Belgian Holiday Markets

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$3,600
Save $799pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Brussels
 Cruise Finishes
Brussels
8 Day Belgian Holiday Markets Itinerary (Uniworld)
Countries Explored: Belgium, Holland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
110
Crew
41
Launched
2024
Cruise Code
UNIBHH

Overview

Indulge in Belgium’s unique take on a European Christmas. The holiday season in Belgium is something truly special. Each city throws an enchanting winter festival, which could include anything from market stalls and elaborate light displays to Ferris wheels and ice skating rinks. 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 read more the many things this stretch of the Earth is known for doing well. You’ll get to experience it all during Belgium’s most festive time of the year, when you can sip vin chaud and the world’s most delicious cups of hot chocolate between bites of warm liege waffles and spiced gingerbread.

Who will enjoy this cruise: This trip is perfect for those who have been to the classic markets of Germany and are looking for something new, for anyone looking to explore a different side of Belgium than most tourists see, or for those excited to lean into a holiday extravaganza for their next winter season.

Please note that some of the winter festivals we visit may not be open during the sailing departing on the 2nd of December.

Itinerary

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. (D)

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. (B/L/WD)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Bruges Walking Tour with Christmas Market OR Ghent Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Note: A special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

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. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of The Nottebohm Room OR Chocolate Nation

Today, you'll explore the trendy-yet-quaint town of Hasselt. A blend of city interest—with plenty of cafés and shopping—and an easygoing, small-town atmosphere, the mostly car-free Hasselt is a charming place to explore on foot. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Hasselt Walking Tour OR Liège Christmas Market

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. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Maastricht Walking Tour OR Nights Out: Maastricht Christmas Lights OR Aachen Christmas Market OR Christmas in the Caves

Discover an eclectic mix of historic and modern in Belgium's “Second City,” Antwerp, a town where well-preserved medieval buildings are interspersed with artful modern architecture. After your included explorations today, you may 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. Please note that Antwerp's Christmas Market will not be open during the December 2 sailing of this itinerary. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursion: Antwerp Walking Tour with Private Christmas Concert

Note: A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

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. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Brussels Christmas Market OR Brussels City Tour with Chocolate Treats OR Brussels Walking Tour with Belgian Beer Museum

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. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • 3 countries: Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany
  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour

  • 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

  • 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

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant S.S. Victoria
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites on the cruise have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, custom cotton sateen sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Life Onboard S.S. Victoria

S.S. Victoria
S.S. Victoria

The S.S. Victoria, sister ship to the S.S. Elisabeth, joined Uniworld's European fleet in 2024. Read more

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Curated Experiences

Shore excursions for every traveler type. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Wellness
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Outstanding Service
Outstanding Service

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Culinary Excellence
Culinary Excellence

Be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. Read more

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Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Belgian Holiday Markets' Reviews

5.0
Average Rating 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Fantastic Uniworld river cruise through Belgium. 0 , QLD, Australia, Dec 2024
Our river cruise with Uniworld was a Christmas markets cruise through Belgium which which was very beautiful. Although we have been on river cruises before, Uniworld was the best by far. The SS Victoria was a new ship and was tastefully and elegantly designed and furnished. Our suite was spacious, with the most comfortable bed, walk in robe and a huge read more floor to ceiling french balcony window. We had in room drinks, sweets, fruit etc. So much is included, so we never had to pay for anything onboard. Meals were the best you would expect from the best fine dining anywhere. Drinks were also included and not just with meals. All staff were very friendly and knew our names from the second day. We were so well looked after throughout the whole trip. Excursions were included and they even took us to a private Christmas concert in a cathedral. The whole trip from start to finish was perfect and if anyone is considering a river cruise you couldnt go past Uniworld if you want the best of the best . We always book through Global Journeys with Georgie and our next trip will be booked with them again.

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Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $3,600
From $6,633
Wednesday 02 Dec 2026 02 Dec 26 Brussels
Wednesday 09 Dec 2026 09 Dec 26 Brussels
Details
S.S. Victoria
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$5,001
Save $198
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 09 Dec 2026 09 Dec 26 Brussels
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 16 Dec 26 Brussels
Details
S.S. Victoria
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,521
Save $178
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 16 Dec 2026 16 Dec 26 Brussels
Wednesday 23 Dec 2026 23 Dec 26 Brussels
Details
S.S. Victoria
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$4,233
Save $166
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 02 Dec 2027 02 Dec 27 Brussels
Thursday 09 Dec 2027 09 Dec 27 Brussels
Details
S.S. Elisabeth
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,600
Save $799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 09 Dec 2027 09 Dec 27 Brussels
Thursday 16 Dec 2027 16 Dec 27 Brussels
Details
S.S. Elisabeth
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,600
Save $799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday 16 Dec 2027 16 Dec 27 Brussels
Thursday 23 Dec 2027 23 Dec 27 Brussels
Details
S.S. Elisabeth
Exclusive Savings
Balcony
US$3,600
Save $799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Uniworld. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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