“Everything came off to perfection. Loved the tours and we loved the free time. Germany is beautiful and the Christmas markets are interesting.”
– Joseph R. (Rhine Holiday Markets)
Germany Out of a fairytale
With more castles than in any other European country, it’s not hard to find yourself enchanted with the turrets, towers, and intriguing histories of these romantic icons. And among this storybook setting, you’ll also find medieval villages ready to explore, cable cars offering sweeping views of the Rhine, wine and beer tastings, and the opportunity to hear locals share stories not published in guidebooks.
HIGHLIGHTS
Landmarks
Home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bamberg’s Old Town, Germany showcases a rich legacy of culture, architecture, and its historic role on the world stage. From the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral to the opulent Italian-designed Baroque and Rococo structures in Passau to Nuremberg’s WWII rally grounds, the past is always present in Germany.
Cuisine
German cuisine is a rich and hearty menu influenced by neighbors like Austria, France, and Poland. Join a master chef in a hands-on demonstration and learn how vinegar plays a role in German cooking. Meet one of Germany’s best pretzel makers and treat your taste buds to this beloved snack. Of course, when you think of pretzels, you think of beer. Discover how hops are turned into beer during a farm visit followed by a craft beer tasting in the cosy barn-turned-beer-hall.
Wines
Half of the world’s Riesling wines are produced in the Rhine Valley. One of our favorite vineyards, Castle Vollrads, has been growing this popular white wine here since 1211—on our Castles along the Rhine itinerary, you can join a local wine expert as you sip samples in various locations around the castle. Reds, rosés, and whites are also grown throughout the valley’s steep hillsides. Go for a hike through the vineyards of Kreuzwertheim and be rewarded with a glass of sparkling wine and wonderful views. And for a taste of Franconia, more samples await in the 15th century Würzburg Wine Cellar.
Landscapes
Witness Germany’s dazzling natural beauty and incomparable architectural feats with a Uniworld cruise that sails down the romantic Rhine, the serene Moselle, or the captivating Danube. Marvel at the dozens of castles that stand watch over the river and sail past the very vineyards from which we source the wines we serve onboard—particularly in the eye-catching Moselle, considered by many to be Germany’s best and most scenic wine region.
TRAVEL TIPS
When to go: We sail most of our German cruises between March and November for the best weather. Visit in the spring for fresh blooms and cooler temps, in the summer for sunshine and vibrant greenery, or in the fall for harvest season. In December, we offer Holiday Season cruises for guests to experience the crisp weather, seasonal traditions, and famous Christmas Markets of Germany, which typically run through the 23rd of December.
How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Spring
MAR–MAY
Avg. Temp. 45º F / 7º C
Summer
JUN–AUG
Avg. Temp. 60º F / 16º C
Autumn
SEP–NOV
Avg. Temp. 57º F / 14º C
Winter
DEC–FEB
Avg. Temp. 44º F / 6º C
Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET)
Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Official Language
German
Electricity
European 230V
Plug types C and F
What Our Guests Have to Say
An inside look at the Uniworld experience in Germany
Verified reviews by 
“Stunning views along the Rhine in a beautiful ship! I would highly recommend Uniworld to my friends and family!”
– Roubina Gourdikian (Castles along the Rhine)
“The scenery and villages were fabulous. We especially liked the section of the river where we cruised by many castles with a wonderful narrative by our Cruise Director Anthony.”
– Trusted Customer (Castles along the Rhine)
FEATURED CRUISES
Castles along the Rhine & Amsterdam
Basel to Amsterdam | 10 days
Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Emilie, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
From $7,549 per person
Enchanting Danube
Budapest to Passau | 8 days
The shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River flow for thousands of miles through the very heart of Europe, silent witness to centuries of artistic achievement and historical events. This...
Ships: S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.7/5 (1339 reviews)
From $6,399 per person
Castles along the Rhine
Basel to Arnhem | 8 days
Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Emilie, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.7/5 (2676 reviews)
From $6,299 per person
Delightful Danube & Prague
Budapest to Prague | 10 days
Experience dynamic Budapest, imperial Vienna, and exquisitely preserved Prague. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary
River: Danube
4.5/5 (822 reviews)
From $5,449 per person
Delightful Danube
Budapest to Regensburg | 8 days
Experience dynamic Budapest and imperial Vienna. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, ...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary
River: Danube
4.6/5 (193 reviews)
From $4,949 per person
Portraits of Eastern Europe
Prague to Bucharest | 19 days
Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious ...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
River: Danube
4.1/5 (86 reviews)
From $15,299 per person
Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland
Amsterdam to Basel | 11 days
Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions, and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned...
Ships: S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.5/5 (449 reviews)
From $6,899 per person
Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps
Zurich to Paris | 12 days
From Moselle Rieslings to Swiss cheeses, and from verdant riverscapes to alpine views, this itinerary is for the connoisseurs of wine, food, and natural beauty. Savor freshly baked bread at a...
Ship: S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg
Rivers: Rhine, Moselle
From $11,149 per person
Paris, Prague & Germany's Hidden Gems
Paris to Prague | 12 days
This trip by land and river is a beautiful study of contrasts. Allow the rich splendor of Paris and the bohemian grandeur of Prague to take your breath away. In between, small towns across Germany...
Ship: S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Czech Republic
Rivers: Rhine, Moselle
From $11,199 per person
European Jewels
Budapest to Amsterdam | 15 days
From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands
Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine
4.5/5 (824 reviews)
From $14,299 per person
Ultimate European Journey
Amsterdam to Bucharest | 24 days
Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West.
