viking elbe river cruise 2022

Elbe River Cruises

• Elbe For Couples

17 Elbe cruises with reviews

• River Cruise
• Sightseeing

Prague, Dresden, and the Castles of Bohemia: A Spectacular Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers

From Amsterdam to Berlin (port-to-port cruise)

Wonderful Onboard staff and a most interesting itinerary. Well paced and good excursions . Having a dedicated bus and driver while in Germany was a very nice touch. The food was excellent but I would suggest a choice of portion sizes be offered. It was impossible to eat three extra bountiful meals each day served at one’s chair without a good deal of good wastage. The ship was clean and well maintained and perfect for the small canals and low bridges en route. English only speakers should be aware that while the staff are multi-lingual, the guests are for the most part older French folks who didn’t mix with English only speakers, at least on our trip

From Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities

From Berlin to Amsterdam (port-to-port cruise)

From Berlin to Prague: Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

They mostly succeeded in accommodating me as the only english speaker on March-April 2019 cruise. Slightly disappointed by the itinerary - We cruised during daytime hours on at least 3 days; The Berlin excursion was terrible (too few stops, not enough time). Hoped for more regional cuisine. The boat itself was awesome and the staff was terrific, although one person on the cruise director's team snapped at a guest in Prague (he was frustrated with the tour guide and took it out on the guest). Got a great tip from the cruise director about an alternate excursion that he figured (correctly) would be to my liking.

From Prague to Berlin: Cruise on the Vltava and Elbe Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

This was the most expensive of all the river cruises I have ever done and the worst value for money. It was not company's fault that water level in Elbe was a problem but it was their decision NOT to notify travellers in advance (and today I read the reviews of other travellers that this is their practice not to inform travellers, keep them in the dark; they have been doing this in the past). We had to be transferred by coach to most tours, we have not been told how long the drive will be, we were NOT provided with water despite the fact that the price includes "unlimited drinks" even with alcohol. Such gross overcharge. Last year we travelled with Avalon and when the weather was awful due to pouring rain travellers were refunded money for the optional tour as a good will gesture. Due to all this coach rides there was no free time in the towns we visited as we had to rush back to the ship which was far away, often docked in boring "nothing to do" locations. CroisiEurope sell themselves as luxury cruises but compared to Uniworld, Viking and Avalon there is barely necessities covered, no luxury at all. Their accommodation is 3*, amenities in the bathroom include only soap and shampoo (no body lotion), 2 towels of 3* quality due to small size and no fluffiness. Food 4*. If you want fried eggs or an omelette, you have to queue as scrambled eggs are not in the menu and the choice of cold meats for breakfast is very poor.

• Christmas & New Year

Christmas on the Elbe

Christmas on the Elbe (port-to-port cruise)

New Year's Eve on the Elbe from Dresden to Berlin (port-to-port cruise)

New Year's Eve on the Elbe from Dresden to Berlin

Holiday Cheer Along the Elbe River (port-to-port cruise)

Elegant Elbe Wittenberg to Decin

From Copenhagen to Berlin: The Baltic Sea, the Oder and Havel and Elbe Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

Cruise on the Elbe River from Berlin to Prague (port-to-port cruise)

From Berlin to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise)

Reviews of elbe cruises, elbe tours starting in:.

• 7 Day Tours (7)
• Summer 2024 (5)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (6)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (5)
• Spring 2025 (4)
• Summer 2025 (4)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (3)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (1)
• May 2024 (1)
• June 2024 (5)
• July 2024 (4)
• August 2024 (2)
• September 2024 (3)
• October 2024 (4)
• November 2024 (3)
• December 2024 (5)
• March 2025 (3)
• April 2025 (3)
• May 2025 (5)
• June 2025 (2)
• July 2025 (4)
• August 2025 (1)
• September 2025 (2)
• October 2025 (3)
• November 2025 (1)
• December 2025 (1)
• March 2026 (1)
• April 2026 (1)

Popular Cruise Ships

• MS Elbe Princesse from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Elbe Princesse II from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Victor Hugo from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Mona Lisa from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• Viking Astrild from Viking Cruises
• Viking Beyla from Viking Cruises

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (11)
• For Couples (12)
• Seniors (11)

Discover TourRadar

• See All Tour Operators in Elbe
• Safari Holidays
• Iberotel Crown Emperor Luxor-Aswan Cruise
• 8 Days Kenya and Tanzania mid range Road Safari
• Kerala the Beauty of India
• Turkey Classics Tour
• 10 Best Walking Tour Companies (with Reviews)

Close Window | X

VIKING RIVER CRUISES 10 Days | Elegant Elbe Southbound

BERLIN TO PRAGUE Day 1 | Berlin, Germany. Arrive at the Berlin airport, then transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time and get acquainted with the city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. Day 2 | Potsdam. Magdeburg. After breakfast, travel to Potsdam. Tour either Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, or the nearby New Chambers—both built by Prussian King Frederick the Great in the 18th century. After lunch on your own, transfer to Magdeburg to embark your ship. Dinner served aboard; ship departs late tonight. (B, D) Day 3 | Dessau. Arrive this morning in Dessau. Take a journey to Wörlitz Park, Germany’s first landscaped park with English-style gardens. Tour inside Wörlitz Castle, fashioned after an English country home, and walk the grounds. Return to the ship for lunchtime departure and scenic afternoon cruising; enjoy the tastes of traditional German cuisine for dinner as we sail into Wittenberg. (B, L, D) Day 4 | Wittenberg. Torgau.  After breakfast, follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps to view many of Wittenberg’s historic landmarks. Tour inside Luther’s House and St. Marien’s Church, where he preached. See the Castle Church where Luther posted his 95 Theses; then enjoy free time. Return to your ship and depart during lunch; cruise along a very pretty stretch of the Elbe. After dinner aboard, arrive in Torgau with its wonderful Renaissance houses. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll to see fortified Hartenfels Castle, Market Square and the riverside monument commemorating the historic 1945 meeting between Russian and American troops. Ship sails at midnight. (B, L, D) Day 5 | Meissen. Cruise the Elbe. Arrive in Meissen after lunch. Visit the Meissenware factory, which has produced fine porcelain since the early 1700s. See firsthand how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand and tour the museum. Proceed to Castle Hill for a walking tour through the Old Town. Return aboard for dinner and a short cruise to a glorious evening arrival in Dresden. (B, L, D) Day 6 | Dresden. Embark on a tour of 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 of the Saxon monarchs’ crown jewels. Continue on foot to see Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) with its distinctive bell-shaped dome, which survived the World War II bombings but collapsed the following day and was later rebuilt. Enjoy some free time to explore more of Dresden, or join one of our master chefs on a shopping trip to the local farmer’s market. You also have the opportunity to see some local arts and crafts this afternoon. Dinner is served aboard, but feel free to enjoy Dresden’s many charms and attractions this evening; we remain docked until early morning. (B, L, D) Day 7 | Saxon, Switzerland. This morning, cruise through the magnificent, soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region, then 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 aboard for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D) Day 8 | Litomerice, Czech Republic. Arrive after lunch in Litomerice, one of the prettiest towns in the Czech Republic. See St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Jesuit Church, historic Market Square and many residential buildings from the baroque, Renaissance and Gothic periods. The tour ends with a tasting of beers from this Bohemian region. This evening, join your ship’s Captain for a festive dinner on board. (B, L, D) Day 9 | Melnik. Prague.  Awaken in Melnik; after breakfast, disembark for transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, you tour Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires.” After a guided walk through Old Town, take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to Hradcany Castle for a tour through the castle’s interior. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own. (B) Day 10 | Prague. After breakfast, check out and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your time abroad with 2 additional nights in Prague, giving you time to see even more of this vibrant city. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

