The specially designed paddlewheel ship Elbe Princesse is the only ship able to cruise the entire route between Berlin and Prague, including the River Elbe from Magdeburg in eastern Germany to the Czech border.
Elbe Princesse and Elbe Princesse II are moored on the River Havel at Spandau in the west of Berlin for the first night. The next morning an optional tour of the German capital is available. Highlights include Berlin's iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag parliament building and the preserved East Side Gallery section of the Berlin Wall. A pre-cruise stay offers more time to see the extensive changes since the fall of the Berlin Wall, notably the new Government buildings around the River Spree and the busy Brandenburg Gate area.
The cruise follows the River Havel passing superb lakeside scenery before reaching historic Potsdam where the extensive gardens of the Sanssoucci Palace are a major attraction. The River Havel then joins the Elbe-Havel Canal and winds through rural areas towards Magdeburg.
North of Magdeburg a massive aqueduct takes the canal over the River Elbe to become the Mittelkanal going west to the North Sea. Our cruise descends to the River Elbe for a visit to Magdeburg where a highlight is the massive cathedral.
The ship continues up the Elbe to Wittenberg, where Martin Luther sparked the Reformation, before reaching Meissen, renowned for its trademark porcelain.
Dresden - the 'Florence of the Elbe' - has been rebuilt following extensive bombing in World War II, and regained its architectural and artistic heritage. The attractive riverside area leads to the baroque buildings of the Neumarkt and the massive Frauenkirche finally reopened in 2005.
The spa town of Bad Schandau is the gateway to the scenic sandstone mountains of 'Saxon Switzerland', with hilltop fortresses and massive rocks towering over the river.
Crossing into the Czech Republic sail to Litomerice, one of the oldest Bohemian cities and home to spectacular Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings, before joining the River Vltava (Moldau) at Melnik, 30km north of Czech capital Prague.
Elbe Princesse and Elbe Princesse II are able to cruise to Prague, and moors to enjoy the highlights of the city. Visit the Old Town with its iconic Astronomical Clock and cross the famous Charles Bridge to the Prague Castle area with the impressive Saint Vitus Cathedral. If desired, a post-cruise stay can be arranged in Prague.
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