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The Elbe: Berlin to Prague- European River Cruise Routes
Here is a typical itinerary for a river cruise on the Elbe from Berlin in Germany to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, in this case on the Viking Schumann with Viking Cruises . Most of these cruises last about 11 days, usually with a couple of days spent in both Berlin and Prague. General Tours uses the MV Dresden and Gate 1 use the MV Frederic Chopin, and they both use the MV Katharina. You can also cruise to the Baltic.
Below the itinerary we quote some of the descriptions of the route, so please keep scrolling!
| Day 1 - Berlin: Hotel check-in & free time |
Day 2 - Berlin: City tour & free time |
Day 3 - Berlin: Transfer to ship via Potsdam; Potsdam: Sans Souci Palace tour; Magdeburg: Motorcoach transfer to board your ship |
Day 4 - Dessau: Wörlitz Park excursion |
Day 5 - Wittenberg: Walking tour & free time |
Day 6 - Torgau: Walking tour & free time |
Day 7 - Dresden: Coach & walking tour; free time |
Day 8 - Bad Schandau: Saxon Switzerland & Bastei excursion; Decin: evening at leisure |
Day 9 - Litoamerice: City tour, wine tasting & free time |
| Day 10 - Melnik: Leave your ship, transfer to Prague |
Day 11 - Prague: Full day at leisure |
| Day 10 - Prague: Hotel check-out |
And this is what the Viking guys have to say about the places they visit. When you check out the different tour aggregators' or agents' websites, you'll notice that many of them use the same copy, this is usually because they're taking it direct from the riverboat operator's brochure. In fact, I've noticed that even the different operators have very much the same information, so to some extent it's a case of read one, read 'em all (the links go to photos in our Destinations Gallery):
Berlin
Germany's bustling, vibrant capital, Berlin lies on the flatlands at the confluence of several rivers and lakes. This exciting metropolis echoes with its poignant history, reflected in its blend of modern and ancient architecture. Some highlights include the baroque Charlottenburg Palace and 13th century St. Nicholas Church. The Berlin Wall, built after World War II to divide the city and stretching for nearly 103 miles, was finally torn down in 1989, but reminders such as the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie still exist as haunting monuments to history. Berlin boasts many theaters and museums, including the Pergamon Museum with its collection of Islamic art and classical antiquities including the famed Greek altar of Zeus. |
Potsdam
Located on the southwestern border of Berlin, Potsdam is a beautiful town home to many architectural masterpieces. Among these is charming Cecilienhof Palace, where Allied leaders met during the 1945 Potsdam Conference. Other noted buildings include 18th century Sans Souci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture and the Nikolai Church. |
Magdeburg
Although heavy bombing in 1945 destroyed some 80% of this city, Magdeburg today is a glorious example of a lively German town. A former seat of an archbishopric in 968 A.D., and later a member of the Hanseatic League, the city's historic roots can be visually traced through the town's surviving architecture from the 11th century Church of Our Lady, to the Cathedral of Marie and Catherine. The town also boasts the famous 1240 A.D. statue of Magdeburger Reiter (Magdeburg Rider), the oldest German equestrian statue. |
Dessau
Dessau was the capital of the dukes of Anhalt-Dessau from 1603 to 1918, and until 1945, capital of the Free State of Anhalt. During World War II, it was nearly destroyed because it was the site of the Junkers aircraft plant, but some of its castles and parks survived. Dessau is the starting point for tours of the beautiful grounds surrounding Wörlitz Castle, summer home for the Dukes of Anhalt-Dessau. The 18th century castle is best known for its stunning palace grounds. Considered the first landscaped park of Germany, the many English-style gardens featuring canals, lakes, pavilions, grottoes and statuary were inspired by Prince Franz Anhalt-Dessau's visits to England. |
Wittenberg
A key town of importance to the Protestant Reformation, Wittenberg is encircled by a ring of public parks symbolizing the fortifications of ancient times. Key landmarks of the city include the home of Martin Luther, the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) where Luther posted his 95 Theses, his burial place and St. Marien's Church, where he preached. |
Torgau
Situated directly on the banks of the Elbe, this city played a key role in the Protestant Reformation. Fortified Hartnefels Castle, the most important early Renaissance palace in Germany, dominates the city. From 1485, it was the principal residence of the Ernestine Dukes and it houses the first purpose-built Protestant church. Famous residents of the castle, five brown bears, are kept in the dry moat according to a centuries' old tradition. Torgau was a hotbed of Protestant activity, the Torgauer Bund (Association of Torgau) was founded here in 1525 as a refuge for Protestants. |
Meissen
