Grand Christmas and New Years Cruise (Nuremberg to Budapest)

A 14-Day Uniworld River Cruises tour starting from $3,399

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Starting Price: $3,399 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 14 Days
Countries Visited: Austria, Germany, Hungary
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  • Single Supplement Savings
  • Young travelers SAVE 50% on select itineraries
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Category:
Tour Operator: Uniworld River Cruises
Tour Code: UNI247-232
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Let this holiday season be an unforgettable one. Celebrate Christmas in Regensburg, one of the loveliest Medieval towns in Europe, where you will have time to attend Christmas Mass in one of Regensburg's magnificent churches, followed by a grand celebration onboard your ship. Learn how the tradition of glassblowing has remained basically unchanged since the glassblower's pipe was invented some 2,000 years ago, and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Bavarian Forest. We have arranged for a private cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle with Princess Anita von Hohenberg, a descendant of the royal Habsburgs. You'll also welcome the New Year at an exclusive gala dinner and dance in the magnificent Viennese Palais Pallavicini, which traditionally hosts official Austrian receptions for monarchs and heads of state! While here, you'll be treated to a festive dinner and a private concert, at which you can even waltz to the famous tunes of Strauss and Mozart-all in the stylish and elegant ambience of this historic salon. Three captivating countries and one enchanting river will provide the perfect backdrop for celebrating the holidays in grand style.

 
 •  12-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the beautiful River Countess
 •  All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
 •  Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
 •  10 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
 •  State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
 •  Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
 •  Exclusive New Year's Gala Dinner Dance at Palais Pallavicini in Vienna
 •  Captivating onboard local entertainment
 •  Signature lecture: “Heaven on Earth-The Worldly Pleasures of Baroque”
 •  An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
 •  All transfers on arrival and departure days (Please see transfer guidelines in the Terms and Conditions)

 

 •  12-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the beautiful River Countess
 •  All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
 •  Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas
 •  10 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
 •  State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
 •  Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
 •  Exclusive New Year's Gala Dinner Dance at Palais Pallavicini in Vienna
 •  Captivating onboard local entertainment
 •  Signature lecture: “Heaven on Earth-The Worldly Pleasures of Baroque”
 •  An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
 •  All transfers on arrival and departure days (Please see transfer guidelines in the Terms and Conditions)
 
Day 1: Depart home gateway city to Nuremberg


Day 2: Nuremberg
Arrive at Nuremberg Airport where you'll be transferred to the ship. (D)

Day 3: Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour and Christmas Market
Discover Nuremberg, an archetypal German Medieval city, on your panoramic city tour. Your tour takes you past the mighty ancient walls with 80 towers that enclose the historic city center. You'll stop at the Medieval Kaiserburg Castle and then walk through the lively old quarter with its well-preserved traditional half-timbered houses. You'll visit Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt, Germany's oldest and best-known Christmas Market with over 200 stalls filled with signature toys and tasty seasonal treats. While at the market, you'll certainly want to sample the lebkuchen, or gingerbread, since Nuremberg is the “Gingerbread Capital of the World.” (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)

Day 4: Cruising the Main-Danube Canal
Spend a leisurely day onboard your floating hotel as you cruise along the Main River and through the remarkable 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal to the Danube River. This canal is a marvel of modern engineering, and was completed in 1992 to allow travel from the North Sea all the way to the Black Sea. It stretches from Bamberg on the Main River all the way to Kelheim on the Danube River, and includes 16 locks that rise to a height of 1,330 feet, making it the highest point of any commercial waterway in Europe. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour
In the morning, you can attend Christmas Mass in one of Regensburg's lovely churches, and then during the afternoon, you'll be taken on a walking tour of this unspoiled gem of a city. Starting at the Cathedral of St. Peter, you'll be taken past the Gothic Town Hall, the 12th-century Stone Bridge, and Old Town. Invigorated by the stroll through this winter wonderland, you'll return to the ship for a warm and festive Christmas meal, complete with all the holiday trimmings. (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Deggendorf (Theresienthal)
Featured Excursion: Bavarian forest horse-drawn sleigh ride, and a visit to a glass museum and workshop in Theresienthal
After a scenic drive through the Nature Reserve of the Bavarian Forest, marvel at the amazing glass collection exhibited in the Theresienthal Glass Museum. Experience the art of glass-making first hand during a visit to a nearby glass workshop and follow the glass from the oven to the cooling station while learning about the extraordinary history of Theresienthal. Cap the day off with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Bavarian Forest. (BB, L, D)

