Belgium Christmas Market River Cruise
There’s no more magical way to enjoy the holiday season than with a visit to a Christmas market. And on an all-inclusive, luxury river cruise, you can wander the stalls of many such markets in one trip, encountering the delights of each city’s unique rendition along the way.
Bordered by the bigger tourism magnets France, Germany and the Netherlands, Belgium is a small country bursting with cultural impact and well worthy of being the highlight of any European trip—whether it’s your first time on the continent or your tenth. Chocolates, french fries, specialty spirits and beers are amongst the many things this stretch of the Earth is known for doing well, and you’ll get to experience it all during Belgium’s most festive time of the year.
Visit Christmas towns unlike any other in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands—such as Brussels, Bruges and Aachen, where the markets are often named amongst the best in Europe. Discover why as you sip vin chaud and the world’s most delicious cups of hot chocolate between bites of warm liege waffles and spiced gingerbread.
This 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the imperial River Empress includes: Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
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
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
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
DAY 1: Brussels (Embark)
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 representative and transferred to the ship.
DAY 2: Brussels
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 Excursion: Brussels Walking Tour with Christmas Market and Chocolate Tasting
DAY 3: Ghent
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 Christmas Market or Bruges Christmas Market
DAY 4: Hasselt
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 easy going, 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 Excursion: Hasselt Walking Tour with Christmas Market
DAY 5: Maastricht
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| Maastricht Christmas Market
DAY 6: Antwerp
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 Excursion: Antwerp Walking Tour with Christmas Market
DAY 7: Antwerp
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.
Featured Excursion: Antwerp City Day
DAY 8: Brussels (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 Brussels Airport for your flight home.
Book now for this magical cruise through Belgium! Shop to your hearts content and taste delicious Christmas treats!
4 Departures only for the 2023 Christmas season!
- Saturday 25 November
- Saturday 2 December
- Saturday 9 December
- Saturday 16 December
4 Departures only for the 2024 Christmas season!
- Monday 25 November
- Monday 2 December
- Monday 9 December
- Monday 16 December
Book by 30 April 2023 and save $1000 per person on the below pricing:
- Classic Stateroom from $4,699 pp twin share / $6,904 pp sole use
- Deluxe Stateroom from $5,599 pp twin share / $8,254 pp sole use
- French Balcony from $6,499 pp twin share / $9,604 pp sole use
- Suite from $10,299 pp twin share / $20,308 pp sole use
Call today & learn more about this magical Christmas Cruise - 1300 414 198.Our team are here to book all elements of your next European holiday.
NOTE: all prices correct at the time of publishing, prices are subject to availability and change at the time of booking.
The cosmopolitan style of River Empress, with its rich jewel tones and vibrant atmosphere, is certain to captivate you. Whether you’re dining in the ship’s sleek restaurant—reminiscent of a New York jazz and supper club—or relaxing over a cup of tea on the Sun Deck as you gaze out at the 360-degree view, there is no better or more relaxing way to travel through the scenic heartland of Europe.
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
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