Day 1Prague
Arrive in Prague, then transfer to your hotel.* After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this dynamic city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented.
Day 2Prague & Melnik
Tour Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires.” Take a guided walk through Old Town; then, ride to Hradcany to tour inside Prague Castle. After some free time to have lunch and explore on your own, transfer to Melnik to embark your ship and enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner. (B, D)
Day 3Litomerice
Spend the morning cruising leisurely through the scenic area of Porta Bohemia on the Elbe. Arrive just after lunch in 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. The tour ends with a tasting of beers from this Bohemian region. Dine aboard; we remain docked overnight so feel free to take an evening stroll. (B, L, D)
Day 4Saxon 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 aboard for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)
Day 5Dresden
Awaken in Dresden, nicknamed “Florence on the Elbe,” and embark on a tour just after breakfast. Drive through 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. Continue on foot to see Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and 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.
Enjoy some free time to explore more of Dresden, or join one of our master chefs on a shopping trip to the local farmer’s market. You also have the opportunity to see some local arts and crafts this afternoon. Dinner is served aboard, but feel free to enjoy Dresden’s many charms and attractions this evening; we remain docked until early morning. (B, L, D)
Day 6Meissen & Torgau
This morning, arrive in Meissen. Visit the Meissenware factory, which has produced fine porcelain since the early 1700s. See firsthand how this trademarked porcelain is created and tour the museum. Proceed to Castle Hill for a walking tour through the Old Town. Return aboard for lunch and an afternoon departure. Later, arrive in Torgau with its wonderful Renaissance houses. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll to see fortified Hartenfels Castle, Market Square and the riverside monument commemorating the historic 1945 meeting between Russian and American troops. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 7Wittenberg
Today you cruise the Elbe and arrive after lunch in Wittenberg, birthplace of the Reformation. 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. See the Castle Church where Luther posted his 95 Theses; then explore on your own—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Return to your ship for a dinnertime departure. (B, L, D)
Day 8Dessau & Magdeburg
Arrive this morning in Dessau. Take a journey to Wörlitz Park, Germany’s first landscaped park with English-style gardens. Tour inside Wörlitz Castle, fashioned after an English country home, and walk the grounds. Return to your ship for lunch aboard and an afternoon departure. Dine aboard as we arrive in Magdeburg, where we dock for the night. This evening, join your ship’s Captain for a festive dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 9Potsdam & Berlin
After breakfast, disembark and travel to Potsdam, historic capital of the German state of Brandenburg. Tour either Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, or the nearby 200-room baroque New Palace—both built by Prussian King Frederick the Great in the 18th century. After lunch on your own, we proceed to the dynamic German capital of Berlin. Check in to your hotel and take the rest of the day to explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 10Berlin
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in fascinating Berlin, giving you time to see more of the city’s highlights. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.