S.S. Maria Theresa, 16 Night Cruise & Tour: Revel in Switzerland & the Danube ex Geneva, Switzerland to Budapest, Hungary

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 Zermatt to Saint Moritz. Indulge in a private after-hours visit to Lucerne’s Rosengart Museum, savoring sparkling wine amidst masterpieces by Picasso and Renoir. Admire breathtaking views during a hike with a Swiss mountain guide. Relish contemporary elegance with Michelin-starred dining at La Chaumière in Geneva. At the conclusion of your land tour, board your luxury river ship for a cultural tasting menu of the Danube River. Our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region, offering fresh takes on classic sites, insider knowledge of delightful under-the-radar locales, and VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience—such as a private early-morning viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.

Day 1 – Geneva
Arrive at Geneva Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the Hotel d’Angleterre. Elegantly poised at the edge of Lake Geneva with magnificent views of the famous Jet d’Eau and Mont Blanc, the beautiful Hotel d’Angleterre effortlessly combines British charm with the finest Swiss hospitality.
Tonight, toast the start of your journey with your fellow guests at our Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 – Geneva
After enjoying a relaxed start to your morning, discover the best of Geneva on a short walking tour featuring the Floral Clock and the grand Reformation Monument. Personalize your day with a relaxing cruise across Lake Geneva or a visit to the Red Cross Museum. The evening beckons with an elegant meal at Michelin-starred La Chaumière.

Day 3 – Geneva, Gruyères, Zermatt
Savor gourmet delicacies beginning with a tour and tasting at famed chocolatier Maison Cailler and, in Gruyères, enjoy a sumptuous lunch of fondue. Continue your journey along the Swiss Riviera to the charming town of Montreux, drinking in the grandeur of the snowcapped French Alps and the Lavaux vineyards, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. En route to Zermatt, take in dramatic views of the Rhone valley, passing ancient forts and medieval castles.

Day 4 – Zermatt
Ascend Gornergrat Mountain on Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway. Bask in the dramatic scenery from larch and pine forests to colorful Alpine meadows. Cross dramatic bridges and plunge through tunnels emerging into panoramic views of mountain lakes. The summit finds you standing in awe of the Matterhorn.

Day 5 – Zermatt, Saint Moritz
Take a breathtaking journey through the Swiss Alps to Saint Moritz aboard the Glacier Express. Sit back in your panoramic seat and enjoy a lunch prepared on board, soaking up sensational views from your scenic carriage.

Day 6 – Saint Moritz
The dramatic peaks and sprawling meadows of St. Moritz come to life when you join a local wildlife expert on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for insights into the resident wildlife of St. Moritz. Alternatively, embark on a gentle mountain hike with a Swiss Mountain Guide who will acquaint you with the area’s picturesque landscape and history.

Day 7 – Saint Moritz, Vaduz, Lucerne
Ascend the Julier Pass alongside placid mountain lakes through fresh mountain air to the hidden treasure of Engadine Valley. In this tucked away valley dotted with flowers and distant ibexes, you’ll arrive at the picturesque Liechtenstein countryside. As a final treat, the evening finds you on a private, after-hours tour of Lucerne’s Rosengart Collection.

Day 8 – Lucerne
At the Swiss Transportation Museum, learn about the future of sustainable travel in this engaging MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. As evening sets in, cruise on Lake Lucerne to Stans, where a futuristic cable car will carry you up Mount Stanserhorn for a sumptuous meal with a view.

Day 9 – Lucerne, Zurich
After breakfast at your hotel, we depart for Zürich for a full day at leisure in Switzerland’s largest city. For your final stay, check into The Dolder Grand. Perched like a castle on the hill above Zürich, this hotel offers a quiet, relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy its many bar and restaurant venues, excellent spa, or nature trails. And with its own funicular, private cars, and shuttle services, it’s as convenient a location for exploration as any in the city center.
Tonight, dine on traditional Swiss fare at an elegant local restaurant.

Day 10 – Zurich, Passau (Embark)
Transfer to Passau, where your Floating Boutique HotelTM awaits. As you settle into your new home for the week, we’ll begin our cruise on the Danube River.

Day 11 – Passau
Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one, as three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic. Get to know the town and its main claim to fame—Europe’s largest pipe organ—or “Let’s Go” with an invigorating riverside hike.
* In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 12 – Linz (Salzburg)
Mozart’s birthplace of Salzburg is nestled in a glorious alpine setting that sparkles like a winter wonderland. Linz may be best known for its famous Linzer torte, but it’s also a hotbed for the arts. See the sights with a local expert and visit a family at their farm in the countryside. Austria’s third-largest city, Linz boasts a long history of trading and textile manufacturing, but these days it is perhaps best known for its electronic arts and annual festival.

Day 13 – Melk, Dürnstein
This morning, visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinary baroque-style library.
Later, you will head to Dürnstein, one of our favorite towns along the Danube, a lovely place to wander cobblestone lanes, browse quaint shops, and maybe hike up to a ruined castle (with an intriguing tale all its own). You can also opt for a tasting or learn all about the world’s costliest spice from the Wachau Valley’s only saffron grower. You have two ports of call in the incredibly scenic valley, Dürnstein and Melk, and an assortment of delightful ways to explore this lovely region.

