Excursions on the Elbe river

12 excursions available

Berlin and its Typical Kaffee Kuchen

Depart by coach from the boat to discover the German capital with a local guide, who will introduce you to the monuments and many facets of this historic city. You will head toward the Brandenburg Gate, a strong symbol of German unity, in front of which stands a majestic Christmas tree. Next, head to the Victory Column, which dominates the city, before admiring the imposing Television Tower, offering an exceptional panoramic view of Berlin. The tour continues through historic places: the Reichstag, the seat of the German Parliament, and Checkpoint Charlie, a poignant reminder of the Cold War. You will also pass by the Red Town Hall before discovering the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, partially preserved in ruins as a symbol of Berlin's resilience. Finally, the Humboldt Forum, a prominent cultural and historical site, will conclude this exploration. To end this discovery on a sweet note, enjoy a quintessential German tradition: Kaffee-Kuchen. Sit back and indulge in German specialties such as Apfelstrudel, a puff pastry with apples and cinnamon, a creamy Käsekuchen, or a delicious Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, the famous Black Forest cake combining chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream. A perfect gourmand break to appreciate the Berlin way of life during this festive season. Return to the boat. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

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Litomerice and its Church Immersed in the Sounds of Christmas

Departure by boat for a guided tour of Litomerice. The royal town of Litomerice, located at the confluence of the Elbe and Ohre rivers, is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic. The vast historic center features dozens of streets and a large square. The colorful Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance houses in the city center, largely surrounded by a well-preserved Gothic wall, will fascinate you. The charm of Litomerice also captivated Karel Hynek Mácha, the greatest Czech Romantic poet. You will then enter the wonderful St. James Church, a Baroque masterpiece whose architecture bears traces of the conflicts that shaped the region. In this majestic setting, enjoy a delicious mulled wine to the sound of Christmas melodies, enhanced by the exceptional acoustics of the organ—a magical moment filled with emotion and enchantment. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. If St. James Church is unavailable, the visit will be replaced by a similar church.

4h00Authentic

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Visit to the Königstein Fortress, immersed in the Christmas fairy-tale

Departure by coach to Elbsandsteingebirge: the sandstone mountains of the Elbe. This mountain range is located on the banks of the Elbe River in Saxon Switzerland (Germany) and Bohemian Switzerland (Czech Republic). The region is known for its stunning sandstone formations and the diversity of its fauna and flora, which is unique among the middle mountains of Germany. Crossed by the Elbe, Saxon Switzerland is home to several ruins of buildings constructed to protect trade routes, such as the Königstein Fortress and Hohnstein Castle. Some of these constructions later became hideouts for bandits. You will continue with a visit to the Königstein Fortress. This fortress, built in the 13th and 16th centuries, crowns the Königstein hill and overlooks the large bend in the Elbe. Expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries, it served several times as a refuge for the Saxon court. During this festive season, you will discover the building beautifully decorated, with Herrnhut stars symbolizing the Bethlehem star, wooden pyramids, candle arches, and a multitude of Christmas figurines. Return on board. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

Authentic

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9h00Authentic

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Potsdam and the Enchanted Lights of its Christmas Market

Departure by coach with local guides. In Potsdam, the visit will begin with a walk through the gardens of Sanssouci, where you will climb the paths and stairs leading to the grand terrace, home to the summer residence of Frederick II, known as the Great, the Sanssouci Palace, built between 1745 and 1747. Frederick II resided there to relax, away from the formalities of the Berlin court. The king’s personal tastes had such an influence on the design and decoration that it is sometimes referred to as “Frederician Rococo.” You will then take a coach tour around the Sanssouci park to admire its many remarkable buildings. Your visit will continue with a stop at the "Blauer Lichterglanz" Christmas Market, famous for its blue lights that illuminate the market in a spectacular way. These lights create a unique ambiance, bathing the area in an enchanting glow. The festive atmosphere of the market is enhanced by this illumination, offering a fairy-tale backdrop that transforms the site into a true Christmas kingdom. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate. On the Amsterdam-Berlin route, the boat sails during the excursion. Please note, the interior of the Sanssouci Park castles is not included in this visit. This is exclusively a tour of the gardens.

4h00Authentic

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4h45Authentic

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Wittenberg, the City of Luther Dressed for the Holidays

Transfer by coach to the historic heart of Wittenberg. Stroll through the market square, where carousels, Renaissance houses, and the aroma of mulled wine create a fairy-tale atmosphere. You will admire the Town Hall and the statues of Luther and Melanchthon, both enhanced by Christmas decorations. You will visit Martin Luther's house. Once an Augustinian monastery, it was the place of Luther's life and work for 35 years. Since 1883, the house has been transformed into a museum and is now the largest museum in the world dedicated to the history of the Protestant Reformation. Next, visit the Gothic St. Mary's Church, where Luther preached. Further on, you will also see the Cranach House, whose portraits are now displayed in the greatest museums. Then, you will enter the Castle Church, considered the heart of the Reformation. The 95 theses of Luther are reproduced on its doors. The splendid Advent crown of the church symbolizes the waiting for the great day and the preparation for Christmas. Return to the boat. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

4h00Authentic

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Dresden and its Iconic Christmas Market

Thanks to its remarkable heritage and magical atmosphere, Dresden shines brightly during the holiday season, offering an enchanting backdrop for winter traditions. You will begin with a walking tour of the Old Town, passing by the Zwinger Palace, the opera house, the cathedral (the Church at the Court), and the impressive 101-meter-long mural "Procession of Princes," which depicts the history of the ruling Wettin dynasty of Saxony, before reaching the majestic Frauenkirche. Then, let yourself be captivated by the magic of Dresden's Christmas Market, the Striezelmarkt, one of the oldest in Germany. Nestled in Altmarkt Square, in the heart of the city, this historic market perfectly embodies the authenticity of German Christmas traditions. Immerse yourself in its fairy-tale atmosphere, where handmade decorations and festive entertainment create an enchanting ambiance. The market takes its name from the Striezel, a traditional pastry that has now become the famous Stollen, emblematic of the holiday season in Germany. You will also encounter the charming Pflaumentoffel, small prune figurines dressed as chimney sweeps, symbols of good luck and a must-have during this winter celebration. Return to the boat. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

3h00Authentic

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3h30Authentic

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Private Concert in a Historic Hall in Prague

You will be invited to a concert in a sumptuous setting, where the musical heritage of the Czech Republic will be brought to light. A string quartet will take you on a journey through the timeless masterpieces of Mozart, Dvořák, and Smetana. You will sail on the mythical waters of the Vltava, the river made immortal by Smetana in his symphonic poem The Moldau. Prague played a crucial role in the career of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which is all the more remarkable considering that it was not yet the epicenter of European classical music. Yet, it was in this city that he found a passionate and loyal audience, who cheered him on during the premieres of his most famous operas. The association between Mozart and Prague, though not obvious, reveals the profound and unexpected influence this city had on him. Dvořák, for his part, drew inspiration from Czech traditions, creating iconic works like his Slavonic Dances. Return to the boat. PLEASE NOTE The order of the visits can change. Times are approximate.

1h00Authentic

Included

Authentic

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3h30Authentic

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