OverviewDiscover East Germanys dramatic landscape with a 10-day river cruise along the Elbe River, plus nights in both Berlin and Prague. See the Elbe Biosphere Reserve. Walk in Martin Luthers footsteps in Wittenberg, the birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. Admire delicate Meissen porcelain. Celebrate Dresden, a phoenix risen from the ashes of war. View Saxon Switzerlands monoliths. Discover Berlins modern chic, Potsdams rococo whimsy, Dessaus Bauhaus genius and Pragues Gothic exuberance. The Elbe is one of Europes most unspoiled rivers and it awaits youfrom Berlin to Pragueon our 10-day cruise tour.
Itinerary DetailsDay 1 Berlin, GermanyArrive at the Berlin airport, then transfer to your hotel. After check-in, you have free time to get acquainted with the city, or join our Welcome Walk to stretch your legs and get oriented. Day 2 Berlin, GermanyAfter breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of the vibrant German capital, which has seen its fair share of dramatic changes in the last century. See the Reichstag with its spectacular glass dome, the historic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and many other iconic sites. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. (Breakfast) Day 3 Wittenberg, GermanyAfter breakfast, travel to Potsdam. Tour Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, built by Prussian king Frederick the Great in the 18th century. Built as a summer retreat, it became his personal sanctuary and place to relax in the company of his beloved dogs. Wander through the rooms of the elegant palace and stroll through the magnificent gardens. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own, then transfer to Wittenberg to embark your ship. (Breakfast, Dinner) Day 4 Wittenberg, GermanyThis morning, follow in Martin Luthers footsteps to view many of Wittenbergs historic landmarks. Tour inside Luthers House and St. Mariens Church, where he preached. See the Castle Church where Luther posted his 95 Theses; then enjoy free time. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 5 Meissen, GermanyToday, cruise the Elbe and arrive in Meissen just after lunchtime. Then stop in at the Meissenware factory, producer of fine porcelain since the early 1700s. Discover how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand, then tour the museum. Proceed to Castle Hill for a walking tour through Old Town. Return on board for dinner and an evening at leisure. Your ship remains docked overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 6 Dresden, GermanyAfter breakfast, disembark in Dresden, nicknamed Florence on the Elbe. Drive through the 19th-century residential area to the Dresden Castle complex; enter the Green Vault to see a comprehensive collection that houses what many claim is the world’s largest collection of treasures, including priceless jewels and emeralds. Continue on foot to see Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) with its distinctive bell-shaped dome that survived World War II bombings but collapsed the following day. Later, it was rebuilt. Alternatively, enjoy more of Dresden on one of our optional tours. Select a full-day excursion and visit Dresdens baroque castles, sweeping wine estates and opulent palace, once home to royal and lavish banquets. Or, you can visit car manufacturing giant Volkswagen, and gain Working World insight during a tour of their state-of-the-art-facility. Dinner is served on board your ship; after, feel free to enjoy Dresdens many charms and attractions as we remain docked until early morning. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) *Please note: If you are in Dresden on a Tuesday, the Green Vault is closed; instead, enjoy a visit to the Gemldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery) to view some of the worlds great masterpieces, including works by Raphael, Vermeer, Rubens and Rembrandt. Day 7 Saxon Switzerland, GermanyThis morning, cruise through the magnificent, soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region, then dock at the spa town of Bad Schandau. From here we make our way to the famous rock tower known as the Bastei (bastion), formed by water a million years ago, to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Elbe. Return on board for dinner and evening cruising. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 8 Prague, Czech RepublicAfter breakfast, disembark and transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, you tour Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires. After a guided walk through Old Town, take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to visit Hradany Castle. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own. (Breakfast) Day 9 Prague, Czech RepublicEnjoy a full day at leisure to explore this celebrated city, or join an optional tour to Lobkowicz Palace. (Breakfast) Day 10 Prague, Czech RepublicAfter breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Prague and discover more of this celebrated city. (Breakfast) |
