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

Tour the opulent palaces of Saxon monarchs; 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. You’ll trace the footsteps of Martin Luther in historic Wittenberg and learn about the Protestant Reformation. Your journey is bookended by two nights in multicultural Berlin and two nights in graceful Prague.

Day 1 Berlin, Germany
Make your way to your hotel. After check-in, you have free time to get acquainted with the city, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented.

Day 2 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. (B)

Day 3 Wittenberg, Germany
After breakfast, 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 Wittenberg to embark your ship. (B, D)

Day 4 Wittenberg, Germany
This morning, 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. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Meissen, Germany
Today, cruise the Elbe and arrive in Meissen just after lunchtime. Then stop in at the Meissenware factory, producers 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. Return aboard for dinner and an evening at leisure. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 6 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 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 either 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 aboard your ship; afterward, feel free to enjoy Dresden’s many charms and attractions as we remain docked until early morning. (B, L, D)

*Please note : If you’re in Dresden on a Tuesday, The Green Vault is closed, therefore you will instead visit 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 7 Saxon Switzerland, Germany
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 Děčín & Prague, Czech Repulic
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, you tour Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” After a guided walk through Old Town, take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to visit Hradčany Castle. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own. (B))

Day 9 Prague, Czech Republic
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this celebrated city, or join an optional tour to Lobkowicz Palace. (B)

Day 10 Prague, Czech Republic
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. (B)

Boasting many of the same popular design elements of our Viking Longships, our new Elbe ships - scheduled to set sail in 2015 - feature state-of-the art engineering, deluxe accommodations and streamlined Scandinavian interiors. Plus, the ships feature customized hulls and engines specially built to navigate this historic river.

When it comes to river cruising, Viking River Cruises is the world leader. From Europe to Russia, from China to Southeast Asia, we offer cruises that allow you to fully experience the wonders of each region. Discover the Far East with a fascinating cruisetour along the Yangtze, Mekong or Irrawaddy Rivers. Take in the European countryside along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Elbe or Douro. Our river cruises are a great way to explore new places or see a new side of a familiar destination. And a river cruise offers unrivaled convenience - unpack once in your deluxe stateroom, relax and enjoy everything the journey has to offer. State-of-the-art ships, comfortable accommodations, regional cuisine, daily guided shore excursions, and exemplary service all add up to an unforgettable journey at an incredible value.

Viking Cruises continues the Viking tradition of exploration along the world’s great waterways.