Surrounded by idyllic wine villages, Meissen dates back more than one thousand years. The city is dominated by the group of 13th- and 14th-century Gothic cathedral buildings and by the Albrechtsburg Castle, sitting high atop a hill. Meissen is world-famous for its Meissenware, fine porcelain produced here since the early 1700's. Utilizing rich deposits of china clay and potter's earth, all china items are molded by hand and the finished pieces always feature the trademarked blue crossed swords identifying the ware. Visitors may wish to tours the Meissenware museum and factory to gain insight into the porcelain's history and production process. |
Dresden
This port city lies in the broad basin of the Elbe River. Prior to its World War II destruction, it was called the "Florence of the Elbe" for its wonderful art treasures and beautiful baroque architecture. Now somewhat rebuilt, Dresden's landmarks in the old town include the Semper Opera, the ruins of Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Key highlights also include the 18th century Zwinger Palace, Germany's greatest example of baroque architecture, and the Albertium, housing a collection of the area's finest art, and the renowned Green Vault where Saxon monarchs' dazzling crown jewels are on display. |
Bad Schandau
One of the oldest an most important spa resorts of the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany, this beautiful resort city lies nestled in a picturesque valley among lush hills and deep gorges. This port town is also the starting point for tours to the Saxon Switzerland region with its rugged dramatic sandstone cliff formations. |
Decin
Founded in the 12th century, Decin is set in a gorge of the Elbe River near the German border. Considered to have one of the country's most appealing landscapes, the town's beauty comes from its deep valleys and amazing rock formations. Nestled on a 165-foot cliff is an 18th century castle, which dominates the city from above. |
Litoamerice
At the confluence of the Labe (Elbe) and Ohre Rivers, in the picturesque Ceske Stredohori region, lies Litomerice, one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic. The surrounding countryside is often referred to as the "Garden of Bohemia", and the same name is used for an annual fair held in Litomerice. Currently the city is home to about 26,000 people.
The tourist has access to several remaining monuments of various styles and to collections in museums, galleries, and chateaux. This is supplemented by the beautiful Ceske Stredohori landscape, which contains a number of castles. All of Litomerice, Ustek, and Terezin were made Historical Landmarks, as was the town center of Roudnice nad Labem. The total number of Historical Landmarks registered in this district exceeds 1,000. |
Melnik
Melnik is the smallest and one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria. Nestled amongst the lowest southwestern fold of Pirin. The climate of Melnik is favorable for medical treatment of chronic pulmonary, kidney and rheumatic disorders. Melnik is a blend of unique nature - the cliffs clustered around the houses on the hills, history, culture and wine. The silent white houses, one upon the other, with beautiful bay-windows and silent yards, buried in greenery and tranquility of an aged glory and prosperity arouse nothing but admiration.
Today 230 inhabitants help run the tourism trade in addition to wine making. The ruins of the old-time splendour are sufficient to submerge one into the atmosphere of long past centuries. The old Melnik houses are impressive with their architecture in conformity with the laws of nature, with their wealth and wine cellars, with the Bulgarian sense of practicality and beauty. The more popular of them are: Kordopoulov's - the biggest residential building on the Balkan Peninsula from the Revival Period, in possession of extraordinary mural paintings and an enormous wine-cellar, the Bolyar House - the oldest preserved residential building in our country, Pashov house - turned nowadays into a town museum of history.
The ruins of St. Nikola Monastery of the 12 th century, the Slav Fortress of the 13th – 14th centuries, the Roman Bridge, the ancient Turkish bath are of interest, too as well as the ruins of several churches, which in the old times added to 75 in number. |
Prague
Celebrating more than 1,000 years of history, Prague is the Czech Republic's enchanting capital, with architecture spanning many styles from classical to rococo. Rich in historical monuments and churches, Prague has become known as the "City of A Hundred Spires." Visitors will have to choose from a wide variety of stunning landmarks in this beautiful city, with selections including Hradcany Castle, Golden Gate, St. Vitus' Cathedral, and shopping along the Golden Lane, a street of shops originally built as castle guards' homes. |
As you can see, the descriptions are a bit florid, but they give a pretty fair idea of the kind of experiences you can expect.
OUR ADVICE: concentrate on the ship you want to travel on and the route you want to travel, rather than the tour aggregator (of course, there's also price!). Be sure to check out our "Things to watch for" page too!
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