New year’s in Prague (port-to-port cruise)

PRAGUE – MELNIK – Dresden – ROZTOKY – PRAGUE

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. in Prague. We’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Enjoy dinner on board.

This morning, we’ll tour Lobkowicz Palace. We'll leave by coach for the castle complex, Lobkowicz Palace, built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. The castle underwent significant architectural changes after the Thirty Years’ War, moving to a more baroque style. We'll discover the largest and oldest private collection in Europe in the enchanting palace, strolling through its majestic rooms overflowing with impressive works of art. Twenty-two galleries hold the exhibit, illustrating the challenges the Lobkowicz family has faced over the centuries. Objects include personal items and priceless works, such as manuscripts from Beethoven and Mozart and paintings by Canaletto, Diego Velázquez, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. After our excursion, we’ll return on board for lunch.This afternoon, join us for a private concert in a historic hall in Prague. Reserved exclusively for the passengers on our cruise ship, you'll experience a concert as never before.

In the morning, we'll visit a Christmas Market to experience local flavors. We’ll set out on foot for the center of Prague. Holiday markets pop up across the city at the beginning of December and run through the beginning of January. We'll visit the largest and most beautiful in the Old Town, where an immense Christmas tree, nativity scene, and small chalets await. This is also the perfect time to see the city's medieval-style astronomical clock—the most legendary in the world—where the Twelve Apostles appear hourly. Master clockmaker Mikulas of Kadan built the oldest part of the clock in 1410. Wooden statues were added in the 17th century, and the Apostles became the figures in the 18th century. Our sweet treat will be a tasting of the local pastry, known as trdelník, and a cup of mulled wine. We'll return to the ship for lunch.The afternoon will be spent cruising on the Vltava. In December, Prague dresses up to the nines! Discover the city from another angle as we cruise the river during sunset. 

When the clock strikes 12, and we ring in the New Year, the skies over Prague will explode with fireworks from all corners of the city.

This morning, we'll visit the Strahov Monastery Library and the Loreta monastery. We'll head to the Strahov Monastery, whose library holds over 200,000 works—making it one of the most valued and best preserved in Europe. The oldest, baroque-style section of the current library, the Theological Hall, dates back to the 17th century. The main hall, known as the Philosophical Hall, has two-story-high vaulted ceilings that are neo-classical in style. Frescoes by Siardo Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch adorn the hall ceilings. We'll then continue on to Loreta. Located in Hradcany, also known as the Castle District, the complex consists of a cloister, a church, and a clock with a famous chime. The Italian-inspired complex dates back to 1626. Make sure you stick around to hear the bells ring on the hour to a melody composed by Dvorak. Today, the complex houses a large collection of liturgical objects, many from the 14th to the 18th century—including a monstrance with 6,222 diamonds. After our excursion, we’ll return on board for lunch.

Enjoy time on your own this afternoon to visit Prague and its holiday markets at your own pace. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.