Prague, Dresden, and the Castles of Bohemia: A Spectacular Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers

Join us for an 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.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departing from Melnik, you will take a day trip to Dresden, "the Florence of the Elbe" (driving time ~2h). Full-day excursion to Dresden, a fantastic city known as the “Florence of the Elbe.” 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. Transfer back to Prague (driving time ~2h)

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Join us for a tour of Nelahozeves Castle and the birth house of Antonin Dvorak. 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.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

We'll leave on a guided tour of the Hradcany, or Castle District, in Prague. The city center is divided into five areas, spanning both banks of the Vltava River, and Prague Castle is the most prominent tourist attraction. Set on a hill, it affords visitors fine views over the whole city.
Founded in 880 AD, it is the largest medieval castle in Europe and was once the seat of the Kings of Bohemia. Today, the President of the Czech Republic rules from here. The Prague Castle complex covers over 7 hectares (18 acres) and has three large courtyards. Destructive wars and fires (and the subsequent renovations), along with differing political forces, have resulted in an intriguing mix of palaces, churches, great halls, state apartments, a monastery, viewing towers, fortifications, museums and art galleries. You'll get to discover, among other sights, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace with its Vladislav Hall, St. George's Basilica and the famous Golden Lane. We'll return on board after our visit.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic as well as the fourteenth largest city in the European Union. It is located in the north-west of the country on the Vltava River, and is home to about 1.26 million people.

Located at the very heart of Central Europe, Prague was once the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Empire and Czechoslovakia. The “City of a Hundred Spires” was miraculously spared during World War II and its architecture, mixing Pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, Art Nouveau and Cubist styles, gives Prague its unique flavor. The city was deeply marked by the 1968 Prague Spring–the short-lived season of the “socialism with a human face” aiming at the renovation of institutions in a democratic way–which strongly inspired Czechoslovak culture from the 60s to the 80s. Prague’s historic city center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.

We’ll have a guided walk in the old city starting with the Old Town Square–the busiest area in Prague–and its beautiful archways. We’ll see Jan Hus Memorial, built in honor of this church reformer who was burned at the stake for heresy in 1415, as well as the Old Town Hall and its fascinating astronomical clock featuring the hourly show of figures of the Apostles striking the time, the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Ungelt and the merchants’ yard. We’ll also get to admire the Municipal House, the city's foremost Art Nouveau building, and one of the finest in Europe, as well as the Powder Gate, one of the original 13 entrances to Prague's Old Town. We’ll return on board after our visit.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.