Discover the natural beauty of former East Germany's dramatic landscape on an Elbe River cruise. Tour the opulent palaces of Saxon monarchs and stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens; sail between the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Germany's 'Saxon Switzerland.' Marvel at the baroque splendor of Dresden and see firsthand how Meissenware porcelain is produced. Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther in historic Wittenberg and learn about the Protestant Reformation. Your journey is bookended by two nights in historic Berlin and two nights in beautiful Prague. An elegant experience indeed.

Day 1: Berlin
Arrive in Berlin, capital of Germany. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, take free time to explore this historic city-or join our 'welcome walk' to stretch your legs and start getting oriented.

Day 2: Berlin
Begin with a tour of Berlin highlights including the City Hall, Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin Cathedral and Brandenburg Gate. Continue your tour to the Reichstag (Parliament Building) and Berlin Wall remains. Return to your hotel, with the rest of your day on your own to visit Charlottenburg Palace or one of Berlin's many museums. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B)

Day 3: Berlin, Potsdam & Magdeburg
After breakfast, travel to Potsdam. Tour the 18th-century Sanssouci Palace,*** a perfect example of German rococo architecture built by Prussian King Frederick the Great. After lunch on your own, transfer to Magdeburg to embark your ship. During free time this afternoon, see Magdeburg's lovely cathedral and 13th-century Magdeburger Reiter, Germany's oldest equestrian statue. Dinner served aboard; ship departs late tonight. (B, D)

***On rare occasions when Sanssouci Palace is closed to the public, a tour of New Palace is substituted.

Day 4: Dessau
Arrive this morning in Dessau. Take a journey to Worlitz Park, Germany's first landscaped park with English-style gardens. Tour inside Worlitz Castle, fashioned after an English country home, and walk the grounds. Afternoon at leisure in Dessau, then return to your ship for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Wittenberg & Torgau
Wake up in Wittenberg, birthplace of the Reformation. 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. 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. Remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Meissen
Today, cruise the Elbe, arriving 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 Dresden. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Dresden
Embark on a tour of Dresden, nicknamed 'Florence on the Elbe.' Drive through the 19th-century residence area and visit Residence Castle with a tour of the Green Vault and its collections of fine art and the Saxon monarchs' crown jewels. Or take an optional tour to Pillnitz Castle and see its Asian-inspired gardens. Dinner served during evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Saxon Switzerland
Cruise through the morning and dock at Bad Schandau. Arrive at the Bastei to take in the panoramic views and enjoy a walking tour of the area. Return aboard for dinner and evening cruising. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Litomerice
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 wines from this Bohemian region. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Melnik & Prague
Awaken in Melnik; after breakfast, disembark for transfer to Prague. Upon arrival, you tour Prague, 'City of a Hundred Spires.' Take a guided walk through Old Town and free time to explore on your own. Then ride to Hradcany Castle for a guided tour through the castle's interior. Return to the hotel for check-in and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 11: Prague
Today, enjoy a full day in Prague at your own pace. See the Town Hall's intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock, visit the Josefov Quarter to discover the city's vibrant Jewish heritage, walk along Charles Bridge or people-watch in Wenceslas Square. (B)

Day 12: Prague
After breakfast, check out and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your time abroad with 3 additional nights in Prague. You will stay within walking distance of the Old Town and have time to see even more of this vibrant city. (B)