Sail the romantic Rhine, the...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Netherlands
Rivers: Danube, Main, Rhine
4.3/5 (116 reviews)
From $29,299 per person
European Gems
Amsterdam to Vienna | 15 days
Treat yourself to the ultimate sampling of central European delights on this special sailing, departing only once in 2027! Start on the Rhine River, where you’ll be granted early entry to a...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany, Netherlands
Rivers: Rhine, Main, Danube
From $14,699 per person
Danube Grandeur & Prague
Belgrade to Prague | 17 days
This itinerary is a love-letter to Europe’s grandest river, traversing 7 unique nations in all-inclusive luxury. From Germany to the Czech Republic, you’ll admire the breathtaking...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
5/5 (2 reviews)
From $11,549 per person
Danube Grandeur
Belgrade to Nuremberg | 15 days
Traversing 6 unique nations in all-inclusive luxury, this itinerary is a love-letter to Europe’s grandest river. From Germany to Serbia, you’ll admire the breathtaking architectural...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
5/5 (2 reviews)
From $11,699 per person
Vineyards & Palaces along the Danube with Prague
Vienna to Prague | 10 days
Every bend of the Danube brings new delights. Dramatic hills rise and manicured vineyards line the riverbanks. Pretty villages beckon with medieval architecture and celebrated wineries. Majestic...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
River: Danube
3.8/5 (9 reviews)
From $6,699 per person
Vineyards & Palaces along the Danube
Vienna to Nuremberg | 8 days
Every bend of the Danube brings new delights. Dramatic hills rise from the riverbanks in stunning contrast to serene valleys and manicured vineyards. Pretty villages beckon with medieval architecture ...
Ship: S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany
River: Danube
3.1/5 (7 reviews)
From $6,349 per person
Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery
Basel to Brussels | 15 days
Soak in as much of Central Europe’s fantastic cities and culture as possible in just two weeks. Snack on classic Dutch treats in the Netherlands, enjoy the fruits of Germany’s excellent...
Ships: S.S. Audrey, S.S. Victoria
Countries: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland
Rivers: Moselle, Rhine
4.5/5 (53 reviews)
From $12,899 per person
Cruise & Tour: Delight in Switzerland & the Rhine
Geneva to Amsterdam | 19 days
Begin amidst the snow-capped peaks of the alps for an indulgent land tour of Switzerland’s greatest highlights. Travel from Zermatt to Saint Moritz via the iconic Glacier Express. Relish a...
Ship: S.S. Elisabeth
Countries: France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Switzerland
River: Rhine
From $26,949 per person
Cruise & Tour: Revel in Switzerland & the Danube
Geneva to Budapest | 17 days
Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Switzerland as you stay at a selection of magnificent hotels between Geneva and Zürich. Board the iconic Glacier Express for a scenic ride from...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Switzerland
River: Danube
From $25,349 per person
Grand Highlights of the Danube
Passau to Bucharest | 17 days
Become an expert on the Danube River’s many wonders as you admire the swirling colors of Passau’s famous confluence, pedal past the vineyard-lined banks of the Wachau Valley, and listen...
Ship: S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia
River: Danube
From $14,749 per person
Scenic Rhine & Paris
Basel to Paris | 10 days
From Moselle Rieslings to Alsatian wines, and from verdant riverscapes to iconic cityscapes, this journey is crafted for lovers of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Savor freshly baked bread ...
Ship: S.S. Audrey
Countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland
River: Rhine
From $12,299 per person
European Holiday Markets
Nuremberg to Vienna | 8 days
This cruise takes you to some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe. At each market, you’ll find wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky ...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany
River: Danube
4.4/5 (206 reviews)
From $8,599 per person
Classic Christmas Markets
Nuremberg to Frankfurt | 8 days
Discover villages with fairytale houses and a friendly, festive atmosphere. Share traditional holiday goodies with the people who made them. Watch as modern children abandon their usual electronics...
Ships: S.S. Audrey, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. Emilie
Country: Germany
Rivers: Main, Rhine
4.4/5 (227 reviews)
From $8,799 per person
Rhine Holiday Markets
Basel to Cologne | 8 days
Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to ...
Ships: River Duchess, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Victoria
Countries: France, Germany, Switzerland
River: Rhine
4.4/5 (243 reviews)
From $7,399 per person
Danube Holiday Markets
Budapest to Passau | 8 days
Budapest has celebrated Christmas for a thousand years, since the reign of St. Stephen, the king who founded Hungary and encouraged the spread of Christianity throughout his realm. As you ramble...
Ships: S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Marlene
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.6/5 (252 reviews)
From $7,899 per person
Grand Christmas & New Year's
Nuremberg to Budapest | 13 days
You’ll sail through Germany, Austria, and Hungary along the shimmering Danube and past incredible sights on this unique itinerary. Explore charming old-world villages and Gothic cathedrals and...
Ships: S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Emilie
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary
Rivers: Danube, Main
3.8/5 (39 reviews)
From $13,099 per person
Enchanting Christmas & New Year's Cruise
Passau to Budapest | 11 days
Cruise the mighty Danube, visiting classic capitals like Budapest and Vienna. Spend Christmas Eve in Passau, then ring in the New Year in elegant style in Budapest. Festive celebrations are plentiful ...
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
River: Danube
4.5/5 (41 reviews)
From $11,399 per person