Elegant Elbe Cruise

Elegant Elbe Cruise

This nine night journey along the elegant Elbe River allows you to discover the natural beauty of East Germany’s dramatic landscape, whilst taking in some of central Europe’s historic town and cities. Berlin’s monuments are testimony to Germany’s intriguing past. The baroque splendour of Dresden and historic sights of Prague take you further back in time, whilst visits to smaller towns and cities take in palaces of Saxon monarchs, the Protestant Reformation, and allow you to walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther. A truly elegant experience.

10 days from only £1479

Holiday highlights
• Berlin’s iconic landmarks
• Dresden – ‘Florence on the Elbe’
• Saxon Switzerland’s rugged countryside
• Historic Prague

Included excursions
• Sanssouci Palace or New Palace, Potsdamn
• Worlitz Park & Castle
• Wittenberg's historic landmarks
• Evening walking tour, sights of Torgau
• Meissenware factory
• Walking tour of Castle Hill
• Tour of Dresden
• Walking tour of Bastei
• Guided walking tour of Prague & ride to Hradcany Castle

Holiday Itinerary by Air
Day 1 UK to Berlin - Fly to Berlin and transfer to your hotel before taking time to explore this historic city.
Day 2 Berlin - Potsdam – Magdeburg - A coach visit to Potsdam after breakfast to see the 18th century Sanssouci Palace, a wonderful example of German rococo architecture. Later this afternoon, transfer to Magdeburg to join your ship. Dinner is served on the first evening and tonight the cruise begins.
Day 3 Dessau - A scenic morning cruise takes us to Dessau and visits to Worlitz Park, Germany’s first landscaped park with English-style gardens, and Worlitz Castle and grounds, built in the style of an English country home. Afternoon at leisure to see more of Dessau’s palaces or parks, or take an optional excursion to Bauhaus College.
Day 4 Wittenberg to Torgau - You’ll awake in Wittenberg, birthplace of the Reformation and then follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps to enjoy many of its historic landmarks. These include Luther’s house, St Marien’s Church where he preached and the Castle Church where he posted his 95 Theses. An afternoon cruise takes us to Torgau for a guided evening stroll around Hartenfels Castle, market square and the riverside monument that commemorates the historic 1945 meeting between Russian and American troops.
Day 5 Torgau to Meissen - A morning cruise along the Elbe to Meissen and a tour to the Meissenware factory, producers of fine porcelain since the early 1700s, with demonstrations and a visit to the museum. A further trip to Castle Hill is provided for a walking tour through the wonderful old town, before returning to your ship for the cruise to Dresden.
Day 6 Dresden - A morning city tour of the ‘Florence on the Elbe’ takes in the 19th century Residence area with its baroque architecture and the Residence castle, where we visit the Green Vault and its collection of fine art and jewels. Continuing on foot you will then visit Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Church of Our Lady, before returning to your ship. An optional excursion to Pillnitz Castle and its Asian-inspired gardens is offered.
Day 7 Saxon Switzerland - Today’s mooring is at Bad Schandau, from where you will ride through Saxon Switzerland, a stretch of the Elbe surrounded by rugged sandstone cliffs and wild landscapes. A visit to Bastei allows you to take in the panoramic views and enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful area.
Day 8 Litomerice - An afternoon arrival at one of the Czech Republic’s prettiest towns provides the chance to enjoy its historic market square, many baroque and gothic buildings, the Jesuit Church and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Our tour ends with a tasting of delicious wines from the Bohemian region.
Day 9 Melnik and Prague - Docking at Melnik, after breakfast and transfer to Prague. Upon arrival a tour of historic Prague, ‘city of a hundred spires’ and a guided walk through the old town followed by some free time to explore on your own. Then take a ride to Hradcany Castle for a tour through its majestic interior. This evening you arrive at the hotel and check in for your overnight stay.
Day 10 Prague to UK - A transfer after breakfast to the airport and your return flight to the UK.

This itinerary also operates in reverse direction on some dates. Port sequence, tours and times may vary.

Flight departures. Bristol, Gatwick, Luton, Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Stansted.

By air - whats included
• 7 nights full board cruising
• 1 night stay in 4 star Berlin Hilton (or similar) bed & breakfast
• 1 nights stay in 5 star Prague Hilton (or similar) bed & breakfast
• 9 Included excursions
• Return flights & resort transfers