Astrild, Cities Along the Elbe ex Prague to Berlin – 21 Sep 2021

5 Night Cruise sailing from Dresden to Wittenberg aboard Viking Astrild. Hotel stays pre-cruise in Prague and post-cruise in Berlin.

Day 1 Prague, Czech Republic
Make your way 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.” A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. Then, continue on to Hradčany for a guided tour inside Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure; you can see the Town Hall’s intricate 15th-century astronomical clock and spend some time in historic Wenceslas Square. You also have the opportunity today to join an optional Privileged Access tour to Lobkowicz Palace. This evening, raise a glass to the vibrant and colorful traditions of Czech culture during a fun-filled evening of food, dance and wine during our Prague Folklore Dinner, or experience the medieval treasures of Prague after dark during an illuminating panoramic tour. (B)

Day 3 Prague, Czech Republic & Saxon Switzerland
Enjoy your final morning in Prague at leisure, or join an optional excursion to discover the city’s rich Jewish heritage in the Josefov Quarter. Departing Prague in the early afternoon, we make our way to Saxon Switzerland, a stunning natural park and home of the famous rock tower known as the Bastei (bastion), formed by water a million years ago, to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Elbe. This afternoon, transfer to Dresden to embark your Viking ship—a fine floating hotel that remains your docked home away from home until Day 5. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board. (B, D)

Day 4 Dresden, Germany
After breakfast, explore 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 that houses what many claim is the world’s largest collection of treasures, including priceless jewels and emeralds. Continue on foot to see Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) with its distinctive bell-shaped dome that survived World War II bombings but collapsed the following day. Later, it was rebuilt. Alternatively, enjoy more of Dresden on one of our optional tours. Select a full-day excursion and visit Dresden’s baroque castles, sweeping wine estates and opulent palace, once home to royal and lavish banquets. Or, you can visit car manufacturing giant Volkswagen, and gain Working World insight during a tour of their state-of-the-art-facility.

Dinner is served on board your ship; after, feel free to enjoy Dresden’s many charms and attractions, among them our optional classical concert at Zwinger Palace. (B, L, D)

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

Day 5 Meissen & Wittenberg, Germany
Today, enjoy a comfortable motor coach ride to Meissen, where you will 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. Proceed to Castle Hill for a walking tour through Old Town. You will join your sister ship in Wittenberg while your luggage is seamlessly transferred and delivered to your awaiting stateroom. Enjoy dinner on board and an evening at leisure. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Wittenberg, Germany
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 for dinner and a leisurely evening. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Wittenberg, Germany
Explore more of Wittenberg this morning at your leisure before talking a walking tour of Torgau. This afternoon, you will return to your ship in Wittenberg. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Potsdam & Berlin, Germany
Disembark and travel to Potsdam. Tour Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, built 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. (B)

*Please note: If you are in Potsdam on a Monday, Sanssouci Palace is closed; instead, enjoy a visit to the New Palace, considered the last great Prussian baroque palace.

Day 9 Berlin, Germany
After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of the vibrant German capital, which has seen its fair share of dramatic changes in the last century. See the Reichstag with its spectacular glass dome, the historic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and many other iconic sites. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure, or take an optional culinary tour of Berlin this afternoon. This evening, perhaps round out your time here with an optional evening tour of Berlin’s grand illuminated buildings and dinner at a local restaurant. (B)

Day 10 Berlin, Germany
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. (B)