Christmas Along the Elbe (Prague to Berlin)

Day 1 Prague, Czech Republic

Arrive in Prague, then transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this celebrated city, or join our Welcome Walk to stretch your legs and get oriented.

Day 2 Prague, Czech Republic

This morning, tour the City of a Hundred Spires, and shop at the colorful winter market for handcrafted gifts and traditional fare. After a guided walk through the citys Old Town, take some free time to explore at your leisure. Alternatively, perhaps join your guide for an all-day optional visit to Prague Castle, or immerse yourself in Pragues food scene during a culinary experience. You may enjoy more of Czech culture this evening during a folklore dinner or attend a classical music concert. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Prague, Czech Republic

Enjoy your final morning in Prague at leisure, or join an optional excursion to discover the citys rich Jewish heritage in the Josefov Quarter. This afternoon, continue to Dn to embark your ship. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Saxon Switzerland, Germany

After breakfast, 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 on board for lunch and afternoon cruising through the magnificent, soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region. Dinner is served on board your ship; after, feel free to enjoy Dresdens many charms and attractions as we remain docked overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Dresden, Germany

After breakfast, disembark in 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 housing what many claim is the worlds largest collection of treasures.* Continue on foot to see Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) with its distinctive bell-shaped dome. Visit the Striezelmarkt, one of Germanys oldest recorded Christmas markets whose stalls have celebrated festive traditions since 1434. You may also join an optional tour and step inside a Dresden bakery to sample stollen, a delicious spiced fruit bread and celebrated Christmas delicacy. Or perhaps soak up the festive atmosphere in Bautzen, a medieval gem.

Dinner is served on board your ship; after, feel free to enjoy Dresdens many charms and attractions as we remain docked until early morning. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

*Please note: If you are in Dresden on a Tuesday, the Green Vault is closed; instead, enjoy a visit to the Gemldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery) to view some of the worlds great masterpieces, including works by Raphael, Vermeer, Rubens and Rembrandt.

Day 6 Meissen, Germany

This morning, arrive in Meissen and stop in at the Meissenware factory, producer of fine porcelain since the early 1700s. Discover how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand, then tour the museum. Stroll around the Christmas market and take in its festive yuletide aromas. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. During your afternoon cruise, celebrate a festive tradition during a gingerbread decorating class, arriving in Torgau this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Wittenberg, Germany

Follow in Martin Luthers footsteps and view many of Wittenbergs historic landmarks during a walking tour. Enjoy free time to explore the small wooden huts of the Christmas market and shop for handmade seasonal gifts. Return to your ship for dinner and a leisurely evening. Your ship remains docked overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Potsdam & Berlin, Germany

Disembark and travel to Potsdam. Tour Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture constructed by Prussian king Frederick the Great in the 18th century. Built as a summer retreat, it became his personal sanctuary and place to relax in the company of his beloved dogs. Wander through the rooms of the elegant palace and stroll through the magnificent gardens. Enjoy free time and lunch on your own, then transfer to your hotel in Berlin in the afternoon. (Breakfast)

Day 9 Berlin, Germany

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of the vibrant German capital and browse the stalls of the citys famed Christmas market as you breathe in the scent of grilled sausages and spiced pastries. After lunch, join an optional tour for a taste of Berlin, or perhaps embark on a scenic drive after dark and enjoy Berlins magnificent monuments as they are grandly illuminated by city lights. (Breakfast)

Day 10 Berlin, Germany

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in fascinating Berlin, giving you time to see more of the citys highlights. (Breakfast)