Saxony Cruise & Prague

Dates: May 2 – 10, 2008

Day 1 - Departure
Depart gateway city for Berlin, Germany. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2 - Berlin
Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to embark the MV Frederic Chopin. (Transfer provided for air-inclusive participants only) This evening, attend a welcome reception and dinner aboard the ship.

Day 3 - Berlin/Potsdam
This morning we'll journey along the famous Unter den Linden and Ku’damm boulevards to admire the façades of both "sides" of Berlin. A tour of some of the city's major sights includes remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Charlottenburg Palace and the Reichstag Parliament.

Upon arrival in Potsdam, the elegant capital of Germany's Brandenburg state, we'll visit Cecilienhof Palace, site of the Potsdam Conference. Learn about the historic 1945 meeting of the Allied leaders who redrew the borders and determined the fate of post-war Germany. Next, we'll see Sanssouci Park, the magnificent summer home of Frederick the Great, before enjoying free time to explore Potsdam's 18th-century baroque Dutch Quarter.

Day 4 - Magdeburg
This morning take advantage of time for independent exploration in Magdeburg, the 1200-year-old capital of Saxony-Anhalt. Visit a museum, tour the renowned cathedral, or simply wander the streets and absorb the town's ambience. This afternoon, enjoy leisure time as we cruise the Elbe River.

Day 5 - Wittenberg/Torgau
The center of the German Reformation, Wittenberg is the former residence of Martin Luther and the birthplace of Humanist Phillip Melanchton. We'll visit some of the town's main sites, including the Schlosskirche, the Parish Church with its 16th-century altar, and the 16th-century Town Hall.

In the afternoon we'll visit ancient Torgau, former residence of medieval Saxon kings. Admire the Renaissance Town Hall, the late-Gothic Marienkirche church, and Schloss Hartenfels, a Renaissance castle with a chapel consecrated by Martin Luther.

Day 6 – Meissen/Dresden
Our destination this morning is the Meissen Porcelain Factory. In the early 18th century, this ancient wine-producing town became home to the first porcelain production outside of the Far East. We'll tour the historic factory and museum and learn about the process for creating this exquisite stoneware, which has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries.

This afternoon, the landmarks of Dresden, one of Europe's most beautiful cities, are on display—we'll see the charming Brühlsche Terrasse, the renowned Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House and Zwinger, and attend a musical performance by The Sound of Saxony.

Day 7 - the Saxon Alps
Today, the majestic landscape of the Saxon Alps unfolds before us. Relax and admire one of Germany’s most scenic regions, referred to as the Switzerland of Germany.

Day 8 - Prague
The graceful City of One Hundred Spires, built atop seven hills, showcases its picturesque highlights. We'll explore Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle, and St. Vitus Cathedral, which houses the tomb of "good King" Wenceslas; wander the storybook streets of the Old Town, and stroll across the Charles Bridge.

This evening, attend a festive farewell dinner.

Day 9 - Prague
This morning we disembark the ship in Melník, Czech Republic, before transferring to Prague. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is at leisure to further explore this famous city.

Day 10 - Prague
Transfer to the Prague airport for the flight home. (Transfer and flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

This itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. An updated itinerary will be sent with final documents.

Back to 2008 destination list