Join us aboard the delightful MS Elbe Princesse as we discover the natural beauty of former East Germany’s dramatic landscape whilst we cruise along the Elbe River between beautiful Prague and historic Berlin. For those contemplating a tour of Middle Europe, the usual option is a land based coach tour offering overnight stops and long road journeys. This attractive eight night itinerary offers an ideal alternative of relatively short journeys by road, whilst the major part of the journey is undertaken aboard our delightful vessel the MS Elbe Princesse which we have chartered for our sailings from our longstanding associates, Croisi Europe. Accommodating a maximum of just 74 passengers and with a shallow draught, the vessel is ideally suited for our river cruise.
This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy seeing something different every day. In addition to discovering the vibrant city of Berlin and the graceful Czech capital of Prague, we also explore the culturally rich city of Dresden, often referred to as the ‘Florence of the Elbe’. Other highlights include the famous porcelain producing town of Meissen, Luther’s hometown of Wittenberg and historic Magdeburg. When not exploring ashore, there is ample time to relax on board witnessing some beautiful scenery as we sail along the Elbe, one of Europe’s most unspoiled rivers. Especially scenic is Saxon Switzerland, one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Europe where the Elbe has cut a deep valley through sandstone rocks creating a picturesque and rugged landscape. Our floating hotel, the MS Elbe Princesse will transport you in considerable comfort and the slow speed of the vessel will allow you to absorb the changing landscape of town and country and observe everyday life along the river.
Elbe Princesse
For our journey along the Elbe we have chartered the delightful MS Elbe Princesse. Built in in 2016, this modern vessel is designed to navigate the difficult conditions of the Elbe River using advanced engineering technologies. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 74 passengers, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere on board. With plenty of light and a large Sun Deck, there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your comfortable floating hotel.
18th April Itinerary
Day 1 London to Berlin, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the MS Elbe Princesse. Meet your fellow guests and crew this evening at the welcome cocktail and enjoy dinner on board.
Day 2 Potsdam.
This morning we will visit the Versailles of Prussia known for its palaces and parks. Here amongst the splendour of Frederick the Great’s creation we will see the park of the Palace of Sanssouci and the Tea House. Enjoy the afternoon sailing.
Day 3 Magdeburg.
Our morning guided tour will include the historically significant cathedral and the Monastery of Our Lady, the town hall, Guericke Fountain, Old Market Square and of course, the Green Citadel. Return to the vessel for lunch and continue our sailing.
Day 4 Wittenberg.
Wittenberg was the home of Martin Luther and the centre of the Protestant Reformation. It was here at the Schlosskirche in 1517 that Luther nailed his 95 Theses in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church. On our half day excursion we will take a walk through the old town. Return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon sailing to Meissen.
Day 5 Meissen.
Today’s tour will focus on the beautiful city of Meissen with its enchanting Renaissance houses. During our guided tour we will visit the Meissen factory museum where fine porcelain has been produced since the early 1700s and see first-hand how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand. Sail over lunch to Dresden where we arrive in the late afternoon and moor overnight.
Day 6 Dresden.
We will have the full day to explore this wonderful city known as ‘Florence of the Elbe’. Our guided morning tour will include the historic centre, the Frauenkirche and the Baroque Church of our Lady, which still shows signs of the Allied bombing during World War II. After lunch on board there will be the opportunity to explore this striking city independently.
Day 7 Saxon Switzerland.
Arrive early this morning into Bad Schandau, our base to visit the famous rock tower known as the Bastei, which was formed by water a million years ago and from where we can enjoy stunning views of the Elbe. We continue on to Castle Konigstein, an impressive fortress overlooking the Elbe where Napoleon’s forces were billeted during his German campaign. Return to the vessel and spend the afternoon cruising.
Day 8 Prague, Czech Republic.
We continue cruising this morning to Litomerice from where we drive to Prague and visit the Czech Republic’s capital in all its elegance. Our guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage City will include the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the castle. After lunch in a local restaurant enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before returning to the ship in Melnik.
Day 9 Prague to London.
Disembark after breakfast in Melnik and transfer to Prague airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
26th April Itinerary
Day 1 London to Prague, Czech Republic.
Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the MS Elbe Princesse. Meet your fellow guests and crew this evening at the welcome cocktail and enjoy dinner on board.
Day 2 Prague.
Our morning tour will focus on the Czech Republic’s capital in all its elegance. Our guided walking tour of this UNESCO Heritage City will include the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the castle. After lunch in a local restaurant, return to the vessel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to our next port of call in Germany.
Day 3 Saxon Switzerland, Germany.
Enjoy a leisurely morning aboard before we arrive into Bad Schandau this afternoon. There will be a guided tour of the famous rock tower, known as the Bastei, which was formed by water a million years ago and from where we can enjoy stunning views of the Elbe. We continue on to Castle Konigstein, an impressive fortress overlooking the Elbe where Napoleon’s forces were billeted during his German campaign. Return to the vessel and sail to Dresden for an overnight mooring.
Day 4 Dresden.
We will have the full day to explore this wonderful city known as ‘Florence of the Elbe’. Our guided morning tour will include the historic centre, the Frauenkirche and the Baroque Church of our Lady, which still shows signs of the Allied bombing during World War II. After lunch on board there will be the opportunity to explore this striking city independently.
Day 5 Meissen.
After a relaxing morning spent sailing we will arrive at the beautiful city of Meissen with its enchanting Renaissance houses. During our guided tour we will visit the Meissen factory museum where fine porcelain has been produced since the early 1700s and see first-hand how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand.
Day 6 Wittenberg.