Elbe River Cruise Ships – Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild

 Linda Garrison

The Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild are two identical river cruise ships sailing the Elbe River in the Czech Republic and eastern Germany for Viking Cruises. The two ships were launched in 2015 and are shorter, have one less deck, and carry about 50 percent fewer passengers than the Viking Longships sailing other European rivers. The two Elbe River "baby" Longships are 361 feet long and carry 98 guests; the traditional Viking Longships are 443 feet long and carry 190 guests. 

These two smaller ships were specifically designed with less draft to sail the shallow Elbe River, but drought conditions their first two years in service have prohibited their sailing the entire route for a few weeks of each 9-month cruise season. This is unfortunate since the Elbe is a fascinating river cruise itinerary and, when combined with hotel stays at Prague and Berlin at each end of the tour, makes for a memorable cruise vacation. Snow melting and spring rains usually keep the river filled during the spring and early summer. However, it's difficult to predict when there will be enough rain to keep the water levels high enough to safely sail in the summer and fall. 

Stuff happens. Low waters on the Elbe transformed our river cruise into a boatel/bus tour with Viking. It was the third cruise of the season where the ships could not sail. Although everyone who chose to take the tour (about half the passengers canceled) was disappointed, most were very satisfied by the end of the 10-day vacation. They also received a generous discount from Viking on their next cruise.

The Viking teams from the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild were disappointed too but did an exceptional job of making sure the guests saw everything on the planned schedule plus additional tours since The only thing we didn't do was cruise. We stayed in a hotel in Prague as planned for one night, stayed on the river ships for seven nights (three on the Viking Beyla and four on the Viking Astrild), and ended our tour with one night in a Berlin hotel as planned. My Elbe River travel journal shows that you can have a great time on any Viking river cruise ship even if you never move (except on a bus). 

Since I stayed on both ships, this article provides a detailed look at the common areas, cabins, and dining venues on the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild. Except for the crews, the two ships are identical. As on every Viking ship I've ever sailed on, the crew was outstanding.

Entry on Viking Astrild, a Viking Cruises River Ship on the Elbe River

Both ships have a painting in their entry that reflects the ship's Nordic heritage. This one on the Viking Astrild is the  Nordic goddess of love who carries the name. In old Norse, Astrild means "love-fire" or "passion". The Viking Beyla is named for the female servant of the Norse god Freyr , which isn't quite as exciting, is it?

Both ships feature the simple, classic design seen on all of Viking's Longships, with lots of comfortable space and light woods and furnishings. 

Reception Desk and View of Restaurant on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

Entering the Viking Beyla or Viking Astrild , guests first see the reception desk but also get a peek at the Restaurant down the steps. The ships have only three passenger decks: Deck 1 has the Restaurant and Standard Cabins; Deck 2 has the rest of the accommodations, the Lounge, Bar, and Aquavit Terrace; and Deck 3 is the outdoor sun deck.

Cabins and Suites on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The identical  Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla have four different types of cabins and suites in six different categories. All of the suites and cabins are on deck 2 except the Standard Cabins, which are located on deck 1. All of the accommodations have both 220- and 110-volt plugs, individual climate control, a telephone, 42-inch flat panel television with premium entertainment package, refrigerator, safe, use of bathrobe and slippers upon request, hairdryer, and bottled water replenished daily.

• Veranda Suite (Category AA) - Each ship has two Veranda Suites. These are true suites measuring 250 square feet with separate sitting room and bedroom divided by a pocket door. The sitting room (seen in the photo above) has a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony, and the bedroom has a French balcony. The bath is larger than in the other accommodations, and the suite has a television in both rooms. 
• Veranda Stateroom (Category A and B) - The Veranda Staterooms have 180 square feet (including the balcony) and sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony. 
• French Balcony Cabin (Category C and D) - The French balcony staterooms measure 122 square feet. They have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to create the French Balcony. The interior of these cabins feels similar in size to the Veranda cabins since none of the square footage is used for a balcony.
• Standard Cabin  (Category E) - The Standard Cabins measure 140 square feet and have a picture window that does not open. On the Longships, this window is high up on the wall; however, on the two "baby" Longships, this huge window is in the middle of the wall and provides great views, which is a plus for those watching their budget.

Veranda Suite Sitting Room on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

In addition to the sofa, chair, table, and sliding glass door to the balcony, the Veranda Suites on the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild have a small desk area with space to plug in any electronics guests might bring along.

Bedroom in Veranda Suite on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The bedroom in the Veranda Suite is small but can support either one large bed or two twins along with two nightstands and a lighted closet. 

Bathroom Vanity in Veranda Suite on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The bathroom in the Veranda Suite on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild is large and has plenty of storage space. 

Shower and Sink in Veranda Suite on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

This large shower is a real plus for the bathroom in the Veranda Suite on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild. The shower is not as large in the other staterooms but is adequate and as large as found on many ocean ships.

