River Cruise, how about sailing the Elbe.

Over the last few weeks I have spoken to a number of people about European River Cruises, most have some knowledge about the Rhine and the Danube, but less about the Elbe and Portugals Douro.

So I thought I'd do a little review on the Elbe, with your holiday starting in Berlin and ending in the Beautiful city of Prague.

You will discover the natural beauty of former East Germany’s dramatic landscape, tour the opulent palaces of Saxon monarchs and stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens; sail between the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Germany’s “Saxon Switzerland.” Marvel at the baroque splendour of Dresden and see how Meissenware porcelain is produced. Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther in historic Wittenberg and learn about the Protestant Reformation.

 

This trip is a Viking River Cruises itinerary on Viking Schumann, and there are a number of sailings during the year. As with all river cruises some of them operate in the reverse direction.

Viking Schumann

Day 1 Berlin, enjoy free time to get acquainted with the city—or join an organised tour.

Brandenburg Gate Berlin

Day 2 Potsdam & Magdeburg, tour either Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, or the nearby New Chambers—both built by Prussian King Frederick the Great in the 18th century. Later that day transfer to Magdeburg to embark your ship

Magdeburg Cathedral

Day 3 Dessau, visit Wörlitz Park, Germany’s first landscaped park with English-style gardens and tour the castle.

Day 4 Wittenberg & Torgau, follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps to view many of Wittenberg’s historic landmarks. Later that day have an evening stroll to see fortified Hartenfels Castle, Market Square and the riverside monument commemorating the historic 1945 meeting between Russian and American troops.

Day 5 Meissen, visit the Meissenware factory, which has produced fine porcelain since the early 1700s. Later enjoy a short cruise to a glorious evening arrival in Dresden.  

Albrechtsburg Castle, Meissen

Day 6 Dresden, nicknamed “Florence on the Elbe.” See the the 19th-century residential area to the Dresden Castle complex; enter the Green Vault to see a comprehensive collection of the Saxon monarchs’ crown jewels; and of course the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) with its distinctive bell-shaped dome, which survived the World War II bombings but collapsed the following day and was later rebuilt.

Day 7 Saxon Switzerland, stunning scenery from the ship as you cruise through the magnificent, soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region. You will also see  the famous rock tower known as the Bastei (bastion), formed by water a million years ago, to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Elbe. 

Saxon Switzerland from the Bastei

Day 8 Litomerice, one of the prettiest towns in the Czech Republic. See St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Jesuit Church, historic Market Square and many residential buildings from the baroque, Renaissance and Gothic periods.

Day 9 Melnik & Prague, disembark for transfer to Prague were you will have a guided walk through Old Town  and be able to take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to Hradcany Castle for a tour through the castle’s interior, before heading to your overnight hotel.

Day 10 Prague, check out and proceed to the airport for your return flight.

As you may be aware I did a River Cruise on the Main/Danube Canal a couple of years ago, why not read my review. If you have never done a River cruise, they are great for seeing the scenery and travelling along at a leisurely pace, so why not give it a try and give me a call.