Elbe Cruise 2011 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar, travelling in comfortable Standard Premier Class to Brussels. We continue from Brussels to Cologne, where we change for a train to Berlin. We spend the night in Berlin staying at the wonderful Hotel Maritim, where we enjoy dinner together. (E,D)

We start the day with an included sightseeing tour of Berlin, highlighting the monumental Brandenberg Gate, the Reichstag, Kürfurstendamm and Unter den Linden. In the afternoon we make our way by coach to Potsdam. Our home for the next seven nights, MS Frederic Chopin, is moored here on the River Havel, which joins the Elbe. The pace of your holiday is set by you alone, you may wish to take part in optional shore excursions (payable locally), explore independently or simply relax and enjoy the ship's facilities. (B,D)

Having moored the previous evening at Lock Wusterwitz, we continue along the Elbe towards the Hanseatic port of Magdeburg. The famous medieval cathedral dominates the horizon, a rare survival from the devastation of World War II. The resulting renovation of the city, however, has created boulevards and pristine tree-lined avenues that give Magdeburg a sophisticated atmosphere. You have the option of an afternoon excursion to explore the treasures of the city, including the 11th century monastery of Unser Lieben Frauen and Europe's longest water bridge. (B,L,D)

We arrive in Wittenberg this morning, where you are free to explore at your own pace or take a guided walking tour. This medieval town was the birthplace of the Reformation and you can stand before the doorway of the Schlosskirche, where Martin Luther significantly nailed the 95 theses that were to transform the Catholic Church. The main square boasts a statue of the man himself. After lunch the ship sails to Meissen. (B,L,D)

Meissen is known as 'the cradle of Saxony', famous for its porcelain, which was the first to be produced outside of China. After breakfast you have time at leisure to see the sights at your own pace before we cruise onwards to Dresden, where we arrive this evening. (B,L,D)

This morning why not explore the delights of Dresden at your own pace or take a guided tour by coach and on foot? The historic city has a skyline filled with delicate domes, soaring spires and stately towers of churches, palaces and castles. We continue our cruise to Kleinzschachwitz, where you can join an excursion to visit the water palace at Pillnitz Castle and the remarkable natural wonders of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Our ship continues to Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland, where we embark and cruise to our moorings for the night in the city of Decin in the Czech Republic. (B,L,D)

Departing early morning we cruise through the Czech Republic to the pretty town of Litomerice, one of the oldest Czech towns. The town is also known at the 'Garden of Bohemia', thanks to its warm climate which is important for growing fruits and grapes. You have the opportunity to take a guided walk around the major sites, including the chaliceshaped watchtower above the elegant town hall. Tonight we moor in Melnik. (B,L,D)

We leave Melnik to cruise to Prague, our final destination along the River Elbe. Discover this bohemian city and its history at your own pace, and explore Wenceslas Square, the medieval lanes of the Old Town, Vysehrad Castle and Charles Bridge or join a guided tour on foot and by coach. (B,L,D)

Disembarking from the MS Frederic Chopin this morning we transfer to the station by coach and connect with the train to Berlin. We overnight here in Germany's capital at the Maritim Hotel. (B,D)

We speed across Germany from Berlin to Cologne, and then onwards to Brussels. Here we join the Eurostar service to St Pancras International in Standard Premier Class. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

The 6 May and 3 & 17 June departures will operate this itinerary in reverse.