Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart for Berlin.
Day
2: Transfer to the M.S. Swiss Coral. This evening discuss the impact of the reunification of the former East and West Germany in Berlin. This evening, gather with fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner on board. (R,D)
Day 3: Journey along the famous Unter der Linden and Ku’damm boulevards to admire the renowned facades of both “sides” of Berlin. See remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Charlottenburg Palace and the Reichstag Parliament. Visit the site of the Potsdam Conference, Cecilienhof Palace. Learn about the historic 1945 meeting of the Allied leaders who redrew the borders and determined the fate of post-war Germany. See Sanssouci Park, the magnificent summer home of Frederick the Great. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Spend the morning at leisure in Magdeburg and the afternoon cruising the Elbe River. (B,L,D)
Day 5: The center of the German Reformation, Wittenberg is the former residence of Martin Luther and the birthplace of humanist, Phillip Melanchthon. See the Schlosskirche, the Parish Church with its 16th-century altar, and the marketplace with its splendid 16th-century Town Hall. Continue to the ancient town of Torgau, former residence of medieval Saxon kings.
Day 6: In the early 18th-century, the ancient wine town of Meissen became home to the first porcelain production outside of the Far East. Tour the historic factory and museum and learn about the process of this exquisite stoneware, which has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries. Tour the city of Dresden. Attend a musical performance that celebrates the vibrancy of German culture. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Today, the majestic landscape of the Saxon Alps unfolds before your eyes. Relax and admire one of Germany’s most scenic regions. (B,L,D)
Day 8: The graceful city of One Hundred Spires showcases its picturesque highlights built atop seven hills. Explore Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, wander the storybook streets of the Old Town, stroll across the Charles Bridge and marvel at the exquisite blend of architecture and natural beauty that characterizes Prague. This evening, gather on board with fellow travelers for your festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Disembark the ship in Melník. Transfer to Prague where you’ll check into the deluxe InterContinental Praha. Review the events that shaped the face of today’s Prague. Discuss the actual sites that witnessed the most recent uprising and the spot where the Velvet Revolution began in 1989. The afternoon is at leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Depart for the U.S. (B)
|