Sun Deck and Navigation Bridge on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

Like most river ships, the sun deck on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild is open and spacious, perfect for watching the river scenery pass by.

Sun Deck on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

 The sun deck on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild has both open and covered areas.

Herb Garden and Putting Green on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The Viking chefs have a place to grow their own herbs on the sun deck of the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild. The river ships also have a putting green for those who like to hone their golf skills while sailing down the river.  

Internet Room on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild have free WiFi throughout the ships. Each has a small internet area with two laptops for those who don't bring along their own computer or tablet.

Observation Lounge and Bar on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The forward Observation Lounge and Bar are the hub of all the activities on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild. The Lounge is used for the nightly briefings, meetings, entertainment, or just sitting and watching the river scenery glide by with new or old friends.

Bar on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

 The Bar in the Observation Lounge stays busy on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild. 

Observation Lounge and Aquavit Terrace on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The Observation Lounge opens directly onto the Aquavit Terrace, an outdoor seating area that is a signature item on all the Longships--both the full-sized and the baby Longships Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild

Indoor/Outdoor Seating in Lounge of Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

The doors to the Aquavit Terrace can be opened to the Observation Lounge, making a nice indoor/outdoor seating area for the guests on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild river ships.

Comfortable Seating on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

Guests can either sit at the bar or in one of the many comfortable seating areas in the Observation Lounge on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild river ships.

Light Breakfast in the Lounge on Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

Early or late risers can enjoy a light breakfast in the Observation Lounge. A light lunch is also available in the Lounge for those in a hurry or who don't want to be tempted by some of the delicious lunch items on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild.

Restaurant on the Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild

The Restaurant is on deck 1 of the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild river cruise ships. It is spacious, with seating for 4, 6, or 8 guests. Breakfast and lunch are mostly buffets, but there are menus for those who prefer to be served. Dinner is served from a menu, with a nice selection of regional dishes, starters, main dishes, and desserts. The dinner menu also always features a selection of classical items like Caesar salad, poached salmon, chicken breast, and grilled rib eye steak.

German Dinner on the Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ships

Along with regional German or eastern European dishes at most meals, the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild galleys serve a German dinner one night on each cruise. The tables are decorated in the blue and white of Bavaria, and the food was wonderful. Not surprisingly, the beer and pretzels were a popular treat (in addition to the rest of the German buffet). 

Veal for Dinner on the Viking Astrild, a Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ship

This carved veal tenderloin with jus, lemon potato gratin, sauteed forest mushrooms, and sweet peas were served on the Viking Astrild as one of the main dishes for dinner. It was as exquisite as it looks. Both ships have the same menus, and we all appreciated the fresh salads at lunch, good soup dishes, and a variety of other selections. 

Caramelized Sea Scallops on the Viking Beyla, a Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ship

The food items were presented just as well (and were as tasty) on the Viking Beyla. One of our table mates at dinner ordered these caramelized scallops with port wine sauce, which came along with crisp bacon, braised savoy cabbage, and thyme roasted potatoes. She said they were as delicious as they appear. As they say, everything is better with bacon!

Apple Hazelnut Crumble on the Viking Beyla, a Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ship

Main dishes on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild were also yummy. This apple hazelnut crumble was topped with malted whiskey ice cream. I had mine with vanilla ice cream instead, but those who had the whiskey-flavored swore it was good. We were all happy that the galley was willing to substitute items or to bring extra helpings of popular items.

Chocolate Souffle on the Viking Astrild, a Viking Cruises' Elbe River Ship

Since our trip included time spent on the Viking Beyla and the Viking Astrild, the chefs had to work together to make sure they didn't duplicate any meals or items. We ended up having chocolate souffle on both ships, but no one complained. It was interesting to me that the presentation was very similar and both were delicious.

Viking Beyla in Dresden, Germany

This photo of the Viking Beyla at the dock in Dresden shows the Aquavit Terrace, Observation Lounge, and the sun deck.

Swans and the Viking Beyla in Dresden, Germany

A family of swans lived near where the Viking Beyla was docked in Dresden. This photo shows the large picture windows in the deck 1 Standard Cabins. The view is not as expansive as a Veranda or French balcony cabin, but it is larger than on the lowest deck cabins on other European river ships.

Viking Astrild in Wittenberg, Germany

The Viking Astrild looks identical on the outside and on the inside to her sister ship the Viking Beyla.

The Viking Astrild and Viking Beyla are similar to the other Longships in the Viking Cruises European river fleet, but carry about half the number of passengers. This gives the ships a more intimate feel and enables the guests to become better acquainted with each other and for the crew to learn the guest's preferences more quickly. Their Elbe River cruise itineraries help guests learn more about the region and provide amazing river cruise vacation memories.

13 New Ocean Cruise Ships in 2018

Viking Announces New Nile River Cruise Ship for 2022

Viking River Cruises Profile

Storybook Castles and Villages—I Sailed the Rhine on AmaWaterways' Newest Ship

Viking Longship Cruises

About the Ship: the Silversea Silver Muse

Vantage's MS River Voyager Cruise Ship

How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship

The Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship

Take a Trip on the Regatta, an Oceania Cruises Ship

10 Reasons to Love the Viking Sea Cruise Ship

Carnival Dream - Cruise Ship Profile

Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship Profile and Photo Tour

Disney Dream Virtual Tour

Take a Tour of the Aegean Odyssey of Voyages to Antiquity

Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam's Cabins and Suites

• New Zealand
• Maldives & Seychelles
• Hawaii / Mexico / Caribbean
• South/Central America
• Ocean Cruises
• River Cruises
• Luxury Cruises
• EXPERIENCES

Viking Elegant Elbe River Cruise from $2,549 + Air from $499pp Travel Team > Europe - River Cruises > Viking Elegant Elbe River Cruise from $2,549 + Air from $499pp

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 10 days/9 nights
• 8 included shore excursions with local guide & headset
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary beer, wine & soft drinks with on board lunch & dinner
• Multiple dining venues with open seating
• 24/7 specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
• All port taxes & fees

Due to low water levels on Elbe River, we no longer recommend cruises on this river.  For a full list of rivers we recommend, visit our River Cruise site here

Elegant elbe river cruise.

