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Rhine Holiday Markets
River Duchess, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
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River Duchess
Departure: 16/12/2026
Duration: 8 Days
Cologne to Basel
Itinerary
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 Place Kléber to behold the enormous, brilliantly lighte
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Day 1 Cologne, Germany 16 Dec 2026 (Wednesday)
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic... See more
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Day 2 Cologne, Germany 17 Dec 2026 (Thursday)
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic... See more
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.
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Day 3 Koblenz, Germany 18 Dec 2026 (Friday)
Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and dis... See more
Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.
See less - Day 4 Mainz, Germany 19 Dec 2026 (Saturday)
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Day 5 Mannheim, Germany 20 Dec 2026 (Sunday)
Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.
Mannheim, Germany, is a dynamic city known for its distinctive grid layout and vibrant cultural scene. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, it features the impressive Mannheim Palace and the lush Luisenpark. The city's modern architecture contrasts with its historical roots, while its thriving arts scene includes theaters, museums, and music festivals. Mannheim is also a key industrial and commercial hub, making it a blend of cultural richness and economic vitality.
See less - Day 6 Strasbourg, France 21 Dec 2026 (Monday)
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Day 7 Basel, Switzerland 22 Dec 2026 (Tuesday)
Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a... See more
Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.
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Day 8 Basel, Switzerland 23 Dec 2026 (Wednesday)
Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a... See more
Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.
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What's Included:
Suites
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Classic Stateroom
- Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line
Classic Stateroom
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Deluxe Stateroom
- Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Deluxe Stateroom
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French Balcony Stateroom
- Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
French Balcony Stateroom
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Suite
- Lavishly appointed riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony
- Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
- Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror & heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
- Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service
Suite
Suite
Suite
Restaurants
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Palace Restaurant
Culinary Excellence
We treat cooking as an art form, a very delicious art form.
From Farm to Ship: Farm-to-table isn’t just a trendy culinary buzzword around here. It’s a governing philosophy and commitment to serving you the very best local dishes created by our master chefs. When in Italy, dinner may consist of Prosciutto di Parma pizza and Osso Buco Milanese, prepared to your liking, with meats and vegetables sourced from just miles away. After a day immersed in Indian culture, your taste buds may do some immersing of their own with Gajar Shorba and Tandoori Chicken Tikka for lunch. Live brilliantly. Dine locally.
Creative Culinary Options: For those interested in healthier dining options, our Traveling Lite menu conveniently highlights the lightest dinner options every evening. We also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as gluten-free replacements upon request. If you have a specific meal preference, just ask. Our chefs will be happy to accommodate.
Deckplans
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Sun Deck
- Sun Deck
- La Motte Sky Lounge
- Bridge
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Rhine Deck
- Palace Restaurant
- Reception
- Blue Danube Lounge
- Captain's Lounge and Library
- Bar
- French Balcony Staterooms
- Suites
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Danube & Main Deck
- Deluxe Staterooms
- Patio Lounge
- Fitness Center
- 24-Hour Coffee and Tea Station
- Serenity River Spa
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Moselle Deck
- Guest Laundry
- Classic Staterooms
- Guest Laundry
Ready to Book?
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