Beyla, Christmas Along the Elbe ex Berlin to Prague

5 Night Cruise sailing from Wittenberg to Decin aboard Viking Beyla. Hotel stays pre-cruise in Berlin and post-cruise in 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 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, spend time exploring Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or join an optional tour to savor the flavors of Berlin. This evening, perhaps immerse yourself in German culture during a visit to one of its famed breweries. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Potsdam & Wittenberg, Germany
After breakfast, travel to Potsdam. Tour Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture constructed by Prussian king Frederick the Great during 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 board your ship. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Wittenberg, Germany
This morning, enjoy scenic sailing along the Elbe, then disembark and follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps to 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. Around dinnertime, you will arrive in Torgau. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Meissen, Germany
During your cruise this morning, celebrate a festive tradition at a gingerbread decorating class on board, arriving in Meissen just after lunchtime. Then 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 on board for dinner; your ship remains docked overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

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 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 7 Saxon Switzerland, Germany
This morning, cruise through the magnificent, soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region and partake in a festive cookie demonstration. Dock at the spa town of Bad Schandau and set out on an included tour 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 dinner and evening cruising. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Prague, Czech Repulic
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, tour Prague, 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. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own. (Breakfast)

Day 9 Prague, Czech Republic
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this celebrated city or join an optional tour; perhaps head out for an all-day visit to Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace. 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 10 Prague, Czech Republic
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. (Breakfast)

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.