Discover Berlin’s modern chic, Potsdam’s rococo whimsy, Dessau’s Bauhaus genius and Prague’s Gothic exuberance. Walk in Martin Luther’s footsteps in Wittenberg, birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. Admire delicate Meissen porcelain. Celebrate Dresden, a phoenix risen from the ashes of war. View Saxon Switzerland’s monoliths. See the Elbe Biosphere Reserve. The Elbe is one of Europe’s most unspoiled rivers and it awaits you—from Berlin to Prague—on our 10-day cruise tour.

Ask a Travel Agent for details at 1-800-788-0829

VIEW ITINERARY

*(Itinerary may be in reverse depending on cruise dates)

Day 1 Berlin

Arrive at the Berlin airport, then transfer 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

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of the vibrant German capital, which has seen its fair share of dramatic changes in the last century. See the Reichstag with its spectacular glass dome, the historic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and many other iconic sites. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Wittenberg

After breakfast, travel to Potsdam. Tour Sanssouci Palace, a perfect example of German rococo architecture, built by Prussian king Frederick the Great in the 18th century. Continue to Wörlitz Park, Germany’s first landscaped park with English-style gardens. Tour inside Wörlitz Castle, fashioned after an English country home, and stroll the grounds. Then, transfer to Wittenberg to embark your ship. (B, D)

Day 4: Wittenberg

This morning, follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps to view many of Wittenberg’s historic landmarks. Tour inside Luther’s House and St. Marien’s Church, where he preached. See the Castle Church where Luther posted his “95 Theses”; then enjoy free time. Return to your ship and for our afternoon departure as we cruise along a very pretty stretch of the Elbe. Around dinnertime, we arrive in Torgau. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Meissen, Germany

Today, cruise the Elbe and arrive in Meissen just after lunchtime. Then stop in at the Meissenware factory, producers of fine porcelain since the early 1700s. Discover how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand, then tour the museum. Proceed to Castle Hill for a walking tour through Old Town. Return aboard for dinner and an evening at leisure. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

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 that houses what many claim is the world’s largest collection of treasures, including priceless jewels and emeralds. Continue on foot to see Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) with its distinctive bell-shaped dome that survived World War II bombings but collapsed the following day. Later, it was rebuilt.

Dinner is served aboard your ship; afterward, feel free to enjoy Dresden’s many charms and attractions as we remain docked until early morning. (B, L, D)

*Please note : If you’re in Dresden on a Tuesday, The Green Vault is closed, therefore you will instead visit 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, then 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 aboard for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Decin, Czech Republic

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, you tour Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” After a guided walk through Old Town, take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to visit Hradčany Castle. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 9: Prague, Czech Republic

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this celebrated city, or join an optional tour to Lobkowicz Palace. (B)

Day 10: Prague, Czech Republic

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Prague and discover more of this celebrated city. (B)

Pricing & Departures

WHAT MAKES VIKING RIVER CRUISES DIFFERENT:

• You won’t find the noise of casinos on-board
• Viking River Cruises are tailored towards adults so there are no children under 18
• No foo foo alcoholic drinks with umbrellas
• You won’t be bothered by photographers clamoring to take your picture, for a fee
• There aren’t any on-board art auctions with inflated prices
• No charge for wine and beer, house wines and beers are served with meals
• There is no extra charge for alternative restaurants, you will find destination focused dining aboard your river cruise
• Wi-Fi is Free
• Use of laundry facilities is free
• Use of the spa is complimentary
• You won’t be pressured into buying a spa service
• Viking River Cruise Long-ships all have outside staterooms, no inside staterooms here
• There is no smoking aboard your Viking River Cruise Ship
• You won’t ever have to wait in lines
• Relax and be comfortable in slacks, you won’t find formal nights or butlers in white gloves
• There is no worry of being nickel and dimed, your Viking River Cruise is All-inclusive

Travel Team offers additional incentives in addition to those offered by the cruise line. Up to a $500 ship board credit on all river cruises.

Contact a travel team agent today at 1-800-788-0829 for more information

Additional travel dates are available, call a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829 for details.

Ask a travel team agent for more details 1-800-788-0829, Additional departure dates & cities are available, ask a travel team agent for more information

Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.

• Airfare offer must be booked by Jan. 31, 2020
• After airfare offer expires, package is only Land & Cruise Package
• Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
• We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
• All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
• Prices reflect cash discount
• Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
• Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
• Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
• UBI-600-307-872-WA

Check Out These Related Travel Packages

Europe Travel Packages from $869.00 Roundtrip Airfare and 3 nights hotel and 7 day Car Rental!

Viking Europe River Cruises 2021 2022 2023 from $1999 with FREE airfare and FREE Silver Beverage Packages

River Cruise Specials

Thinking of Booking a River Cruise? Here are a few Questions to Answer in order to Find Your Best Option.

• PRIVACY POLICY

Travel Team Sales 173 Palmer Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901 800-788-0829 / 406-991-1155 Travel Team (Old Office) 3837 13th Ave W, Suite 109, Seattle, WA 98119 800-788-0829 / 206-301-0443 ©1998-2024 The Travel Team. All rights reserved.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Berlin to Prague
• Prague to Berlin

Elegant Elbe

• From AU$4,995
• 7 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Berlin to Prague Prague to Berlin

Elegant Elbe Map

Journey to Berlin, Dresden & Prague

Discover Berlin’s modern chic, Potsdam’s rococo whimsy and Prague’s Gothic exuberance. Walk in Martin Luther’s footsteps in Wittenberg, birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. Admire delicate Meissen porcelain. Celebrate Dresden, a phoenix risen from the ashes of war. View Saxon Switzerland’s monoliths. See the Elbe Biosphere Reserve. The Elbe is one of Europe’s most unspoiled rivers and it awaits you—on our 10-day cruisetour.

CRUISE ONLY OFFERS

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Berlin

From $799 | 2 Nights

Post: Prague

Post: Kraków & Warsaw

From $2,049 | 5 Nights

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

Elegant Elbe

Mar - Nov 2023 on board on board Viking Longships New Ship PRESIDENT'S CRUISE

• VIEW DETAILS
• Deposit for only C$25/person
• Up to FREE International Air*
• Plus Reduced Air starting from $ Free Air * & FREE Transfers
• FREE Transfers
• FREE Pre-paid Gratuities (value up to $)
• FREE Silver Spirits Beverage Package (more details) (Select March - June Voyages)
• FREE Wine, Beer & Soft drinks   (w/ onboard lunch & dinner)
• FREE Specialty Coffees, Teas & Bottled Water
• FREE Guided Tours
• FREE Shipboard Credit (up to $300 CAD**/stateroom)
• FREE Enrichment Lectures
• ALL Taxes & Fees
• PLUS Travel Insurance ‡ Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption NO AGE LIMIT | NO MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE | PRE-EXISTING CONDITION WAIVED See: Summary of Coverage / Insurance Policy / Resolution Policy

About Silver Spirits

Berlin ↔ prague berlin to prague, prague to berlin.