Day 14 – Vienna
Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the “City of Waltzes” with a highlight tour of the city, as well as an expertly led tour of an extraordinary collection of art at the renowned Vienna Art History Museum.
* You have leisure time after your tour to explore Vienna on your own. You might wish to visit the Albertina Museum, which houses one million old-master prints and an impressive collection of works by 19th- and 20th-century painters, ranging from Renoir to Rothko.If you’d like to get a little exercise and see a completely different side of Vienna, borrow a bike from the ship and explore Danube Island and Prater Park. (For a wonderful view of the region, ride the Ferris wheel in Prater Park.)

Day 15 – Vienna, Bratislava
Your ship sets sail from Vienna and heads for Bratislava today. You may relax onboard all day, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as the ship wends its way along the Austrian Danube toward Bratislava. Although it’s not a large city, Bratislava has played a leading role in the politics and culture of the region for many centuries, and it is well worth a visit.
If you opt for the walking tour today, you may choose to leave the ship by bus in Vienna and start your excursion early. This would give you time for lunch on your own in town, as well as some additional free time to enjoy Bratislava after your tour ends.

Day 16 – Budapest
Budapest is an enchanting city that presents a vibrant mix of medieval and modern.
* In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Day 17 – Budapest (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be and transferred to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home.

“Regal in its opulent 18th-century decor, a floating homage to the former Austrian empress….Besides indulgent dining and an elegant atmosphere, this is one of the prettiest ships out there.” – Cruise Critic editors


One of Europe’s most beloved and longest reigning monarchs, the great Habsburg ruler Maria Theresa, was so extraordinary that we expanded our Super ShipTM fleet in her honor. Named “Best New River Ship” by Cruise Critic editors her maiden season, the S.S. Maria Theresa features ultra-luxurious accommodations and an array of thoughtful personal touches, ensuring a truly indulgent and unforgettable voyage along the Danube and Main Rivers.


Staterooms and suites on the Hofburg Deck have balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that, with the touch of a button, will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory. Designated suites provide triple-accommodation options.

Leading the Way since 1976 We were the first American company to set sail in Europe, and we’ve been revolutionizing the landscape of river cruising ever since. With more experience than practically any other line on the rivers, we spent our time developing deep local connections, destination expertise, and the most incredible crew in the industry. Over the years we’ve grown to offer unparalleled itineraries on the rivers of Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, and the Peruvian Amazon.

The Original Floating Boutique Hotels We took everything travellers love about boutique hotels and made it float—think warm and personalized service, unique design schemes that highlight your destination, locally-inspired dining, thoughtfully curated activities, and ultra-comfortable furnishings. Each member of our fleet is one-of-a-kind, a work of art with its own bespoke details, custom fabrics, and local craftsmanship to bring the destinations outside in. Many of our ships even share a design team with the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection. And the best part is, you’ll wake up to a wonderful new place to explore every day.

The Highest Quality in All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising Our all-inclusive itineraries are tailored to deliver authentic luxury. You can keep your wallet closed the entire trip, and still find everything you need and more to have a fantastic time. What truly distinguishes the meaning of “All-Inclusive” at Uniworld is our commitment to quality and passion for Tiny Noticeable Touches™. Handmade Savoir beds, a wide selection of premium wines and spirits, and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients—every piece of the Uniworld experience is hand selected to transform good experiences into exceptional ones.*

No Request Too Large, No Detail Too Small® “No request too large, no detail too small”—that’s our driving ethos, and every member of the Uniworld crew lives by it. Our service is second to none. With a 2.4-to-1 crew-to-guest ratio and the longest tenured team in the business, our team starts to learn your name and your drink order from day 1. It’s little touches like this that make you feel like family onboard with us, and what makes returning for your next sailing feel like coming home.

Our Travel Family We’re proud to be a part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) collection of award-winning travel brands—including Trafalgar Tours, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki, and African Travel. We share a collective ethos: treat your guests, your staff, and the local communities you visit like family, and you’ll create the most rewarding travel experiences out there.

*Note: Inclusions may vary in Egypt, Asia, and Peru.

Select the Deck to view detail.

S.S. Maria Theresa - Bavarian Deck

Maria Theresa - Schonbrunn Deck

S.S. Maria Theresa - Hofburg Deck

S.S. Maria Theresa - Schönbrunn Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (305 sq ft – 28.3 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows
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, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror
Additional amenities and service 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 arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Grand Suite

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (410 sq ft – 38 sq m) with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, walk-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite, and bottled water
The Grand Suite offers extra benefits, including a separate spacious living room, bathroom with a separate rain shower and tub, and secluded toilet and bidet area
Marble bathroom includes Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
Additional amenities and service 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 arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Deluxe Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft – 18 sq m) with an enclosed balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows
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, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

French Balcony

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (194 sq ft – 18 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, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Classic

Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (162 sq ft – 15 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, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, heated mirror and backlit magnifying mirror

Note: windows in these staterooms are situated at the water line