Enchanting Christmas & New Year's

From $6,399 per person

11 days

Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa

Enchanting Christmas & New Year's
UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Journey Summary

  • Day 1 - Passau (Embark)
  • Day 2 - Passau
  • Day 3 - Linz (Salzburg)
  • Day 4 - Grein
  • Day 5 - Melk, Cruising the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein
  • Day 6 - Vienna
  • Day 7 - Vienna
  • Day 8 - Bratislava
  • Day 9 - Budapest
  • Day 10 - Budapest
  • Day 11 - Budapest (Disembark)

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Passau (Embark)

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

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 expert shows you the highlights of this delightful and accessible town located at the confluence of three rivers— the Danube, Inn, and Ilz.

Day 3

Linz (Salzburg)

Your ship docks in Linz today. From there, you’ll travel to the alpine city of Salzburg for a delightful full-day excursion. Mozart’s birthplace, Salzburg, is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Fans of “The Sound of Music” may recognize locations from the Oscar-winning film in the city’s Old Town, the site of a grand cathedral and a wonderful Christmas Market..

Day 4

Grein

On today's agenda—a walk through charming Grein and a peek inside Austria’s oldest theater.

Day 5

Melk, Cruising the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein

Melk Abbey has an unexpectedly opulent library filled not only with rare and precious books but also secret doors and optical illusions. After your visit, cruise the Wachau Valley to the tiny village of Dürnstein, where you can browse the shops selling apricot schnapps, hike up to the ruins of a castle, taste mulled wine, and attend an organ concert at a local church. 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.

Day 6

Vienna

Renowned for its art and architecture, its classical music, its decadent pastries, and its lengthy list of famous former residents, the refined city of Vienna is a cultural treasure trove. Experience the city with your choice of tours, followed by an evening concert of Mozart and Strauss, performed at a 12th-century monastery.

Day 7

Vienna

A day of free time to explore Vienna at your leisure awaits. Maybe the Viennese love for music, food, drink, and stunning architecture will compel you to visit one of the many pubs, coffeehouses, wine taverns, art museums, and sprawling palaces.

Day 8

Bratislava

Once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” Slovakia retains an air of mystery and intrigue, and its small capital city has an unexpectedly colorful history. You’ll learn more about Bratislava’s past from a local expert, then have free time to check out the whimsical street art and sample delicious delicacies found only in Slovakia.

Day 9

Budapest

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Get a taste of this dynamic capital city during today's tour. This evening, celebrate the new year with a special dinner, then join us in the lounge after for a festive night of music and dancing.

Day 10

Budapest

Start off the New Year on a high note with an excursion to a village of talented artisans and craftspeople who live and create beautiful things together. The village is also home to two museums you’re welcome to visit—one devoted to lovely ceramics and the other to the art of marzipan.

Day 11

Budapest (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 Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home.

Dates and Prices

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Available dates:

Dec 23, 2025

Ship

Your cruise ship

S.S. Maria Theresa
UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises
About this ship

S.S. Maria Theresa

Sail aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa, an elegant five-star river vessel inspired by Europe's grandest palaces. This intimate ship offers a boutique level of luxury, carrying up to 150 guests with style and ease. Each detail reflects imperial charm, from the historic artwork gracing its walls to the sparkling Murano glass chandelier in the lobby.

This floating masterpiece combines old-world charm with modern comforts, offering an unforgettable journey through Europe’s most picturesque rivers. Relaxed elegance awaits.

  • <strong>Accommodations:</strong> Relax in one of 75 beautifully designed cabins, including butler-served suites. Open-air balconies let you savor the passing scenery.
  • <strong>Culinary Delights:</strong> Savor exquisite meals inspired by local flavors at the Baroque Restaurant or enjoy a cozy treat at the Viennese Café.
  • <strong>Amenities:</strong> Unwind in the Serenity River Spa, take a dip in the heated pool, or catch a film in the Lipizzan Cinema.

Deckplans

consultation

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