Arrive at the Berlin airport, then transfer to your hotel.* After check-in, enjoy free time and get acquainted with the city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented.
Day 2 - Potsdam & Magdeburg
After breakfast, travel to Potsdam. 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, transfer to Magdeburg to embark your ship. Dinner served aboard; ship departs late tonight. (B, D)
Day 3 - Dessau
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 the ship for lunchtime departure and scenic afternoon cruising; enjoy the tastes of traditional German cuisine for dinner as we sail into Wittenberg. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Wittenberg & Torgau
After breakfast, 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 enjoy free time. Return to your ship and depart during lunch; cruising along a very pretty stretch of the Elbe.
After dinner aboard, 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. Ship sails at midnight. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Meissen
Today, cruise the Elbe, arriving in Meissen after lunch. Visit the Meissenware factory, which has produced fine porcelain since the early 1700s. See firsthand how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand and tour the museum. Proceed to Castle Hill for a walking tour through the Old Town. Return aboard for dinner and a short cruise to Dresden. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Dresden
Embark on a tour of Dresden, nicknamed “Florence on the Elbe.” 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 an optional painting class and create your own portrait of this lovely city. Dinner served during evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Saxon 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 8 - Litomerice
Arrive 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. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Melnik & Prague
Awaken in Melnik; after breakfast, disembark for transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, you tour Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires.” After a guided walk through Old Town, take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to Hradcany Castle for a tour through the castle’s interior. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own. (B)
Day 10 - Prague
After breakfast, check out and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your time abroad with 2 additional nights in Prague, giving you time to see even more of this vibrant city. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfer
Cruise ships operating this itinerary:
Viking Schumann, Viking Fontane
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Save $750 per person
Book by 30 April —ask for offer A10.
All pricing is in AUD; details appear below.
Mar 24; Apr 7, 21; May 19; Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 11, 25; Sep 22; Oct 6, 20
Mar 31; Apr 14, 28; May 12, 26; Jun 9, 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1, 15, 29; Oct 13, 27
Viking Schumann
Mar 17, 31; Apr 14, 28; May 12, 26; Jun 9, 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1, 15, 29; Oct 13, 27
Mar 24; Apr 7, 21; May 5, 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14, 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 8, 22; Oct 6, 20; Nov 3
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Ports
Potsdam
The state capital Potsdam assumes an outstanding position in the rich cultural landscape of the State of Brandenburg, Germany. Potsdam, the city of Prussian palaces and gardens, offers not only its historical heritage, a source of pride known well beyond the state - but also a richly diverse selection of modern culture and art. In the historic city centre the Hans Otto theatre, the Nikolaisaal concert hall, the House of Brandenburg-Prussian History and the Film Museum provide opportunities to enjoy classical as well as modern culture.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 25kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Sanssouci park and palace, Biosphere nature exibition, Babelsberg Filmpark
Magdeburg
First mentioned in records in 805 and now the regional capital of Saxony-Anhalt, Magdeburg has an incredible array of monuments that serve as reminders of its turbulent history. The townscape has been shaped by Magdeburg's cultural heritage and features historical monuments as well as the massive buildings dating from the period of communist town planning.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance form Port to Airport - 100kms Currency - Euro (EUR) Places of Interest Puppet Theatre, Museum of Technology, The Magdeburg Horseman
Dessau
When you visit Dessau, the former seat of the Princes of Anhalt, you come across the trail of such distinguished personalities as Moses Mendelssohn, Wilhelm Müller and Kurt Weill. Villages, palaces, gardens and park buildings in their natural surroundings complement each other and form an integrated whole with the meadows and forests along the Elbe and Mulde.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 50kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Bauhaus Colour Festival, Dessau-Woerlitz Garden and Palace, Anhalt Theatre
Wittenburg
Lutherstadt Wittenberg lies at the banks of the river Elbe in the East of the federal state Saxony-Anhalt. Wittenberg was the starting point of the Lutheran reformation movement, and home of Martin Luther. It became, therefore, one of the spiritual and cultural centres of the 16th century in Europe.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport -100kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Wittenburg Reformation Festival, Markets
Torgau
Stroll through the old walled city with its grand Renaissance houses. See the breathtaking views of the Elbe from the Hartenfels Castle, a huge fortified castle that now houses a museum of historic weapons. On the bank of the Elbe, a monument marks the spot where advancing American and Russian troops first made contact on April 25, 1945, after defeating Axis troops.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 80kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Hartenfels Castle, 'Denkmal der Begegnung' monument commemorating the meeting of American and Soviet troops in WWII
Meissen
With a history dating back more than a thousand years, Meissen has long been known as the "cradle" of Saxony. That the town is worthy of such a name is clearly seen in its buildings - records of stone which bear witness to the different epochs of not only Saxon history but also the history of the Holy Roman Empire with Germany at its centre.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 20kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
The city's cultural scene blends the traditional and the modern. The Elbe Valley around Dresden, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts lush meadows, magnificent villas and majestic palaces. Few other cities have are undergoing such radical transformation as Dresden.
