Astrild, Christmas Along the Elbe ex Prague to Berlin

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)

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.