Germany`s Other River

Thinking  of river cruising for your next holiday ? The Rhine or the Danube probably will be the first two  rivers that spring to mind, especially if it is your first time on a river cruise. One thing that I have heard a couple of times recently is how busy the European rivers are becoming, the Danube in particluar, with boats having to moor next to each other most of the time.

So how about the river Elbe, Germany`s other river? To describe this river as quiet is a bit of an understatement, and to quote a captain  “If the Rhine and Danube are motorways,then this is a quiet country road.”  European river cruising has exploded in popularity, but on the Elbe you really wouldn’t know it.

A typical itinerary, such as Viking`s Elegant Elbe, will run from Berlin to Prague or vice versa, often with a city stay on offer at either end. Prague is well worth an extended stay. The Capital city of the Czech Republic, nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an hourly show.  Also the pedestrian Charles Bridge which is lined with statues of Catholic saints.

The cruise itself takes in the magnificent, soaring rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland region and the spa town of Bad Schandau. The famous rock tower known as the Bastei , formed by water a million years ago, enjoys stunning panoramic views of the Elbe.

Sail on to Dresden, Mesissen and Wittenberg and finally into Berlin, capital of Germany. Here you can visit the Reichstag with its spectacular glass dome, the historic Brandenburg Gate and . Checkpoint Charlie.

As with all river cruises there are excursions in every port of call, the food is included and excellent along with gratuities as long as you book by 30th Sepetember.