried s Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments. This small, personal museum houses one of the world s best collections of mechanical musical instruments in a 16th-century mansion, the Brömserhof. Here a guided tour will introduce you to rare mechanical instruments; some of them are 300 years old, and all of them are wonderfully inventive and fun. Listen as tiny birds pop out of music boxes and begin to sing; marvel as colorfully costumed mechanical figures play miniature violins. It s an enchanting and surprising experience. Your enchantment continues at Rüdesheim s fabulous Christmas Market. Browse the more than 120 stalls packed with holiday delights, and don t miss Rüdesheim s life-sized Nativity scene one of Germany s largest. If a hot beverage appeals to you, order a Rüdesheimer coffee and enjoy the ritual as it is prepared before you: The local brandy is set afire as it is poured into the drink. Be sure to take a look at the illuminated decorations on the rooftops Rüdesheim s residents have a friendly competition to see who can mount the brightest and most unusual lighted holiday display. B. Eberbach Abbey by candlelight 5 3 b Lift your candle and let the flickering light dance over the severe Romanesque stone walls of Eberbach Abbey, built in 1136: Here medieval Cistercian monks worshiped, chanted plainsong, planted vineyards and devoted their lives to work and prayer. Your footsteps echo through the great cloisters, the abbey church and the massive refectory where 300 members of the abbey community dined daily when Eberbach was at its height. These stark walls hold a thousand years of history scholarship, winemaking, politics, pillage and rebuilding and you will see them as their original inhabitants saw them: by candlelight. The walls also seem to hold in the cold; if you saw the movie The Name of the Rose (starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater), whose interiors were filmed at Eberbach, you will recall how chilly everyone BASEL TO COLOGNE 28 uniworld.com / 29

17 BASEL TO COLOGNE looked, so you ll want to dress warmly for this special nighttime excursion. You will have a chance to warm up over a cup of mulled wine in the atmospheric cellar, with its huge wine casks and historic wine presses illuminated by candlelight. DAY 6 Cruising the romantic Rhine River, Koblenz u BB L D Spend a spectacular morning onboard your luxurious boutique ship as you sail the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stretch of the Rhine is extraordinarily picturesque: Castles perch atop steep cliffs above the water and each quaint village is marked by the spire of its historic church. The ship will pass the famous Lorelei rock, where, legend has it, a siren lured sailors to their doom. After sailing past 40 miles (65 kilometers) of gorgeous scenery, you ll reach the famous intersection of the Rhine and the Moselle. Here, where the two rivers meet, you ll find the enchanting town of Koblenz. Koblenz walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 5 2 Watch the waters of the Moselle gush into the Rhine as you stand on the spit of land called German Corner. It s an appropriate spot for a symbol of German unity: an equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I, erected in honor of German unification in Behind it is Koblenz s oldest church, St. Castor s Basilica, originally built in the ninth century and the first of the charming churches and squares you ll encounter as you wander through Old Town. Like many Rhineland towns, Koblenz suffered at the hands of French forces under Louis XIV that s why you ll see so many baroque features in the buildings you pass, since so many needed to be rebuilt after the French left. That s also why the Church of Our Lady has twin onion domes. Originally built in the Middle Ages on the highest point in Koblenz, the lovely church that stands in this spot now mostly dates to the early 1700s. Following your tour, delve into the Koblenz Christmas Market, which spills from square to square, with stalls full of unique Rhine Valley handicrafts, baked goods and wines. Be sure to check out the Advent calendar in the baroque town hall s windows. DAY 7 Cologne u BB L FD Cologne is the largest and oldest city of the Rhineland and a cultural mecca, with more than 30 museums and hundreds of art galleries. A congenial atmosphere and a mix of ancient, modern and reconstructed buildings characterize the heart of the city. Cologne walking discovery tour with Cologne Cathedral visit and Christmas markets 5 2 As you walk through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, you ll find it hard to believe that more than 70 percent of the city was destroyed by bombs during WWII. The famous 12 Romanesque churches were reconstructed from the rubble, and the UNESCO-designated cathedral, Cologne s iconic landmark, rises magnificently in the city center. Though it was damaged, the great cathedral retains many of its original treasures, including a goldembellished reliquary believed to contain the earthly remains of the fabled Magi. What could be more appropriate at this time of year? Your guide can tell you the history of the cathedral and its artwork, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi, which has drawn Christian pilgrims for centuries. When you step out of the cathedral, you won t be able to miss the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland it marks one of seven Christmas markets for you to explore. Here in the cathedral square, you ll discover 160 wood pavilions with a variety of gifts and souvenirs. You can return to the ship or stay in town to visit other holiday markets. Each one has a unique theme. There s the fun Old Market and the romantic Angels Market at New Market, which, despite its name, is actually the oldest Christmas market in Cologne. Rudolf Square displays fairytale figures and spectacular holiday lighting. You ll even find a lively harbor-themed market next to the Chocolate Museum, complete with juggling pirates and performers singing sea shanties. Note: The number of visitors allowed in Cologne Cathedral is regulated by a very strict set of time slots. Sightseeing will be arranged around the time slots obtained. On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. BASEL TO COLOGNE 30 uniworld.com / 31

18 DAY 8 Depart Cologne e b CB/BB 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 Cologne Bonn Airport for your flight home. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO BASEL TO COLOGNE Rhine Holiday Markets COLOGNE TO BASEL / 8 DAYS Succumb to enchantment as you cruise the Rhine River through a winter wonderland Revel in exquisite handmade ornaments, joyful brass choirs and cobblestone squares illuminated by twinkling lights while you experience the delightful holiday markets of Germany, France and Switzerland. The personality of each country shines even brighter at this time of year because of each area s special holiday customs. Sample an array of once-a-year treats, sip a fragrant glühwein and choose the ideal gift as you visit Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz and Heidelberg. Ramble down Basel s Christmas Street, decked in lights just for the season, and explore the colorful stalls of Strasbourg s Christmas Market. Sail among castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming small towns, all decked in holiday finery, and rejoice in the magic of the season as you enjoy the cozy and festive atmosphere onboard your exquisitely decorated boutique cruise ship. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December uniworld.com / 33

19 DAY 1 Cologne b e D A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. COLOGNE TO BASEL Arrive at the Cologne Bonn 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 2 Cologne u BB L WD Cologne is the largest and oldest city of the Rhineland and a cultural mecca, with more than 30 museums and hundreds of art galleries. A congenial atmosphere and a mix of ancient, modern and reconstructed buildings characterize the heart of the city. Cologne walking discovery tour with Cologne Cathedral visit and Christmas markets 5 2 As you walk through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, you ll find it hard to believe that more than 70 percent of the city was destroyed by bombs during WWII. The famous 12 Romanesque churches were reconstructed from the rubble, and the UNESCO-designated cathedral, Cologne s iconic landmark, rises magnificently in the city center. Though it was damaged, the great cathedral retains many of its original treasures, including a gold-embellished reliquary believed to contain the earthly remains of the fabled Magi. What could be more appropriate at this time of year? Your guide can tell you the history of the cathedral and its artwork, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi, which has drawn Christian pilgrims for centuries. When you step out of the cathedral, you won t be able to miss the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland it marks one of seven Christmas markets for you to explore. Here in the cathedral square, you ll discover 160 wood pavilions with a variety of gifts and souvenirs. You can return to the ship or stay in town to visit other holiday markets. Each one has a unique theme. There s the fun Old Market and the romantic Angels Market at New Market, which, despite its name, is actually the oldest Christmas market in Cologne. Rudolf Square displays fairytale figures and spectacular holiday lighting. You ll even find a lively harbor-themed market next to the Chocolate Museum, complete with juggling pirates and performers singing sea shanties. DAY 3 Koblenz, cruising the romantic Rhine River, Rüdesheim u BB L D Set amid 2,000 years of history between Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, one of the largest fortresses in Europe, and Stolzenfels Castle, one of the most romantic castles on the Rhine, Koblenz is simply enchanting. Your visit to this romantic town will include a delightful Christmas market with more than 100 wooden stalls filled with jewelry and beautiful arts and crafts. Koblenz walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 5 2 Watch the waters of the Moselle gush into the Rhine as you stand on the spit of land called German Corner; it s an appropriate spot for a symbol of German unity, the equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I. Behind it is Koblenz s oldest church, St. Castor s Basilica, first erected in the ninth century and the first of the charming churches and squares you ll encounter as you wander through Old Town. Like many Rhineland towns, Koblenz suffered at the hands of French forces under Louis XIV that s why you ll see so many baroque features in the buildings you pass, since so many needed to be rebuilt after the French left. That s also why the Church of Our Lady has twin onion domes. Originally built in the Middle Ages on the highest point in Koblenz, the lovely church that stands in this spot now mostly dates to the early 1700s. Following your tour, delve into the Koblenz Christmas Market, which spills from square to square, with stalls full of unique Rhine Valley handicrafts, baked goods and wines. Be sure to check out the Advent calendar in the baroque town hall s windows. When you return to the ship, be sure to find a spot with a great view of the riverbanks, because you ll be cruising through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Byron described it as a work divine, a blending of all beauties. Turner painted it. Wagner used it as inspiration for his opera Götterdämmerung. Today you ll see it: the sublime beauty of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage COLOGNE TO BASEL Note: The number of visitors allowed in Cologne Cathedral is regulated by a very strict set of time slots. Sightseeing will be arranged around the time slots obtained. On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible. 34 uniworld.com / 35

20 COLOGNE TO BASEL Site, this scenic 40-mile (65-kilometer) stretch of the Rhine features a stunning, castle-dotted landscape that many 19th-century composers, painters and poets considered the embodiment of an ideal romantic spirit. Each bend and twist of the river affords new delights: Steep riverbanks are graced with sloping vineyards and picturesque towns, and hilltops are crowned by fairytale castles. Each one of those castles tells a tale: of great families raising fortresses against each other, of warfare and ruin, and of rebuilding through the centuries. Some castles have been entirely reconstructed; others tower above the water in majestic ruin, still an inspiration for romantics. And at this time of year, when the vineyards and villages might be dusted with snow, the scenery takes on a special enchantment. When you reach Rüdesheim, you ll find that it is decked out for the holidays. If you opt to go ashore on your own, be sure to take a look at the illuminated decorations on the rooftops: Rüdesheim s residents have a friendly competition to see who can mount the brightest and most unusual holiday lights. DAY 4 Rüdesheim, Mainz BB L D Rüdesheim, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rüdesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse. It s also home to a unique and fascinating little museum devoted to mechanical musical instruments. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with Christmas Market B. Eberbach Abbey by candlelight A. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum with Christmas Market 5 2 Board a delightfully quaint mini train to Siegfried s Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments. This small, personal museum houses one of the world s best collections of mechanical musical instruments in a 16th-century mansion, the Brömserhof. Here a guided tour will introduce you to rare mechanical instruments; some of them are 300 years old, and all of them are wonderfully inventive and fun. Listen as tiny birds pop out of music boxes and begin to sing; marvel as colorfully costumed mechanical figures play miniature violins. It s an enchanting and surprising experience. Your enchantment continues at Rüdesheim s fabulous Christmas Market. Browse the more than 120 stalls packed with holiday delights, and don t miss Rüdesheim s life-sized Nativity scene one of Germany s largest. If a hot beverage appeals to you, order a Rüdesheimer coffee and enjoy the ritual as it is prepared before you: The local brandy is set afire as it is poured into the drink. Be sure to take a look at the illuminated decorations on the rooftops Rüdesheim s residents have a friendly competition to see who can mount the brightest and most unusual lighted holiday display. B. Eberbach Abbey by candlelight 5 3 b Lift your candle and let the flickering light dance over the severe Romanesque stone walls of Eberbach Abbey, built in 1136: Here medieval Cistercian monks worshiped, chanted plainsong, planted vineyards and devoted their lives to work and prayer. Your footsteps echo through the great cloisters, the abbey church and the massive refectory where 300 members of the abbey community dined daily when Eberbach was at its height. These stark walls hold a thousand years of history scholarship, winemaking, politics, pillage and rebuilding and you will see them as their original inhabitants saw them: by candlelight. The walls also seem to hold in the cold; if you saw the movie The Name of the Rose (starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater), whose interiors were filmed at Eberbach, you will recall how chilly everyone looked, so you ll want to dress warmly for this special nighttime excursion. You will have a chance to warm up over a cup of mulled wine in the atmospheric cellar, with its huge wine casks and historic wine presses illuminated by candlelight. Later, sail to Mainz, which may be best known as the city where Johannes Gutenberg prepared his priceless 42-line Bible for publication in 1485, using his newly invented printing press. Stroll with the Cruise Manager through the old-town neighborhood known as the Cherry Orchard, which is lined with picturesque halftimbered houses, on your way to the 200-year-old St. Nicholas Christmas Market. The millennium-old St. Martin s Cathedral acts as its backdrop, and the holiday pyramid smack in the middle of the square reflects Mainz s history figures of Gutenberg and the ancient Roman commander Dresus join the standard angels and Santas. Mainz s Old Town brims with specialty COLOGNE TO BASEL 36 uniworld.com / 37

21 shops tucked into lovingly restored buildings: You ll find jewelry, leather goods, books, toys something special for every special person on your list. Stay at the market or venture into the surrounding areas on your own. pedestrian streets in Germany perfect for strolling and window shopping. Or simply spend a little more time at the Christmas Market before returning to the ship. *Note: Lunch is not included with the full day Heidelberg tour. COLOGNE TO BASEL DAY 5 Germersheim (Heidelberg) BB L D If you speak no German, here s one phrase you might want to learn now: Fröhliche Weihnachten, or Merry Christmas! Today you ll have two choices: Venture into the storied city of Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in the country, or visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Full day Heidelberg tour with Christmas Market* B. Exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting A. Full day Heidelberg tour with Christmas Market* 8 2 b Heidelberg s castle, high above the town, may have been destroyed by lightning in the 1700s, but it remains a beautiful and intriguing destination. Your walk up to the castle ruins will end in the vast courtyard, partially enclosed by the wings of the once-great palace. The castle was the official residence of the prince electors, one of whom built the world s largest wine barrel in 1751 the Heidelberg Tun, able to hold 58,100 gallons (220,000 liters) of wine to contain the wine he collected as taxes from local vintners. It still stands in the basement, a monumental tribute to the economic importance of wine in the region, and though it has been empty for centuries, you could, if you like, climb up to the top and take a spin on the dance floor that has been built on it. Your second destination is downtown Heidelberg s splendid Christmas Market, one of the largest in the country. It fills square after square, offering an inviting array of unusual arts and crafts, as well as exquisite hand-blown glass ornaments. Marvel at the Christmas pyramid, with its figures from the city s history rotating inside the tower at Market Square; take a ride on the carousel at University Square; or try out your ice skating skills on the rink in Charles Square. Your local guide can recommend places for you to enjoy a hearty lunch on your own; be sure to try some typical German fare like sauerbraten. Afterwards, you can continue to wander around Old Town, where you ll encounter the 15th-century Holy Spirit Church and the Student Prison. Heidelberg has one of the longest B. Exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting 5 1 b For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right a vinegar tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar mother, as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric cellar (think candles, cloaks and choir music) is like no other you ll ever experience, and the candlelit tasting room is decked for the holidays. You ll have plenty of time to explore their enticing gift shop, too. DAY 6 Kehl (Strasbourg) u BB L D Kehl, directly across the river from Strasbourg, will be your ship s base while you explore the Alsatian capital, which is known as the Crossroads of Europe for its strategic location halfway between Paris and Prague. It is home to a magnificent, single-spire Gothic cathedral and many beautiful half-timbered houses. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Strasbourg by canal with Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Strasbourg by canal with Christmas Market 7 1 b One of the best ways to see Strasbourg is from its historic canals. Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg cross-cultural and bilingual offers a delightful combination of old and new as well as French and German characteristics. Hop COLOGNE TO BASEL 38 uniworld.com / 39

