BELGIAN HOLIDAY MARKETS

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. 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.

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. 

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.

There are so many wonderful ways to see the world. On a Uniworld river cruise, you’ll find that the best elements of all of them have been wrapped neatly into one extraordinary vacation. We took the finest boutique hotels and made them float, enhancing the cruise experience with small ships that accommodate just a few dozen guests at a time. Sail in style to a variety of enticing destinations on every cruise, and enjoy an exceptional degree of high-quality included amenities along the way.

CRUISE ITINERARY

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 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.

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.

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, Jeneve

Day 5 –   Maastricht

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, Jeneve

Day 6 –   Antwerp

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 November 25 and December 2 sailings of this itinerary.

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.

 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.

Our cruise will include:

• 7-night cruise in a Classic stateroom on the elegant River Empress 
• 6 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.
• Welcome and farewell gala dinners
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, juice, mineral water, specialty coffee and tea
• 3 countries: Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany
• 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• Gratuities for onboard personnel are included
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
• Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines