AARP Member Benefits
AARP Members Save on select departures

Classic Christmas Markets

8 Day Cruise from Nuremberg to Frankfurt

8 Days
1 Country

Germany

6 Cities

Frankfurt, Wertheim, Würzburg, Kitzingen, Bamberg, Nuremberg

All Meals

Dinners, Breakfast Buffets, Lunchs, Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, Continental Breakfast

Comfortable

Mainly 2 and 3 night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires walking to participate in top sites.

Average group size 120 passengers

All-Inclusive River Cruises by Uniworld

If all-inclusive, luxury travel is your standard go-to, or are traveling to celebrate a milestone or special occasion, a boutique, luxury river cruise is the perfect choice. The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line, for more than four decades, Uniworld has specialized in providing intimate and in-depth one-of-a-kind journeys for travelers seeking to explore the rivers of the world in exceptional style. On every all-inclusive Uniworld river cruise, you’ll be whisked away to a variety of destinations in one trip onboard a beautiful river ship. Along the way, you’ll enjoy five-star cuisine, unique local experiences, and exceptional service from the longest tenured crew in river cruising.

View all Uniworld River Cruises

River Queen

One of the most unique ships cruising Europe’s waterways, the River Queen has an exterior resembling the steamships of the 1930s and an elegant Art Deco interior. Decorated in richly textured blue and white fabrics—with marble bathrooms and inspiring artwork—River Queen is a sublime floating hotel designed with your every comfort in mind.

See Ship

River Princess

The stunning foyer of the 128-passenger River Princess sets an indulgent and luxurious tone for your European journey. Throughout the ship, jewel-tone greens, warm browns, and a mix of black and white create a sophisticated ambiance, while stylish public areas—including a Main Lounge, a Sky Lounge, and a Captain’s Lounge and Library—provide comfortable places to curl up with a good book, chat with friends, or sip your favorite cocktail.

See Ship

Christmas Market Vacations

Experience the magical Christmas markets of Europe. Join the festive spirit as you visit iconic destinations like Germany, Austria, and France, exploring famous markets filled with handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and a joyful ambiance. Let expert guides lead the way, ensuring a memorable holiday season surrounded by the charm of Europe's Christmas markets.

View all Christmas Market Vacations

Discover villages with fairytale houses and a friendly, festive atmosphere. Share traditional holiday goodies with the people who made them. Watch as modern children abandon their usual electronics and discover the enchantment of hand-carved wooden toys, as scents of cinnamon and roasting nuts fill the air.

Out on the Rivers: LGBTQ+ Cruises (on December 8, 2025 sailing only): Join us for a week full of fun, friendship and memorable travels with your LGBTQ+ friends, family and allies.

Reviews
1
Average group size
120 passengers
Tour brand
Uniworld River Cruises
Travel style
River Queen River Princess Christmas Market Vacation
Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Frankfurt (Embark)

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.

Frankfurt (Embark)
Included Meals Continental Breakfast, Breakfast Buffet

Day 2

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe, a financial powerhouse with soaring skyscrapers, but that’s done nothing to diminish the cultural heart of the city. Frankfurt’s old town, the Altstadt, is as charming as it gets, and has hosted some of the best Christmas markets on the continent for centuries. Opt to stay in town today for a “Taste of Christmas” walking tour featuring all sorts of sugary and savory treats, or alternatively, head out of town on an excursion to the Christmas market in Wiesbaden.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Frankfurt
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Featured Excursions
“Taste of Christmas” Frankfurt Walking Tour

What better way to begin your holiday cruise than by sampling some of the seasonal specialties of this region? Join your local expert for an explor...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Wiesbaden Twinkling Star Christmas Market

The Sternschnuppenmarkt (or “Twinkling Star”) Christmas Market in Wiesbaden is a delight for visitors young and young at heart, festive...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 3

Cruising the Main River, Wertheim

Located at the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers, Wertheim 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 and tiny windows—attest to the inconveniences of life in the Middle Ages.