Cruise Connections Exclusive Offer

Inventory is limited. Speak to our Cruise Specialist.

Limited Time Offer. New bookings only.

Offer valid on bookings made from Jun 1 to Jun 30, 2022. Cruise from $2,899 CAD per person based on double occupancy, based on Mar 2023 departures of Rhine Getaway in category F; subject to availability, other categories/departures may be higher. Call for details. $25 deposit per person and free international airfare 2023 departures of Rhine Getaway; Romantic Danube; Danube Waltz; Cities of Light; Grand European Tour; Paris to the Swiss Alps; Holland & Belgium; Capitals of Eastern Europe; Elegant Elbe. Prices are in CAD dollars and for Canadian residents only. Book by Jun 30, 2022; pay in full by Sep 30, 2022. Offer expires Jun 30, 2022.

All fares are per person based on double occupancy. Not combinable with other discounts and offers. Government taxes and fees included. Free Viking Air from select Canadian gateways. Air offer and pricing may vary across other gateways, saildates and itineraries. Airport transfers included with Viking purchased Air (to and from cruise terminal) on cruise dates. If air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. Reverse itineraries available for multiple dates. Call for details. Some airline-imposed personal charges, including but not limited to baggage, priority boarding, and special seating, may apply. Cruise fares reflect the lowest lead-in fare for the dates listed by category. All cruise fares include cruise taxes and fees. **Shipboard Credits are per stateroom and based on voyage and category, call for details. Cruise Connections reserves the right to correct errors & omissions. All offers, rates & sailings subject to change & availability at the time of booking. Promotion is capacity controlled and may be pulled out at any time without prior notice. Certain restrictions apply. BPCPA #28364

Bon Voyage!

Viking takes you closer to your destination with large, expansive windows, and the ability to dock in the heart of small towns.

Enjoy included excursion in every port, fascinating insights into Local Life during excursions that reveal the rhythms of daily living in your destination.

Thoughtful attention from our Swiss-trained, English-speaking staff.

Open 6 days a week

Hours of Operation: • Monday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm PT • Saturday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm PT

604–1201 West Pender Street Vancouver BC Canada V6E 2V2

Elegant Elbe River Cruise with Viking River Cruises

Deciding which river to cruise in Europe can be a daunting task. The obvious favorites tend to be the Danube and Rhine rivers. An Elbe River cruise doesn’t seem to cross people’s minds initially.

Some of the most scenic rivers in the World run across the European continent and offer a variety of architectural wonders and rich cultures.

We wanted to do something different, take a river that was less traveled and offered less commercial ports of call to explore.

This wasn’t an easy task but the moment we found   Poland, Prague and the Elegant Elbe itinerary on the Viking River Cruises website, we knew it was the river cruise we had been looking for.

While it can be really had to get off the beaten path in Europe these days, let’s face it Europe is loaded with tourists, we knew there would be some smaller towns on this itinerary that most travelers wouldn’t take the time to visit.

The other plus side, this itinerary offered a Viking longship, the Viking Astrild, that holds a smaller amount of passengers- we had 96 people on our cruise- meaning things were pretty quiet and less box tour like.

We really want to showcase the intimate side of this itinerary and while we admit there are some big cities in there, the small overall group size and carefully planned itinerary left us often feeling like we were the only tourists in the country.

You can’t really beat that on a river cruise through Europe. Come along with us as we show you a side of Europe you’ll be amazed still exists.

Elegant Elbe River Cruise Itinerary

Table of Contents

Berlin, Germany

As with all great journeys, we started our river cruise in Berlin, the capital of Germany. Staying at the posh Hilton Berlin , we were able to explore an area of the city we never made it back to when we returned a month later.

The hotel was situated right across from Gendermarkt and the day we arrived found ourselves treated with a live music festival and all the currywurst carts we could dream of.

It was the perfect place to start our Viking River Cruise after exploring Bavaria and road-tripping through Germany the weeks prior.

Potsdam, Germany

En route to our river cruise boat, we stopped off in Potsdam to learn more about the history of Germany and visit the opulent palaces of the Prussian Kings.

The brightly colored Sanssouci Palace is a perfect example of German rococo architecture. It was built by Prussian king Frederick the Great in the 18th century.

Being so close to Berlin, I’d be lying if I said the place wasn’t packed with tourists on a warm summer day but it was really worth visiting and made for some great photos.

Dessau, Germany

There’s only one reason to stop in Dessau and that is to visit the Worlitz palace where Germany’s first landscaped park with English-style gardens was made.

Our morning was spent walking around the gardens near the palace before taking a rowboat trip around the ponds.

It was on our arrival in this small town that we saw a dramatic drop in tourists. Besides our group, there was maybe a handful of independent tourists exploring the gardens and palace of Worlitz.

Wittenberg, Germany

Follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther we listened to stories of the town and the man while we explored Wittenberg’s historic landmarks.

Known for his historical reformation of the church leading to the creation of the Lutheran faith the town bears witness to several iconic moments in history.

We toured inside St. Marien’s Church, where he preached and stood at the steps of the Castle Church where Luther posted his 95 Theses.

Not to mention, the town is very picturesque and again, virtually empty of tourists. It was one of our favorite stops on our Elbe river cruise.

Torgau, Germany

Torgau was one of the best surprises on our river cruise with its wonderful Renaissance houses under the glow of the setting sun.

We strolled through the fortified Hartenfels Castle and the Market Square before leaving the group and flying our drone to capture some amazing images of the sunset over this tiny German village.

Meissen, Germany

Although Meissen is famous for porcelain since the early 1700s, we opted out of the porcelain factory tour and spent our shortstop in this port hiking around the hills of the fortified city in search of great views and places to photograph.

The castle hill is the place to be with an impressive cathedral and castle walls that give way to a fabulous view of the valley and Elbe River below.

