Elbe River Cruise

A lesser-known, much-less-cruised river although it’s the fourth largest on the European continent, the Elbe River affords lovely scenery and abundant cultural experiences in the former East Germany and the Czech Republic. According to Travel Weekly, cruising is exploding in popularity on the Rhine and the Danube, making an Elbe cruise a good choice for travelers who favor a less crowded route.

Viking Cruises is launching two vessels on the Elbe River in 2015. With all the bells and whistles found on larger Viking ships, the 98-passenger Viking Beyla and Viking Astrild both feature:

indoor/outdoor Aquavit terrace
sleek Scandinavian design style
restaurant, bar and observation lounge
gift shop
sun deck

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CroisiEurope will launch the 80 passenger Elbe Princesse paddlewheeler on the Elbe in 2016, with two paddlewheels allowing for a shallow draft. Forty outside-facing staterooms will have:

WiFi, air conditioning and heating, a flat-screen TV
panoramic restaurant
lounge bar with dance floor
sun deck.
Missoni Home textiles and furnishings.

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Viking’s 10-day Elegant Elbe itinerary, a few highlights:

After exploring Prague on a guided walk and on your own, cruise through Porta Bohemia before arriving at the pretty town of Litoměřice in the Czech Republic.
See St. Stephen’s Cathedral, historic Market Square and architecture from the baroque, Renaissance and Gothic periods.
Cruise through the soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region, then dock at the spa town of Bad Schandau.
See the Bastei rock tower.
In Dresden, take a guided drive through the 19th-century residential area to the Dresden Castle to see Saxon monarchs’ crown jewels, and the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, Frauenkirche.
1,000 years of history in Prague
Ramble around Dresden or join a master chefs on a trip to the local marketplace.
In Meissen, tour the Meissenware factory and museum and tour Old Town.
Torgau’s Renaissance houses, Hartenfels Castle, and the “Elbe Day” monument where Russian and American troops shook hands in 1945.
Wittenberg, birthplace of the Reformation. Follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps to Luther’s House, St. Marien’s Church, Castle Church where Luther posted his “95 Theses.”
Wander the English-style gardens in Wörlitz and tour Wörlitz Castle in Dessau.
Wittenberg, In the footsteps of Martin Luther
In Potsdam, the rococo Sanssouci Palace built by Prussian king Frederick the Great.
Arrive in Berlin and depart or stay on to see the city.
10 days from $2,599 per person