Friday, June 01, 2012
Elbe River Cruise
August 11-21
Viking River Cruises
Discover the natural beauty of former East Germany’s
dramatic landscape on an 10-day Elbe River cruise. Tour the opulent palaces of
Saxon monarchs and stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens; sail between
the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Germany’s “Saxon Switzerland.” Marvel at the
baroque splendor of Dresden and see how Meissenware porcelain is produced. Walk
in the footsteps of Martin Luther in historic Wittenberg and learn about the
Protestant Reformation. Your journey is bookended by one night in multicultural
Berlin and one night in graceful Prague. An elegant experience indeed.
Day 1 -- Berlin
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 New
Chambers—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; cruise 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)
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 a glorious evening arrival
in 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 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)
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 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. This evening, join your ship’s Captain for a festive dinner on board.
(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
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Norway Cruise -- Ocean Princess
Ocean Princess
Roundtrip from London (Dover), England
Day
|
Port / Date
|
Arrive
|
Depart
|
1
|
5:00 PM
| ||
2
|
At Sea
Wednesday, July 18 | ||
3
|
7:00 AM
|
6:00 PM
| |
4
|
8:00 AM
|
10:00 AM
| |
4
|
12:00 PM
|
6:00 PM
| |
5
|
At Sea
Saturday, July 21 | ||
6
|
8:00 AM
|
5:00 PM
| |
7
|
At Sea
Monday, July 23 | ||
8
|
7:00 AM
|
9:00 AM
| |
8
|
1:30 PM
|
6:30 PM
| |
9
|
At Sea
Wednesday, July 25 | ||
10
|
At Sea
Thursday, July 26 | ||
11
|
7:00 AM
|
4:00 PM
| |
12
|
8:00 AM
|
11:59 PM
| |
13
|
At Sea
Sunday, July 29 | ||
14
|
At Sea
Monday, July 30 | ||
15
|
8:00 AM
|
5:00 PM
| |
16
|
At Sea
Wednesday, August 1 | ||
17
|
5:00 AM
|
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