About This Cruise
Itinerary Highlights
Berlin, Germany; Potsdam; Magdeburg; Dessau; Wittenberg; Torgau; Meissen; Dresden; Saxon Switzerland; Litomerice, Czech Republic; Melnik; Prague
Elegant Elbe Highlights (1 minute video)
Included:
- 7 nights in your river-view stateroom
- 1 night stay in superior first class Hilton Berlin (or similar)
- 1 night stay in superior first class Hilton Prague (or similar)
- All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner and Captain’s Farewell Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
- 8 guided tours with audio headset
- Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Culture Curriculum: Enjoy baroque chamber music and a Czech folkloric performance; listen to an eyewitness account of Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution; attend lectures on Luther and the Reformation; modern-day Czech Republic and the Elbe flood of 2002; visit a local market
- Port Charges - Included on all itineraries
- Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges, and Transfers - included with airfare
- Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary
Air Options
Special airfares may be available. Please inquire for details.
Not included:
Itinerary
Note: Itinerary is reversed on certain dates.
Day 1, Berlin
Arrive 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
After 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.(B, D)
Day 3, Wittenberg
After 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. (B, L, D)
Day 4, Wittenberg
This morning, follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps to view many of Wittenberg’s historic landmarks. Tour inside Luther’s House and St. Marien’s Church, where he preached. (B, L, D)
Day 5, Meissen
Today, 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. (B, L, D)
Day 6, Dresden
After 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 Dresden’s 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 Dresden’s many charms and attractions as we remain docked until early morning.(B, L, D)
Day 7, Saxon Switzerland
This 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. (B, L, D)
Day 8, Prague
After 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 Hradčany Castle. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own.(B, L, D)
Day 9,Prague
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this celebrated city, or join an optional tour to Lobkowicz Palace. (B)
Day 10, Prague
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Excursions for the Elegant Elbe Tour
All excursions are included. Please see Itinerary.
Pre/Post-Cruise Options
More days means more to discover - with packages you can add before or after your Viking journey. Wherever your journey takes you, we offer exciting ways to see even more of the region.
Pre-Extension: Berlin-2 nights in Berlin: Hilton Berlin (or similar)
Begin your European journey in Berlin, giving you time to see the many landmarks of this historic capital, including Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Cathedral, Brandenburg Gate, the remains of the Berlin Wall and Charlottenburg Palace.
Post-Extension: Prague-2 nights in Prague: Prague Marriott Hotel (or similar)
Give yourself more time in the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Explore on your own Prague’s many landmarks—Hradčany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and more.
Post-Extension: Kraków & Warsaw-5 nights accommodations: 3 nights in Kraków—Radisson Blu Hotel, Krakow (or similar); 2 nights in Warsaw—Sofitel Warsaw Victoria (or similar)
Uncover Poland’s rich history and culture along the Vistula River. Visit Kraków’s Wawel Castle and Auschwitz-Birkenau just outside of the city; journey to Częstochowa; and explore Warsaw’s Old Town.
Combine Your Cruise with an Untour!
The Elegant Elbe Cruise links well with our Untours in
Czech Republic - Prague,
Germany - Rhine and
Germany - Castle
There may be a few gap days between cruise and Untour. Inquire for details.