22 COLOGNE TO BASEL aboard a glass-enclosed water taxi for a great view of both aspects, sailing past the striking contemporary architecture in the European Quarter (so named because pan-european institutions, such as the European Parliament, are housed here) and into the historic center of the city. You ll pass under the famous covered footbridges linked by three medieval towers as you enter the serene waterways of Grande Île, where the Ill River splits into canals lined with the stunning 15th- and 16th-century black-and-white timbered houses of Petite France, a picturesque neighborhood of cobblestone streets. The water taxi will drop you off on Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will find Strasbourg s Christmas Market, the oldest in France. In fact, this will be its 449th year. It s not only the oldest, it s also one of the largest. The market spreads out over 11 locations, each one scenic the cathedral, Place Broglie, Place Kléber and it s easy to ramble from one site to another, browsing among chalets stocked with finely crafted toys, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry and handmade Nativity figurines in a wonderfully festive atmosphere. Check out the giant toy storks in Santa hats, a little tribute to Strasbourg s beloved storks. You won t want to miss the holiday treats like bûche de Noël, the delicious Christmas cake made to look like a yule log, or warm crepes dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Shuttle service will be provided to and from the center of Strasbourg in the afternoon. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 7 2 Alsace is famous for its excellent cuisine, which combines French and German elements in delectable and unique ways. Roam through Petite France with your guide, where the little shops are all charmingly decked out for Christmas, and explore the Christmas Market set up in Broglie Square. Stroll from chalet to chalet, as the stalls are known here, which brim with ornaments, pretzels, steaming vats of mulled wine and Alsace s best-known Christmas cookies, called bredele. There are many kinds hirschhörnle, anise, makrenle, rochers, speculatius each with a distinctive shape, history and flavoring, all of which your guide can tell you about as you sample them. During the afternoon, you will have some free time to wander through the beautiful Old Town. You might want to spend more time at the Christmas Market, which takes on an especially festive look as dark falls and the lights illuminate the entire area; visit the magnificent cathedral; or simply stroll along the lanes of Petite France. You could learn about Alsatian wines in the medieval wine cellars of the old city hospital, spend some time among the treasures of the Rohan Palace s museums or shop along the Grand Arcades. Stop for a warm drink at a café on Place Gutenberg, named for the man who invented moveable type here in Strasbourg some 560 years ago. Shuttles will be available to take you to and from the ship, in case you want to drop off your finds and return for more. DAY 7 Basel u BB L FD Your day in Basel begins with a short panoramic tour of Switzerland s second-largest city. Long an important center of education, banking and trade, Basel boasts a glorious history that stretches back to the Roman Empire. During the Renaissance, its university and master printers drew intellectuals from all over Europe, including the great thinker Erasmus of Rotterdam, whose tomb is found within the walls of the Romanesque cathedral. To this day, the city remains a cultural and artistic powerhouse, with numerous art galleries and theaters and more than 30 museums. And at this time of year, a beloved Christmas Market draws visitors from all over Europe. Basel walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b Do you have a special wish for Christmas? Write it in the Wish Book, which lies open in Basel s 17th-century Town Hall during Advent, waiting for residents and visitors to express their hopes and dreams for the holiday or for the world. Your guide will take you past the Town Hall, whose red-brick walls feature paintings by Hans Bock, so you ll know right where to go after your tour. The 800-year-old Münster, with its red sandstone walls, multicolored roof tiles and twin towers, is equally spectacular; spread out before it you ll find the wondrous Christmas Market. With more than 150 stands, it offers many locally made craft items, unique ornaments, and delicious seasonal baked goods. Warm your hands on a mug of hot mulled wine as you browse. After exploring this Swiss treat, you ll want to visit the town s illuminated Christmas Street, which is COLOGNE TO BASEL 40 uniworld.com / 41

23 beautifully decorated with more than 100 Christmas trees. If you re looking for truly unique gifts, stop by Johann Wanner s shop, with its array of elegant angel ornaments, blown-glass figurines and pewter Victorian miniatures. You ll also find museums and art galleries, specialty shops and cozy wainscoted restaurants near Market Square. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 8 Depart Basel e b CB/BB 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 EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg for your flight home. Or join us on a wonderful Basel and Lucerne extension. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO Danube Holiday Markets BUDAPEST TO PASSAU / 8 DAYS Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry along the enchanting Danube COLOGNE TO BASEL Four countries Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany await your arrival at one unique holiday party after another. Enjoy the evergreen pleasures of the season in glorious historic locations as you visit the intimate Christmas markets of Passau and Bratislava and explore the colorful, bustling holiday markets of Vienna, Linz and Budapest. Rejoice in the enchanting sounds of Christmas with a festive concert of classical music in a famous Viennese palace and an organ recital in a jewel-like abbey church. Discover the winter wonderland that is the Wachau Valley and the baroque splendor of the Habsburg Empire in Vienna and Salzburg. Cherish all the magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December uniworld.com / 43

24 DAY 1 Budapest b e D Only the finest Hungarian craftspeople are invited to participate in this market, so you can be assured of finding unique and beautifully made gifts. 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. DAY 2 Budapest u BB L WD 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 s been controlled by Germans, Austrians, Ottomans and Communists, all of whom have left traces. Today you ll have a chance to experience some of the holiday traditions of this beautiful city. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Budapest city tour with Christmas Market B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do walking tour with Christmas Market A. Budapest city tour with Christmas Market 7 1 b 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 Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building to Castle Hill. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders. The current castle is primarily 18th-century, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytale-like towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. At Vörösmarty Square 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. Note: Visits to the interior of St. Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do walking tour with Christmas Market 7 2 Hop on the metro (one of the oldest in Europe) with your local guide, rubbing shoulders with residents who are out doing their holiday shopping, to the Fehérvári Street market hall. Three floors of produce and Hungarian specialties garlands of paprika and sausages, jars of golden honey, the special gold-foil-wrapped candies Hungarians hang on their Christmas trees (and eat one by one until only the empty wrappers deck the tree), goose liver pâté fill stalls and shelves. If you want to pick up some souvenir foodstuffs, look for those labeled Hungarikim, which must meet strict standards to merit the label. After you leave the market, you ll head to Szamos Gourmet Palace (getting there will entail a ride on the tram, another linchpin in Budapest s excellent public transportation system) for a coffee break. Marzipan is a favorite confection in this city, and Szamos has specialized in making it since the 1930s, so you might want to try some but the shop s truffle selection is almost irresistible too. Nearby, you ll see the famous Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market; spend a little while taking in its delicious aromas and colorful stalls before strolling to quiet Karoly Gardens with your guide for a respite from the holiday bustle. Then ramble down Karoly Boulevard, named for Budapest s first mayor, to the magnificent Central Market Hall. The oldest, biggest and most diverse of Budapest s market halls, the Great Market Hall is worth a look just for its splendid tiled roof; the interior, however, is equally dazzling. Explore it on your own, return to the ship with your guide or return to the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market. If you go back to the Christmas Market, be sure to check out the enchanting gingerbread ornaments decorated with Hungarian folk motifs; in the middle of the square you ll find a playhouse where children bedeck their own tasty ornaments in workshops during the afternoon. (Feel free to join in and try your hand at creating your own gingerbread ornaments.) A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. BUDAPEST TO PASSAU 44 uniworld.com / 45

25 DAY 3 Cruising the Danube River, Bratislava BB L D DAY 4 Vienna u BB L D BUDAPEST TO PASSAU How do you say Merry Christmas in Slovakian? Veselé Vanoce! Today you ll arrive in the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava. 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. Following Ottoman incursions into Hungary in the 16th-century, Bratislava, then known as Pressburg, became the capital of Hungary in 1536 and retained that status under the Habsburgs well into the 19th-century. As a result of its longtime imperial prominence, the city is a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque and art deco. Unlike cities with venerable Christmas markets, Bratislava just established its first holiday market in But the Slovakians have quickly embraced the seasonal traditions of their Austrian and Hungarian neighbors and you ll get to embrace them as well. Bratislava walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 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 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. The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés and it s yours to enjoy. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Vienna city tour and Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Vienna city tour and Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls that had protected the city for centuries. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, 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 Kuntskammer 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. Your exclusive tour ends with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building. Legendary artwork is not the only attraction today, though. Freyung, an intimate and charming Christmas market that has taken place every winter since 1772, is also on your agenda, as is Vienna s most famous Christmas market, situated in front of City Hall, where more than 140 wooden stalls entice you with every sort BUDAPEST TO PASSAU 46 uniworld.com / 47

26 BUDAPEST TO PASSAU of delicacy. Be sure to try the rum balls and nutmegspiced macaroons, which are local favorites, and amble through the adjacent park to admire the elaborately decorated trees. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 7 2 b A drive along Vienna s Prater Street and Ring Street provides you with a glimpse of the magnificent buildings that showcased the Habsburgs grandeur, ending at St. Stephen s Cathedral. Stroll with your guide along the Graben, the elegant artery of downtown Vienna, and Kohlmarkt, which is lined with chic shops (don t miss the dazzling display of holiday confectionary art in the windows of Café Demel, which once supplied Empress Sissi with candied violets), on your way to several delightful Christmas markets. The Am Hof Advent Market features contemporary crafts, ranging from jewelry to knitwear; just a few steps further along, on Freyung Square, is the oldest and most traditional of the city s markets. Handsome palaces border the triangular square, which is filled with delightful stalls selling Nativity scenes, wine and vanilla crescents, Austria s most famous Christmas cookie. How can you resist? Luckily, this is the moment and the place to sample these and other holiday specialties! After enjoying some treats here, you ll walk through the luxe Palais Ferstel shopping arcade to the bustling Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, which you may explore on your own. Exclusive Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace 7 2 b 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 in a historic and intimate concert venue an elegant Viennese palace. The musicians will be drawn from Vienna s world-class professionals and will play beloved works by Mozart and Strauss. DAY 5 Krems, cruising the Wachau Valley, Melk u BB L D The fairytale town of Krems, about 40 miles (70 kilometers) west of Vienna, is your first port of call in the astonishingly beautiful Wachau Valley. Both the millennium-old town and the valley itself have been designated UNESCO World Heritage sites; today you ll have a chance to see why. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Krems town and Christmas walk B. Göttweig Abbey with private organ recital A. Krems town and Christmas walk 5 2 Follow your local guide through the Steiner Gate into the historic center of Krems, where you ll find narrow lanes lined with steep-roofed houses built 500 years ago; many of them now house charming shops and art galleries all decked out for the holidays. Oriel windows overlook the street fronts, each supported with ornate brackets, and walls still show the remnants of frescoes originally painted during the baroque era. Climb the covered stairs to the Piarist Church, whose blue onion dome is a landmark both from the river and in the old town: The tower it tops was first mentioned in the 15th-century, and now it is part of a beautiful frescoed church erected in the 1700s. Pretty cobblestone squares are centered with fountains the importunate stone suitor on his knees before his beloved is probably Krems s best-known fountain and one of them holds a Christmas Market, filled with the luscious scents of cookies, roasting chestnuts and mulled wine. Don t miss sampling the Wachau Valley s most famous products: white wine and apricot brandy, which at this time of year is turned into a delicious punch. B. Göttweig Abbey with private organ recital 7 2 b It stands majestically on a hill above Krems, one of the most beautiful abbeys in Austria. Though Göttweig Abbey was founded in the 12th century, the complex of monastic buildings where an active community of Benedictine monks still lives largely dates to the early 1700s, when, following a fire, an extravagant abbot rebuilt on a lavish scale. Some of these rooms were designed for royal visitors, which might explain why the ceiling fresco above the Emperor s Staircase features Emperor Charles VI as Apollo, and Napoleon once stayed in the imperial apartments. Following a guided tour of the complex s highlights, you ll step into the beautiful abbey church, which retains its 14th-century stained-glass windows, for a special organ recital. If the weather favors you on your journey to and from the abbey, you might get to see sunlight sparkling on icicle-crusted grape trellises as you ride through the BUDAPEST TO PASSAU 48 uniworld.com / 49

27 BUDAPEST TO PASSAU vineyards; the monks have grown wine grapes here for more than 900 years and at one time supplied wine for church services all over Austria. Note: The organ concert may take place in a different location if the Göttweig Abbey visit falls on a Catholic holiday. 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. DAY 6 Linz (Salzburg or Linz and Steyr) u BB D Your ship docks in Linz today, where you must choose between two intriguing ways to spend the day. You may either travel to the elegant alpine city of Salzburg, or you can explore Linz, which blends cutting-edge contemporary architecture with handsome baroque buildings, and the neighboring countryside. The choice is yours. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Full day Salzburg with walking discovery tour and Christmas Market B. Linz and Steyr with Christmas markets A. Full day Salzburg with walking discovery tour and Christmas Market 8 2 b 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 B. Linz and Steyr with Christmas markets 9 2 b Linz s New Cathedral dates to the 19th-century (the old cathedral, a few blocks away, was built in the baroque era), but as you take in its neo-gothic splendor, you might guess that it is much older until you notice that the stained-glass windows include 19th-century Linz notables. Linz s new opera house, however, is quite new: It opened in Covering several city blocks, the Terry Pawson designed complex incorporates state-of-the-art backstage workshops and staging equipment, which your guide will show you. In explaining why Linz undertook this incredibly ambitious and expensive project, the governor of Upper Austria said, Culture costs, but the absence of culture costs much, much more. You may be ready for a break after your tour, and where better to take one than at Jindrak, a beloved local bakery famous for its Linzer torte. Refreshed, you will head for the hills literally. A motorcoach will carry you into Mostviertel, Lower Austria s famous cider region, where the road winds among beautiful orchard-covered hills and meadows. Tour a typical farm for an insightful look at rural life and local crops, and enjoy the fruit of these orchards pear and apple ciders over a delicious lunch of foods produced on the farm. You may ramble through Linz s delightful Christmas markets following your farm visit. The seductive scents of seasonal treats gingerbread and Linzer torte, cakes and cookies waft through the air, and stalls are full of local craft items. Begin at the Main Square, where the stalls are decorated with motifs of Linz landmarks, and follow the illuminations to the Volksgarten, where you ll find, literally, BUDAPEST TO PASSAU 50 uniworld.com / 51

28 BUDAPEST TO PASSAU a fairytale Christmas large, animated displays of fairytale scenes that will entrance the child in you. Did You Know? How did the Christkind come to represent Christmas in Germany and Austria? Martin Luther was uncomfortable with the role St. Nicholas played in Christmas celebrations and introduced the idea of the Christkind, a cherubic representation of the infant Jesus, as the bringer of gifts. Over the years the Christkind, or Christkindl (the name varies by region), has come to resemble an angel rather than an infant. DAY 7 Passau BB L D Built on a spit at the confluence of three rivers the Danube, Inn and Ilz old-town Passau looks almost like a ship with its narrow prow jutting into the water, a fitting shape for a city that has been an important center of river trade since it was founded by the ancient Romans. Local guides will be waiting to take you into this delightful and accessible town. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 8 2 b Join your guide 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. B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration 5 2 Join your guide 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. But that s not the end of your Bavarian Christmas fun: You ll also visit a nearby family-owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample holiday sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 8 Depart Passau, transfer to Munich e b CB/BB 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. Or join us on a wonderful extension to lovely Prague. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. BUDAPEST TO PASSAU 52 uniworld.com / 53

29 DAY 1 Munich, transfer to Passau b e D Arrive at Munich 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 docked in Passau. DAY 2 Passau BB L WD Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO Built on a spit at the confluence of three rivers the Danube, Inn and Ilz old-town Passau looks almost like a ship with its narrow prow jutting into the water, a fitting shape for a city that has been an important center of river trade since it was founded by the ancient Romans. Local guides will be waiting to take you into this delightful and accessible town. Danube Holiday Markets PASSAU TO BUDAPEST / 8 DAYS Experience timeless holiday traditions and elegant pageantry along the enchanting Danube Four countries Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary await your arrival at one unique holiday party after another. Enjoy the evergreen pleasures of the season in glorious historic locations as you visit the intimate Christmas markets of Passau and Bratislava and explore the colorful, bustling holiday markets of Vienna, Linz and Budapest. Rejoice in the enchanting sounds of Christmas with a festive concert of classical music in a famous Viennese palace and an organ recital in a jewel-like abbey church. Discover the winter wonderland that is the Wachau Valley and the baroque splendor of the Habsburg Empire in Vienna and Salzburg. Cherish all the magic of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Danube. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December 23. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 8 2 b Join your guide 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. You ll also visit a nearby family- PASSAU TO BUDAPEST 54 uniworld.com / 55

30 owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample holiday sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Full day Salzburg with walking discovery tour and Christmas Market B. Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit and Christmas markets A. Full day Salzburg with walking discovery tour and Christmas Market 8 2 b PASSAU TO BUDAPEST B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration 5 2 Join your guide 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. But that s not the end of your Bavarian Christmas fun: You ll also visit a nearby family-owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample holiday sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 3 Linz (Salzburg or Linz and Steyr) u BB D 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 B. Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit and Christmas markets 9 2 b Linz s New Cathedral dates to the 19th-century (the old cathedral, a few blocks away, was built in the baroque era), but as you take in its neo-gothic splendor, you might guess that it is much older until you notice that the stained-glass windows include 19th-century Linz notables. Linz s new opera house, however, is quite new: It opened in Covering several city blocks, the Terry Pawson designed complex incorporates state-of-the-art backstage workshops and staging equipment, which your guide will show you. In explaining why Linz undertook this incredibly PASSAU TO BUDAPEST Your ship docks in Linz today, where you must choose between two intriguing ways to spend the day. You may either travel to the elegant alpine city of Salzburg, or you can explore Linz, which blends cutting-edge contemporary architecture with handsome baroque buildings, and its environs. The choice is yours. 56 uniworld.com / 57

