UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES - CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS

7 Night Cruise sailing from Nuremberg to Frankfurt aboard River Queen.

Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany, the land where many Christmas traditions began

Germany, the origin of many beloved holiday traditions, is a truly special place to experience the magic of Christmas. Explore some of the country and world's most celebrated Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Wu¨rzburg, Wertheim, and Frankfurt. Be treated to a winter wonderland of stocking stuffers and sweet treats.

Sail in true holiday style along the peaceful Main River, stopping to marvel at Medieval villages and majestic stone castles. The merrymaking continues as you stroll through cobblestone streets dusted in snow. Mouth-watering aromas surround the festive stalls at the Christmas markets; shops and bakeries are laden with gingerbread, biscuits, and speciality cakes. Cozy up to a steaming mug of glu¨hwein (hot spiced wine) or indulge in some of the region's famous Franconian sausage.

Everywhere you turn, you will find cities decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees, bells pealing from cathedral towers, and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols. With sights straight out of a classic Christmas tale, this is sure to be one of the most memorable holiday trips you will ever take.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those wanting to experience the quintessential magic of the holidays while shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures and discovering the legends behind some of our most popular holiday traditions.

DAY 1: Nuremberg (embark)
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DAY 2: Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour and Christmas Market
During the Middle Ages, Nuremberg was the preferred residence of German emperors, as you will discover on your guided excursion. Visit Kaiserburg Castle, which rises high above the city and has housed every emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Your walking tour continues along cobblestone streets to one of the most famous examples of 14th-century German ironwork, the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) in Hauptmarkt (Market Square). Finish the day shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts at the festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany. In this fine Medieval setting, you can enjoy authentic Nuremberg gingerbread and bratwurst. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Gala)

DAY 3: Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg Nativity walk and Christmas Market
One of the few cities not destroyed during the WWII bombings of Germany, Bamberg is a city built on seven hills. Wander through the half-timbered fishing village of Klein-Venedig, known as "Little Venice," and past the curious narrow alleyways that line Old Town. Continue to the scenic Bamberg Cathedral and New Residence. The guided tour also includes visits to Nativity scenes throughout the city and time to explore the treasures waiting in the local Christmas Market. While enjoying the market, be sure to sample what Bamberg is world-famous for: rauchbier (smoked beer). (BB, L, D)

DAY 4: Würzburg (Rothenburg)
Featured Excursion: Rothenburg walking tour and Christmas Market
The ship will dock in Wu¨rzburg, where a motorcoach will take you to Rothenburg. Travel along parts of the "Romantic Road" on your way to Germany's best-preserved walled city, Rothenburg, with its timber-frame houses topped with picturesque red tile roofs. Your exploration of this fairytale gem gives you a glimpse at the way life was lived during the Middle Ages, as it is home to some of the best-preserved Medieval buildings in Europe. You will conclude your visit at one of Germany's oldest and most celebrated Christmas Markets, Reiterlesmarkt. You will also want to visit Kathe Wohlfahrt's original Christmas shop. This famous location also features a delightful museum that displays vintage toys from as early as the 17th century. (BB, D)

DAY 5: Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz and Christmas Market
Visit the opulent Würzburg Residenz, one of the most extraordinary Baroque palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 300-room palace took nearly 60 years to complete and contains the world's largest ceiling fresco, created by Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, as well as what is often described as the most beautiful staircase in the world. Your visit here will give you a true sense of the history of this region through the European Renaissance. Afterward, visit the town's 200-year-old Christmas Market for one-of-a-kind presents and souvenirs. (BB, L, D)

DAY 6: Wertheim
Featured Excursion: Wertheim walking tour and meet the children of Wertheim
Join your local guide for a walk through the picturesque town of Wertheim, where you can look across the Main River to Bavaria before continuing to the Spitzer Turm (Pointed Tower). Built in the 13th century and once a former prison for drunkards and feuding women, the Tower's structure now leans to one side after withstanding over 800 years of flooding. Stop in the historic Wertheim Market square, lined with half-timbered buildings and shops selling artisan glassworks and Franconian wines in round bottles. Back onboard the ship, enjoy festive carols by some of Wertheim's children, and later listen to a piano recital. (BB, L, D)

DAY 7: Frankfurt
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour and Christmas Market
On the last full day of your journey, enjoy a panoramic drive amid the high-rises of "Mainhattan." Cross the Main River for a photo opportunity in Frankfurt before returning to view the New Opera House, Hauptwache Plaza, and Zeil shopping district. Continue past the Stock Exchange, Goethe Place, Goethe University, and the Palmengarten (botanical garden). The walking portion of your tour begins at Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church), where you can explore the neighboring Old World buildings and finish your Christmas shopping in Römer Square before returning to the ship. On Römerberg Square, Paulsplatz, and Mainkai quay, 200 stalls offer arts, crafts, and seasonal food and drink. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)

DAY 8: Frankfurt (disembark)

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