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Indulge in all of the classic delights of a European Christmas with unique Belgian charm.
There’s no more magical way to enjoy the festive season than with a visit to a Christmas market. The holiday season in Belgium is something truly special. Not only will each city have its own quintessential Christmas setup, with rows of stalls offering handcrafted gifts and delicious wintertime treats, but they’ll also surround these markets with enchanting festivals, ice skating rinks, elaborate light displays, Ferris wheels and more characterize the holiday season in towns across Belgium.
Belgium is a small country bursting with cultural impact and well worthy of being the highlight of any European trip. Chocolates, chips, specialty spirits and beers are amongst the many things this area is known for doing well, and you’ll get to experience it all during Belgium’s most festive time of the year.
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 Uniworld 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 Excursions
On our way into the city center, we’ll take you on a panoramic tour of the major sightseeing spots in Brussels, such as the Royal Residence, Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Pagoda. From there, we’ll set out on foot to see the city up close—and taste some iconic Belgian chocolates along the way! At one of the chocolatiers, Neuhaus Chocolate, you’ll learn about the benefits of sustainable chocolate practices. Neuhaus uses beans harvested from their own cacao farm, which means they can ensure their chocolate is of both of a superior quality and produced by fair labor.
This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; and Global Goal 15: Life on Land.
As far north as Brussels, night falls early during this time of year—which means we have the good fortune to be able to catch the Christmas market light up for the evening. Our driver will drop you right off at the city center, where a guide will walk you to the market to explore on your own. The largest in Belgium, Brussels’ market has over 200 stalls. Perhaps you’d like to enjoy the city’s most famous sweet holiday-style, with a delicious cup of hot chocolate from one of the market’s many vendors.
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.
Feature Excursions
Since cars are completely banned in Ghent’s historic center, it’s a particularly pedestrian-friendly area. Stroll with your guide from the Church of Saint James, with its two Romanesque towers, to the Friday Market square, which, as its name suggests, was the site of a huge market every Friday in the Middle Ages. You’ll pass the magnificent 15th-century Great Butchers’ Hall and the elegant medieval trading houses that line Graslei and Korenlei streets. Your last stop is the Belfort, the great bell tower that rises above the Old Town.
You’ll have time to explore Ghent’s winter festival, complete with well over a hundred Christmas market stalls following your tour. Breathe in the wintry smell of pine that distinguishes this town’s holiday festivities.
Please note: the Christmas market in Ghent will not be available on the November 25 and December 2 departures of this itinerary.
OR
Walk through the UNESCO-designated city center of Bruges with a local guide to see why this lovely city is a popular favorite of visitors to Belgium. The town grew up around a fort built by the first Count of Flanders to defend against Viking invaders. By the 14th century, Bruges had become the center of the international cloth trade. Merchants and traders worldwide came to Bruges for Flemish cloth, and the town’s bounty of beautiful churches and mansions testify to its prosperity. It’s even more wonderful in the wintertime, when the crowds of tourists have dwindled and locals decorate the city in festive fashion. Christmas trees, twinkling lights and the sweet scent of holiday treats fill the streets.
Your guide will bring the tour to a close at the wonderful Christmas market of Bruges, which you’ll have some free time to explore before returning to the ship.
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 easygoing, 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 Winterland is truly something to behold, often boasting such attractions as an ice skating rink, a carousel, a small roller coaster and more. It’s not short on the classic holiday market staples either, with plenty of vendors selling seasonal food and drinks, Christmas decorations and other crafts. We’ll visit in the evening, when the whole affair is splendidly lit.
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
The only German Christmas market we’ll visit on this itinerary, Aachen’s market has frequently been named among the best in Europe. The area surrounding the Aachen Cathedral turns into a bustling Christmas village every year, known foremost for its local take on gingerbread. Aachen Printen, as it is known, has many varieties, so make sure to try as much as you can during your time here!
Here’s your chance to experience something utterly unique: the underground Christmas market of Valkenburg. Cozy stalls and twinkling lights line the stone walls of this enchanting cave, where you can shop for classic holiday gifts and treats while escaping the weather. And if you venture outside, you’ll find even more Christmas spirit spreading out from the cave across the entire festively-decked town.
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
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 Excursions
Once named the World Book Capital by UNESCO, Antwerp has a dedicated relationship with literature. The Nottebohm Room of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library illustrates this well. Walk in to see two open stories of wooden bookshelves, filled to the brim with leather bound volumes. A wrought metal balustrade bisects the two, giving librarians access to the incredible collection of rare items inside. Some particularly exciting members of this collection are accessible to you on the ground floor, including an iconic pair of globes by Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu.
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Belgium is a beer lover’s dream, where a wide variety of brewing styles and tastes offers a seemingly endless selection of unique beers to explore for every palate. Get a crash course on some outstanding local brews today during a tasting in Antwerp.