31 ambitious and expensive project, the governor of Upper Austria said, Culture costs, but the absence of culture costs much, much more. You may be ready for a break after your tour, and where better to take one than at Jindrak, a beloved local bakery famous for its Linzer torte. Refreshed, you will head for the hills literally. A motorcoach will carry you into Mostviertel, Lower Austria s famous cider region, where the road winds among beautiful orchard-covered hills and meadows. Tour a typical farm for an insightful look at rural life and local crops, and enjoy the fruit of these orchards pear and apple ciders over a delicious lunch of foods produced on the farm. You can explore Linz s delightful Christmas markets following your farm visit. The seductive scents of seasonal treats gingerbread and Linzer torte, cakes and cookies waft through the air, and stalls are full of local craft items. Begin at the Main Square, where the stalls are decorated with motifs of Linz landmarks, and follow the illuminations to the Volksgarten, where you ll find, literally, a fairytale Christmas large, animated displays of fairytale scenes that will entrance the child in you. Did You Know? How did the Christkind come to represent Christmas in Germany and Austria? Martin Luther was uncomfortable with the role St. Nicholas played in Christmas celebrations and introduced the idea of the Christkind, a cherubic representation of the infant Jesus, as the bringer of gifts. Over the years the Christkind, or Christkindl (the name varies by region), has come to resemble an angel rather than an infant. most stunning baroque abbeys in the region, when your ship docks in Krems. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Krems town and Christmas walk B. Göttweig Abbey with private organ recital A. Krems town and Christmas walk 5 2 Follow your local guide through the Steiner Gate into the historic center of Krems, where you ll find narrow lanes lined with steep-roofed houses built 500 years ago; many of them now house charming shops and art galleries all decked out for the holidays. Oriel windows overlook the street fronts, each supported with ornate brackets, and walls still show the remnants of frescoes originally painted during the baroque era. Climb the covered stairs to the Piarist Church, whose blue onion dome is a landmark both from the river and in the old town: The tower it tops was first mentioned in the 15th-century, and now it is part of a beautiful frescoed church erected in the 1700s. Pretty cobblestone squares are centered with fountains the importunate stone suitor on his knees before his beloved is probably Krems s best-known fountain and one of them holds a Christmas Market, filled with the luscious scents of cookies, roasting chestnuts and mulled wine. Don t miss sampling the Wachau Valley s most famous products: white wine and apricot brandy, which at this time of year is turned into a delicious punch. B. Göttweig Abbey with private organ recital 7 2 b PASSAU TO BUDAPEST DAY 4 Cruising the Wachau Valley, Krems u BB L D You ll want to find a comfortable seat in the cozy lounge 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 river banks, 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 ripening on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years. It stands majestically on a hill above Krems, one of the most beautiful abbeys in Austria. Though Göttweig Abbey was founded in the 12th-century, the complex of monastic buildings where an active community of Benedictine monks still lives largely dates to the early 1700s, when, following a fire, an extravagant abbot rebuilt on a lavish scale. Some of these rooms were designed for royal visitors, which might explain why the ceiling fresco above the Emperor s Staircase features Emperor Charles VI as Apollo, and Napoleon once stayed in the imperial apartments. Following a guided tour of the complex s highlights, you ll step into the beautiful abbey church, which retains its 14th-century stained-glass windows, for a special organ recital. If the weather favors you on your journey to and from the PASSAU TO BUDAPEST You have a chance to explore one of the prettiest towns on the banks of the Danube today, as well as one of the 58 uniworld.com / 59

32 abbey, you might get to see sunlight sparkling on icicle-crusted grape trellises as you ride through the vineyards; the monks have grown wine grapes here for more than 900 years and at one time supplied wine for church services all over Austria. Note: The organ concert may take place in a different location if the Göttweig Abbey visit falls on a Catholic holiday. also on your agenda, as is Vienna s most famous Christmas market, situated in front of City Hall, where more than 140 wooden stalls entice you with every sort of delicacy. Be sure to try the rum balls and nutmegspiced macaroons, which are local favorites, and amble through the adjacent park to admire the elaborately decorated trees. PASSAU TO BUDAPEST DAY 5 Vienna u BB L D The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés and it s yours to enjoy. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Vienna city tour and Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Vienna city tour and Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls that had protected the city for centuries. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, 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 Kuntskammer 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. Your exclusive tour ends with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 7 2 b A drive along Vienna s Prater Street and Ring Street provides you with a glimpse of the magnificent buildings that showcased the Habsburgs grandeur, ending at St. Stephen s Cathedral. Stroll with your guide along the Graben, the elegant artery of downtown Vienna, and Kohlmarkt, which is lined with chic shops (don t miss the dazzling display of holiday confectionary art in the windows of Café Demel, which once supplied Empress Sissi with candied violets), on your way to several delightful Christmas markets. The Am Hof Advent Market features contemporary crafts, ranging from jewelry to knitwear; just a few steps further along, on Freyung Square, is the oldest and most traditional of the city s markets. Handsome palaces border the triangular square, which is filled with delightful stalls selling Nativity scenes, wine and vanilla crescents, Austria s most famous Christmas cookie. How can you resist? Luckily, this is the moment and the place to sample these and other holiday specialties! After enjoying some treats here, you ll walk through the luxe Palais Ferstel shopping arcade to the bustling Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, which you may explore on your own. Exclusive Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace 7 2 b 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 in a historic and intimate concert venue an elegant Viennese palace. The musicians will be drawn from Vienna s world-class professionals and will play beloved works by Mozart and Strauss. PASSAU TO BUDAPEST Legendary artwork is not the only attraction today, though. Freyung, an intimate and charming Christmas market that has taken place every winter since 1772, is 60 uniworld.com / 61

33 DAY 6 Bratislava BB L D DAY 7 Budapest u BB L FD PASSAU TO BUDAPEST How do you say Merry Christmas in Slovakian? Veselé Vanoce! Today you ll arrive in the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava. 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. Following Ottoman incursions into Hungary in the 16th-century, Bratislava, then known as Pressburg, became the capital of Hungary in 1536 and retained that status under the Habsburgs well into the 19th-century. As a result of its longtime imperial prominence, the city is a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque and art deco. Unlike cities with venerable Christmas markets, Bratislava just established its first holiday market in But the Slovakians have quickly embraced the seasonal traditions of their Austrian and Hungarian neighbors and you ll get to embrace them as well. Bratislava walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 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 of 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 Another 18th-century palace, Grassalkovich, is now home to the president of Slovakia. 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. 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 s been controlled by Germans, Austrians, Ottomans and Communists, all of whom have left traces. Today you ll have a chance to experience some of the holiday traditions of this beautiful city. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Budapest city tour with Christmas Market B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour with Christmas Market A. Budapest city tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b 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 Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building to Castle Hill. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders. The current castle is primarily 18th-century, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytale-like towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. At Vörösmarty 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. Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. PASSAU TO BUDAPEST 62 uniworld.com / 63

34 PASSAU TO BUDAPEST B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour with Christmas Market 7 2 Hop on the metro (one of the oldest in Europe) with your local guide, rubbing shoulders with residents who are out doing their holiday shopping, to the Fehérvári Street market hall. Three floors of produce and Hungarian specialties garlands of paprika and sausages, jars of golden honey, the special gold-foil-wrapped candies Hungarians hang on their Christmas trees (and eat one by one until only the empty wrappers deck the tree), goose liver pâté fill stalls and shelves. If you want to pick up some souvenir foodstuffs, look for those labeled Hungarikim, which must meet strict standards to merit the label. After you leave the market, you ll head to Szamos Gourmet Palace (getting there will entail a ride on the tram, another linchpin in Budapest s excellent public transportation system) for a coffee break. Marzipan is a favorite confection in this city, and Szamos has specialized in making it since the 1930s, so you might want to try some but the shop s truffle selection is almost irresistible too. Nearby, you ll see the famous Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market; spend a little while taking in its delicious aromas and colorful stalls before strolling to quiet Karoly Gardens with your guide for a respite from the holiday bustle. Then ramble down Karoly Boulevard, named for Budapest s first mayor, to the magnificent Central Market Hall. The oldest, biggest and most diverse of Budapest s market halls, the Great Market Hall is worth a look just for its splendid tiled roof; the interior, however, is equally dazzling. Explore it on your own, return to the ship with your guide or return to the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market. If you go back to the Christmas Market, be sure to check out the enchanting gingerbread ornaments decorated with Hungarian folk motifs; in the middle of the square you ll find a playhouse where children bedeck their own tasty ornaments in workshops during the afternoon. (Feel free to join in and try your hand at creating your own gingerbread ornaments.) A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 8 Depart Budapest e b CB/BB 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. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. PASSAU TO BUDAPEST 64 uniworld.com / 65

35 DAY 1 Nuremberg b e D Arrive at Nuremberg 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. DAY 2 Nuremberg BB L WD Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO Classic Christmas Markets NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT / 8 DAYS Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany, the land where many Christmas traditions began Germany is a truly special place to experience the magic of Christmas. Explore some of the country s and the world s most celebrated Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Würzburg and Frankfurt. The scents of cinnamon and roasting nuts fill the frosty air as you roam among the gaily decorated stalls, sampling the treats of the season and watching little children discover the enchantment of hand-carved wooden toys. Sail in true holiday style along the peaceful Main River, while the twinkling lights of fairytale villages drift past your stateroom window. Every port of call is decked in holiday finery, and your exquisitely decorated ship brings the joy of the season onboard. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December 23. You could not ask for a more perfect place to begin an exploration of Christmas traditions than Nuremberg. The people of Nuremberg hold their Christkindlesmarkt very close to their hearts. The iconic Christkind, with her white-and-gold dress, long blond curls and golden crown, has been the symbol for the Christmas Market for many decades. During Advent, she is the most important representative of the city; every year she opens the Christmas Market by declaring: Welcome, young and old, to my little community of wood and cloth. While this market s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal. And with that declaration, the market festivities begin in a town that is famous for its gingerbread and long toy-making tradition. Nuremberg city tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b Beautiful at any time, Nuremberg s Old Town is especially magical when dressed in all of its holiday splendor. Unfortunately, the city s history also has a dark side, as you will see on a panoramic tour that shows you places where Hitler celebrated the might of his Third Reich the Rally Grounds and the neverfinished coliseum, Congress Hall before you reach Old Town, where you ll find the archetypal medieval German city. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square. There, spread out before the Church of Our Lady, is the largest Christmas market in Germany. Two hundred stalls filled with holiday wares ornaments, nutcrackers, seasonal treats and hand-carved toys await you, and the irresistible aromas of roasting nuts, cinnamon and grilled sausages waft through the air. NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT 66 uniworld.com / 67

36 Adding to the fun is an area set aside especially for children, complete with a two-tiered carousel featuring carved reindeer and Santa s sleigh. As you wander through the market, you will certainly want to indulge in some of the city s famous gingerbread; after all, Nuremberg is known as the Gingerbread Capital of the World. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the ship. When the tour concludes, you ll have time to explore Bamberg s Christmas Market, which is actually four markets: the traditional one on the Market Square, one featuring medieval cultural programs and two markets that focus on local arts and crafts. Shuttles will be provided throughout the afternoon to take you between the ship and town. NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT Did You Know? It s thought that returning Crusaders introduced gingerbread to Europe; certainly ginger became a favorite spice throughout Western Europe during the later Middle Ages. Gingerbread wasn t reserved for the holiday season either; it was a popular treat at medieval fairs, and a lady might give her favored knight a piece of gingerbread as a good-luck token before a tournament. A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 3 Bamberg u BB L D The UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, unlike most German cities, was largely undamaged by bombing during WWII. This fact, combined with the city s prosperous thousand-year history, means that Bamberg has one of the largest intact old-town centers in Europe, so the medieval layout and architecture that was a model for other towns throughout Central Europe remains for you to see and experience. Bamberg walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b The entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late-romanesque Imperial Cathedral you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II (who was the bishop of Bamberg before he became pope), as well as the tomb of Emperor Henry II (who established the bishopric). Near it are two magnificent palaces: The Old Palace, the late-gothic imperial residence (if you saw the D version of The Three Musketeers, you ll recognize it immediately), sits across from the New Residence, where the 17th-century prince-bishops lived. Cross the footbridge to the old Town Hall; legend has it that the bishop refused to give the town land for their town hall, so they built an artificial island for it smack in the middle of the Regnitz River. You ll also see parts of Bamberg s famous Nativity Walk, which links 35 churches, museums and public spaces that display Nativity scenes, some made hundreds of years ago. DAY 4 Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Würzburg BB D Your ship docks in the Bavarian town of Kitzingen in the morning, and after breakfast you ll take a ride along the Romantic Road, once a medieval trade route, to Rothenburg. The minute you step down from the motorcoach in Rothenburg (also known as Rothenburg ob der Tauber), you ll know why the route, which links picturesque and well-preserved old towns, is called the Romantic Road. Rothenburg is right out of a storybook: Wide medieval walls still enclose its charming core of Gothic churches and gabled houses. Full day Rothenburg with walking discovery tour and Christmas Market 8 2 b Rothenburg really does look like a fairytale version of the Middle Ages. Great stone walls surrounding the medieval core stand tall, linking towers, bastions and parapets, and timber-framed houses decked out for the holidays line the narrow cobblestone streets and tiny squares. Walk with your local guide to the magnificent Town Hall, whose Gothic, Renaissance and baroque features reveal its long history. The Gothic Franciscan Church is revered for its famous Tilman Riemenschneider altarpiece depicting St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Your guide can suggest the best places to enjoy a lunch on your own before you wander among the stalls of one of Germany s oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets. You ll find charming handcrafted wares and souvenirs, as well as pastries and mulled wine to keep you warm. Don t miss a favorite seasonal treat, the schneeball, or snowball, made from strips of sweet dough shaped into a ball that is fried and covered in powdered sugar or chocolate. Be sure to check out the original Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store opposite the NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT 68 uniworld.com / 69

37 market. A huge Christmas tree revolves in the center of the store, and some 35,000 Christmas-themed items line the shelves. DAY 5 Würzburg u BB L D the square in front of the old City Hall. Beautifully decorated wooden booths are illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lighting, and the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and the sound of Christmas carols. As you rove among the booths, you can watch glassblowers and wood carvers at work and buy their handiwork directly from them. NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT The town of Würzburg owes many of its most notable monuments to the ambitious building programs of the wealthy prince-bishops of the Schönborn family, who controlled the town in the 17th-and 18th-centuries. Their spectacular episcopal residence is on your schedule for today, as is a delightful encounter with the residents of a Franconian village. Exclusive Franconian Village Day 7 2 b Travel through Franconia s rolling hills and farms to the picture-perfect village of Aschfeld, which features a historic church with a defensive wall that protected residents throughout the Middle Ages. A visit to Aschfeld offers a truly special opportunity to interact with smalltown Franconians and chat with them about their daily lives. Locals will share traditional homemade Christmas goodies such as cookies, stollen and gingerbread, along with coffee and tea. Their English-speaking abilities vary, so this is a great opportunity for you to try out your German, just as your hosts are trying out their English. Here s one phrase you might want to know: Fröhliche Weihnachten, which means Merry Christmas! Würzburg Residence with Christmas Market 7 2 b This 300-room UNESCO World Heritage designated residence was constructed over a period of 60 years in the 18th century. An extraordinarily lavish palace, it was created under the auspices of two Schönborn princebishops, Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl, who brought enormous knowledge and passion, as well as a budget for the best, to the project. The magnificent grand staircase boasts the world s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Portions of the building were damaged by Allied bombing in 1945, but fortunately most of the historic furnishings had been stored off-site and key rooms were unharmed, so you can see the original and matchless artwork, gilding and statuary. Check out the spectacular Hall of Mirrors and the imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns. Note: Guests may not take photos or videos or carry backpacks inside the Würzburg Residence. DAY 6 Wertheim, cruising the Main River BB L D Located at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers, Wertheim (or Wertheim am Main) is a lovely village dating back over a thousand years. It epitomizes the friendly, slow-paced, small-town atmosphere of many German villages; here, residents greet each other by name as they do their daily shopping for fresh bread and sausage in tiny shops. On your guided walking tour of the village, you ll hear a lot about daily life in Wertheim, as well as facts about the town and its history. Its many well-preserved medieval buildings complete with low doors, tiny rooms and insufficient lighting attest to the inconveniences of life in the Middle Ages. Wertheim walking discovery tour with mulled wine and Christmas stollen demonstration 5 1 You ll see the dramatic ruins of Wertheim Castle standing high above the village as you ramble through the narrow streets, passing small bakeries and butcher shops. The counts of Wertheim began building this huge fortress in the 12th century, and the town grew up in its shelter. Wertheim had defenses of its own too: The Pointed Tower, a former watchtower also used as a jail for drunkards and shrews in the 13th-century, still stands, leaning slightly toward its neighbors, not from age but because flood waters have undermined it. It s not the only architectural wonder you ll pass: Blue House s spectacular half-timbering is painted with an unusual cobalt glass-based paint, and Zobel House is just 10 feet (3 meters) wide at its base. In the Market Square, you ll see St. Mary s Chapel, which was erected in 1447; the step-gabled house built for 16th-century wine merchant NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT At the conclusion of your tour, you ll head back to Würzburg s glorious Christmas Market, which is held in 70 uniworld.com / 71

