Beauty of the Elbe with Prague

Day 2 Berlin - Postdam - Magdeburg We travel to Potsdam for an included city tour and lunch. The former royal seat of Prussia contains a UNESCO-protected list of beautiful palaces and gardens which exude all the pomp that Prussian wealth could afford, including Schloss Sanssouci, the large private retreat of King Friedrich II. We then travel to Magdeburg for an included city tour of the ‘city of spires’. The city has suffered from several wars but some of its historical landmarks have stood for centuries, including the Dom and medieval monastery. After our tour we embark MS Johannes Brahms (3T+), with time to settle before dinner. Day 3 Good Friday - Wittenberg Spend today in Wittenberg, a critical milestone in the history of Christianity. Around 500 years ago, this quaint town was a powerful centre of the Holy Roman Empire and a hive of radical debate for theologians like Martin Luther, who lived and preached here. Take an optional guided walking tour to follow the footsteps of Martin Luther, visiting the Castle Church where he gave some of his sermons and on whose doors he posted his 95 theses which sparked the Protestant Reformation, and the Luther House. Day 4 Torgau - Meissen This morning we arrive in Torgau, a place favoured by Martin Luther for the beautiful ancient buildings. Today 500 Renaissance and late-Gothic buildings still create a stunning town. You have a short time to explore at your leisure. Maybe visit the outstanding renaissance House of Mayor Ringenhain, or take in views of Hartenfels Castle, the spiritual centre of the German Reformation with a church consecrated by Luther himself. We sail this afternoon, arriving late evening in Meissen. Easter Sunday - Meissen - Dresden This morning perhaps join an optional excursion to the famous Meissen Porcelain Centre. Porcelain has been made here for over 300 years, the first manufactory in Europe. Then, after sailing to Dresden, we have an included excursion to Colditz Castle. In its 1,000-year existence, the castle has witnessed a diverse range of uses, from a Royal Hunting Lodge to a psychiatric hospital, but it is best known as the most notorious PoW camps in World War II. The isolated castle was declared escape proof but over 300 attempts were made and 31 of them were successful. We remain docked in Dresden overnight. Day 6 Easter Monday - Dresden - Bad Schandau - Decin Depart early this morning and sail to the medieval town of Bad Schandau, from where we journey into the Sandstone Mountains. This national park is one of the most unique regions of natural beauty in Germany, with an extraordinary variety of terrain with plains, ravines, wild forest and unique rock formations. We dock in Decin this evening. Day 7 Decin - Scenic cruising - Melnik Rise this morning as we cruise a little further and stop briefly for those wishing to take the optional excursion to Decin Castle. Through the last millennia, this huge landmark has served as a point of control for the Bohemian princes, a military fortress, and noble estate. For those who stay aboard, enjoy a day of scenic cruising as we head to Melnik, where we dock overnight. Day 8 Prague Relax as our river cruise continues this morning, arriving in Prague mid-afternoon. You may like to take this opportunity to start exploring this magnificent city. Days 9-10 Prague Disembark the ship after breakfast on day 9 and enjoy a tour of Prague, including the historic Old Town Square, the famous Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock. Afterwards, we check in to our hotel, the Ambassador - Zlatá Husa (4T). The rest of the day and tomorrow is free for you to explore further. Maybe stroll through the Palace Gardens or the beautifully preserved Jewish Ghetto; or just meander along the cobbled streets - you’re bound to find some local treasures, fantastic restaurants and old-world charm hidden in its side streets. Day 11 Prague - UK Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.