Cruising the Main River, Wertheim
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Wertheim Walking Tour with Mulled Wine and Christmas Stollen Demonstration

While you're still onboard, enjoy a cup of mulled wine and join a stollen (traditional German fruitcake) baking demonstration by a master baker. Th...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 4

Würzburg

This morning, you’ll head off to see the Würzburg Residence, a baroque-style palace famous for its gigantic ceiling fresco. Later, visit the town’s renowned Christmas Market, held in front of the old City Hall, for some one-of-a-kind gifts for friends back home. Beautifully decorated wooden booths are illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lighting, and the air is filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and the sound of Christmas carols. One of the best ways to embrace a different culture is through encounters with local residents, which you’ll experience this afternoon in a typical Franconian village. Make new friends over hot drinks and homemade seasonal treats.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Würzburg
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Würzburg Residence Visit

This 300-room UNESCO World Heritage–designated residence was constructed over a period of 60 years in the 18th century. An extraordinari...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Village Day: Franconian Christmas

Travel through Franconia’s rolling hills and farms to the picture-perfect village of Aschfeld, which features a historic church with a defens...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Würzburg Christmas Market Night Stroll

Just before dinner, we'll take a walk together to Würzburg’s glorious Christmas Market, which is held in the square in front of the old ...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 5

Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Schweinfurt

Rothenburg looks like something straight out of the pages of a storybook, with its medieval walls, cobbled streets, Gothic churches, and Hansel-and-Gretel houses. Join a local expert for an insightful walking tour, and then wander amongst the stalls at one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets

Today’s lunch will be on your own. Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Schweinfurt
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Full-Day Rothenburg with Walking Tour and Christmas Market

Rothenburg really does look like a fairytale version of the Middle Ages. Great stone walls surrounding the medieval core stand tall, linking t...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 6

Bamberg

The fact that Bamberg still exists today is something of a miracle—it survived WWII bombing virtually unscathed. It’s a superb example of a medieval German city, one compact enough to explore on foot with a local expert. You’ll also have free time to visit not just one but four Christmas Markets and a captivating amount of nativity scenes located along nativity trail.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Bamberg
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Dinner
Featured Excursions
Bamberg Walking Tour with Christmas Market

The entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late-Romanesque Imperial Cathed...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 7

Nuremberg

For a holiday extravaganza, look no further than Nuremberg, which boasts the largest and grandest Christmas Market in all of Germany— and that’s really saying something. The “Gingerbread Capital of the World” pulls out all the stops during the holidays, as you’ll see for yourself on a panoramic tour guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. 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.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Nuremberg
Included Meals Breakfast Buffet, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Featured Excursions
Nuremberg City Tour with Christmas Market

Beautiful at any time, Nuremberg’s Old Town is especially magical when dressed in all of its holiday splendor. Stroll through the castle gard...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Featured Excursions
Nights Out: Christmas Market Illuminations

You’ve seen Europe’s most iconic Christmas Market by day, now it’s time to appreciate it by night. After dinner, bundle up and he...

See More
Included in Trip

Featured Excursions

Day 8

Nuremberg (Disembark)

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 International Airport for your flight home.

Nuremberg (Disembark)
Included Meals Continental Breakfast, Breakfast Buffet

Select your date

AARP Members Save $100
{{getFormattedDateShort(departure.departureDate)}} {{getDayOfWeek(departure.departureDate)}}
{{getFormattedDateShort(departure.returnDate)}} {{getDayOfWeek(departure.returnDate)}}
Current Deals
  • {{offer.title}}
Click here for more info

Current Deals

{{roomOption.name}}
{{(roomOption.salePrice && roomOption.salePrice < roomOption.basePrice ? roomOption.basePrice : '') | currency }} {{roomOption.salePrice | currency}}
Cruise Itinerary: {{departure.additionalInfo}} Ship(s): {{departure.shipsCsv}} Fares listed are inclusive of all taxes and port charges.
Today's Price Based on twin share Request Quote

Included Highlights

Top Highlights

Featured Excursions
“Taste of Christmas” Frankfurt Walking Tour

What better way to begin your holiday cruise than by sampling some of the seasonal specialties of this region? Join your local expert for an explor...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Wiesbaden Twinkling Star Christmas Market

The Sternschnuppenmarkt (or “Twinkling Star”) Christmas Market in Wiesbaden is a delight for visitors young and young at heart, festive...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Wertheim Walking Tour with Mulled Wine and Christmas Stollen Demonstration