38 NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT Lorenz Baunach; and the 1574 Angels Well, which derives its name from the two little angels that hold Wertheim s coat of arms. Stop in at a butcher shop for a sampling of the best local sausage; you can even buy some (canned, of course) to take home with you! Then enjoy a cup of mulled wine and a stollen (traditional German fruitcake) baking demonstration by a master baker at a private village wine estate. After the tour you can stay in town to shop for keepsakes or visit the Glass Museum before making your way back to the ship. DAY 7 Frankfurt BB L FD You ll wake up to the pulse of one of Germany s most flourishing cities, Frankfurt. Its cosmopolitan citizens hail from more than 200 nations, and its soaring skyscrapers are home to major European transportation and financial institutions, among them the European Central Bank. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Frankfurt walking discovery tour with Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Frankfurt walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 Dive into the energy of this sophisticated city with your guide, roaming from its historic heart, Römer Square, to its landmark skyscraper, Main Tower, where you ll take an elevator to the 650-foot-high (198 meters) viewing platform for a panorama of the 50 skyscrapers that underline the importance of this European hub. Closer to earth, you ll see the Römer, a complex of patrician houses originally built around 1288 that has served as Frankfurt s City Hall for more than 600 years. From here, you ll notice the red sandstone tower of St. Bartholomew s Cathedral; kings were elected and emperors crowned here beginning in Then you ll have the opportunity to explore this lovely city at your own pace. Old Town, which is resplendent with the joyous sights and sounds of Frankfurt s Christmas Market, is a great place to start. This market is one of the largest in Germany, as well as one of the most beautiful, featuring a vintage carousel and a huge, gorgeously illuminated Christmas tree. If you haven t finished your Christmas shopping and you don t see just what you re looking for at the market, you could check out the designer shops on Goethe Street or the little boutiques on Berger Street. The treasures of the Römer are so close to the ship that you can take in the sights at your leisure before returning to the dock. If you d like a break from holiday shopping, no fewer than 13 museums line the Main River right next to your ship, all of them worth exploring. The Städel has a splendid collection of works by painters ranging from Rubens to Baselitz. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 5 2 What better way to end your holiday cruise than by sampling some of the seasonal specialties of this region? Join your local expert for an exploration of Frankfurt s culinary delicacies, including holiday treats such as bethmännchen, a marzipan-filled pastry named for a 19th-century banking family, and quetschemännchen, quirky little plum-and-nut figures that are traditionally made for the season. (They were also traditionally sent by a young man to the young lady he was interested in; if she accepted one from him, she accepted him also.) These are just a couple of the treats awaiting you as you ramble through the picturesque area around historic Römer Square, where markets have been held since the 13th-century. Tall half-timbered houses, including the old Town Hall, enclose the square, which has hosted a Christmas market since the 1390s. Now you ll find long rows of gaily decorated stalls filled with imaginative crafts and delicious foods, one last delightful market for you to enjoy before you head home. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 8 Depart Frankfurt e b CB/BB 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 Frankfurt International Airport for your flight home. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. NUREMBERG TO FRANKFURT 72 uniworld.com / 73

39 DAY 1 Frankfurt b e D Arrive at Frankfurt 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. DAY 2 Frankfurt BB L WD Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO Classic Christmas Markets FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG / 8 DAYS Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany, the land where many Christmas traditions began Germany is a truly special place to experience the magic of Christmas. Explore some of the country s and the world s most celebrated Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Würzburg and Frankfurt. The scents of cinnamon and roasting nuts fill the frosty air as you roam among the gaily decorated stalls, sampling the treats of the season and watching little children discover the enchantment of hand-carved wooden toys. Sail in true holiday style along the peaceful Main River, while the twinkling lights of fairytale villages drift past your stateroom window. Every port of call is decked in holiday finery, and your exquisitely decorated ship brings the joy of the season onboard. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December 23. You ll begin your holiday adventure in one of Germany s most flourishing cities, Frankfurt. Its cosmopolitan citizens hail from more than 200 nations, and its soaring skyscrapers are home to major European transportation and financial institutions, among them the European Central Bank. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Frankfurt walking discovery tour with Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Frankfurt walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 Dive into the energy of this sophisticated city with your guide, roaming from its historic heart, Römer Square, to its landmark skyscraper, Main Tower, where you ll take an elevator to the 650-foot-high (198 meters) viewing platform for a panorama of the 50 skyscrapers that underline the importance of this European hub. Closer to earth, you ll see the Römer, a complex of patrician houses originally built around 1288 that has served as Frankfurt s City Hall for more than 600 years. From here, you ll notice the red sandstone tower of St. Bartholomew s Cathedral; kings were elected and emperors crowned here beginning in Then you ll have the opportunity to explore this lovely city at your own pace. Old Town, which is resplendent with the joyous sights and sounds of Frankfurt s Christmas Market, is a great place to start. This market is one of the largest in Germany, as well as one of the most beautiful, featuring a vintage carousel and a huge, gorgeously illuminated Christmas tree. If you haven t finished your Christmas shopping and you don t see just what you re looking for at the market, you could check out the designer shops on Goethe Street or the little boutiques on Berger Street. The treasures of the Römer FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG 74 uniworld.com / 75

40 are so close to the ship that you can take in the sights at your leisure before returning to the dock. If you d like a break from holiday shopping, no fewer than 13 museums line the Main River right next to your ship, all of them worth exploring. The Städel has a splendid collection of works by painters ranging from Rubens to Baselitz. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 5 2 What better way to end your holiday cruise than by sampling some of the seasonal specialties of this region? Join your local expert for an exploration of Frankfurt s culinary delicacies, including holiday treats such as bethmännchen, a marzipan-filled pastry named for a 19th-century banking family, and quetschemännchen, quirky little plum-and-nut figures that are traditionally made for the season. (They were also traditionally sent by a young man to the young lady he was interested in; if she accepted one from him, she accepted him also.) These are just a couple of the treats awaiting you as you ramble through the picturesque area around historic Römer Square, where markets have been held since the 13th-century. Tall half-timbered houses, including the old Town Hall, enclose the square, which has hosted a Christmas market since the 1390s. Now you ll find long rows of gaily decorated stalls filled with imaginative crafts and delicious foods, one last delightful market for you to enjoy before you head home. A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Wertheim walking discovery tour with mulled wine and Christmas stollen demonstration 5 1 You ll see the dramatic ruins of Wertheim Castle standing high above the village as you ramble through the narrow streets, passing small bakeries and butcher shops. The counts of Wertheim began building this huge fortress in the 12th-century, and the town grew up in its shelter. Wertheim had defenses of its own too: The Pointed Tower, a former watchtower also used as a jail for drunkards and shrews in the 13th-century, still stands, leaning slightly toward its neighbors, not from age but because flood waters have undermined it. It s not the only architectural wonder you ll pass: Blue House s spectacular half-timbering is painted with an unusual cobalt glass-based paint, and Zobel House is just 10 feet (3 meters) wide at its base. In the Market Square, you ll see St. Mary s Chapel, which was erected in 1447; the step-gabled house built for 16th-century wine merchant Lorenz Baunach; and the 1574 Angels Well, which derives its name from the two little angels that hold Wertheim s coat of arms. Stop in at a butcher shop for a sampling of the best local sausage; you can even buy some (canned, of course) to take home with you! Then enjoy a cup of mulled wine and a stollen (traditional German fruitcake) baking demonstration by a master baker in a private village wine estate. After the tour you can stay in town to shop for keepsakes or visit the Glass Museum before making your way back to the ship. DAY 3 Cruising the Main River, Wertheim BB L D DAY 4 Würzburg u BB L D FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG Spend the morning cruising along the serene Main River. Take a little time to explore the ship itself and admire its delightful holiday décor; relax with a massage or chat with new friends over coffee in the lounge. Your ship docks in Wertheim in the early afternoon. Located at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers, Wertheim (also known as Wertheim am Main) is a lovely village that was founded more than thousand years ago. It epitomizes the friendly, slow-paced, small-town atmosphere of many German villages; here, residents greet each other by name as they do their daily shopping for fresh bread and sausage in tiny shops. On your guided walking tour of the village, you ll hear a lot about daily life in Wertheim as well as details about the town and its history. Its many well-preserved medieval buildings complete with low doors, tiny rooms and insufficient lighting attest to the inconveniences of life in the Middle Ages. The town of Würzburg owes many of its most notable monuments to the ambitious building programs of the wealthy prince-bishops of the Schönborn family, who controlled the town in the 17th-and 18th-centuries. Their spectacular episcopal residence is on your itinerary today, as is a visit to a charming Franconian village. Exclusive Franconian Village Day 7 2 b Travel through Franconia s rolling hills and farms to the picture-perfect village of Aschfeld, which features a historic church with a defensive wall that protected FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG 76 uniworld.com / 77

41 FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG residents throughout the Middle Ages. A visit to Aschfeld offers a truly special opportunity to interact with smalltown Franconians and chat with them about their daily lives. Locals will share traditional homemade Christmas goodies such as cookies, stollen and gingerbread, along with coffee and tea. Their English-speaking abilities vary, so this is a great opportunity for you to try out your German, just as your hosts are trying out their English. Here s one phrase you might want to know: Fröhliche Weihnachten, which means Merry Christmas! Würzburg Residence with Christmas Market 7 2 b This 300-room UNESCO World Heritage designated residence was constructed over a period of 60 years in the 18th-century. An extraordinarily lavish palace, it was created under the auspices of two Schönborn princebishops, Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl, who brought enormous knowledge and passion, as well as a budget for the best, to the project. The magnificent grand staircase boasts the world s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Portions of the building were damaged by Allied bombing in 1945, but fortunately most of the historic furnishings had been stored off-site and key rooms were unharmed, so you can see the original and matchless artwork, gilding and statuary. Check out the spectacular Hall of Mirrors and the imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns. At the conclusion of your tour, you ll head back to Würzburg s glorious Christmas Market, which is held in the square in front of the old City Hall. Beautifully decorated wooden booths are illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lighting, and the air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and the sound of Christmas carols. As you rove among the booths, you can watch glassblowers and wood carvers at work and buy their handiwork directly from them. Note: Guests may not take photos or videos or carry backpacks inside the Würzburg Residence. DAY 5 Kitzingen (Rothenburg) BB D Your ship docks in the Bavarian town of Kitzingen in the morning, and after breakfast you ll take a ride along the Romantic Road, once a medieval trade route, to Rothenburg. The minute you step down from the motorcoach in Rothenburg (also known as Rothenburg ob der Tauber), you ll know why the route, which links picturesque and well-preserved old towns, is called the Romantic Road. Rothenburg is right out of a storybook: Wide medieval walls still enclose its charming core of Gothic churches and gabled houses. Full day Rothenburg with walking discovery tour and Christmas Market 8 2 b Rothenburg really does look like a fairytale version of the Middle Ages. Great stone walls surrounding the medieval core stand tall, linking towers, bastions and parapets, and timber-framed houses, decked out for the holidays, line the narrow cobblestone streets and tiny squares. Walk with your local guide to the magnificent Town Hall, whose Gothic, Renaissance and baroque features reveal its long history. The Gothic Franciscan Church is revered for its famous Tilman Riemenschneider altarpiece depicting St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Your guide can suggest the best places to enjoy a lunch on your own before you wander among the stalls of one of Germany s oldest and most celebrated Christmas markets. You ll find charming handcrafted wares and souvenirs, as well as pastries and mulled wine to keep you warm. Don t miss a favorite seasonal treat, the schneeball, or snowball, made from strips of sweet dough shaped into a ball that is fried and covered in powdered sugar or chocolate. Be sure to step into the original Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store opposite the market. A huge Christmas tree revolves in the center of the store, and some 35,000 Christmas-themed items line the shelves. DAY 6 Bamberg u BB L D The UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, unlike most German cities, was largely undamaged by bombing during WWII. This fact, combined with the city s prosperous thousand-year history, means that Bamberg has one of the largest intact old-town centers in Europe, so the medieval layout and architecture that was a model for other towns throughout Central Europe remains for you to see and experience. FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG 78 uniworld.com / 79

42 Bamberg walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b The entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late-romanesque Imperial Cathedral you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II (who was the bishop of Bamberg before he became pope), as well as the tomb of Emperor Henry II (who established the bishopric). Near it are two magnificent palaces: The Old Palace, the late-gothic imperial residence (if you saw the D version of The Three Musketeers, you ll recognize it immediately), sits across from the New Residence, where the 17th-century prince-bishops lived. Cross the footbridge to the old Town Hall; legend has it that the bishop refused to give the town land for their town hall, so they built an artificial island for it smack in the middle of the Regnitz River. You ll also see parts of Bamberg s famous Nativity Walk, which links 35 churches, museums and public spaces that display Nativity scenes, some made hundreds of years ago. When the tour concludes, you ll have time to explore Bamberg s Christmas Market, which is actually four markets: the traditional one on the Market Square, one featuring medieval cultural programs and two markets that focus on local arts and crafts. Shuttles will be provided throughout the afternoon to take you between the ship and town. DAY 7 Nuremberg b BB L FD splendor. Unfortunately, the city s history also has a dark side, as you will see on a panoramic tour that shows you places where Hitler celebrated the might of his Third Reich the Rally Grounds and the neverfinished coliseum, Congress Hall before you reach Old Town, where you ll find the archetypal medieval German city. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square. There, spread out before the Church of Our Lady, is the largest Christmas market in Germany. Two hundred stalls filled with holiday wares ornaments, nutcrackers, seasonal treats and hand-carved toys await you, and the irresistible aromas of roasting nuts, cinnamon and grilled sausages waft through the air. Adding to the fun is an area set aside especially for children, complete with a two-tiered carousel featuring carved reindeer and Santa s sleigh. As you wander through the market, you will certainly want to indulge in some of the city s famous gingerbread; after all, Nuremberg is known as the Gingerbread Capital of the World. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the ship. Did You Know? It s thought that returning Crusaders introduced gingerbread to Europe; certainly ginger became a favorite spice throughout Western Europe during the later Middle Ages. Gingerbread wasn t reserved for the holiday season either; it was a popular treat at medieval fairs, and a lady might give her favored knight a piece of gingerbread as a good-luck token before a tournament. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG You could not ask for a more perfect place to cap off an exploration of Christmas traditions than Nuremberg. The people of Nuremberg hold their Christkindlesmarkt very close to their hearts. The iconic Christkind, with her white-and-gold dress, long blond curls and golden crown, has been the symbol for the Christmas Market for many decades. During Advent, she is the most important representative of the city; every year she opens the Christmas Market by declaring: Welcome, young and old, to my little community of wood and cloth. While this market s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal. And with that declaration, the market festivities begin in a town that is famous for its gingerbread and its long toy-making tradition. Nuremberg city tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b DAY 8 Depart Nuremberg e b CB/BB 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 Nuremberg Airport for your flight home. Or, if you aren t ready for your adventure to end, continue your holiday vacation and join us for a visit to Prague. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. FRANKFURT TO NUREMBERG Beautiful at any time, Nuremberg s Old Town is especially magical when dressed in all of its holiday 80 uniworld.com / 81

43 DAY 1 Nuremberg b e D 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 2 Nuremberg, Roth BB L WD Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO European Holiday Markets NUREMBERG TO VIENNA / 8 DAYS It s the most wonderful time of the year Discover where many of our signature holiday traditions Christmas trees, gingerbread, nutcrackers, St. Nick and candy canes came from as you sail through Germany and Austria on a magical cruise. Visit some of the most famous Christmas markets in Central Europe, where you ll find colorful wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky little characters made of fruit to beautifully carved and painted Nativity figures. Sparkling lights illuminate ancient cathedral squares, and the sound of children s laughter mingles with carols. Celebrate the season in a new way as you cruise through two countries of culture and elegance, enjoying seasonal treats, splendid sights and charming customs along the way. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December 23. You could not ask for a more perfect place to begin an exploration of Christmas traditions than Nuremberg. The people of Nuremberg hold their Christkindlesmarkt very close to their hearts. The iconic Christkind, with her white-and-gold dress, long blond curls and golden crown, has been the symbol for the Christmas Market for many decades. During Advent, she is the most important representative of the city; every year she opens the Christmas Market by declaring: Welcome, young and old, to my little community of wood and cloth. While this market s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal. And with that declaration, the market festivities begin in a town that is famous for its gingerbread and its long toy-making tradition. Nuremberg city tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b Beautiful at any time, Nuremberg s Old Town is especially magical when dressed in all of its holiday splendor. Unfortunately, the city s history also has a dark side, as you will see on a panoramic tour that shows you places where Hitler celebrated the might of his Third Reich the Rally Grounds and the neverfinished coliseum, Congress Hall before you reach Old Town, where you ll find the archetypal medieval German city. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square. There, spread out before the Church of Our Lady, is the largest Christmas market in Germany. Two hundred stalls filled with holiday wares ornaments, nutcrackers, seasonal treats and hand-carved toys await you, and the irresistible aromas of roasting nuts, cinnamon and grilled sausages waft through the air. NUREMBERG TO VIENNA 82 uniworld.com / 83