Dresden, Germany

Known as the Florence of the North, we encountered our first slew of busy tourist crowds since we left Potsdam.

Not without reason though, Dresden is a beautiful city located right on the Elbe River with an iconic skyline and a rich history to go along with it.

Disturbingly, the entire city was flattened in WWII, literally, nothing stood. It is hard to grasp this when you sail into the city today as the entire city has been restored to its former glory.

Saxon Switzerland, Germany

Docking in the small spa town of Bad Schandau, we made our way to the famous rock tower known as the Bastei.

These formations were formed by water a million years ago and today make up part of a beautiful hiking park where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Elbe River.

This was one of our favorite days as we were able to hike all the trails during our visit away from the group. It was just us and our natural surroundings, which was long overdue after a month in Europe.

Devin, Czech Republic

Not technically a stop on the itinerary, we docked at this tiny village one night just before dinner time.

While we were in the dining room, the sun started to set and the little castle on the hill started to light up against the darkness.

After dinner, I headed straight back to my room, set up my tripod and took a series of long exposure to capture the scene from the balcony of our ship stateroom. The one above is my favorite capture and was such a magical moment on our trip.

Litomerice, Czech Republic

Of all the places we visited, this one was the one we wished we had been given more time to explore.

The town was quite charming and picturesque but our walking tour was slow that day and we didn’t get to see much of the city. It was over 90 degrees that day, so I guess we understand why the going was slow.

We did, however, get a chance to tour a local brewery and try 3 different types of Czech beer during our visit.

Prague, Czech Republic

Glorious Prague, you were everything I had hoped you would be. Our only regret is that we didn’t have more days to spend there.

We hit the pavement hard, dodging temperamental rainstorms, to see as much of the city as we could during our 2-night stay.

The hardest part of our visit was finding time to sleep as the European summer sun holds on to the wee hours of the night and well, you just have to wait it out if you want to take night photos. It made for some late nights, but I think it was worth it.

Related Article:   Finding the Top Prague Attractions

Olomouc, Czech Republic

Olomouc was the best little surprise on the day we transited from Prague to Krakow. This little town is stunning and definitely off the beaten track.

We had the most fun just wandering around the streets, side streets and exploring all the tiny hidden squares of the city. I’ve traveled quite a bit in Europe and have never found such a charming place to explore.

Krakow, Poland

We spent 2 full days exploring the nooks and crannies of Krakow as the ground portion of our Viking River Cruises tour continued into Poland.

Krakow has the most infectious vibe I have ever experienced and that feeling I yearn for when I arrive in new places during our travels.

One night we stayed out late taking night shots of the castle and came across a group of college-aged kids playing 1950’s music and swing dancing in a park.

It was the perfect scene to describe Krakow , which has risen from the ashes of turmoil over the decades.

Auschwitz, Poland

If I said I was looking forward to a visit to Auschwitz, it may be misinterpreted, but it was not in a morbid way.

It’s a place we have all learned about since we were children, a place that holds so much history, so much sorrow and the answers to so many questions that humanity faces.

Yet, so many people avoid it altogether. The visit was haunting and interesting.

I learned so much more about WWII then I had in school and feel clear importance to share places like this with the World. It is only through education that we can prevent it from happening again.

Warsaw, Poland

The last stop of our adventure found us standing in the streets of Warsaw. Another city that reaped no rewards from war and was completely destroyed in WWII by being bombed to nothing.

Yet, they have rebuilt and embraced their history with one of the most engaging museums I have ever visited, the Warsaw Uprising Museum.

This museum takes you through the rebellious nature of the Polish people as they fought for their country, their city and their people on the very streets we spent walking during our visit.

Elegant Elbe River Cruise – Final Thoughts

After spending 16 days with Viking River Cruises exploring this route, I can say without hesitation that we picked the right itinerary for us.

We saw a side to Europe that most people just skim on by on their fast-paced itineraries that race from one big city to the next.

This itinerary gave us an appreciation for the smaller things and a deep desire to continue seeking small places on our future travels in Europe.

Want to book a Viking River Cruise and not sure what to expect? Let us tell you all about it.

We partnered with Viking River Cruises to bring you this trip report. All opinions are 100% mine.

More on Germany:

• Best Photo Spots in Berlin
• 2 Days in Nuremberg
• 3 Days in Hamburg
• 4 Days in Munich
• 10 Best Day Trips from Munich Worth Doing
• 20 Simply Unreal Castles in Germany to Visit
• 30 Germany Photos That Will Spark Your Wanderlust
• Ultimate Germany Road Trip Guide
• Ultimate Guide to Eurail Pass Train Travel in Europe
• Viking River Cruises in Europe- What to Expect
• Best Places to Fly a Drone in Europe
• Germany’s Romantic Road: The Only Guide You Need

Did you like this story? Share it!

Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Elegant Elbe

Member Savings

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

• Discover Berlin’s modern chic, Potsdam’s rococo whimsy
• Experience cruise along Elbe which is one of Europe’s most unspoiled rivers
• Opportunity to visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Explore Wittenberg’s and see the historic landmarks.
• Explore Prague

What's this trip about?

Compare to similar trips.

From Berlin to Prague: Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava rivers

Christmas Markets of Poland, Prague & Germany - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023

Budapest to Berlin: Graffiti Walls & Market Halls

Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - SUPERIOR BY BUS

Get Social: Central & Eastern Europe Express (Winter) 2022-23

Travel themes.

• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife
• Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions.

• Historic sightseeing
• River cruise

Trip includes

• 6-day cruise with river-view stateroom
• 2 nights in First-Class Hilton Berlin (or similar)
• 2 nights in First-Class Hilton Prague Hotel (or similar)
• 8 guided tours with audio headset
• All on board meals: 5 Breakfasts; 4 Lunches; 5 Dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner plus breakfast at the Prague & Berlin hotels
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch
• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Culture Curriculum: Enjoy baroque chamber music & a Czech folkloric performance; listen to an eyewitness account of Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution; attend lectures on Surprising Saxony & modern-day Czech Republic; learn some basics of German language
• All port charges
• Free Wi-Fi, connection speed may vary

View Similar Trips

Premium Central Europe

A Walk to Remember end Amsterdam

Berlin to Munich and Vienna Tour

11-day THIRD REICH TOUR

Cycling bavaria's lake chiemsee.