While you're still onboard, enjoy a cup of mulled wine and join a stollen (traditional German fruitcake) baking demonstration by a master baker. Th...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Würzburg Residence Visit

This 300-room UNESCO World Heritage–designated residence was constructed over a period of 60 years in the 18th century. An extraordinari...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Village Day: Franconian Christmas

Travel through Franconia’s rolling hills and farms to the picture-perfect village of Aschfeld, which features a historic church with a defens...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Würzburg Christmas Market Night Stroll

Just before dinner, we'll take a walk together to Würzburg’s glorious Christmas Market, which is held in the square in front of the old ...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Full-Day Rothenburg with Walking Tour and Christmas Market

Rothenburg really does look like a fairytale version of the Middle Ages. Great stone walls surrounding the medieval core stand tall, linking t...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Bamberg Walking Tour with Christmas Market

The entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late-Romanesque Imperial Cathed...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Nuremberg City Tour with Christmas Market

Beautiful at any time, Nuremberg’s Old Town is especially magical when dressed in all of its holiday splendor. Stroll through the castle gard...

See More
Included in Trip
Featured Excursions
Nights Out: Christmas Market Illuminations

You’ve seen Europe’s most iconic Christmas Market by day, now it’s time to appreciate it by night. After dinner, bundle up and he...

See More
Included in Trip

Authentic Dining

All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients

7 breakfasts, 5 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

Guided “Taste of Christmas” and “Village Day” programs

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all shore excursions

Use of Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the regal S.S. Elisabeth or the elegant S.S. Emilie

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 Wi-Fi

Experiences

6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts

Guided “Taste of Christmas” and “Village Day” programs

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all shore excursions

Use of Nordic walking sticks

Cruise: Western & Central Europe

Dining  

When dining onboard, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. 

Complimentary Beverages  

All beverages are included during your cruise. Complimentary beverages onboard include wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water.  

Gratuities 

Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included. 

Curated Excursions 

Complementary and comprehensive shore excursions led by local English-speaking experts designed to provide the best possible experiences ashore. 

Scheduled Airport Transfers 

Complementary airport arrival and departure group transfers provided for flights that meet guidelines.

Uniworld sails rivers in several Western & Central European Countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland 

  • Official Languages: Croatian (Croatia), Dutch (Belgium, Netherlands), French (Belgium, France, Switzerland), German (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland), Italian (Italy, Switzerland), Luxembourgish (Luxembourg), Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish (Spain), Romansh (Switzerland) 
  • Capital Cities: Vienna (Austria), Brussels (Belgium), Zagreb (Croatia), Paris (France), Berlin (Germany), Rome (Italy), Vaduz (Liechtenstein), Luxembourg City (Luxembourg), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Lisbon (Portugal), Madrid (Spain), Bern (Switzerland).  
  • Time Zones: Western European Time (EET), UTC+0, and Western European Summer Time (EEST), UTC+1, Central European Time (CET) UTC+1, Central European Summer Time (CEST) UTC+2 during daylight saving time. 
  • Currencies: 
    Austria: Euro (EUR) € 
    Belgium: Euro (EUR) € 
    Croatia: Croatian Kuna (HRK) kn 
    France: Euro (EUR) € 
    Germany: Euro (EUR) € 
    Italy: Euro (EUR) € 
    Liechtenstein: Swiss Franc (CHF) CHF 
    Luxembourg: Euro (EUR) € 
    Netherlands: Euro (EUR) € 
    Portugal: Euro (EUR) € 
    Spain: Euro (EUR) € 
    Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF) CHF 

All Uniworld river cruises require a passport with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Must be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip.  

Visa Requirements: Access the latest entry requirements for all your destinations with our user-friendly Destination Entry Guide. Powered by CIBT, the leading authority in travel visas and US passports; check back as often as you like before your trip to ensure you have everything you need before you depart.  