Country - Germany Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 10kms Currency - Euro (EUR)
Places of Interest Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra, Grosser Garten (Great Garden), Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace
Litomerice
Litoměřice is one of the oldest and most significant towns in Bohemia. It is located in the fertile countryside near the rivers Labe and Ohře, north of Prague. As early as the 11th century the Przemyslids founded a capitulary with a Romanesque basilica here, which was rebuilt in Baroque into a bishop’s residence with the Cathedral of St. Stephen.
Country - Czech Republic Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 50kms Currency - Czech Koruna (CZK)
Places of Interest Cathedral of St. Stephen
Melnik
The historic town of Melnik north of Prague has a lot to offer to visitors. Its history goes back to the 9th century and in the 13th century Melnik along with its castle became a dowry town of Czech queens. During the reign of Emperor Charles IV Melnik became the centre of wine growing in the Czech Lands and there are vineyards to this day. As of next year the town hopes to welcome plenty more tourists from abroad, as a brand new river port is going to be built there, connecting Melnik directly with Germany via the river Elbe.
Country - Czech Republic Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 30kms Currency - Czech Koruna (CZK)
Places of Interest Renaissance Chateau, Wine making district
Prague
Prague: The magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes, whose image has been mirrored in the surface of the Vltava river for more than ten centuries. Prague is also a modern European metropolis full of energy, music, and art. It's a city of contrasts: Serene green isles in the river and peaceful parks draping the city's seven hills are just steps away from the architectural treasures and bustling street life of the city center.
Country - Czech Republic Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms Currency - Czech Koruna (CZK)
Places of Interest Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, National Theatre, Prague Observatory, Prague Botanic Gardens, Prague Zoo, Old-new Synagogue
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Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises itineraries journey along the rivers of Europe and Russia, allowing you to explore fascinating destinations up close and in comfort.
Better than an ocean cruise or bus tour, our river cruises show you the best of Europe from the large cosmopolitan cities to small quaint villages.
So come aboard, unpack just once, and see it all. Spend your time exploring Europe, not getting to it, and enjoy the best of Europe with Viking River Cruises.
A river cruise with Viking River Cruises is the best way to see the real Europe up close and in depth. Explore the best of Europe from an intimate perspective, spending your time being there, not getting there.
Unlike a bus tour where you spend more time on the bus than actually seeing the country, or a hotel-hopping trip where you constantly pack and unpack, Viking River Cruises offers you fine food, great service and scenic cruising along Europe's great rivers.
Viking River Cruises visits at least one port a day on virtually every itinerary and you can explore small villages off the beaten path that are inaccessible via an ocean cruise. Docking in the heart of town, you'll have more to time to see the cities, not just travel to the cities. You'll experience ever-changing riverside scenery as well as local nightlife when your ship overnights in port.
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Viking - Europe River Cruises
To visitors, Europe is a colorful world of picturesque landscapes, legendary rivers, lush vineyards and hilltop castles. As you travel through Europe with Viking River Cruises, its rich history is arrayed before your eyes—Roman ruins, magnificent monasteries, hallowed universities, rural villages and sophisticated cities, and a vibrant collage of food, music, dance, costumes and languages recalling thousands of years of human history. Traveling with Viking River Cruises gives you the opportunity to experience and learn about all these aspects of your cruise destinations. Throughout history, each great European river has played a crucial role, carrying goods and passengers from city to city and country to country. Today’s river cruises continue this proud tradition. The Rhine River, the Seine River, the Danube River, the Elbe River—their very names evoke a timeless beauty and grace. Viking River Cruises excels at giving travelers an authentic European experience on land and by river. Take one of our unforgettable river cruises along a legendary European river; these waterways cover the entire Continent, from the North Sea through the heart of Europe to the Black Sea. Enjoy natural wonders on our river cruises, like Austria’s Wachau Valley and Germany’s Rhine Valley—both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—and engineering marvels like the Main-Danube Canal. Hilltop castles, lush vineyards and gorgeous countryside are right outside your ship on our European river cruises. Experience Europe’s legendary history, contemporary life and bright future for yourself.
Viking River Cruises ships cruising the waterways of Europe are listed below. Click on the ship name for details about each specific ship.
