There’s still time to experience Europe’s Christmas markets this year, and this last-minute Uniworld sailing offers an incredible opportunity to do it in luxury.

Uniworld River Duchess
November 25 – December 2, 2026
Basel, Switzerland → Cologne, Germany
8 Days | 3 Countries

Originally $9,898 | SAVE $2,474

This isn’t about finding the cheapest way to see Europe’s Christmas markets. It’s about experiencing a luxury, highly inclusive river cruise at an exceptional last-minute value.

Picture historic European squares filled with wooden market stalls, thousands of twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread and roasted nuts, mugs of glühwein and centuries-old holiday traditions.

Now imagine experiencing it all while unpacking just once aboard a luxury river ship.

I’ve personally visited Strasbourg and Cologne during Christmas market season, and they are incredible. Strasbourg feels like the entire city transforms for Christmas, while Cologne’s markets beneath its massive Gothic cathedral are unforgettable.

DAY 1 | BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Board River Duchess and settle in for your luxury journey along the Rhine.

DAY 2 | BASEL
Explore Basel’s historic Old Town and festive Christmas markets before the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

DAY 3 | STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Experience the famous “Capital of Christmas,” its storybook streets and spectacular markets, including an evening Christmas market experience.

DAY 4 | MANNHEIM & BADEN-BADEN, GERMANY
Choose from experiences including elegant Baden-Baden and its Christmas market or a unique visit to the Doktorenhof vinegar estate.

DAY 5 | MAINZ & RÜDESHEIM
Discover historic Mainz before continuing to charming Rüdesheim for cobblestone streets, local wine and festive holiday markets.

DAY 6 | ROMANTIC RHINE & KOBLENZ
Cruise the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine past castles and storybook villages before exploring Koblenz and its Christmas markets.

DAY 7 | COLOGNE
Explore Cologne’s Old Town, magnificent cathedral and incredible Christmas markets, including an evening market experience.

DAY 8 | COLOGNE
Enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking.

Uniworld offers a luxury, highly inclusive style of river cruising, where so much of your vacation is already included in the fare.

• Unlimited premium wines and spirits
• All onboard dining
• Onboard gratuities
• Multiple included shore excursions
• Wi-Fi
• Airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days
• Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
• Onboard entertainment and enrichment
• Personalized service aboard an intimate boutique river ship

When comparing river cruises, it’s important to look beyond the initial cruise fare. With Uniworld, many of the things you may pay extra for elsewhere are already included.

Uniworld Rhine Holiday Markets
November 25 – December 2, 2026
Basel → Cologne
River Duchess

Originally $9,898

That’s just $3,712 per person for an 8-day luxury, highly inclusive European river cruise during Christmas market season.

Spend your days wandering Christmas markets, exploring historic cities and sailing past castles along the Rhine. Then return to River Duchess for dinner and a glass of wine before waking up somewhere new the next morning. If a European Christmas market trip has been sitting on your bucket list, you don’t have to wait until next year.

Complete the form below and Travel with a Flair will send you the full itinerary, current availability and booking information.

Last-minute pricing and availability are subject to change until your reservation is confirmed.