Arrive at the Berlin airport, then transfer 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.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of the vibrant German capital, which has seen its fair share of dramatic changes in the last century. See the Reichstag with its spectacular glass dome, the historic Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and many other iconic sites. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Awaken in Děčín; after breakfast, disembark and transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, you tour Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” After a guided walk through Old Town, take some free time to explore on your own. Then ride to visit Hradčany Castle. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this celebrated city, or join an optional tour to Lobkowicz Palace.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Prague and discover more of this celebrated city.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Viking River Cruises .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Viking River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

Rick & Fran

We enjoyed the entire experience

We enjoyed the entire experience; Normandy and Omaha Beach were especially moving. The food and service deserve praise too. This is our third Viking cruise and we'll...

Other Viking River Cruises Reviews

Viking river cruise capitals of eastern europe.

Most of the people on this 17-day river cruise was quite elderly and infirm. Therefore the complimentary excursions were painfully slow walking. Local guides mostl...

Good and no so goog

Recently returned from a Viking Rhine trip on 10/14. The good: Rhine water levels were good, no issues. Service on the vessel was A+, excluding one attendant with...

Tourico Vacations

Tourico Vacations -Rhine River Cruise

Rhine Getaway Itinerary: We sailed from Basel, Switzerland up north on the Rhine River and ended at Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Viking also offers the same route i...

See all Other Viking River Cruises reviews

Travelers also viewed

Accessible Germany River Cruise

Discover all Egypt through Long Nile Cruise Holiday from Cairo to Aswan

5 Days Nile Cruise from Luxor To Aswan

Cape Town, Winelands and Kalahari Safari

Tour operator, viking river cruises.

Inspiring destinations, thoughtfully designed itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value. All created with personal attention to every detail.

We call this the Viking Experience. It’s the way your bartender has your drink prepared at just the right moment. The gentle guidance from your tai chi master during your lesson in China. Or the handwritten directions from your concierge to the oldest coffeehouse in Vienna. Every aspect of your time with Viking, from expertly prepared meals to carefully created enrichment programs and beautifully appointed ships, is planned to bring you closer to experiencing the most from your destination.

With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we offer behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart from other travel companies.

While we deliver the expected and iconic, such as visits to museums and landmarks, we also go beyond. On every itinerary, you can experience local life through such excursions as home-hosted visits or trips to local markets. We also offer the opportunity to see the working world of bakers and artisans, and the option for our guests to experience priviledged access to museums, private collections and after-hours events that we thoughtfully curate.

DISCOVER YOUR DESTINATION

Our daily shore excursions include must-see highlights and delightful surprises. These expertly guided tours bring you closer to the art, architecture, history and people of the land.

GAIN GREATER INSIGHT

Watch a local German glassblower or learn about French Impressionism. Our Culture Curriculum, an enriching onboard program, infuses every cruise and brings history to life.

CAPTURE THE CULTURE

Accompany us on a shopping trip to the local market. Walk through the door of a centuries-old cathedral or visit a contemporary art museum. Meet local fine food and wine purveyors. Our tastings and demonstrations expand your mind and satisfy your senses.

EXPLORE ASHORE

Have you yearned to visit the vaults of the famed Hermitage Museum? Attend a classical concert in Vienna? Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner show in Xian? Your Program Director can organize a variety of optional tours.

PERSONALIZE

An appointment at the best spa in Prague or dinner at one of Lyon’s Michelin-star restaurants? Our onboard Viking Concierge is there to assist you with special requests.

  Tweets by VikingRiver

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

For any cruise/land booking, whether under deposit, partially paid, or paid in full and air-inclusive packages paid in full, the following travel agent or guest-requested situations are considered cancellations and penalties will apply as noted below: changes to departure date; substitutions of itinerary; substitution of another person for original booked guest(s); or changing to a promotional fare. All cancellations must be in writing. For all air-inclusive packages cancelled after issuance of an airline ticket, the air portion of the refund, if any, will be processed only after the return of airline ticket to Viking. The following cancellation charges will be assessed for all written cancellations received prior to departure up to the scheduled time of departure.

Cancellation received | Following charges will apply: (Broken out by days before departure) 121 days or more is $100 per person | 120-90 days is 15% of full fare | 89-60 days is 35% of full fare | 59-30 days is 50% of full fare | 29-0 days is 100% of full fare.

Full Fare is defined as the full cost of any cruise, land or air component purchased from Viking.

5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners

Extend Your Cruise With 2 Nights In Berlin

Begin your European journey in Berlin, giving you time to see the many landmarks of this vibrant world capital.

All this is included:

2 nights in Berlin: Hilton Berlin (or similar)

2 breakfasts

Services of a Viking host

Hotel & ship transfers

2017 SEASONAL PRICING

Mar - Apr; Jul - Aug; Nov $499

May - Jun; Sep - Oct $549

Become a member

• Save up to $700 per person
• Access members-only specials
• Personalize trip recommendations

Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

Viking river cruise: vibrant cities, quaint towns and stunning views during a scenic sail along elegant Elbe

‘Cheers!’, I said to my wife as we nestled into the cushions of a comfortable booth sofa on-board beautiful Beyla, one of Viking’s smaller, but more intimate river ships.

As we chinked glasses the tiredness was kicking in, which was only to be expected after a full weekend exploring the cultural delights of Prague, and we were ready for a little more relaxation as the quaint towns and winding stretches of the glistening River Elbe awaited our presence.

I’d always been keen to visit the Czech capital, which is why Viking's 10-day ‘ Elegant Elbe ’ package was so appealing, with two ‘big city’ hotel breaks either side of a sedate five-night voyage starting in nearby Decin, sailing into the eastern side of Germany and finishing in the Saxony town of Wittenberg.

Our final destination reached by coach would be bustling Berlin to see the city’s striking landmarks, but not before we had the chance to recharge the batteries by enjoying the peace and tranquility of a longship sail along one of Europe’s most unspoiled rivers.

After a warm welcome from Beyla’s friendly hotel manager Janos, I immediately fell in love with our temporary home, which although only big enough to hold up to 98 passengers, still managed to feel remarkably spacious thanks to its sleek and stylish Nordic design.

Built in 2015 and boasting all the comfort and elegance of other Viking ships, Beyla is purpose-built for the Elbe thanks to its customised hulls and engines specifically designed to navigate the river’s renowned shallow waters.

