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Countries

Belgium, Netherlands ...more Belgium, Netherlands
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Locations

Brussels, Ghent, Hasselt, Maastricht, Antwerp ...more Brussels, Ghent, Hasselt, Maastricht, Antwerp

Belgian Holiday Markets

2023
ship
8
Days
From
$2,499
Operated By Uniworld River Cruises
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Countries

Belgium, Netherlands ...more Belgium, Netherlands
map pin

Locations

Brussels, Ghent, Hasselt, Maastricht, Antwerp ...more Brussels, Ghent, Hasselt, Maastricht, Antwerp

Arrive at Brussels 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.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, offers a treasure trove of historic architecture, along with a rich culinary tradition—chocolate!—and a vibrant culinary capital. Food lovers will be lured by the divine aromas drifting from the many holiday market stalls, while others will be attracted to the city’s enchanting architecture and elaborate Christmas displays.

Featured Excursions: Brussels Christmas Market

Brussels Christmas Market

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences Brussels City Tour with Chocolate Tasting

Brussels City Tour with Chocolate Tasting

Visit one of two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, or fascinating Ghent, the capital city of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Belgium’s second-largest city, Ghent abounds in medieval architecture, which makes for a particularly magical canvas for the town’s Christmastime decorations.

Choice of: Ghent Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Ghent Walking Tour with Christmas Market

or Bruges Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Bruges Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Today, you’ll explore the trendy-yet-quaint town of Hasselt. A blend of city interest—with plenty of cafés, shopping and the area’s largest Christmas market—and an easygoing, small-town atmosphere, the mostly car-free Hasselt is a charming place to explore on foot. It is also, as you can discover at one of the tasting booths in the market, known as the unofficial capital of Belgium’s famous spirit, Jenever.

Featured Excursions: Hasselt Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Hasselt Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Venture into the Netherlands to visit Maastricht, known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities of Holland and loved for its convivial lifestyle and historic center, which has long played a strategic role in European politics. Not only will you explore this city’s Christmas market, but you will also have the opportunity to head into Germany to visit the famous Aachen Christmas Market.

Featured Excursions: Aachen Christmas Market

Aachen Christmas Market

Christmas in the Caves

Christmas in the Caves

Discover an eclectic mix of historic and modern in Belgium’s “Second City,” Antwerp. The town intersperses its well-preserved medieval buildings with artful modern architecture, but you’ll find your final Christmas market for this journey centered in Antwerp’s Old Town, lighting up nostalgic facades and the local castle to create the perfect backdrop for this festive event.

Featured Excursions: Antwerp Walk with Concert

You’ll find a penchant for all things high quality in the country’s biggest port city. Diamonds, art, fashion, and more compete for attention here, so you’re sure to find just the thing to make your time in Antwerp memorable.

Choice of: The Nottebohm Room

The Nottebohm Room

or Antwerp Beer Tasting

Antwerp Beer Tasting

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 Brussels 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. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.

Price Includes
Dining
  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water
Excursions
  • 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Accommodations
  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the imperial River Empress
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
  • Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
Experiences
  • 3 countries: Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany
  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
Ship Information
Suite
  • Lavishly appointed riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror & heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
  • Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service
French Balcony
  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Deluxe
  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Classic
  • Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
River Empress Deck Plan
Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

November 2023
AARP members save $100
Nov 25 Sat
Dec 2 Sat
Current Deals
  • 2023 River Heritage Club Savings
Click here for more info

Current Offers

Classic
  $3,199
Deluxe
  $3,899
French Balcony
  $4,499
Suite
  $7,299
Cruise Itinerary: Brussels to Brussels Ship(s): River Empress Prices exclude additional port charges of $210 per person
Today's Price Based on twin share Request Quote
December 2023
AARP members save $100
Dec 9 Sat
Dec 16 Sat
Current Deals
  • 2023 River Heritage Club Savings
Click here for more info

Current Offers

Classic
  $3,199
Deluxe
  $3,899
French Balcony
  $4,499
Cruise Itinerary: Brussels to Brussels Ship(s): River Empress Prices exclude additional port charges of $210 per person
Today's Price Based on twin share Request Quote
AARP members save $100
Dec 16 Sat
Dec 23 Sat
Current Deals
  • 2023 Cruise & Air Savings
  • 2023 River Heritage Club Savings
Click here for more info

Current Offers

Classic
  $2,499
Deluxe
  $3,199
Cruise Itinerary: Brussels to Brussels Ship(s): River Empress Prices exclude additional port charges of $210 per person
Today's Price Based on twin share Request Quote
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