44 NUREMBERG TO VIENNA Adding to the fun is an area set aside especially for children, complete with a two-tiered carousel featuring carved reindeer and Santa s sleigh. As you wander through the market, you will certainly want to indulge in some of the city s famous gingerbread; after all, Nuremberg is known as the Gingerbread Capital of the World. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the ship. Did You Know? It s thought that returning Crusaders introduced gingerbread to Europe; certainly ginger became a favorite spice throughout Western Europe during the later Middle Ages. Gingerbread wasn t reserved for the holiday season either; it was a popular treat at medieval fairs, and a lady might give her favored knight a piece of gingerbread as a good-luck token before a tournament. A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 3 Regensburg u BB L D Regensburg is so beautifully situated; this region had to attract a town, Goethe wrote in his Diary of an Italian Voyage. And attract a town it did. In fact, it first attracted the armies of ancient Rome, who founded the town in about the year 100. The town thrived, not just because of its beautiful location, but also because ambitious and farseeing locals built a bridge over the Danube in the 12th-century. The Stone Bridge helped Regensburg become an international trading hub and, at one time, the capital of Bavaria. So many of the handsome buildings from that period remain that UNESCO declared the old city center a World Heritage Site. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour with enchanting Christmas Market in the Thurn and Taxis Castle 5 2 Old-town Regensburg sparkles with holiday lights and decorations at this time of year, adding to its enormous charm. As you walk through the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-designated city center, Regensburg s 2,000-year history is revealed: The ancient Roman gate still stands, as do the Stone Bridge, the Gothic town hall where the Imperial Diet met for three centuries, the 13th-century fortified patrician houses, and the spectacular Cathedral of St. Peter, whose magnificent 14th-century stained-glass windows alone are worth your walk. At the end of your tour, you ll find yourself at what may be the most romantic Christmas market in all of Germany: the one laid out in the courtyard of the Thurn and Taxis Castle. A glorious baroque palace enfolds the square, where branchthatched huts sell handcrafted local wares and Bavarian delicacies. There s always a nearby bonfire where you can warm up while you sip your mulled wine or nibble a hot pastry. The princely Thurn and Taxis family has owned the palace for centuries, and Princess Gloria (once known as the punk princess for her youthful escapades) may come out to read a Christmas story to an audience of children. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Christmas markets are set up in the area around the 500-year-old Neupfarrkirche (a market that has been voted the loveliest in Germany), in front of the classical columns of the former city guardhouse and in the Kohlenmarkt, where artisans and craftspeople sell handmade dolls, marionettes, pottery and other finequality wares. Shop for children s toys or traditional Nativity scenes with hand-carved figures. As you take in the delights of the markets, enjoy regional specialties, such as mulled blueberry wine from the Bavarian Forest, Regensburg sausages on crisp rolls, steamed dampfnudel (dumplings with vanilla sauce) and mulled cider. DAY 4 Deggendorf (Theresienthal), Passau BB L D Begin the day in the beautiful Bavarian Forest, known as the green roof of Europe, and then explore historic Passau, the three-river city on the Austrian border. Exclusive Bavarian Forest village with Theresienthal glass manufactory visit 7 2 b Want to know what it feels like to live in a Christmas card illustration? Find out as you snuggle down in toasty blankets for a brisk ride in a horse-drawn wagon (or, if there s snow, a horse-drawn sleigh) through the wonderland that is the Bavarian Forest in December. The largest nature preserve in Europe, the Bavarian Forest is home to lynxes and river otters, among other rare species, as well as miles of ski trails. It is also home to a long tradition of glassmaking; the famous ruby-red Bohemian lead-crystal glass is made here. See this tradition at work NUREMBERG TO VIENNA 84 uniworld.com / 85

45 NUREMBERG TO VIENNA with a visit to the world-renowned glass manufacturer Theresienthal. The company fell on hard times and was forced to close for a short time in the late 20th-century, but it was rescued by its employees. Some of the craftspeople wood turners, glassblowers, engravers and painters you ll see at work are fourth- or fifth-generation Theresienthal artisans. You can peruse the exquisite glassware in the adjacent shop just in case someone on your Christmas list loves fine glassware and visit the glass museum, where you ll find a renowned collection of glassware representing some of the pieces Theresienthal made for the courts of Europe in the 19th-century. Note: On rare occasions, Theresienthal must empty and re-fit its ovens. During such times, glassblowing demonstrations are unavailable; passengers will still enjoy a visit to the workshop and an explanation of glassmaking and engraving techniques. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 5 2 Join your guide for a stroll 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 from the people who made them. B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration 5 2 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. But that s not the end of your Bavarian Christmas fun: You ll also visit a nearby family-owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample holiday sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 5 Cruising the Danube River, Linz BB L D Your ship sails into Austria, cruising along an especially scenic stretch of the Danube called the Schlögener Schlinge, a great loop where the river almost doubles back on itself, before arriving in Linz. In keeping with the Austrian traditions of good food and good music, Linz gave rise to both the Linzer torte and the Linz Symphony. The torte is a delectable confection, and the symphony is one of Mozart s most celebrated works. The story goes that the composer was so inspired by the beauty of the city that he finished his Symphony No. 36 in less than a week here in This vibrant city, the second largest in Austria, has been a center of trade and industry for centuries and it still inspires artists today. NUREMBERG TO VIENNA Join your guide 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 86 uniworld.com / 87

46 Linz walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 5 2 From Dürnstein your ship continues to the imperial city of Vienna, where you ll catch your first glimpse of its splendors on your way to a concert. NUREMBERG TO VIENNA The seductive scents of seasonal treats gingerbread and Linzer torte, cakes and cookies waft through the air, and the stalls are full of local craft items at Linz s two delightful Christmas markets, which are connected by the main shopping thoroughfare and a spectacular light show. Begin at the Main Square, where the stalls are decorated with motifs of Linz landmarks, and follow the illuminations to the Volksgarten, where you ll find, literally, a fairytale Christmas large, animated displays of fairytale scenes will entrance the child in you. DAY 6 Cruising the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein, Vienna u BB L D Make your way to the lounge this morning to marvel at the scenery of the Wachau Valley, the 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of the Danube that cuts through a rocky gorge amid the foothills of the Bohemian Forest between Melk and Dürnstein. This beautiful region, with steep, densely wooded slopes on the south side of the river and a mixture of crags and vineyards on the north, was declared a World Heritage Landscape by UNESCO. Dotted along the banks are small historic towns and winemaking communities. Some of Austria s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripened on the terraces that cling to these rocky slopes. Dürnstein walking discovery tour with exclusive mulled wine tasting and organ concert in Augustine church 7 2 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. See what they do with the local wine in winter, as you warm up with a mulled wine tasting after your walk. Exclusive Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace 7 1 b 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 in a historic and intimate concert venue an elegant Viennese palace. The musicians will be drawn from Vienna s world-class professionals and will play beloved works by Mozart and Strauss. DAY 7 Vienna u BB L FD 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. He found Vienna a very inspiring place, and so will you. You ll have a full day to savor the Christmas spirit in Vienna. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls that had protected the city for centuries. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, 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 NUREMBERG TO VIENNA 88 uniworld.com / 89

47 NUREMBERG TO VIENNA 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 Kuntskammer 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. Your exclusive tour ends with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building. Legendary artwork is not the only attraction today, though. Freyung, an intimate and charming Christmas market that has taken place every winter since 1772, is also on your agenda, as is Vienna s most famous Christmas market, situated in front of City Hall, where more than 140 wooden stalls entice you with every sort of delicacy. Be sure to try the rum balls and nutmeg-spiced macaroons, which are local favorites, and amble through the adjacent park to admire the elaborately decorated trees. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 5 2 A drive along Vienna s Prater Street and Ring Street provides you with a glimpse of the magnificent buildings that showcased the Habsburgs grandeur, ending at St. Stephen s Cathedral. Stroll with your guide along the Graben, the elegant artery of downtown Vienna, and Kohlmarkt, which is lined with chic shops (don t miss the dazzling display of holiday confectionary art in the windows of Café Demel, which once supplied Empress Sissi with candied violets), on your way to several delightful Christmas markets. The Am Hof Advent Market features contemporary crafts, ranging from jewelry to knitwear; just a few steps further along, on Freyung Square, is the oldest and most traditional of the city s markets. Handsome palaces border the triangular square, which is filled with delightful stalls selling Nativity scenes, glass ornaments and handicrafts. Breathe in the aromas of such seasonal treats as roasted chestnuts, hot spiced wine and vanilla crescents, Austria s most famous Christmas cookie. How can you resist? Luckily, this is the moment and the place to sample these and other holiday specialties! After enjoying some treats here, you ll walk through the luxe Palais Ferstel shopping arcade to the bustling Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, which you may explore on your own. other sights to see. Over 100 museums beckon you to delve into their depths. You might wish to visit the Albertina Museum: It houses an incredible collection of graphic arts, including one million old-master prints and an impressive group of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko. You could tour the Belvedere, where Klimt s famous The Kiss is on display. Alternatively, you can encounter Viennese coffeehouse culture at one of the dozens of traditional cafés in Vienna s Old City. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 8 Depart Vienna e b CB/BB 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 Vienna International Airport for your flight home. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. NUREMBERG TO VIENNA The afternoon is yours. Spend as long as you like at the Rathaus Christmas Market or venture off to another of the city s seasonal markets. Of course, there are many 90 uniworld.com / 91

48 DAY 1 Vienna b e D Arrive at Vienna 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. DAY 2 Vienna u BB L WD Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO 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. He found Vienna a very inspiring place, and so will you. You ll have a full day to savor the Christmas spirit in Vienna. European Holiday Markets Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour VIENNA TO NUREMBERG / 8 DAYS It s the most wonderful time of the year Discover where many of our signature holiday traditions Christmas trees, gingerbread, nutcrackers, St. Nick and candy canes came from as you sail through Germany and Austria on a magical cruise. Visit some of the most famous Christmas markets in Central Europe, where you ll find colorful wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky little characters made of fruit to beautifully carved and painted Nativity figures. Sparkling lights illuminate ancient cathedral squares, and the sound of children s laughter mingles with carols. Celebrate the season in a new way as you cruise through two countries of culture and elegance, enjoying seasonal treats, splendid sights and charming customs along the way. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December 23. A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit and Christmas Market 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls that had protected the city for centuries. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, 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 Kuntskammer 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. VIENNA TO NUREMBERG 92 uniworld.com / 93

49 Your exclusive tour ends with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building. Exclusive Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace 7 1 b Legendary artwork is not the only attraction today, though. Freyung, an intimate and charming Christmas market that has taken place every winter since 1772, is also on your agenda, as is Vienna s most famous Christmas market, situated in front of City Hall, where more than 140 wooden stalls entice you with every sort of delicacy. Be sure to try the rum balls and nutmeg-spiced macaroons, which are local favorites, and amble through the adjacent park to admire the elaborately decorated trees. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 5 2 b 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 in a historic and intimate concert venue an elegant Viennese palace. The musicians will be drawn from Vienna s world-class professionals and will play beloved works by Mozart and Strauss. A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. VIENNA TO NUREMBERG A drive along Vienna s Prater Street and Ring Street provides you with a glimpse of the magnificent buildings that showcased the Habsburgs grandeur, ending at St. Stephen s Cathedral. Stroll with your guide along the Graben, the elegant artery of downtown Vienna, and Kohlmarkt, which is lined with chic shops (don t miss the dazzling display of holiday confectionary art in the windows of Café Demel, which once supplied Empress Sissi with candied violets), on your way to several delightful Christmas markets. The Am Hof Advent Market features contemporary crafts, ranging from jewelry to knitwear; just a few steps further along, on Freyung Square, is the oldest and most traditional of the city s markets. Handsome palaces border the triangular square, which is filled with delightful stalls selling Nativity scenes, glass ornaments and handicrafts. Breathe in the aromas of such seasonal treats as roasted chestnuts, hot spiced wine and vanilla crescents, Austria s most famous Christmas cookie. How can you resist? Luckily, this is the moment and the place to sample these and other holiday specialties! After enjoying some treats here, you ll walk through the luxe Palais Ferstel shopping arcade to the bustling Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, which you may explore on your own. The afternoon is yours. Spend as long as you like at the Rathaus Christmas Market or venture off to another of the city s seasonal markets. Of course, there are many other sights to see. Over 100 museums beckon you to delve into their depths. You might wish to visit the Albertina Museum: It houses an incredible collection of graphic arts, including one million old-master prints, and an impressive group of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko. You could tour the Belvedere, where Klimt s famous The Kiss is on display. Alternatively, you can encounter Viennese coffeehouse culture at one of the dozens of traditional cafés in Vienna s Old City. DAY 3 Dürnstein, cruising the Wachau Valley u BB L D The tiny baroque village of Dürnstein seems lost in time. It is perhaps most famous as the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned for two years in the late 12th-century, held captive until he paid a heavy ransom in silver (which his captors used to expand Vienna beyond the medieval walls). Dürnstein walking discovery tour with exclusive mulled wine tasting and organ concert in Augustine church 7 2 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. See what they do with the local wine in winter, as you warm up with a mulled wine tasting after your walk. There s something special in store for you when the ship departs Dürnstein after lunch: Make your way to the VIENNA TO NUREMBERG 94 uniworld.com / 95

50 VIENNA TO NUREMBERG lounge to marvel at the scenery of the Wachau Valley, the 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of the Danube that cuts through a rocky gorge amid the foothills of the Bohemian Forest between Melk and Dürnstein. This beautiful region, with steep, densely wooded slopes on the south side of the river and a mixture of crags and vineyards on the north, was declared a World Heritage Landscape by UNESCO. Dotted along the banks are small historic towns and wine-making communities. Some of Austria s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripened on the terraces that cling to these rocky slopes. DAY 4 Linz BB L D Awaken in Linz this morning. In keeping with the Austrian traditions of good food and good music, Linz gave rise to both the Linzer torte and the Linz Symphony. The torte is a delectable confection; the symphony is one of Mozart s most famous works. The story goes that the composer was so inspired by the beauty of the city that he finished his Symphony No. 36 here in less than a week in This vibrant city, the second largest in Austria, has been a center of trade and industry for centuries and it continues to have a lively arts scene, too. Linz walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 5 2 The seductive scents of seasonal treats gingerbread and Linzer torte, cakes and cookies waft through the air, and the stalls are full of local craft items at Linz s two delightful Christmas markets, which are connected by the main shopping thoroughfare and a spectacular light show. Begin at the Main Square, where the stalls are decorated with motifs of Linz landmarks, and follow the illuminations to the Volksgarten, where you ll find, literally, a fairytale Christmas large, animated displays of fairytale scenes will entrance the child in you. DAY 5 Passau, Vilshofen (Theresienthal) BB L D Your exploration of Germany s Christmas traditions begins today, as your ship docks in Passau, where the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube rivers meet, and you ll enjoy a special holiday experience in the famous Bavarian Forest this afternoon. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration 5 2 Join your guide 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 from the people who made them. You ll also visit a nearby family-owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample seasonal sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). Exclusive Bavarian Forest village with Theresienthal glass manufactory visit 7 2 b Want to know what it feels like to live in a Christmas card illustration? Find out as you snuggle down in toasty blankets for a brisk ride in a horse-drawn wagon (or, if there s snow, a horse-drawn sleigh) through the wonderland that is the Bavarian Forest in December. The largest nature preserve in Europe, the Bavarian Forest is home to lynxes and river otters, among other rare species, as well as miles of ski trails. It is also home to a long tradition of glassmaking; the famous ruby-red Bohemian lead-crystal glass is made here. See this tradition at work with a visit to the world-renowned glass manufacturer VIENNA TO NUREMBERG 96 uniworld.com / 97