Located on the upper deck, our 180 sq ft veranda stateroom would allow us to enjoy the romantic scenery whenever we pleased, with a single sliding of the floor-to-ceiling glass doors the only effort needed to be exposed to the stunning views.

Other stateroom features included a queen-size bed with luxury linens, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen interactive TV with onboard account and a private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and anti-fog mirror, perfect for applying the final touches of the all-important pre-dinner spruce-up.

Speaking of dinner, the food on Viking is of the highest quality, and after a welcome gathering in the lounge to meet Captain Miroslav and his crew, Executive Chef Galin appeared to announce his gastronomical recommendations from his first-night menu. For this particular evening there’d be beef tartare, a seared sea bass fillet and a sumptuous herb-crusted pork tenderloin, rounded off with a delicious New York cheesecake.

The bar was set high, with three-course feasts featuring heavily for the rest of the voyage, but what I love about Viking is that although offering a staple menu of ‘every day’ favourites, there are always a selection of themed dishes to choose from relating to the areas sailed through.

Intrigued and eager to sample the regional cuisine, I frequently dabbled in German specialties such as Wurzfleisch (cheese and pork casserole), Reibekuchen (potato rosti, zucchini spaghetti and sour cream), Saxonian Barley Soup and Almond Cake. Of course, there were many other highlights, including the wonderful Roast Chateaubriand Bearnaise and decadently rich chocolate fondant, along with several tasty soups and pasta dishes we consumed for lunch.

So off we set, and with Beyla in full flow, we were on our way to our first port of call, cruising across the Czech/German border along the Saxon wine route into Bad Schandau, one of the oldest spa resorts in the Saxon Switzerland region.

We wouldn’t be staying overnight, but long enough to visit the towering rocks of the Bastei, one of Germany’s natural wonders, where we marvelled at the breathtaking scenery, looking down at the graceful path of the Elbe from the most dramatic of lookouts.

Luckily, an afternoon cast-off meant we were able to see the Bastei again, this time from the river with Aperol Spritz in hand courtesy of bar chef Milos, who brought our favourite lunchtime tipple up to the spacious sundeck while we admired the stunning panoramic views.

Next stop Dresden, widely-known as the ‘Florence of the Elbe’ and awash in artistic treasures and baroque splendour, including the remarkable Zwinger Palace which was the perfect backdrop for our first paid-for excursion, an intimate classical concert performed by the talented Dresden Residence Orchestra.

It was the perfect end to an evening that started with a hearty German-themed dinner featuring the likes of bratwurst, schnitzel and sauerkraut, with several crew members joining in the fun by donning lederhosen and dirndl outfits.

There was chance to further explore Dresden on one of Viking's many ‘included’ tours, which featured a panoramic drive to the beautiful Neustadt district and a visit to the ‘Grunes Gewolbe’, the Green Vault museum which many claim houses the largest collection of treasures in the world.

Onto Meissen, a town renowned for its porcelain, this time opting to take time out to explore the area ourselves before returning to witness a live cooking demonstration from Chef Galin who showed us how to make Quarkkeulchen, a sweet Saxon pancake dish using... mashed potatoes!

Sightseeing can be tiring and returning to our stateroom each evening for an after-dinner slumber would have been the easy option, but why do that when there are numerous beers, wines and cocktails to be consumed with the soothing tones of resident pianist Robert tinkling the ivories in the background?

Even more so if you've added Viking’s Silver Spirits beverages package, which allows you to enjoy unlimited drinks anytime during the voyage, costing around £20 per person per night, which is great value.

For two nights we were treated to some live on-board entertainment thanks to a selection of classical tunes performed by The Allegria Ensemble, along with a musical presentation of ‘Renaissance Times’, which took a comical look into the period’s fashion, food and dance styles.

The final part of our cruise took us via Torgau to Wittenberg, where we strolled in the footsteps of Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation, taking a look inside the famous All Saints’ Church in which he is entombed.

Before waving goodbye to Beyla and her wonderful crew, one last on-board breakfast fuelled us up nicely for the coach journey to Berlin, with smiling Program Director Titiana, who had been a constant source of help, knowledge and efficiency throughout our voyage, remaining with us.

After a short stop en-route in Potsdam, where the three world ‘superpowers’ met in 1945 to negotiate terms for the end of the Second World War, we arrived in the capital to spend a couple more days viewing the city’s historic landmarks including remnants of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Holocaust Memorial.

Destination-wise this Viking experience had been an education both historically and architecturally, but one that also brought happiness, relaxation and some of Europe's most stunning scenery, along with the finest food and drink offerings on water. What more could anyone want?

TRAVEL FACTS - ELEGANT ELBE

Itinerary: 10 days/nine nights with stops in Prague, Saxon Switzerland, Dresden, Meissen, Wittenberg and Berlin, and seven guided tours included.

Includes: Return flights from select UK airports, two nights in a premium hotel in Prague, two nights in a premium hotel in Berlin and five nights in a standard stateroom, in-destination transfers, all on board meals including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner (plus no corkage fee), included excursion in each port of call, Wi-Fi, gratuities, evening entertainment and enrichment talks.

Prices start from £3,195 per person for a 5th-14th April 2025 sailing, based on current availability. Price reflective of current offer - save £1,000 per person on 2025 & 2026 European river voyages if booked by 30 June 2024.

To make a booking contact 0800 319 66 60 or visit the Viking website .

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Special Offers

Elegant Elbe

• From £3,095
• 7 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

Please call for availability. To find another option, begin your search here.

For current fares, please call a viking expert: +44 208 780 7998 or request a quote today., save £650 per person, save £1,000 per person.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers. Strikeout prices reflect brochure pricing.

*All prices are per-person based on double occupancy and reflect our current offers.

Departure dates and room type filter

Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

Return flights from London and selected regional airports

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Onboard gratuities

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Booking Terms & Conditions >

Booking Terms & Conditions

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT:  Discount is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Free gratuities cannot be combined with any other special offer or discount. Excludes Mississippi river cruises.

All prices shown above are per person based on double occupancy.

Flight Upgrades: Club Europe/Business class upgrades from £350 per person (subject to availability).

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed include return flights from London in GBP and are per person, based on double occupancy. Cruise fares listed are valid for UK residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only as of 1 March 2023 and are subject to availability. Discounts are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions and booking conditions which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the booking conditions.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises