MS Elbe Princesse, 6 Night Prague, Dresden, and the Castles of Bohemia: A Spectacular Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers ex Prague, Czech

Discover the many hidden treasures of Bohemia on this exclusive itinerary. Reconnect with nature on excursions to top destinations set in idyllic landscapes along the Elbe and Vltava Rivers. We’ll visit Prague and Dresden, authentic cities that exude charm and boast a rich cultural and architectural history. The castles of Bohemia, symbols of the nobility and aristocracy, house many surprising works of art.

Day 1
Passengers are welcome to board at 6:00 p.m. in Prague. In the evening, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board.

Day 2
We'll cruise through the idyllic scenery on the Vltava River to the dam in Slapy. Forest hills, river bends, and distant castles dot the distinctively romantic landscape. Once known for its gold mines, Stechovice is now famous for its traditional handmade pottery. In the afternoon, join us for an optional excursion to Konopiste Castle. Located in an idyllic setting, this 13th-century fortress—entirely renovated in the 18th century—was the Habsburg's hunting lodge. In addition to its sumptuously decorated apartments, the castle is home to an impressive collection of medieval weapons and armor that once belonged to Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. The castle was his last abode prior to his assassination in Sarajevo in 1914. Enjoy an evening of entertainment on board.

Day 3
We'll cruise on the beautiful Vltava River to the Slapy dam. We’ll follow the winding river lined with hillsides on each bank and catch glimpses of castles in romantic, restful landscapes so typical of central Bohemia. The Slapy Reservoir is a popular vacation spot for residents of Prague, offering water sports and numerous recreational activities. We’ll return to Prague at the end of the afternoon.

Day 4
Join us this morning for an optional guided tour of the Old Town in Prague. Stare Mesto dates back more than 1,000 years and is one of the most important places in Bohemian history. As you stroll through the city’s narrow streets, you’ll discover many points of interest, including the Jewish quarter, the old town hall and its famous astronomical clock, the Gothic church of Our Lady before Tyn, and the Charles Bridge. We’ll enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon, join us for an optional guided tour of the Prague Castle district: Palaces, churches, and convents stand harmoniously in the vicinity of the castle, sitting high on a hill watching over the city. We’ll discover St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important church in the country and one of the most prestigious Gothic cathedrals in Europe; the Old Royal Palace; and the Golden Lane, named after the goldsmiths that thrived there during the 17th century. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment on board.

Day 5
We’ll spend the morning cruising to Melnik, at the confluence of the Elbe. We’ll enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon, join us for an optional tour of Nelahozeves Castle. We’ll visit one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Bohemia that was home to 23 different Bohemian queens and princesses. The castle walls are elaborately adorned with Italian-style stucco and wall paintings depicting scenes from the Old Testament and Greek mythology. It is also home to a rich, private collection of furniture and paintings—including works by Rubens, Velazquez, and many others—all belonging to the Lobkowicz family, the oldest and most eminent Bohemian noble family. We’ll discover the luxurious lifestyle of the Bohemian nobility during the Baroque period. At the end of our tour, you’ll enjoy tasting a selection of wines from the castle’s vineyard.The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 6
Join us for an optional full-day excursion to Dresden, a fantastic city known as the “Florence of the Elbe.” (lunch included - driving time ~2h one way and ~2h return). Departure from Melnik, transfer by coach to Dresden. A relatively recent city with Slavic origin, Dresden became the capital of the Margravate of Meissen in the 13th century and the seat of the Dukes of Saxony in the 15th century. Dresden offers a wide variety of attractions, including magnificent promenades on the bank of the Elbe, fascinating museums, monuments, and charming details. We’ll have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, join us for a guided tour of the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Saxon Dukes and Electors and the Kings of Saxony. After our excursion, we’ll return to Prague by bus (surroundings) and start sailing to Prague city center. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 7
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 09:00 a.m.

Built in 2016, this ship features a Nordic and contemporary interior style accented by lighthued woods and sleek graphics reflecting the architecture of the capitals of northern Europe. A bright warm light in all private and public areas are the elements that will turn first time passengers into returning ones. The main deck cabins have large windows, and the upper deck cabins have French balconies. All meals during the cruise are served in the restaurant on the main deck, which can be accessed directly from the lounge and bar. The restaurant is surrounded by large panoramic windows that give fantastic views of the scenery as it flows by. The lounge and bar on the stern of the upper deck are where cocktails, games, dancing, and other fun-filled evenings take place. The lounge has outdoor access so you can have a drink while enjoying the feel of the open air. The sun deck, with chairs and sun loungers, is the best place on the ship for an unobstructed view of the sites.

CroisiEurope has a fleet of Prestige category boats with cabins, which ply the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Spacious and light, they offer a welcoming and refined setting. Accommodation capacity varies from 100 to 180 passengers depending on the boat's design. At the cutting edge of technology, their facilities offer comfort and safety.

Carefully maintained and partially renovated each year, the CroisiEurope fleet is largely made up of recently built vessels, less than five years old, all with Veritas certification. The leading European river tour operator, our company owes its international reputation to its seriousness, its dynamism, its sense of innovation and its recognised value for money of long standing.

Vessels are rated four-star and food is superb – as you’d expect on a French-owned cruise line, staffed by French chefs and with top French and German wines aboard. One cruise of the Rhone and Saone Rivers in France concentrates on gastronomy and traditional French cusine, visiting Collonges Abbey, renowned for its great French chef, Paul Bocuse.

CroisiEurope is a family-owned and operated firm, with brothers and sisters running different aspects of the company and keeping a close eye on all operations to ensure excellence.

River cruising offers much free fun. Wake in the morning and observe the passing riverside scenery through your cabin window – perhaps from your bed. Gaze upon village churches or a patchwork of fields sparkling in the morning sun.

CroisiEurope’s network traverses a phenomenal number of European rivers and waterways. They range from the Guadalquivir and Guadiana (flowing through Spain and Portugal respectively); the Douro in Portugal, the Po and Venice Lagoon in Italy; the Rhone in Provence, plus the Seine from Paris to the Normandy Coast. And there’s more: the Moselle, the Neckar, the Saar, the Oder, the Havel, the Baltic Sea, the Camarge, the Rhine, the Main and the mighty Danube; the Tisza and the Black Sea; the Belgian and Dutch waterways. Everything from tulip time in Holland to Christmas Markets in Germany.

Drinks included with on board meals: mineral water, house wine, beer, fruit juice, and tea or coffee.