51 Theresienthal. The company fell on hard times and was forced to close for a short time in the late 20th-century, but it was rescued by its employees. Some of the craftspeople wood turners, glassblowers, engravers and painters you ll see at work are fourth- or fifth-generation Theresienthal artisans. You can peruse the exquisite glassware in the adjacent shop just in case someone on your Christmas list loves fine glassware and visit the glass museum, where you ll find a renowned collection of glassware representing some of the pieces Theresienthal made for the courts of Europe in the 19th-century. Note: On rare occasions, Theresienthal must empty and re-fit its ovens. During such times, glassblowing demonstrations are unavailable; passengers will still enjoy a visit to the workshop and an explanation of glassmaking and engraving techniques. DAY 6 Regensburg u BB L D warm up while you sip your mulled wine or nibble a hot pastry. The princely Thurn and Taxis family has owned the palace for centuries, and Princess Gloria (once known as the punk princess for her youthful escapades) may come out to read a Christmas story to an audience of children. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. Christmas markets are set up in the area around the 500-year-old Neupfarrkirche (a market that has been voted the loveliest in Germany), in front of the classical columns of the former city guardhouse and in the Kohlenmarkt, where artisans and craftspeople sell handmade dolls, marionettes, pottery and other finequality wares. Shop for children s toys or traditional Nativity scenes with hand-carved figures. As you take in the delights of the markets, enjoy regional specialties, such as mulled blueberry wine from the Bavarian Forest, Regensburg sausages on crisp rolls, steamed dampfnudel (dumplings with vanilla sauce) and mulled cider. VIENNA TO NUREMBERG Regensburg is so beautifully situated; this region had to attract a town, Goethe wrote in his Diary of an Italian Voyage. And attract a town it did. In fact, it first attracted the armies of ancient Rome, who founded the town in about the year 100. The town thrived, not just because of its beautiful location, but also because ambitious and farseeing locals built a bridge over the Danube in the 12th-century. The Stone Bridge helped Regensburg become an international trading hub and, at one time, the capital of Bavaria. So many of the handsome buildings from that period remain that UNESCO declared the old city center a World Heritage Site. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour with enchanting Christmas Market in the Thurn and Taxis Castle 5 2 Old-town Regensburg sparkles with holiday lights and decorations at this time of year, adding to its enormous charm. As you walk through the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-designated city center, Regensburg s 2,000-year history is revealed: The ancient Roman gate still stands, as do the Stone Bridge, the Gothic town hall where the Imperial Diet met for three centuries, the 13th-century fortified patrician houses, and the spectacular Cathedral of St. Peter, whose magnificent 14th-century stained-glass windows alone are worth your walk. At the end of your tour, you ll find yourself at what may be the most romantic Christmas market in all of Germany: the one laid out in the courtyard of the Thurn and Taxis Castle. A glorious baroque palace enfolds the square, where branchthatched huts sell handcrafted local wares and Bavarian delicacies. There s always a nearby bonfire where you can DAY 7 Roth, Nuremberg BB L FD You could not ask for a more perfect place to cap off your exploration of Christmas traditions than Nuremberg. The people of Nuremberg hold their Christkindlesmarkt very close to their hearts. The iconic Christkind, with her white-and-gold dress, long blond curls and golden crown, has been the symbol for the Christmas Market for many decades. During Advent, she is the most important representative of the city; every year she opens the Christmas Market by declaring: Welcome, young and old, to my little community of wood and cloth. While this market s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal. And with that declaration, the market festivities begin in a town that is famous for its gingerbread and its long toy-making tradition. Nuremberg city tour with Christmas Market 7 2 b Beautiful at any time, Nuremberg s Old Town is especially magical when dressed in all of its holiday splendor. Unfortunately, the city s history also has a dark side, as you will see on a panoramic tour that shows you places where Hitler celebrated the might of his Third Reich the Rally Grounds and the never- VIENNA TO NUREMBERG 98 uniworld.com / 99

52 finished coliseum, Congress Hall before you reach Old Town, where you ll find the archetypal medieval German city. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square. There, spread out before the Church of Our Lady, is the largest Christmas market in Germany. Two hundred stalls filled with holiday wares ornaments, nutcrackers, seasonal treats and hand-carved toys await you, and the irresistible aromas of roasting nuts, cinnamon and grilled sausages waft through the air. Adding to the fun is an area set aside especially for children, complete with a two-tiered carousel featuring carved reindeer and Santa s sleigh. As you wander through the market, you will certainly want to indulge in some of the city s famous gingerbread; after all, Nuremberg is known as the Gingerbread Capital of the World. Shuttles are available to take you to and from the ship. Did You Know? It s thought that returning Crusaders introduced gingerbread to Europe; certainly ginger became a favorite spice throughout Western Europe during the later Middle Ages. Gingerbread wasn t reserved for the holiday season either; it was a popular treat at medieval fairs, and a lady might give her favored knight a piece of gingerbread as a good-luck token before a tournament. Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO Parisian Royal Holiday PARIS TO PARIS / 8 DAYS VIENNA TO NUREMBERG A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 8 Depart Nuremberg e b CB/BB 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 Nuremberg Airport for your flight home. Or, if you aren t ready for your adventure to end, continue your holiday vacation and join us for a visit to Prague. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. Paris and northern France make a dazzling package just waiting to be unwrapped Celebrate the festive season in regal style with a journey that takes you into Marie Antoinette s boudoir in Versailles, lets you stroll among trees planted by France s last king and admire Christmas decorations in the palace that inspired Louis XIV. The Seine is your link to medieval cobblestone squares, gorgeously decorated palaces and sacred music sung in a legendary cathedral. History and tradition meld to make this the most memorable holiday of all, capped off with two days in Paris at Christmastime, when the City of Light lights up with extra magic. Give yourself the perfect gift with this perfect combination of cruising, touring and exploration. 100 uniworld.com / 101

53 PARIS TO PARIS DAY 1 Paris b e D Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle 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 2 La Roche Guyon, Vernon BB L WD Kings, dukes, duchesses, cardinals, counts France s nobility created splendid palaces and intriguing castles. Today the Seine and your luxurious ship carry you to châteaux with close links to the history of French royalty, in a region that was once the borderland between French and English royal power. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Château La Roche Guyon B. Exclusive guided Go Active Château La Roche Guyon fortress tower climb A. Château La Roche Guyon 5 2 From cave dwelling to fortress to castle to palace: This is the history of Château La Roche Guyon (the Rock of Guy), which takes its name from its medieval lords (traditionally named Guy) and its location, a limestone outcropping a rock above the Seine. Medieval knights kept watch for marauding Vikings from the tower high atop the hill and later defended the double wall around a 13th-century manor house; successive lords added to the buildings over the centuries, so you can see not just troglodyte chapels but Renaissance rooms where kings Francis I and Henry II were entertained (and, legend says, Henry IV pursued a lovely chatelaine without success) and handsome 18th-century state apartments. Enlightenment thinkers met with the Duchess d Enville, who owned the château before the revolution and who had the huge kitchen garden laid out according to Enlightenment principles. You might think, as you walk through the elegantly designed garden and beautifully paneled rooms (mostly without furniture these days, so you can appreciate the Gobelins tapestries without distraction) that the residence s military function was in the far distant past, but Rommel made his headquarters here during WWII, precisely because the ancient fortifications and caves were so secure. B. Exclusive guided Go Active Château La Roche Guyon fortress tower climb 5 3 The donjon the keep guarding the hilltop is the oldest part of the château. Erected in the 12th-century, it was linked to the 13th-century castle by a passageway carved into the limestone cliff. Climb the 279 steps chipped by hand into the stone so many centuries ago: The stairway is steep and the steps irregular, worn down in some places by the many feet that have clambered up and down them over the past 800 years. When you reach the top, you ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the village considered one of the most beautiful in France far below and the lovely, now-peaceful valley spreading out into the distance. You also get a clear picture of the formal 17th-century layout of the kitchen garden, its squares divided into triangles and crossed with diagonal paths. Château de Bizy concert 5 1 b The Seine-side gates of an estate long linked to kings open for you this evening. A fairyland of lights lluminate a tree-lined lane through grounds dotted with trees planted by Louis-Philippe, the last king of France, at Château de Bizy, which once belonged to the duke of Penthièvre (the son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan). As you reach the house, light streams from the tall windows of the neoclassical façade, welcoming you indoors. Though France has no king now, the house still belongs to descendants of Napoleon s brothers, who maintain its opulent rooms and regal heritage. Take your seat in the marble-columned drawing room hung with tapestries for a delightful concert. Following the concert, you ll catch a glimpse of the floodlit stable yard (modeled on Versailles stables and all that remains of the original 17th-century palace). A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 3 Rouen BB L D The medieval capital of Normandy, Rouen has managed to preserve much of its historic core, despite being turned into a battlefield numerous times. PARIS TO PARIS Did You Know? Duchess d Enville was a friend of Thomas Jefferson s. Her gardens included maple and oak seedlings that Jefferson sent her from the New World. 102 uniworld.com / 103

54 Rouen walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 7 2 DAY 4 Mantes-la-Jolie (Versailles) u BB L D PARIS TO PARIS Victor Hugo called Rouen the city with 100 bell towers and easily the most famous of those towers is the one rising above Notre Dame Cathedral, which, at one point, was the tallest building in the world. Begun some 800 years ago, the cathedral acquired a multitude of spires and styles as it was renovated in different eras. When you leave the cathedral square, you ll walk under the arch housing an ornate Renaissance clock and begin your exploration of the Old Town. The cobblestone alleyways are lined with tall half-timbered houses, characteristic of the region, often with shops on the first floor and apartments above it may be a historic district, but it is also a living one. As you enter the Old Market Square, you ll spot a bronze cross marking the spot where the English burned Joan of Arc at the stake. You may explore the Christmas Market, which fills the square outside the cathedral, on your own. The scent of cider, crepes and roasting chestnuts drifts through the crisp air as you wander among the stalls, where you ll find the classic Nativity figures of Provence (called santons) and hundreds of specialty arts and crafts from all over France. Rouen Cathedral choir recital and Julia Child tea time at La Couronne 5 2 Soaring columns will lead your eye upward to the graceful arches overhead as you step into the magnificent cathedral. Lining one side are statues of the Apostles; you can identify them by the symbols they hold St. Peter, for instance, carries the keys to heaven and the 13th-century stained-glass windows, which survived Allied bombing in 1944, gild the interior with a soft glow. Richard the Lionheart s heart is entombed here, a reminder of how closely Normandy and England s political fates were entwined for many centuries. Pause to admire the charming Christmas crèche before taking a seat in a pew. You are in for a treat: The cathedral s St. Evode choir school is extraordinary, and the church s marvelous acoustics will let you hear this ethereal liturgical music as it is meant to be heard. You re in for a treat of another kind after the concert: Follow Julia Child s footsteps to La Couronne which calls itself the oldest auberge in France on Rouen s old market square, and experience one of the joys of Norman cooking: the classic tarte Tatin. Exclusive Secret Versailles palace tour 9 2 b It was the official residence of the country s kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palaces, Versailles stood alone in magnificence. Your guide, a historian, will take you into the private apartments of the courtiers, each room beautifully restored to look as it did in In these chambers and antechambers, parlors and boudoirs, you ll find lush silk draperies, exquisite marquetry tables, gilded beds, Aubusson carpets and porcelain ornaments that reveal the elegance of the 18th-century nobility s lifestyle, as well as the extravagance that helped fuel the rage leading to the revolution. Climb the great staircase and enter the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, where the absolute ruler of France held court for the ambassadors of Siam, Persia and the Ottoman Empire, as well as all the great seigneurs of France. Ladies intrigued behind their fans, plots were hatched and careers were made and destroyed beneath the sparkling chandeliers here. Following lunch, visit Marie Antoinette s Petit Trianon, the charming house and garden originally built for Louis XV s mistress Madame de Pompadour where the queen escaped the formality of court life and relaxed with her closest friends. Take some time to admire the vast formal gardens, which the Sun King loved and on which he lavished fortunes. With its Grand Canal, hundreds of fountains, manicured parterres and thousands of trees, it remains one of the world s great gardens. DAY 5 Paris u BB L D The cultural, political, artistic and financial heart of France, Paris is entrancing, magical and bracing. Every view is postcard worthy, and for the next few days it is yours to enjoy. PARIS TO PARIS 104 uniworld.com / 105

55 PARIS TO PARIS Exclusive Do as the Locals Do walking tour of the Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter 7 2 Take the Metro, just as the locals do, to the Île de la Cité and the great cathedral, Notre Dame. Henry IV said that Paris was worth a Mass when he converted to Catholicism and he made that conversion official here, in the center of Paris. In fact, Notre Dame is officially the center of France; facing its main entrance is Kilometer Zero, the location from which distances in France (including those of the French national highways) are traditionally measured. An expert in the history and architecture of this magnificent cathedral is your guide as you explore both the inside and outside. Begun in the 12th-century and finished about 200 years later, Notre Dame is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in Europe. After you ve admired Notre Dame s stained glass, flying buttresses and idiosyncratic gargoyles not to mention the huge Christmas tree and beautiful Nativity scene you ll cross the Seine to the Left Bank and the Latin Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets where for centuries artists, writers, philosophers and the Sorbonne s students have lived and worked, argued politics, painted, sipped absinthe and lived the bohemian lifestyle for which the district is famous. Matisse, Picasso, Rimbaud and Sartre, as well as American writers Hemingway and Fitzgerald, are just a few of the notables who made this district home. Climb the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève to the Panthéon, a mausoleum containing the remains of numerous distinguished French citizens. Nearby is the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, which is often full of students from La Sorbonne and other nearby universities. Take some time to meander through the area s little squares, perusing the shop windows and perhaps warming up with a drink at a typical café. DAY 6 Paris u BB L D is now. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has been exquisitely restored, and, at this time of year, it is transformed into a fairyland: Roaring fires blaze in marble fireplaces; lavishly decorated Christmas trees add festive color to the stately rooms every salon looks fit to receive the Sun King once again. Tour the splendid rooms and then gather in the grand salon, with its magnificent Christmas tree, for an exclusive reception. Paris Illuminations tour 7 1 b Paris calls upon her most talented lighting designers to create spectacular holiday illuminations throughout the city in an event called Paris Lights up Paris. This evening, you ll take a scenic drive past some of the capital s most festive displays. Traveling along the Right Bank, you will pass a number of the 37 bridges that dress up the Seine in a dazzling array, from the oldest, the Pont Neuf, decorated with grotesque figures, to the most stunning, the single-arched Pont Alexandre III, with its elegantly sculpted art nouveau nymphs, winged horses and lamps. After turning around the pink granite obelisk and the gilded fountains at Place de la Concorde, the famously fashionable Rue de Rivoli will come into view. Then you ll see the two most famous theaters in Paris at each end of the majestic Boulevard de l Opéra: the Comédie- Française (French National Theater), where the French classical repertoire is performed, at the south end, and, at the north, the Palais Garnier, which hosts the National Opera and Ballet companies. The sophisticated Place Vendôme is distinguished by the bronze-wrapped Vendôme Column, topped by a statue of Napoleon as a Roman emperor, and by posh designer salons, five-star hotels and fine jewelers. Tonight the enchanted square will unveil illuminations of shimmering crystal effects that match the precious bejeweled ornaments displayed in the shop windows. Your illumination tour will come to an end at the Place du Trocadéro, where you ll have a view of the city s signature landmark, the Eiffel Tower, and its delightful, dynamic light show. PARIS TO PARIS Exclusive reception at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 5 1 b Louis XIV first encountered the work of Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun and Andre Le Notre at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the palatial estate created by his finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet. He admired it greatly so greatly that after he had Fouquet imprisoned, he took what he liked from the estate and recruited the architect, the painter and the landscape designer to turn Versailles, his modest hunting lodge, into the spectacular palace it 106 uniworld.com / 107

56 DAY 7 Paris u BB L FD This evening, a special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Walking discovery tour to the Paris Opera and Boulevard Haussmann B. Exclusive guided Go Active Left Bank bicycle ride A. Walking discovery tour to the Paris Opera and Boulevard Haussmann 7 1 b DAY 8 Depart Paris e b CB/BB 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 Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. PARIS TO PARIS Step inside one of the city s most lavish institutions, the Opéra de Paris Garnier, also known as Palais Garnier. And indeed it is a palace, a palace dedicated to the performing arts. Work on this extravagant opera house began in 1865 and continued for 15 trouble-filled years, which included the discovery of an underground lake beneath the construction site. (It s still there, incidentally confined to an enormous cistern where carp swim and rescue divers train.) Despite the many difficulties, the result is dazzling: With chandeliers hanging from the mosaic ceiling, red-velvet wall coverings and draperies, gold leaf, cherubs and marble friezes, it is a glorious tribute to Second Empire sumptuousness. It is named, fittingly, for the man who designed this Versailles for everyone, Charles Garnier, an unknown architect who won a competition to build a new opera house. Your next stops are equally colorful. Le Printemps and Les Galeries Lafayette, two splendid department stores on Boulevard Haussmann, not far from the opera house, celebrate the season with spectacular window displays. Often created by top fashion designers, the displays charming, over-the-top, whimsical and amazing attract large, appreciative crowds. Drift from window to window, admiring them, and then spend some time shopping in the area. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. PARIS TO PARIS B. Exclusive guided Go Active Left Bank bicycle ride 7 3 The Seine s quays may be protected by UNESCO for their cultural importance and significance in the development of Paris, but they are also the scene of a host of fun outdoor activities: games for kids and grown-ups, a climbing wall, a running track, yoga classes and an inviting bike path. Join a guide to pedal along the Left Bank, crossing the bridges that link historic Île de la Cite and Île Saint-Louis and getting a close look at the heart of the city s origins. Bike to the Esplanade des Invalides (Napoleon s tomb is one of the monuments here) and along the Quay d Orsay to the Champs de Mars, one of Paris s largest green spaces... which just happens to have one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the city. It s a fun way to take part in the life of the city while also getting some exercise. 108 uniworld.com / 109

57 DAY 1 Munich, transfer to Passau b e D Arrive at Munich 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 docked in Passau. DAY 2 Passau BB L WD Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO Old-town Passau is built on a spit of land that looks almost like a ship with its narrow prow jutting into the water, a fitting shape for a city that has been an important center of river trade since it was founded by the ancient Romans. Today a local guide shows you the highlights of this delightful and accessible town located at the confluence of three rivers the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Enchanting Christmas & New Year s Cruise PASSAU TO BUDAPEST / 11 DAYS Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in festive elegance Delight in joyful music, exquisite decorations and delectable foods as you sail from Germany through Austria and Slovakia and into Hungary. This cruise brims with special moments: Sing Silent Night in the village where it was composed and sip a cocktail with a princess in her family s castle. Attend a private organ concert in a jewel-like baroque chapel. See the artistic treasures of Vienna in 18th-century palaces and discover the surprising art deco heritage of Slovakia s capital. Toast the New Year with a gala dinner and dance in a gorgeous ballroom in Budapest. Ring out the old year and ring in the new with art, wine and song on a leisurely cruise through four nations. Passau walking discovery tour with Bavarian farm Christmas celebration 7 2 Join your guide 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. Even though Passau s Christmas market is closed today, you will have a chance to experience Bavarian Christmas fun: You ll visit a nearby family-owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample holiday sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). PASSAU TO BUDAPEST 110 uniworld.com / 111

58 PASSAU TO BUDAPEST DAY 3 Linz (Salzburg and Oberndorf) u BB L D Your ship docks in Linz today, where you must choose between two intriguing ways to spend the day. You may either travel to the elegant alpine city of Salzburg, or you can explore Linz, which blends cutting-edge contemporary architecture with handsome baroque buildings, and the neighboring countryside. The choice is yours. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Full day Salzburg and Oberndorf B. Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit A. Full day Salzburg and Oberndorf 8 2 b Spend Christmas Day in two Austrian towns famous for music. Salzburg is not only the birthplace of Mozart, Austria s most famous composer, it is also where favorite scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed. Walk with your guide through the Mirabell Garden, the beautiful formal gardens where Maria sang Do-Re-Mi with her young charges, and through the heart of the UNESCOdesignated Old Town, with its magnificent 17th-century cathedral. The archbishop s splendid palace faces the square now named for Mozart, which has a statue of the great composer in the center; the house where Mozart was born is nearby. Enjoy lunch at the charming and historic Stiftskeller St. Peter before you head off to the little town of Oberndorf, where the most beloved Christmas carol of all time was performed for the first time. Joseph Mohr, Oberndorf s priest, and Franz Xaver Gruber, the choir master in nearby Arnsdorf, composed Silent Night for a Christmas Eve service in Visit the chapel and see the little museum dedicated to the history of the carol. Did You Know? When a baroque fountain in Mozart Square was removed to make way for the statue of Mozart in 1841, workers found an ancient Roman mosaic underneath it, which is now visible next to the statue s marble base. The mosaic s inscription reads: Hic habitat (felicitas), nihil intret mali Here lives happiness; nothing evil may enter an apt description for the confident and charming music Mozart wrote. B. Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit 9 2 b notables. Linz s new opera house, however, is quite new: It opened in Covering several city blocks, the Terry Pawson designed complex incorporates state-of-theart backstage workshops and staging equipment, which your guide will show you. In explaining why Linz undertook this incredibly ambitious and expensive project, the governor of Upper Austria said, Culture costs, but the absence of culture costs much, much more. You may be ready for a break after your tour, and where better to take one than at Jindrak, a beloved local bakery famous for its Linzer torte. Refreshed, you will head for the hills literally. A motorcoach will carry you into Mostviertel, Lower Austria s famous cider region, where the road winds among beautiful orchard-covered hills and meadows. Tour a typical farm for an insightful look at rural life and local crops, and enjoy the fruit of these orchards pear and apple ciders over a delicious lunch of foods produced on the farm. DAY 4 Grein BB L D Grein, a picturesque little town dominated by a vast white Renaissance castle, is just one of your destinations today. You ll also join a princess for cocktails in her historic castle. Grein walking discovery tour with visit to the oldest theater in Austria 7 1 b Ramble through charming Grein, which has long been associated with river shipping: The handsome 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century houses you ll pass belonged to the prosperous river pilots who guided boats through the hazardous Danube waters here. Step inside the oldest theater in Austria to retain its original form and function, since troupes of actors still perform in it. Local artisans transformed part of the city granary into a theater in 1791; you enter through the old City Hall (now a museum) and immediately enter the past. It s not every theater that boasts both a box for Napoleon and sight lines for prisoners, but that s exactly what Grein s State Theater has. (Prisoners in the city jail, which was attached to the City Hall, could watch plays on stage from their cells.) Nor PASSAU TO BUDAPEST Linz s New Cathedral dates to the 19th-century (the old cathedral, a few blocks away, was built in the baroque era), but as you take in its neo-gothic splendor, you might guess that it is much older until you notice that the stained-glass windows include 19th-century Linz 112 uniworld.com / 113

59 PASSAU TO BUDAPEST are those the only unusual features the first three rows have seats found nowhere else: They can be folded up and locked, so the subscribers could make sure no one else used them. Exclusive cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle with Princess Anita von Hohenberg 7 1 b Meet a princess and a fascinating slice of history at the same time today. You re invited to an exclusive cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle with Princess Anita von Hohenberg. The princess, a member of the Habsburg family, is a direct descendent of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered WWI. The seven-towered castle, parts of which date back to the 13th-century, remains the private property of the Hohenberg family. It is the final resting place of the archduke and his wife, who are entombed in the family crypt, which you may explore. A museum within the castle walls is dedicated to Franz Ferdinand; you might be surprised to discover that the archduke, a stern military man if one judges him by his portrait, renounced his descendants claim to the Habsburg throne in order to marry for love. DAY 5 Melk, cruising the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein u BB L D Your river adventure today takes you through one of the most beautiful regions in Austria, bookended by two picturesque and historic towns, Melk and Dürnstein. Melk Abbey with library visit 5 2 b Melk Abbey was one of Europe s most important centers of learning in the Middle Ages (Umberto Eco paid tribute to Melk s significance to medieval scholarship in his novel The Name of the Rose, calling his narrator Adso of Melk), with a library that was famous throughout the continent. The medieval fortified abbey suffered damage during the 1683 Ottoman invasion, and so the Benedictines began an ambitious renovation project early in the 18th-century, turning the abbey into a magnificent example of baroque architecture and design. Local guides will take you through the Marble Hall, with its ornate ceiling painted in an allegorical scene paying tribute to Emperor Charles VI; the Emperors Gallery; and the awe-inspiring Abbey Church. After your tour of the abbey, you ll have time to explore Melk on your own. 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 river banks, 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 that ripen on the dry-stone terraces above the river, where grapes have been grown for 2,000 years. Dürnstein village stroll with exclusive spiced wine tasting and organ concert in a monastery church 5 2 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 regional architecture. 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. See what they do with the local wine in winter as you warm up with a mulled wine tasting after your walk. DAY 6 Vienna u BB L D The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés and it s yours to enjoy. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour PASSAU TO BUDAPEST You ll want to find a comfortable seat in the lounge today as your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley. Over the 114 uniworld.com / 115

60 A. Exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour 7 2 b The sheer number of artistic gems on view in Vienna is overwhelming. Let an art historian provide you with knowledgeable guidance as you visit two extraordinary and quite different collections. The objects assembled at the Kunstkammer Vienna almost defy description. For centuries the Habsburgs collected curiosities that caught their fancies: an automaton of the goddess Diana riding a centaur, a priceless salt cellar made by Benvenuto Cellini, Renaissance tapestries, exquisite gold communion cups, sculptures and ivories the range is staggering. The museum was closed for more than a decade and only reopened in 2013; now these precious, idiosyncratic and magical pieces are once again on public view. The collections at the Belvedere, by contrast, concentrate on paintings and sculpture. The Belvedere palace complex, a triumph of baroque architecture, was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Habsburg Empire s leading general in the early 18th-century. The Upper Belvedere houses the world s largest group of works by Gustav Klimt, including his exquisite The Kiss. 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 shortlived market before returning to the ship. Exclusive Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace 7 2 b 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 in a historic and intimate concert venue an elegant Viennese palace. The musicians will be drawn from Vienna s world-class professionals and will play beloved works by Mozart and Strauss. DAY 7 Vienna BB L D PASSAU TO BUDAPEST B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking tour 7 2 b 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. A drive along Prater and Ring streets provides a glimpse of the magnificent buildings that showcase the Habsburgs grandeur, followed by a closer look. This district offers a stunning array of Vienna s gems in just a few blocks. Drop by the 14th-century Minorite Church to see the animated Nativity scene, then stroll with your 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. You ll sample delicate vanilla crescents, the fruit-filled pastry called kletzenbrot, poppy-seed cake, fluffy apple krapfen (a type of doughnut) and air-dried Tyrolean ham and rye bread. The Christmas Market ended on December 24, but 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 Vienna s art treasures are astonishing, and today you may choose to explore either the remarkable group of Klimts at the Upper Belvedere or some of the masterworks at the Kunsthistorisches. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Belvedere Palace B. Vienna city tour and Morning with the Masters Kunsthistorisches Museum visit A. Belvedere Palace 7 2 b An art historian provides expert guidance throughout this exciting tour, beginning with a panoramic ride along Prater Street and around part of the Ringstrasse on your way to the Belvedere, the lavish baroque palace complex built in the 1700s for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the brilliant general who won a great victory against the Ottomans in The two halves of the hillside complex are connected by splendid gardens that feature beautiful sculptures and fountains as well as incredible views of Vienna. It may be a little too chilly to spend much time in the gardens but your focus is the Upper Belvedere, home to 24 exquisite works by Gustav Klimt. A founder of the Vienna Secession movement (as art nouveau was known in PASSAU TO BUDAPEST 116 uniworld.com / 117

61 PASSAU TO BUDAPEST Austria), Klimt was a pivotal figure in early-20th-century avant-garde art. He spent most of his life in Vienna, and the exhibits at the Belvedere trace his development as an artist, from his early, almost conventional portraits to his highly stylized Gold Period, represented by his famous painting The Kiss. If you re a fan of Klimt s extraordinary (and, judging by recent art auctions, extraordinarily pricey) work, this tour should not be missed. B. Vienna city tour and Morning with the Masters Kunsthistorisches Museum visit 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious palaces, and museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls and fortifications that had protected the city for centuries. Its construction was a testament to confidence, forwardthinking and grand urban planning, and it resulted in a 50-year building spree. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, 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 Kuntskammer 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. Your exclusive tour ends with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building. Did You Know? Louis XIV refused to give Prince Eugene of Savoy, a French nobleman, a commission in the French army, a decision he may have regretted, since Prince Eugene subsequently defeated the French king s armies a number of times. Bratislava walking discovery tour 7 2 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. That s because Bratislava, then known as Pressburg, became the capital of Hungary after the Ottomans conquered Budapest in 1536, a status it retained until the middle of the 19th-century. Close to the cathedral you ll find St. Michael s Gate, the last remaining portal of the medieval wall and your entryway into 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, in which Austria ceded a great deal of territory to Napoleon. Another 18th-century palace, Grassalkovich, is now the president of Slovakia s official residence. Take some time after the tour to browse through the attractive shops in the lovely art deco buildings that line the squares; you can find a wide selection of traditional folk items at the ULUV (Slovak Folk Culture) shop. And you ll definitely want to sample some of the local delicacies. You can either return to the ship with your guide, passing the Slovak State Opera on a leisurely walk, or stay in town to continue exploring. DAY 9 Budapest u BB L D Budapest, formerly two towns, Buda and Pest, on opposite sides of the river, began as a Roman encampment in the second century, was overrun by Magyar horsemen in the 9th-century, and has been controlled by Ottomans, Austrians, Germans and Communists over the centuries, all of whom have left their mark. You may choose to get an overview of the city or delve into a single exceptional cultural institution. PASSAU TO BUDAPEST DAY 8 Bratislava BB L D Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Budapest city tour B. Budapest Opera House tour Spend the morning relaxing onboard as your ship cruises along the Danube to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia combines a historic downtown with a lively and bohemian art scene. 118 uniworld.com / 119

62 PASSAU TO BUDAPEST A. Budapest city tour 7 2 b This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It 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 Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building to Castle Hill, which has been called the heart of the nation. The city of Buda began here when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders; a castle replaced the simple fortress; and over the centuries other castles replaced that one. The current castle is primarily 18th-century; a museum dedicated to Budapest s archaeological finds is housed there, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytalelike towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. It offers a glorious view of the city and the Danube below. Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. Did You Know? At the foot of Chain Bridge, the first bridge to link Buda and Pest, is a stone marker in the shape of a zero; it is Hungary s zero milestone all distances in Hungary are calculated from this spot. B. Budapest Opera House tour 5 2 b It s a monument both to national pride and to survival. Budapest s splendid State Opera House was finished in 1884, part of Hungary s celebrations commemorating thousand years as a nation. Appropriately enough, the entrance to the huge neorenaissance building is guarded by statues of Hungary s two most beloved composers, Franz Lizst and Ferenc Erkel, who wrote the national anthem. Walk between the composers and into the grand entrance hall; marble columns lead the eye up to domed ceilings adorned with frescoes of the Muses, and the sweeping staircase takes visitors into the horseshoe-shaped auditorium. Inside, opulence is the watchword. Tiers of gilded boxes rise from the floor, and the incredibly beautiful frescoed ceiling by Karoly Lotz, depicting the gods on Mount Olympus, is gilded with more than 15 pounds (7.7 kilograms) of gold. The royal box Emperor Franz Joseph put up half of the money for the theater s construction is still the best seat in the house. Your tour will give you a behind-thescenes peek at this cultural monument, which miraculously escaped damage when the city was besieged during WWII. You ll have some time to explore on your own after the tour. Budapest s mineral hot springs are legendary: The Gellért Baths are in a gorgeous art nouveau building that is well worth seeing in and of itself, but why not relax in the steaming hot water? Later in the afternoon, you could catch a Christmas tram along the Danube Promenade and see the city aglow for the holiday season. Whatever you choose to do, you ll want to return to the ship early enough to get ready for the New Year s Eve gala. Exclusive New Year s gala dinner and dance 7 2 b Ring in the New Year in a gorgeous historic ballroom, with an exclusive, wonderfully festive dinner followed by dancing. After midnight, the stately S.S. Maria Theresa will cruise along the Danube so you can see the city s landmarks all alight the Chain Bridge, the spectacular riverfront Parliament building and Castle Hill will all be illuminated for the evening. DAY 10 Budapest BB L FD Start New Year s Day with an enchanting operetta brunch onboard, then spend the afternoon in the village of Szentendre, a haven for artists and artisans (including one who makes microscopic works of art) who will open their shops on New Year s Day just for you. Szentendre Artists village 7 2 b Head to the charming little town of Szentendre with its well-preserved 17th-century houses and active community of artists and craftspeople. A guide will introduce you to the village s main street, which is also its primary shopping boulevard. Here you ll find all the traditional Hungarian arts and crafts you can imagine, including ceramics, hand-embroidered blouses and tablecloths, and wool sweaters, as well as fine Herend porcelain and Tokaji wines. You can then visit either the Margit Kovács Ceramics Museum or the unique Szabo PASSAU TO BUDAPEST 120 uniworld.com / 121

63 Marzipan Museum, which features a display of the Hungarian Parliament made entirely out of marzipan. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 11 Depart Budapest e b CB/BB 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. Note: The itineraries presented are 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. Start/End River CRUISE LAND UNESCO PASSAU TO BUDAPEST Grand Christmas & New Year s Cruise NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST / 13 DAYS Combine tradition with glamour as you welcome 2018 in grand style Visit one of Europe s oldest Christmas markets in Nuremberg and walk through the quiet medieval streets of Regensburg to the Gothic cathedral for Christmas mass, followed by a celebration onboard your ship. Listen to harness bells jingle as you take a ride through the Bavarian Forest, and wander through beautiful Salzburg. Meet Habsburg royalty in an exclusive cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle. Waltz into the New Year in Vienna, city of waltzes, with a gala dinner and dance in a historic palace, and discover just how beautiful Budapest can be with a dusting of snow. Three captivating countries Germany, Austria and Hungary plus one enchanting river, the mighty Danube, provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday celebration. Note: Christmas markets are generally open from the beginning of Advent until December uniworld.com / 123

64 DAY 1 Nuremberg b e D 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. gingerbread; after all, Nuremberg is known as the Gingerbread Capital of the World. A motorcoach will take you back to the ship for lunch, but shuttles will run between the town center and the ship during the afternoon. Your guide will be happy to recommend the best sights to see, places to shop, or charming coffeehouses or alehouses to visit for a bit of refreshment. NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST DAY 2 Nuremberg BB L WD 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 home to a world-renowned gingerbread called lebkuchen. Nuremberg city tour with Christmas Market 9 2 b The people of Nuremberg hold their Christmas Market very close to their hearts. The iconic Christkind, with her white-and-gold dress, long blond curls and golden crown, opens the Christmas Market each year by declaring: Welcome, young and old, to my little community of wood and cloth. While this market s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal. Today is the very last day of the market, giving you just this one chance to catch that fleeting splendor. Beautiful at any time, Nuremberg s Old Town is especially magical when dressed in all of its holiday finery. Unfortunately, the city s history also has a dark side, as you will see on a panoramic tour that shows you places where Hitler celebrated the might of his Third Reich the Rally Grounds and the never-finished coliseum, Congress Hall before you reach Old Town, where you ll find the archetypal medieval German city. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square. There, spread out before the Church of Our Lady, is the largest Christmas market in Germany. Two hundred stalls filled with holiday wares ornaments, nutcrackers, seasonal treats and handcarved toys await you, and the irresistible aromas of roasting nuts, cinnamon and grilled sausages waft through the air. Adding to the fun is an area set aside especially for children, complete with a two-tiered carousel featuring carved reindeer and Santa s sleigh. As you wander through the market, you will certainly want to indulge in some of the city s famous Did You Know? It s thought that returning Crusaders introduced gingerbread to Europe; certainly ginger became a favorite spice throughout Western Europe during the later Middle Ages. Gingerbread wasn t reserved for the holiday season either; it was a popular treat at medieval fairs, and a lady might give her favored knights a piece of gingerbread as a good-luck token before a tournament. A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 3 Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Regensburg u BB L D For more than 1,200 years, European leaders dreamed of linking the great rivers of Central Europe: the Rhine, Main and Danube. And in 1992, an engineering masterpiece, the 106-mile (170-kilometer) long Main-Danube Canal, made this dream come true. This masterwork allows ships of all shapes and sizes to readily transit from the Rhine Delta in the Netherlands to the Danube Delta in Romania, connecting the North Sea to the Black Sea. The canal crosses the European Divide at 1,331 feet (405 meters) above sea level, climbing the summit by way of a series of impressive locks; the highest will lift your boat about 83 feet (25 meters). The canal then follows the natural course of the Altmühl Valley, a picturesque area of limestone mountains and Franconian villages, before it joins the Danube near Regensburg. Don t miss the fascinating process as your ship navigates the locks or the wonderful scenery on either side of them. You ll arrive in Regensburg during the evening, with the town celebrating Christmas Eve. You ll be free to explore the UNESCO-designated medieval city on your own, and if you like, you may attend midnight Mass in one of Regensburg s historic churches. NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST 124 uniworld.com / 125

65 NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST DAY 4 Regensburg u BB L D Your first port of call on the Danube, Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, medieval alleys and ancient Roman ruins. Goethe thought that it was so beautifully situated; this region had to attract a town. And attract a town it did Roman legions founded Regensburg 2,000 years ago, calling it Castra Regina. It prospered over the centuries, not just because of its beautiful location, but also because ambitious and far-seeing locals built a bridge over the Danube back in the 12th-century. Thanks to that bridge, Regensburg became an international trading hub and, at one time, the capital of Bavaria. In the morning, you ll have time to attend Christmas Mass in one of Regensburg s beautiful churches. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour of Old Town B. Jewish Regensburg walking discovery tour A. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour of Old Town 5 2 People have described Regensburg as old and new for a thousand years. A single structure perfectly illustrates this: Porta Praetoria, the gate built by the Romans during Marcus Aurelius s reign. The gate and adjacent watchtower have been incorporated in a much newer building, but the plaster has been removed to reveal the ancient stones laid so long ago. As you walk through the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, the city s 2,000-year history is similarly revealed: the 12thcentury Stone Bridge, the Gothic town hall where the Imperial Diet met for three centuries, the stately 13thcentury patrician houses, and the spectacular Cathedral of St. Peter, whose magnificent 14th-century stained-glass windows alone are worth the walk. And at this time of year, old-town Regensburg sparkles with holiday lights and decorations, adding to its enormous charm. B. Jewish Regensburg walking discovery tour 5 2 A white marble installation called Place of Encounter stands on the spot where a synagogue was destroyed in The installation, by Dani Karavan, reflects the outlines of the synagogue, taken from a drawing made immediately before the interior was demolished. It s just one of the mementos you ll see on your tour of this historic Jewish district, which was home to a thriving Jewish community for 500 years; its celebrated school drew Talmudic scholars from all of Central Europe. Jews in Ratisbon, as the town was known in medieval documents, enjoyed imperial protection, but following the death of Maximilian I, the town council banished all Jews and razed their homes and synagogue. The community grew again over the centuries, though the sad history of death and destruction was repeated in the 1930s. The Jewish quarter was re-established in 1945 by Holocaust survivors. It has taken decades, but the synagogue and much of the surrounding area have now been restored, standing as a symbol of both destruction and hope. Regensburg is host to one other such symbol: the modest house where Oskar Schindler lived after WWII. You ll pass it on your tour. Invigorated by your stroll through this winter wonderland, you ll return to the ship for a warm and festive Christmas celebration, complete with a sumptuous meal, superb wines and Christmas caroling. This will be a Christmas memory you ll cherish for years. DAY 5 Cruising the Danube River, Deggendorf (Theresienthal) BB L D After a morning cruising the enchanting Danube, you ll arrive in Deggendorf, gateway to the Bavarian Forest. Exclusive Bavarian Forest village with Theresienthal glass manufactory visit 7 2 b Want to know what it feels like to step into a Christmas card illustration? Find out as you snuggle down in toasty blankets for a brisk ride in a horse-drawn wagon (or, if there s snow, a horse-drawn sleigh) through the wonderland that is the Bavarian Forest in December. The largest nature preserve in Europe, the Bavarian Forest is home to lynxes and river otters, among other rare species, as well as miles of ski trails. It is also home to a long tradition of glassmaking: The famous ruby-red Bohemian lead-crystal glass is made here. See this tradition at work with a visit to the world-renowned glass manufacturer Theresienthal. The company fell on hard times and was forced to close for a short time in the late 20th-century, but it was rescued by its employees. Some of the craftspeople wood turners, glassblowers, engravers and painters you ll see at work are fourth- or fifth-generation NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST 126 uniworld.com / 127

66 NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST Theresienthal artisans. You can peruse the exquisite glassware in the adjacent shop just in case someone on your Christmas list loves fine glassware and visit the glass museum, where you ll find a renowned collection of glassware representing some of the pieces Theresienthal made for the courts of Europe in the 19th-century. Note: On rare occasions, Theresienthal must empty and re-fit its ovens. During such times, glassblowing demonstrations are unavailable; passengers will still enjoy a visit to the workshop and an explanation of glassmaking and engraving techniques. DAY 6 Cruising the Danube River, Passau u BB L D Luxuriate onboard this morning as your floating hotel cruises down the majestic Danube toward Passau. Old-town Passau is built on a spit of land that looks almost like a ship with its narrow prow jutting into the water, a fitting shape for a city that has been an important center of river trade since it was founded by the ancient Romans. A local guide will be waiting to take you into this delightful and accessible town where the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration A. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market 8 2 b Join your guide 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. You ll also visit a nearby familyowned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample holiday sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). B. Passau walking discovery tour with Christmas Market and Bavarian farm Christmas celebration 5 2 Join your guide 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. But that s not the end of your Bavarian Christmas fun: You ll also visit a nearby family-owned farm restaurant for a traditional holiday celebration. Sample holiday sweets and drinks in the festively decorated barn while you listen to carols and some beloved Bavarian polka and waltz tunes and see how good a pair of lederhosen can look on the right man at a mini fashion show (if you are in the market for dirndls and lederhosen, the family s specialty clothes shop is right up your alley). DAY 7 Linz (Salzburg) u BB L D Your ship docks in Linz today, where you must choose between two intriguing ways to spend the day. You may either travel to the elegant alpine city of Salzburg, or you can explore Linz, which blends cutting-edge contemporary architecture with handsome baroque buildings, and the neighboring countryside. The choice is yours. NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST 128 uniworld.com / 129

67 Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Full day Salzburg tour B. Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit A. Full day Salzburg tour 8 2 b project, the governor of Upper Austria said, Culture costs, but the absence of culture costs much, much more. You may be ready for a break after your tour, and where better to take one than at Jindrak, a beloved local bakery famous for its Linzer torte. NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST A 900-year-old fortress stands staunchly above Salzburg s historic center, but the city is much better known for its musical heritage than it is for any military activities. Mozart was born here, performed in public for the first time (at the age of five) here, and composed his first pieces here. Salzburg celebrates its most famous son in many forms with statues, with chocolates, with festivals 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 admire Mirabell Castle, built in 1606 by Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau for his mistress. The archbishop s official residence, however, lies on the other side of the river, near the cathedral. You ll ramble through the UNESCO-designated Old Town, where narrow lanes branch off your route, tempting you to explore the shops and cafés that line them, and cross the bridge for a look at the great 17th-century cathedral and the splendid episcopal residence. (Mozart worked for the archbishop of his day whom he despised before he moved to Vienna.) It s part of a group of churches and priestly residences that are linked by arcades that you may wish to check out after your tour. Following your tour, you ll have free time for shopping and lunch on your own in the charming city center. Your guide can suggest great restaurants in the area: Café Tomaselli has hosted musical notables, from Mozart to Max Reinhardt, since You ll find roughly 800 shops tucked into the historic buildings along the Getreidegasse, so your options are many. B. Linz town and country: opera house and cider farm visit 9 2 b Linz s New Cathedral dates to the 19th-century (the old cathedral, a few blocks away, was built in the baroque era), but as you take in its neo-gothic splendor, you might guess that it is much older until you notice that the stained-glass windows include 19th-century Linz notables. Linz s new opera house, however, is quite new: It opened in Covering several city blocks, the Terry Pawson designed complex incorporates state-of-the-art backstage workshops and staging equipment, which your guide will show you. In explaining why Linz undertook this incredibly ambitious and expensive Refreshed, you will head for the hills literally. A motorcoach will carry you into Mostviertel, Lower Austria s famous cider region, where the road winds among beautiful orchard-covered hills and meadows. Tour a typical farm for an insightful look at rural life and local crops, and enjoy the fruit of these orchards pear and apple ciders over a delicious lunch of foods produced on the farm. DAY 8 Cruising the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein u BB L D Make your way to the lounge in the morning to marvel at the scenery of the Wachau Valley. The Wachau is the 19-mile (30-kilometer) stretch of the Danube that cuts through a rocky gorge amid the foothills of the Bohemian Forest between Melk and Dürnstein. This beautiful region, with steep, densely wooded slopes on the south side of the river and a mixture of crags and south-facing vineyards on the north, was declared a World Heritage Landscape by UNESCO. Dotted along the banks are small historic towns and winemaking communities. Some of Austria s finest white wines are produced from grapes grown on the terraces that cling to these rocky slopes. Dürnstein village stroll with exclusive spiced wine tasting 5 2 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 architecture. The inhabitants of this NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST 130 uniworld.com / 131

68 NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST region have grown apricots and grapes for many centuries, and they have happily turned both into delectable beverages through the years. See what they do with the local wine in winter, as you warm up with a mulled wine tasting after your walk. Exclusive cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle with Princess Anita von Hohenberg 7 1 b Meet a princess and a fascinating slice of history at the same time today. You re invited to an exclusive cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle with Princess Anita von Hohenberg. The princess, a member of the Habsburg family, is a direct descendent of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered WWI. The seven-towered castle, parts of which date back to the 13th-century, remains the private property of the Hohenberg family. It is the final resting place of the archduke and his wife, who are entombed in the family crypt, which you may explore. A museum within the castle walls is dedicated to Franz Ferdinand; you might be surprised to discover that the archduke, seemingly a stern military man if one judges by his portraits, renounced his descendants claim to the Habsburg throne in order to marry for love. DAY 9 Vienna u BB L D 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. He found Vienna a very inspiring place, and so will you. Choice Is Yours Excursion Options: A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious palaces, and museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls and fortifications that had protected the city for centuries. Its construction was a testament to confidence, forwardthinking and grand urban planning, and it resulted in a 50-year building spree. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, 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 Kuntskammer 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. Your exclusive tour ends with a reception in the magnificent Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building. B. Exclusive Taste of Christmas walking discovery tour 7 2 b 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. A drive along Prater and Ring streets provides a glimpse of the magnificent buildings that showcase the Habsburgs grandeur, followed by a closer look. This district offers a stunning array of Vienna s gems in just a few blocks. Drop by the 14th-century Minorite Church to see the animated Nativity scene, then stroll with your 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. You ll sample delicate vanilla crescents, the fruit-filled pastry called kletzenbrot, poppy-seed cake, fluffy apple krapfen (a type of doughnut) and air-dried Tyrolean ham and rye bread. The Christmas Market ended on December 24, but Vienna also cherishes its New Year s traditions, so you ll find market stalls offering the NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST 132 uniworld.com / 133

69 NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST 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. This evening, enjoy the music of Mozart and Strauss in a private Viennese palace. Exclusive Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace 72 b 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 in a historic and intimate concert venue an elegant Viennese palace. The musicians will be drawn from Vienna s world-class professionals and will play beloved works by Mozart and Strauss. DAY 10 Vienna u BB L D 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. Schönbrunn Palace 7 2 b 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. Now, it charms the eye with its ornate architecture, extravagant gardens and glorious 18th- and 19th-century interiors and its surprising marionette theater, which you visit today. A marionette play a version of the opera Alceste was first performed here in 1777; the current theater pays tribute to those origins with a production of Mozart s Magic Flute. The delicately carved puppets in exquisite costumes and the remarkable sets and staging provide enchanting entertainment, making it a truly special addition to your holiday season. Enrich your experience still more by chatting with a puppeteer and learning something about this fascinating art. park much loved by locals, with its monument to Empress Elisabeth, known as Sissi, and take a break at a coffeehouse for a kleiner Brauner (a small coffee with milk) and a pastry in a city legendary for its pastries. Visit Jewish Square, which was the center of Jewish life in Vienna in the Middle Ages, where a beautiful, austere memorial by sculptor Rachel Whiteread pays tribute to the thousands of Austrian Jews killed during the Holocaust. Or you could go back to the ship to relax and prepare for your evening gala. Exclusive New Year s gala dinner and dance at a Viennese palace 9 1 b Vienna celebrates New Year s Eve in grand style! The city s holiday balls are famous the world over, and the festivities welcoming in the New Year are perhaps the grandest of them all the whole of the city center turns into one huge party. Tonight you join the celebration as you take part in a glamorous ball in a historic palace. Dine amid the gilt and marble splendor of a baroque hall while musicians play during your festive supper, toast the New Year with champagne and waltz the night away to the music of the Waltz King, Johann Strauss. DAY 11 Vienna, cruising the Danube River BB L FD You have the morning at leisure. You could relax onboard or ramble through glorious Vienna. Of course it is a holiday, so most places are closed, but the streets themselves are so beautiful, it is well worth strolling through them. You could go to Karlsplatz, which is dominated by the magnificent baroque Charles Church (named for Emperor Charles VI, who commissioned it) but also boasts a pair of charming Secession (as the art nouveau movement was known in Vienna) pavilions by Otto Wagner. In the afternoon, your ship will cruise toward Budapest. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST You have the afternoon to further your acquaintance with Vienna. You could stroll through the Volksgarten, a 134 uniworld.com / 135

70 DAY 12 Budapest u BB L D NUREMBERG TO BUDAPEST Your ship arrives in the fabled capital of Hungary this morning. Budapest, formerly two towns, Buda and Pest, on opposite sides of the river, began as a Roman encampment in the second century and has been controlled by Germans, Austrians, Ottomans and Communists over the centuries, all of whom have left their mark. Budapest city tour 7 2 b This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city. It 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 Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building to Castle Hill, which has been called the heart of the nation. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders; a castle replaced the simple fortress, and over the centuries other castles replaced that one. The current castle is primarily 18th-century; a museum dedicated to Budapest s archaeological finds is housed there, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytale-like towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. It offers a glorious view of the city and the Danube below. Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. DAY 13 Depart Budapest e b CB/BB YOU DESERVE THE BEST Our commitment We are committed to providing our guests with the most comprehensively luxurious, value-packed river cruise experience possible. We are happiest when you feel you are a respected guest in the finest of homes ours Editors Picks 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. #1 RIVER CRUISE LINE BEST LUXURY RIVER CRUISE LINE BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE SHORE EXCURSIONS Note: The itineraries presented are 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. FINEST CRUISE LINE DINING READERS CHOICE, TOP RIVER CRUISE LINE BEST LUXURY RIVER CRUISE LINE 136 CST #

71 EUROPE and RUSSIA Enjoy extraordinary luxury, comfort and convenience with expertly planned itineraries ranging from 8 to 24 days. GENERATIONS Our award-winning family program on 22 European departures features excursions designed especially for young travelers. ASIA Discover the places you ve longed to see in India, China, Vietnam and Cambodia while traveling onboard the finest ships and staying in deluxe, five-star hotels. FOR MORE INFORMATION Please call Uniworld at or contact your preferred Travel Professional. uniworld.com A fa m i ly of brands A Proud Member of The Travel Corporation Family Uniworld is a member of the family-owned The Travel Corporation (TTC) and is renowned and trusted for its outstanding quality, service, value, reliability and financial stability. TTC.com