Christmas Markets from Berlin to Prague: A Cultural Journey Filled with Magic (port-to-port cruise)

BERLIN - WUSTERWITZ - MAGDEBURG - WITTENBERG - MEISSEN - DRESDEN - BAD SCHANDAU - LITOMERICE - MELNIK - PRAGUE

Passengers are welcome to board our ship in Berlin starting at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board and remain in port overnight.

In the morning, included excursion: Berlin and its typical Kaffee Kuchen. During the holiday season, Berlin dresses in its winter coat and invites you to discover its most majestic monuments. You will be amazed by the unique atmosphere of the German capital during this festive season. Start at the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of German unity, with a magnificent Christmas tree in front of it. Then, admire the Victory Column, towering over the city, and the Television Tower, offering a breathtaking view of Berlin's heart. Continue to the Reichstag, the impressive Parliament building, and Checkpoint Charlie, a poignant reminder of the Cold War era. Pass by the elegant Red Town Hall and the emotional Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, symbolizing Berlin's resilience. Finally, discover the Humboldt Forum, a cultural and architectural marvel that embodies the city's history and influence. Then, enjoy a typical German tradition, Kaffee Kuchen – coffee and cake, where you can savor irresistible German sweet treats with a comforting hot drink.

In the afternoon, included excursion: Potsdam and the enchanting lights of its Christmas market. The visit begins with the gardens of the palace. With 500 hectares of parks and 150 buildings built between 1730 and 1916, the castles and parks of Potsdam form an exceptional artistic entity. Next, head to Potsdam's Dutch Quarter. This picturesque area of 134 brick-gabled houses was built around 1730 to house Dutch workers invited by Frederick William I. Continue to the Christmas market "Blauer Lichterglanz" (Blue Light Glow), named for its characteristic blue lighting, creating a spectacular light show that bathes the market in a magical, serene glow.

We'll be cruising towards Wusterwitz. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

In the morning, navigation on the Elbe River. At 1,091 km long, it is Europe's 14th largest river. Descending from the Giant Mountains, it traverses Bohemia and the Saxon Switzerland to reach the North Sea at Hamburg. Magdeburg is one of the major cities crossed by this river.

Arrive in Magdeburg in the early afternoon.

Included excursion: Magdeburg. Discover the city adorned with countless Christmas decorations that brighten every corner, creating a warm and festive atmosphere where tradition and magic meet. The town’s alleys are adorned with subtle details that pay homage to the season’s customs. First mentioned in a manuscript in 805, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt surprises with its diversity and rich history of over 1,200 years. Discover the Magdeburg Cathedral and the Notre-Dame Cloister, the most remarkable historical monuments in the city’s cultural heritage. You will also see the Green Citadel and its colorful facade, the market square with the equestrian statue of the Magdeburg Rider, the Town Hall with its bronze portal.

Return to the boat and departure from the ship towards Wittenberg.

Enjoy an evening of dancing. Night navigation.

Arrive in Wittenberg early in the morning.

Included excursion: Wittenberg, the city of Luther decorated for the holidays. Depart to the Lutherstadt Market Square, where the Christmas market is located. Marvel at the carousels, pyramids, and beautiful Renaissance-style patrician houses beautifully decorated for the holidays. Stalls are filled with handmade goods, and the scent of mulled wine and pancakes fills the air. Continue to the city center with its stunning Renaissance-style houses, passing by the Town Hall and statues of Luther and his disciple Melanchthon. Be amazed by the fabulous Advent wreath in Wittenberg Castle Church, with four candles lit progressively over the weeks, symbolizing the anticipation of Christmas. Visit the house of Martin Luther, which was his home and workplace for 35 years and now houses the world’s largest museum dedicated to the history of the Protestant Reformation.

Return to the boat and continue the cruise along the Elbe. The Elbe's biosphere reserve, a UNESCO site, marks a unique natural and cultural landscape with pristine floodplains, white sandy beaches, and wooded peaks.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment. Night navigation.

Arrive in Meissen early in the morning.

Included excursion: Meissen, discovering its Christmas market and famous porcelain factory. Discover the historical charm of this medieval town dominated by Albrechtsburg Castle, dating back to the 15th century. Meissen is renowned for producing some of the finest German porcelain. In 1708, the discovery of a kaolin deposit in Saxony, combined with the ingenuity of alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger, led to the creation of Europe’s first hard-paste porcelain. The town’s porcelain factory became the most famous in Europe. Visit the old town, its large square surrounded by Renaissance houses, Town Hall, and the late Gothic Church of Our Lady. During this period, Christmas casts its enchantment, with the streets filled with the warm energy of mulled wine and typical pastries.

Meanwhile, the boat continues towards Dresden where you will join it later.

In the afternoon, included excursion: Dresden and its iconic Christmas market. Depart for a walk to the Christmas market in Altmarkt Square, located in the heart of the city. Discover the oldest Christmas market in Germany, soaking in the festive atmosphere with its handcrafted stalls. Be enchanted by the “Pflaumentoffel” figures made from prunes and dressed as chimney sweeps, a symbol of luck and a hallmark of Dresden’s Christmas market. Don’t miss the famous “Stollen” bread, an essential sweet for Christmas in Dresden. The market reveals the authenticity of German Christmas, where craftsmanship and conviviality combine in a warm atmosphere.

Return to the boat. Enjoy an evening of dancing.

In the morning, included excursion: Visit to Königstein Fortress, immersed in the Christmas magic. This fortress showcases the unique European fortified architecture and is adorned with numerous decorations like Herrnhut stars, symbols of the Christmas star. The fortress offers romantic views of the surrounding landscape with spectacular rock formations shaped over millions of years. The fortress is beautifully illuminated, making it a magical sight.

We'll spend the afternoon cruising through the enchanting landscapes of Saxon Switzerland and Northern Bohemia. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Included excursion: Litomerice and its church filled with the sounds of Christmas. The picturesque town of Litomerice lies on the banks of the Elbe River, surrounded by mountain landscapes. The historic center of the town is nearly entirely enclosed by Gothic fortifications. Visit the Mírové náměstí, the town square lined with medieval houses. Discover the splendid St. James Church, a baroque masterpiece. You’ll be immersed in an intimate and warm atmosphere, carried by traditional Christmas melodies played on the organ and the comforting sweetness of mulled wine-an unforgettable moment where music and togetherness blend in perfect harmony.Return to the boat. We'll spend the afternoon cruising.

Return to the boat. We'll spend the afternoon cruising.

Lecture on board: "Discovering Christmas Traditions: Between Customs, Magic, and Sharing."

Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

We'll be cruising towards Prague.In the morning, included excursion: Prague's Christmas market with local flavors. Walk through Prague’s historic center, where Christmas markets are set up on several squares, starting with the largest and most beautiful in Old Town Square. You will also see the astronomical clock of Prague, the most famous in the world, built in 1410. Taste local flavors, including "trdelník" and mulled wine. Return to the boat for lunch.

In the afternoon, included excursion: Private concert in a historic hall in Prague. Reserved exclusively for passengers of the Elbe Princesse, this will be a special moment in a prestigious venue.

Return to the boat. Gala evening.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.