Elbe River Cruise

Exclusively for Women

• Round-trip air transportation from New York/JFK. Fuel surcharges included (valid at time of printing). Other selected gateway departures are available for an additional cost.
• Outside double cabin accommodations for seven nights aboard the MV Dresden with all onboard meals. Comprehensive optional sightseeing excursions are available.
• Captain's Welcome and Farewell receptions.
• Hotel accommodations for two nights in Prague, including breakfast daily, hotel tax and service charge.
• Services of local guides on all city and walking tours.
• Round-trip airport to barge/hotel transfers.

• Day 1 - Depart from the U.S. for Germany.
• Day 2 - Hamburg, Germany: Upon arrival in Hamburg, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs, you will be met by your local representative. The city's stunning location on the Elbe and Alster Rivers, the colorful activity in the St. Pauli entertainment district, unforgettable musicals, a night at the theater, Michaelis Church (colloquially "der Michel") or the impressive harbor are just a few special highlights of this amazing city. Hamburg, 1,200 years old, is loved both for its contemporary scene as well as for its cultural offerings. In between traditional trading houses and renowned theaters, the latest trends are always cropping up. Transfer to the MV Dresden for embarkation. (Dinner)
• Day 3 - Tangermunde: This afternoon, meet your local guide for an optional walking tour of the city. Its brick Gothic architecture and typical German houses in the center of town, which is protected as a historic area, mark this old Hanseatic town. As you walk by these houses, the attractive doorways are a particularly splendid sight. You will also see the Town Hall with its richly ornate gable, a primary example of the precise woodwork used throughout the town. Return to the ship for a welcome dinner as you sail toward Magdeburg. Arrive in Magdeburg, the capital city of the Bundesland of Saxony-Anhalt, which lies on the Elbe River and was one of the most important medieval cities of Europe. Emperor Otto I lived during most of his reign in the town and was buried in the cathedral after his death. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Day 4 - Magdeburg: Today you can take an optional city tour of Magdeburg, or visit the Magdeburg Water Bridge, Europe's longest water bridge. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Day 5 - Wittenberg: Arrive in Wittenberg, officially named "Lutherstadt Wittenberg", a town in Germany in the Bundesland Saxony-Anhalt, at the Elbe River. Wittenberg was first founded in the 12th century. The name Wittenberg comes from the old German word for "white mountain" which describes the light colored sand found in the region. Wittenberg contains many architectural landmarks associated with the Protestant Reformation. Particularly noteworthy is the Castle Church, on the door of which Martin Luther in 1517 nailed his 95 theses opposing the granting of indulgences. You can choose to take an optional city tour "In the Footsteps of Martin Luther". Continue on to Torgau, a town on the banks of the Elbe River. Sights include the historic town centre, restored since the unification, a brewery museum, the monument for the meeting of the Russian and American troops on the Elbe and a Russian military cemetery. The early Renaissance Hartenfels Castle dominates the town. The chapel was built in 1544 and combines late Gothic with early Renaissance elements. It was consecrated by Martin Luther on October 5, 1544. Brown bears are still kept in the moat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Day 6 - Meissen: Meissen is a town near Dresden on both banks of the Elbe River and is the home of Meissen porcelain, the Albrechtsburg castle, the Gothic Meissen Cathedral and the Meissen Frauenkirche. Meissen is famous for the manufacture of porcelain, based on extensive local deposits of china clay and potter's clay. Meissen porcelain was the first high quality porcelain to be produced outside of China. Today you can take an optional city tour or a cycling tour. This afternoon, arrive in Dresden, which lies on both banks of the river Elbe, mostly in the Dresden Elbe Valley Basin. Enjoy free time to go ashore on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Day 7 - Dresden: Today you can take an optional city tour or a walking tour of Dresden. With a pleasant location and a mild climate on the Elbe, as well as Baroque-style architecture and numerous world-renowned museums and art collections, Dresden has been called "Elbflorenz" (Florence of the Elbe). Continue on to Kleinzschachwitz, on the outskirts of Dresden. An optional tour to Pillnitz Park is available. Situated in the middle of an idyllic park on the outskirts of the city, the castle, built by August the Strong in the 18th century, was used as a romantic getaway by the Saxon royal family. The main buildings display an intriguing mix of baroque and Far Eastern architectural styles and now house a collection of 13-20th century arts and crafts. A visit to the castle would not be complete without a walk through the gardens, which are full of exotic plants and trees. Sail on to Prague and overnight onboard. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Day 8 - Prague (Bad Schandau): Today you can choose to take an optional city tour of Prague the "Golden City of a Hundred Spires". Return to the ship and sail to Decin, located within the Bohemian Switzerland National Park. The city's biggest attraction is the Decin Castle, a structure built in the 14th century, and is now a museum. Return to the ship for the Captain's Farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Days 9 & 10 - Prague: Disembark the ship and transfer to your hotel in Prague. Enjoy two days at leisure to explore Prague. Visit the Old Town Square, which is the centre of the Old Town and is dominated by the Church of Our Lady of Týn and the Town Hall. Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery with its ancient tombstones dating from the mid 14th to late 17th centuries. You might also visit Prague Castle at Hradcany. Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague, and is the largest ancient castle in the world. Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Borivoj, the castle transformed itself from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. You may also want to visit one of the many museums, galleries, exhibitions and theatres in this magical city. (Breakfast)
• Day 11 - Prague/U.S.: After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)

Please note: Though rare, it may be necessary to substitute hotels and adjust itineraries due to local conditions. Included features may not be available on all departures.