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Astrild, Christmas Along the Elbe ex Prague to Berlin

Cruise Astrild, Christmas Along the Elbe ex Prague to Berlin
Cruise Line Viking River Cruises
Ship Viking Astrild
Destination EU Rivers
Brief Description 5 Night Cruise sailing from Decin to Wittenberg aboard Viking Astrild. Hotel stays pre-cruise in Prague and post-cruise in Berlin.
Type of Cruise River
Departure Date 21 Nov 2024
Cruise Description 5 Night Cruise sailing from Decin 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,” and shop at the colorful winter market for handcrafted gifts and traditional fare. After a guided walk through the city’s 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 Prague’s 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 city’s rich Jewish heritage in the Josefov Quarter. This afternoon, continue to Děčín 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 Dresden’s 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 world’s 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 Germany’s 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 Dresden’s 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 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 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 Luther’s footsteps and view many of Wittenberg’s 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 city’s 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 Berlin’s magnificent monuments as they are grandly illuminated by city lights. (Breakfast)

Day 10 Berlin, Germany
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. (B)
Sailing Dates
21 Nov 2024
21 Nov 2025
01 Dec 2025
11 Dec 2025
01 Dec 2026
11 Dec 2026
21 Nov 2026
11 Nov 2026
01 Nov 2026
22 Oct 2026
12 Oct 2026
02 Oct 2026
22 Sep 2026
04 Jul 2026
24 Jun 2026
04 Jun 2026
14 Jun 2026
25 May 2026
15 May 2026
05 May 2026
25 Apr 2026
15 Apr 2026
05 Apr 2026
26 Mar 2026
16 Mar 2026
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
21 Nov 2024 Prague, Czech Republic Hotel
22 Nov 2024 Prague, Czech Republic Hotel
23 Nov 2024 Decin, Czechoslovakia Embark
24 Nov 2024 Bad Schandau, Germany
25 Nov 2024 Dresden, Germany
26 Nov 2024 Meissen, Germany
26 Nov 2024 Torgau, Germany
27 Nov 2024 Wittenberg, Germany
28 Nov 2024 Wittenberg, Germany Disembark Transfer to Berlin
28 Nov 2024 Berlin, Germany Hotel
29 Nov 2024 Berlin, Germany Hotel
30 Nov 2024 Berlin, Germany
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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