Day 7: Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour
The beautiful city of Passau is enchanting. Situated at the confluence of three rivers, Passau's wealth through trade is reflected in its Medieval merchants' houses. On your Passau waking tour, you'll see the treasures of Old Town with its Italian Baroque buildings erected after the big fire of 1662 and its ornate cathedral. (BB, L, D)

Day 8: Linz (Salzburg)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Salzburg including a walking tour
Visit UNESCO World Heritage-designated Old Town Salzburg, and view historical gems from the 17th-century cathedral to Mozart's birth house to the famous Getreidegasse. (BB, D)

Day 9: Dürnstein
Featured Excursion: Exclusive cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle with Princess Anita von Hohenberg
Explore charming Dürnstein at your leisure in the morning. Later in the day, you are invited to an exclusive cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle with Princess Anita von Hohenberg, a descendant of the royal Habsburgs. (BB, L, D)

Day 10: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour
Capture Vienna's imperial history during your city tour. After your panoramic ride along the stately Ringstrasse, stroll through the Hofburg grounds to the beloved St. Stephen's Cathedral. Then visit the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. (BB, L, D)

Day 11: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Schönbrunn Palace, and exclusive New Year's Gala Dinner and Dance at Palais Pallavicini
This morning, you'll visit Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning former Habsburg summer residence. This will certainly put you in a regal mood for evening festivities designed exclusively for Uniworld guests! Celebrate the New Year in grand style, in the magnificent Palais Pallavicini, which hosted performances by Mozart, Beethoven, and Salieri. The exquisite dècor will leave you speechless. You'll delight in a festive dinner, along with a private concert, and then dance to famous Strauss and Mozart tunes. (BB, L, D)

Day 12: Cruising the Danube, Budapest
Spend a full day cruising the enchanting Danube. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)

Day 13: Budapest
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tour
Your city tour features the famous 19th-century Chain Bridge, the first bridge to connect Buda with Pest. Continue on a panoramic drive and marvel at the Great Synagogue, Hungarian National Museum, Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the stunning Parliament Building. Visit the UNESCOlisted Castle Hill district, St. Matthias Church, and the 19th-century Fisherman's Bastion. (BB, L, D)

Day 14: Depart Budapest
Disembark the ship and transfer to Budapest Ferihegy International Airport for your flight home.

 

Don't miss our current specials:

         
Touring Date
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Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
12/21/2010 - 1/4/2011
$3,399
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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

River Countess

2010 Condé Nast Travel Readers' Poll Best Small Ship.

Entered service in 2003; Refurbished in 2007; 361’ x 37.5’; 67 cabins; 134-passenger capacity; European officers and crew; 7- to 21-night cruises in Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.

Facilities onboard River Countess:

  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the Rhine Deck have French balconies*. Other amentities include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
  • The suites have extra amenities and services including: slippers; coffe machine; bottle of wine upon arrival; fruit and cookie plate; morning coffee, and shoe shine
    Additional for 2010:  Free laundry services and daily newspaper
  • Beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service bar, cozy Captain's lounge and library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, sky lounge, fitness room, sauna, massage treatments, gift boutique, guest laundry, and ironing facilities, and elevator
  • Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
  • 24-hour reception service
  • Wireless Internet access in public areas

 

River Countess

Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image

Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom
Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom

Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom

Catrgory 1- 5 Staterooms: Approximately 151 sq ft

Lavishly Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites: have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the RHine Deck have rench balconies. Other amenites include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes


Suite
Suite

Suite

Suite: approximately 214 sq ft

  • Lavishly Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites: have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the RHine Deck have rench balconies. Other amenites include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
  • The suites have extra amenities and service including: slippers; coffee machine; bottle of wine upon arrival; fruit and cookie plate; TV with DVD player; a refrigerator; and morning coffee, shoe shine, and free laundry services
  • Beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service dar, cozy Captain's lounge and library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, sky lounge, fittness room, sauna, massage treatments, gift boutique, guest laundry and ironing facilities, and elevator
  • Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
  • 24-hour reception service
  • Wireless Internet access in public areas

 


Ship Facts:

  • Inagurated: 2003
  • Refurbished: 2007
  • Length: 361 ft (110 m)
  • Width: 37.5 ft (11.40 m)
  • Decks: 4
  • Staterooms: 67
  • Passenger Capacity: 134
  • Voltage: 220v
  • Onboard Currency: Euro

Ship Amenities:

  • Cabin Size: Approximately 151 sq. ft.
    Suites: 4; Suite Size: Approximately 214 sq. ft.
  • Window Size: Moselle Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 1.4 ft. (0.43 m.)
    Main Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 2.6 ft. (0.78 m.)
    Danube Deck = 6.4 ft. (1.94 m.) x 3 ft. (0.93 m.)
    Rhine Deck = Twice 3 ft. (0.90 m.) x 5.8 ft. (1.78 m.)
  • Elevator: Yes
  • Restaurant: Open seating
  • Library: Yes
  • Laundry Service: Available; Launderette: Yes; Ironing Facilities: Yes
  • Gymnasium: Yes
  • Sauna: Dry sauna, steam bath

The price of your cruise includes:

  • Intimate, boutique hotel-style cruise ships with an average capacity of 134 guests
  • Luxurious riverview staterooms appointed with hotel-style beds draped in 100% Egyptian cotton linens, cashmere/wool blankets, and European-style comforters. Plus, bathrooms stocked with plush robes, thick towels from Christie’s of Manchester, and L’Occitane body products.
  • A world-class, award-winning all English-speaking attentive staff with a ratio of one staff member to every three guests Guest service satisfaction rates of over 98%
  • Unlike most of our competition all meals are prepared fresh daily using only the finest ingredients from the local ports of call
  • Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner, bottled water in staterooms, and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas on board Uniworld’s company-owned ships in Europe
  • Evening al fresco dining on the sun deck
  • Captivating shore excursions fully hosted by English-speaking local guides who use state-of-the-art Quietvox portable headset systems to enhance guests’ sightseeing experience
  • Complimentary use of bicycles on company-owned ships
  • Exciting onboard local entertainment and insightful lectures
  • Epicurean Adventurer Program on nine itineraries in which guests enjoy a host of culinary delights including private wine tastings, special wine and food pairing dinner, cooking demonstrations, and unique onshore excursions
  • All transfers on arrival and departure days*
  • All riverview staterooms and suites are serviced twice-a-day
A wonderful dining experience calls for a few special ingredients:
  • Inviting ambiance of an elegant restaurant with a beautiful scenic backdrop
  • A professionally-trained culinary staff who stands ready to fulfill your requests including providing recommendations from our wine list planned by our award winning European sommelier
  • Gourmet cuisine prepared fresh daily with the finest ingredients, often brought onboard from local markets
  • International chefs from London’s five-star Meridian Piccadilly and Relais & Châteaux Hotels
  • Al fresco evening dining on the beautiful open-air sun deck
  • Open seating for all dining occasions
Menus change daily and reflect the best of the region and season:
  • Breakfast
    Full buffet breakfast, including made-to-order omelets, pancakes, Belgian waffles, French toast, bacon and sausages to lighter fare – cereals, an assortment of homemade breads, pastries, fresh fruits and juices, fine teas and French Press coffee from organic pure Arabica coffee beans.
  • Lunch
    Fresh salads, seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, homemade soups and bread, hearty sandwiches and delectable sweets
  • Dinner
    Gourmet entrees from homemade ravioli to filet mignon accompanied by complimentary fine wine, beer, soft drinks, and divine desserts*

*Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are offered on Europe cruises only. Dining choices may vary on cruises in Egypt and China.

Gracious and accommodating, your all English-speaking staff has been well-trained in the art of hospitality. This means getting to know you, understanding your individual preferences, sharing their insights into the destinations you visit and offering you those extra special luxuries that make your experience more personalized.

When you join Uniworld on a river cruise, expect to be well cared for, from port to port. With around the clock 24-hour reception service, whatever you need, day or night, we are here to assist. Here, "well trained" is not just a phrase, but our philosophy. It’s the spirit in which we go above and beyond to ensure your journey provides memories that will last a lifetime.
 

Save up to $900 per Couple on Select Holiday River Cruises

SAVE $900 per couple on select 2010 Holiday river cruises

Pay in full at time of booking by April 30, 2010 to SAVE up to $900 per couple ($450 per person) off cruise or cruise & air rates on suites or category 1 and 2 staterooms.

This offer is available on the following itineraries:

Rhine Holiday Markets (2010)

Danube Holiday Markets (2010)

Rhine & Main Holiday Markets (2010)

European Holiday Markets (2010)

SAVE $600 per couple on select 2010 Holiday river cruises

Pay in full at time of booking by April 30, 2010 to SAVE up to $600 per couple ($300 per person) off cruise or cruise & air rates on suites or category 3, 4, and 5 staterooms.

This offer is available on the following itineraries:

Rhine Holiday Markets (2010)

Danube Holiday Markets (2010)

Rhine & Main Holiday Markets (2010)

European Holiday Markets (2010)

Young Travelers Save 50% off

Young travelers (between ages of 4 – 18) SAVE 50% off cruise only when accompanied by an adult on select itineraries and departure dates.

Offer is available on the Paris & Normandy cruise as well as Castles Along the Rhine itinerary.

 
 

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