Destination Reviews
The Elbe is one of Europe's most unspoiled rivers, natural and unaltered by human technology. As a result, if an Elbe cruise is on your wishlist - and it certainly should be - you will have to hunt around to find it.
Although the river flows from the Czech Republic's Giant Mountains through Germany all the way to Hamburg and the North Sea, the river is so shallow that it is not navigable for most of its course, and very few vessels are able to operate cruise itineraries on it at all.
Expect spectacular beauty, particularly as the river meanders through Saxon Switzerland, with wetlands and woodlands which are virtually untouched. Amazing cities, risen from the rubble in war-torn East Germany, dot your route.
You start your trip in edgy Berlin, one of the most exciting cities in the world, before joining your ship in rococo Potsdam, and visit magnificently restored Dresden, Meissen, with its fine porcelain, and Wittenberg, birthplace of the Protestant Reformation. The journey finishes in magnificent Prague, where an extended stay to explore is a must.
The Elbe supports several wine-producing areas - the Saxonian Wine Route, Melnik and Litomerice - so take the opportunity for some unusual tastings.
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Elbe river cruises
Viking River Cruises
Elegant Elbe
From Wittenburg to Decin
6 Jul - 11 Jul 2026 (5 Nights)
From £4,395 per guest
Viking River Cruises
Elegant Elbe
From Wittenburg to Decin
11 Jul - 16 Jul 2026 (5 Nights)
From £4,395 per guest
Azamara
37-Night Scandinavia to Canada Grand Voyage
From Stockholm to Montréal
20 Jul - 26 Aug 2026 (37 Nights)
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Scenic River Cruises
Jewels of Europe with Eastern Europe Explorer
From Prague to Amsterdam
20 Jul - 12 Aug 2026 (23 Nights)
From £8,730 per guest