Wittenberg was the home of Martin Luther and the centre of the Protestant Reformation. It was here at the Schlosskirche in 1517 that Luther nailed his 95 Theses in opposition to the Roman Catholic Church. On our half day excursion we will take a walk through the old town and visit the Luther House, an impressive Museum dedicated to the reformer’s life and works.
Day 7 Magdeburg.
Our morning guided tour will include the historically significant cathedral and the Monastery of Our Lady, the town hall, Guericke Fountain, Old Market Square and of course, the Green Citadel. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy the afternoon sailing.
Day 8 Potsdam.
Spend a leisurely morning on board whilst we continue sailing. This afternoon we will visit the Versailles of Prussia known for its palaces and parks. Here amongst the splendour of Frederick the Great’s creation we will see the park of the Palace of Sanssouci and the Tea House.
Day 9 Berlin to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy18 to 26 April 2025 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Main Deck Twin | £3495 | |
Upper Deck Twin | £3795 | |
Main Deck Twin for sole use | £4795 | |
Upper Deck Single | £4995 |
26 April to 4 May 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Main Deck Twin | £3495 | |
Upper Deck Twin | £3795 | |
Main Deck Twin for sole use | £4795 | |
Upper Deck Single | £4995 |
Tour Reference Code: RCEP180425/RCEP260425
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the MS Elbe Princesse on a full board basis • All inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm (please note that premium brands and sparkling wines are not included) • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Ports subject to change, water levels and weather conditions may affect the itinerary.
Elbe Princesse
For our journey along the Elbe we have chartered the delightful MS Elbe Princesse. Built in in 2016, this modern vessel is designed to navigate the difficult conditions of the Elbe River using advanced engineering technologies. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 74 passengers, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere on board. With plenty of light and a large Sun Deck, there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your comfortable floating hotel.
Travelling with You
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Martin Sixsmith
Martin Sixsmith is a writer, presenter and former television correspondent. He was the BBC’s Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent in the 1980s, reporting on the political upheavals that changed the shape of the continent and the world. In the 1990s, Martin was the BBC’s correspondent Moscow and Washington. Between 1997 and 2002 he worked for the British Government as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to several cabinet ministers.
He worked as a consultant on the BBC2 political sitcom The Thick of It and the 2010 movie In the Loop. In 2013, his book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee was made into the film Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. It was nominated for four Oscars. His non-fiction books include Putin’s Oil; Moscow Coup; The Litvinenko File; Russia, A Thousand Year Chronicle of the Wild East; and The War of Nerves – Inside the Cold War Mind. His latest book My Sins Go With Me is a story of bravery and treachery in the Resistance to Nazi occupation in World War Two. In 2011, he presented the BBC’s 50-episode history of Russia on Radio Four. In 2014 he presented Radio Four’s 25-part history of psychology and psychiatry.
Martin Sixsmith will be on the following tour dates: 18 to 26 April 2025 -
Michael Hindley
Michael Hindley was born in Blackburn, UK and educated at London University (BA Hons in German and French), Lancaster University (MA in Comparative Cultural Studies), and the Free University of West Berlin. Michael also has a post graduate diploma in International Law. Michael was an elected council leader in Northwest England, a Lancashire County Councillor and a Member of the European Parliament for three terms (1984-99). He was the Majority Leader on the Trade Committee (1989-99). During this time Michael was part of the group which worked towards Sweden and Finland joining the EU in 1995. Michael is now a freelance political consultant and has acted as an expert adviser for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and written a report on Fair Trade for the United Nations, International Trade Centre, Geneva. Michael is a frequent lecturer on European politics and has lectured at the Universities of Greifswald and Gottingen, Germany and worked with the University of Tallinn, Estonia. Most recently he has been a guest lecturer at Mangalore University, India. He has recently published a book on Britain’s relationship with Europe since 1945 entitled The Semi-Detached European.
Michael Hindley will be on the following tour dates: 26 April to 4 May 2025
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Berlin we are offering an optional two night extension based at a centrally located, four-star hotel.
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Berlin.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet later tonight for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2 Berlin.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning city tour including some of Berlin’s main sights. Lunch and the remainder of the day are free to explore Berlin independently. (B)
Day 3 Berlin.
After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the Elbe Princesse this afternoon. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
16 to 18 April 2025 Category Price Twin £745 Single £945 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, tour as described, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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If you would like to spend some time in Berlin we are offering an optional two night extension based at a centrally located, four-star hotel.
The Itinerary
Day 1 Berlin.
After breakfast on board, disembark the Elbe Princesse and transfer to the city centre to enjoy a morning tour including some of Berlin’s main sights. After lunch at leisure, transfer to our centrally located hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore independently before we meet for dinner. (D)
Day 2 Berlin.
Today is free for independent exploration of Berlin. (B)
Day 3 Berlin to London.
Checkout this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
4 to 6 May 2025 Category Price Twin £745 Single £945 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), half day city tour on day 1, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Four River Odyssey
A cruise through the enchanting valleys of the Neckar, Rhine, Moselle & Saar Rivers aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II
Elbe Princesse II
Itinerary at a glance
- Eberbach / Neckar River Cruising / Heidelberg / Rudesheim / Koblenz / Cochem / Bernkastel / Trier / Saarbrucken
The Golden Age of Dutch Art
A journey through Belgium & the southern provinces of the Netherlands aboard the MS River Crown with Guest Speaker Brian Healey
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Brussels / Antwerp / Maastricht / Nuenen / Arnhem / Keukenhof Gardens / Amsterdam / Dordrecht / Kinderdijk / Rotterdam
Three River Odyssey
A river journey between Budapest & Basle aboard the MS River Crown
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk / Passau / Regensburg / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Miltenberg / Heidelberg / Strasbourg / Colmar / Basle
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000