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

PRAGUE - LITOMERICE - BAD SCHANDAU - DRESDEN - MEISSEN - WITTENBERG - BURG - GENTHIN - BERLIN TEGEL

Passengers are welcome to board our ship in Prague 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, excursion included: The Christmas Market in Prague with local flavors. Departure on foot to the historic center of Prague. From the beginning of Advent until early January, Christmas markets are set up in several squares in Prague. You will visit the largest and most beautiful one located in the Old Town Square, where a huge Christmas tree is installed, along with a nativity scene and numerous small wooden stalls. You will also see Prague's medieval astronomical clock, the most famous in the world, which displays the 12 apostles every hour. It was built in 1410 by the master clockmaker Hanus and perfected by Jan Taborsky in the 16th century. Legend has it that to prevent Hanus from replicating his work, the city councilors had him blinded. Then, a tasting of local flavors will follow, and you will have the opportunity to try "trdelník" accompanied by hot wine. Return to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, excursion included: Private concert in a historic hall in Prague. Especially reserved for passengers of the Elbe Princesse, you will experience an exceptional moment in a prestigious hall.

Return on board. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

We'll spend the morning cruising towards Horin (lock).

Included excursion: Litomerice and its church filled with Christmas sounds. The picturesque town of Litomerice is located on the banks of the Elbe, at the boundary between a large agricultural plain and the mountainous, wooded landscapes that characterize the highlands of Central Bohemia. The historic center of the town is almost entirely surrounded by fortifications dating back to the Gothic period. You will be able to admire architectural gems, such as Mírové náměstí square, lined with medieval houses, some of which are among the oldest continuously inhabited houses in the Czech Republic. You will also discover the splendid St. James Church(1), a baroque masterpiece whose history has been shaped by the wars that influenced its architecture over the centuries. You will 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 ship in Roudnice and sail towards Litomerice.

Onboard lecture: "Discovering Christmas traditions, between customs, magic, and sharing."

Evening of dancing.

We'll spend the morning cruising through the Saxon Switzerland region. Stop at Bad Schandau.

Included excursion: Visit to the Königstein Fortress, immersed in the Christmas magic. This fortress uniquely showcases European fortified architecture. The impressive complex of buildings in flamboyant Gothic, baroque, and 19th-century styles is the result of over 750 years of history. You will discover the fortress adorned with countless decorations that add even more romance, including Herrnhut stars, very popular in Germany, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem that guides the Three Wise Men to the birth of Jesus, as well as pyramids, candle arches, and various Christmas figurines. The Elbsandsteingebirge (Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxon Switzerland) is geologically ancient, with its landscape dating back four million years. Erosion has worn down the rocks, giving them these spectacular forms. The landscape of the region is marked by tower-like rock formations. The interplay of light and shadow, time, and wind constantly transforms the shapes, presenting new facets.

Return on board. We'll be cruising towards Dresden.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Early in the morning, departure from the ship towards Wittenberg. We'll spend the morning cruising on the Elbe. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Elbe here marks a unique natural and cultural landscape, with intact floodplains, white sandy beaches, and wooded hilltops.

Arrival in the early afternoon in Wittenberg.

Included excursion: Wittenberg, the city of Luther dressed up for the holidays. Departure towards the Lutherstadt market square, where the Christmas market is located. You will be amazed by the carousels, pyramids, and beautiful Renaissance-style patrician houses, all magnificently decorated for the holidays. The stalls are filled with handcrafted goods, and the pleasant scent of mulled wine and pancakes fills the air. You will continue to the city center, with its lovely Renaissance-style patrician houses, where you will see the town hall, flanked by statues of Luther and his disciple Melanchthon. You will be in awe of the magnificent Advent wreath proudly displayed in the Wittenberg Castle Church. Its four candles, lit progressively over the weeks, symbolize the anticipation of the great day and the preparation for Christmas. You will visit Martin Luther's house(2), which was his home and workplace for 35 years. Today, it houses the largest museum in the world dedicated to the history of the Protestant Reformation. Then, visit the Gothic St. Mary’s Church. Further on, you will catch a glimpse of the Cranach House, whose portraits are now displayed in the world’s most renowned museums.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment on board. Night navigation.

Early in the morning, departure from the ship towards Burg.

Included excursion: Magdeburg. You will explore the city adorned with countless Christmas decorations, making every corner shine and creating a warm, festive atmosphere where tradition and magic meet. The narrow streets are embellished with subtle details that pay tribute to the season's customs. First mentioned in a manuscript in 805, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt surprises with its diversity and its rich history, spanning over 1200 years. You will visit the Magdeburg Cathedral and the Notre-Dame Cloister, the most remarkable historical landmarks of Magdeburg's cultural heritage. You will also see the Green Citadel with its colorful façade, the market square with the equestrian statue of the Magdeburg Horseman, the town hall, and its bronze portal.

Return on board in Genthin and departure from the ship towards Berlin. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

In the morning, included excursion: Berlin and its typical Kaffee Kuchen. During the holiday season, Berlin dons its winter coat and invites you to discover its most majestic landmarks. You will be mesmerized by the unique atmosphere of the German capital during this festive time. Your tour will begin with the Brandenburg Gate, the iconic symbol of German unity, in front of which stands a magnificent Christmas tree. Next, you will admire the Victory Column towering over the city and the TV Tower, which will offer you a breathtaking view of the heart of Berlin. You will continue to the Reichstag, the impressive Parliament building, and then to Checkpoint Charlie, a poignant reminder of the Cold War. You will also pass the elegant Red Town Hall and the moving Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a symbol of Berlin's resilience. Finally, discover the Humboldt Forum, an architectural and cultural marvel that embodies the city’s history and prominence. You will then enjoy a typical German tradition, Kaffee Kuchen, literally coffee and cake. Indulge in irresistible German sweet treats, accompanied by a comforting hot drink.

In the afternoon, included excursion: Potsdam and the enchanted lights of its Christmas market. The visit will start with the palace gardens. With 500 hectares of parks and 150 buildings constructed between 1730 and 1916, the ensemble of Potsdam's palaces and parks forms an exceptional artistic entity. Then, head to the Dutch Quarter of Potsdam. This picturesque group of 134 brick-gabled Dutch houses was built around 1730 to house Dutch workers invited to Potsdam by Frederick William I. You will continue your visit with a trip to the Christmas market "Blauer Lichterglanz," named for its characteristic blue lighting that creates a truly spectacular light show, illuminating the market in a magical way. These lights, in deep shades of blue, symbolize the purity and serenity of the winter season, while adding a touch of enchantment to the festive atmosphere. The market is bathed in this mesmerizing glow, creating a warm and fairy-tale-like ambiance, as if the market is waking up under a starry sky. The blue lights are the soul of the market, offering a unique and brilliant touch that transforms the place into a true Christmas kingdom.

Return on board. Gala evening.

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