  • Austria: Austria features a temperate continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with more rain in the summer months. 
  • Belgium: Belgium has a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year. 
  • Croatia: Croatia has a varied climate, with continental influences inland and a Mediterranean climate along the coast. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild along the coast but colder inland with snowfall. 
  • France: France experiences a variety of climates, ranging from oceanic and Mediterranean to alpine. Generally, it has mild winters and warm summers, but specific regions may have different weather patterns. 
  • Germany: Germany has a temperate seasonal climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year. Winters are usually cold, while summers are mild to warm. 
  • Italy: Italy has a diverse climate, with Mediterranean conditions prevailing along the coast and continental climates in the interior. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are mild in the south and colder in the north. 
  • Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with slightly more rain in the summer months. 
  • Luxembourg: Luxembourg has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. 
  • The Netherlands: The Netherlands has a maritime climate influenced by the North Sea, with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year. 
  • Portugal: Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The southern region experiences hotter temperatures compared to the north. 
  • Spain: Spain has a diverse climate, ranging from Mediterranean in the south to maritime and continental in the north. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters vary from mild to cold depending on the region. 
  • Switzerland: Switzerland has a temperate climate with distinct regional variations. The Alpine region experiences cold winters and cool summers, while the lowlands have milder temperatures with more precipitation throughout the year. 

Baggage Allowance 

Baggage storage space onboard is limited. For their own comfort and convenience, Uniworld requests guests bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Airline baggage restrictions change frequently. Guests should check on the specific air carrier’s website for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage charges.  

Packing Tips for a River Cruise 

Packing for a river cruise will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started: 

  • A valid and current passport
  • A copy of your travel insurance and any necessary travel documents. 
  • Your Cruise Travel Companion, easily accessible should you need to reference it. 
  • 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, by removing or adding items throughout the day.  
  • Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is fine both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer months, bring lightweight clothing that can be layered. For early spring and late fall departures, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and pants are perfectly suitable. 
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore.  
  • A lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably a hooded one) for all seasons, and a heavier weight jacket for colder temperatures and destinations.  
  • Evening wear: Resort-type wear is perfectly suitable. Men may want to bring a sport jacket for dressier 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.  

Laundry Services Onboard 

A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer, and iron is available for your use while aboard the ship. The ship also provides washing, drying, and ironing services for a fee. There are no dry-cleaning facilities. 

Electrical Currency on European Ships 

Electrical current is 220V, the European standard. To accommodate guests’ needs, each stateroom or suite has one 110V outlet.  

Using a Hair Dryer Onboard 

Every stateroom or suite bathroom is stocked with a hair dryer, bath and body products, and a luxurious bathrobe for each guest. 

Air Conditioning  

Every stateroom and suite has an individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat.  

Connecting to the Internet & Wi-Fi 

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.  

From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests. All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily schedule. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local expert.  

Masterpiece Collection (Additional, Optional Experiences) 

Uniworld’s curated Masterpiece Collection of optional excursions go above and beyond the included experiences and are available for an additional charge. 

We highly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad. 

Spa Treatments & Massages While Cruising* 

Spa treatments and massage services are available onboard the ship. 

Special Dietary Needs 

Please notify GET or Uniworld if you have special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be considered while traveling. Uniworld staff will do their best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but GET cannot guarantee that requests can be met in all cases.  

Mobility Concerns 

Passengers must advise GET at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation.  

Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships, nor can they provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eyeglasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature. Please note, embarkation/disembarkation facilities may not be navigable using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or the like. As well, excursions often include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, or stairs. 

Traveling with Medications 

In accordance with international laws, no over-the-counter medications are available on Uniworld ships. Pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Click the link to learn more about traveling with medications 

*Available on select ships. Additional fee for spa services.  

Gratuities for all onboard personnel including the ship staff, crew, and Cruise Manager, are included during your cruise. 

Local Specialists & Coach Drivers 

It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity of €1-2 (Euro) per person per half day.

Your GET Wishlist

{{ tour.title }}
{{ tour.duration }} Days from {{ tour.displayPrice }}

Find Your Perfect Destination

Italy
50 tours from $1,125
Britain & Ireland
46 tours from $1,395
Spain & Portugal
30 tours from $1,395
France
23 tours from $2,385
Greece
12 tours from $1,913
United States
54 tours from $1,575
Australia
9 tours from $3,948
Africa
11 tours from $3,112
Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Review date: Sunday, December 24, 2023
Service
Very efficient in booking our cruise. Very fast, done with professional attitude and knowledge.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you so much, and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Vacation
Very accommodating, professional staff. A wonderful experience.
See More Reviews
Dates & Prices Back to Top