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.
Joining Uniworld’s fleet in 2024, the S.S. Victoria, sister ship to the S.S. Elisabeth, exudes contemporary style with luxe velvet and marble accents, while original artwork adds a touch of Uniworld’s signature boutique style.
The S.S. Victoria has the largest suites on the rivers of Europe, boasting two Royal Suites that offer an incredible 506 square feet each. Guests can even reserve the adjoining standard Suite next door to create a 759 square foot suite with two bedrooms connected by a separate living room. All the Suites and Signature French Balconies offer abundant space—much higher than standard—with ultra-comfortable, water-facing beds dressed in Uniworld’s fine custom linens.
The rest of the ship is equally stunning, featuring a relaxing pool, gym, and massage room. Guests can dine at their choice of three venues: a main dining room, a private venue for smaller groups, and even a sundeck bar.
All staterooms have Open-Air Balconies that, with the touch of a button, will lower the glass halfway to create a balcony-like effect. Adjoining staterooms are available; please inquire at the time of booking. While the S.S. Victoria is a beautiful and luxurious ship, its amenities may differ slightly from those of a Uniworld-company-owned ship.
Optional, 759 ft², 2 bedroom configuration available when combined with inter-connecting Suite.
Stateroom no 202 is slightly smaller at 237ft²
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.
Carrying no more than 130 passengers, this intimate ship is a wonderful place to savor the scenery, dine on exquisite cuisine, and relax with friends over drinks in the Salon Bar and other richly appointed public areas.
The signature touches for which Uniworld has become known-inspiring original hand-selected art, classic furnishings, old world antiques, marble, and clever use of mirrors can be found in the various public areas along with different hues of green, brown, beige, and gold adorning the walls and floors throughout.
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® of England beds draped in 100% Egyptian cotton linens and a menu of pillow choices.
After one night in your magnificent riverview stateroom, you’ll understand why sailing with Uniworld is truly the best way to see the world. Rated Top Cabins by Zagat Survey®, your elegantly appointed boutique stateroom comes standard with Uniworld – as does the ever-changing breathtaking river scenery.
Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
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Nov 25 | SS Victoria | Brussels | £4099 | Cabin Upgrades |
French Balcony | Middle Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4099 | ||
Deluxe French Balcony | Upper Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4799 | ||
Signature French Balcony | Middle Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5799 | ||
Suite | Upper Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £6599 | ||
Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 506ft², French Balcony | Sold |
Dec 2 | SS Victoria | Brussels | £4799 | Cabin Upgrades |
French Balcony | Middle Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | Sold | ||
Deluxe French Balcony | Upper Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4799 | ||
Signature French Balcony | Middle Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5799 | ||
Suite | Upper Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £6599 | ||
Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 506ft², French Balcony | Sold |
Dec 9 | SS Victoria | Brussels | £4099 | Cabin Upgrades |
French Balcony | Middle Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4099 | ||
Deluxe French Balcony | Upper Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4799 | ||
Signature French Balcony | Middle Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5799 | ||
Suite | Upper Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £6599 | ||
Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 506ft², French Balcony | £13499 |
Dec 16 | SS Victoria | Brussels | £3799 | Cabin Upgrades |
French Balcony | Middle Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £3799 | ||
Deluxe French Balcony | Upper Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4499 | ||
Signature French Balcony | Middle Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5499 | ||
Suite | Upper Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £6299 | ||
Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 506ft², French Balcony | £13199 |
Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
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Dec 2 | SS Victoria | Brussels | £3689 | SAVE 10% | Cabin Upgrades |
French Balcony | Middle Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £3689 | Was £4099 | |
Deluxe French Balcony | Upper Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4319 | Was £4799 | |
Signature French Balcony | Middle Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5129 | Was £5699 | |
Suite | Upper Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5849 | Was £6499 | |
Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 506ft², French Balcony | £10619 | Was £11799 |
Dec 9 | SS Victoria | Brussels | £3689 | SAVE 10% | Cabin Upgrades |
French Balcony | Middle Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £3689 | Was £4099 | |
Deluxe French Balcony | Upper Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4319 | Was £4799 | |
Signature French Balcony | Middle Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5129 | Was £5699 | |
Suite | Upper Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5849 | Was £6499 | |
Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 506ft², French Balcony | £10619 | Was £11799 |
Dec 16 | SS Victoria | Brussels | £3329 | SAVE 10% | Cabin Upgrades |
French Balcony | Middle Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £3329 | Was £3699 | |
Deluxe French Balcony | Upper Deck | 188ft², French Balcony | £4049 | Was £4499 | |
Signature French Balcony | Middle Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £4769 | Was £5299 | |
Suite | Upper Deck | 253ft², French Balcony | £5489 | Was £6099 | |
Royal Suite | Upper Deck | 506ft², French Balcony | £10349 | Was £11499 |
A – No Supplement for Sole Occupancy