Highlights of a River Elbe cruise
Magdeburg (Germany)
There is a fine cathedral in Magdeburg with sculptures of the 'Twelve Virgins', and the lovely Monastery of Our Lady, which gave the city the title of 'Pearl of the Romanesque Route'. The famous Magdeburg Rider is a 750-year old equestrian statue in front of the Town Hall. There are plenty of quaint corners, and the woodland scenery of Herrenkrug Park
Meissen (Germany)
Meissen is dominated by its huge, red-roofed castle, Albrechtsburg. The Town Hall is one of the oldest Gothic buildings in the region, and Heinrich's Fountain is in a pretty corner shaded by trees. The town is best known for its delicate porcelain, which was used to furnish many of Meissens churches. A visit to the factory is usually offered from here.
Dresden (Germany)
The thriving city of Dresden has leafy corners, monumental buildings and contemporary architecture. Known as the 'Florence of the Elbe', the main sights are the magnificent, re-constructed Frauenkirche and the lovely Bruhl Terrace. Tours take in Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace and Dresden Castle, which holds a splendid collection of the Saxon monarchs crown jewels.
Saxon Switzerland (Germany)
Saxon Switzerland is well-known for its soaring rock formations and its small villages, including Bad Schandau. The national park is dotted with sandstone rocks and peaks, which attracts climbers from all over the world and was where the concept of 'free climbing' originated.
Berlin (Germany)
Berlin is a rejuvenated city full of famous landmarks. Stroll the fashionable Unter den Linden and see the Brandenburg Gate, built in 1788 and close to the site of the later wall. There is a museum at Checkpoint Charlie, and the new glass dome on the Reichstag parliament building was designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster.
Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague is deservedly one Europe's favourite tourist destinations and its beautiful buildings and squares can be discovered on foot. Magnificent Wenceslas Square, the Jewish Quarter, the towers of Charles Bridge, the State Opera House, one of the world's finest Astronomical Clocks and the extraordinary Dancing House, built in the 1990s, are among them.
Please note that different itineraries may visit some or all of the places mentioned above