Sailing the Elbe was really how we dreamt it would be, relaxing and so very scenic and along the way we explored beautiful picturesque towns and cities.
When we landed a Viking representative was waiting for us in arrivals at the airport and soon took us out to our car, and before we knew it we were off to our hotel, it was a seamless arrival and transfer. At the hotel we were met by our fabulous programme director Titiana who would be with us throughout our holiday.
Viking include an excursion for every destination you visit along with a selection of optional excursions you can book.
Each passenger has their own audio box and earphones for the excursions, we think these are a great idea. You did not need to be standing directly with your guide to hear them and you can control the volume on the audio box very easily. There are charging stations in your stateroom so when returning you simply pop them onto charge so they are ready for your next trip.
Prague
Our journey started in Prague where for two nights Viking put us in the beautiful Art Deco Imperial Hotel, this really was a fantastic base and perfect for exploring the city. Mr B and I had wanted to visit the city for a while so we planned a lot of our own activities whilst there. There is so much to see and do in Prague so I would definitely recommend doing your research before you go to find out which aspects you want to tick off your list.
One of the included Viking excursions we enjoyed was ‘Panoramic Prague’ where we enjoyed a walking tour through the cobbled streets of the historic old town.
Our guide was really friendly and knowledgeable. We were shown the Týn Church and the 15th-century Astronomical Clock, watching it as it struck on the hour.
We enjoyed our walk over the Charles Bridge where the relaxing pace gave us time to admire the views and take photos.
And of course you can’t go to Prague and not enjoy a beer or two (and I’m not even a beer drinker!).
Boarding Viking Beyla
After two nights in Prague we were beyond excited to be boarding our floating home. Just like our arrival, the transfer from Prague to the ship in Decin was as easy as could be.
After stepping off the coach we were in our stateroom before we knew it and whilst taking off our coats our luggage was delivered to our room! But instead of unpacking we made our way to the bar to enjoy our first glass of champagne and the first of many toasts onboard beautiful Beyla.
Bad Schandau
In this picturesque spa town we, like the majority of our passengers, took the included trip to visit the Bastei. After a scenic coach ride we arrived at this beautiful national park.
The views were breathtaking and the photos really don’t do them justice.
There are many view points from this rock formation and the views down to the river Elbe were like looking at a picture postcard.
The Bastei bridge, which you can walk over, takes you to the castle remains where more scenic views are waiting for you.
Scenic Sailing: Saxon Switzerland
After spending the morning in Bad Schandau, the afternoon had us enjoying a scenic sailing, one of my favourite parts of river cruising.
Sailing past the rock formations, we could see the Bastei bridge which we had walked across earlier that day.
After passing the Bastei we were presented with picturesque countryside views. We sailed past farming land and buildings which reminded me of ‘toy towns’ as they looked so perfect and pristine . . .
Sipping on a perfectly made Aperol spritz with these special views is a holiday memory we will never forget.
To keep guests warm the crew came around with blankets and hot chocolate (with an optional splash of Baileys). Viking certainly know how to look after you.
Dresden
A city which Mr B and I both really loved was Dresden, we were docked in Dresden the night before we spent the day exploring.
We booked onto one of Viking’s optional excursions, ‘Concert at the Zwinger’. This was exclusive just for Viking. To be inside the stunning Zwinger Palace and to have a private concert with only 40 other guests was very special. The Dresden Residence Orchestra played recognisable classic pieces by Bach, Mozart, Strauss and Tchaikovsky. It gave me goosebumps, it was such a wonderful experience. We are so glad we booked this and would highly recommend it.
The following day we enjoyed one of the included tours, ‘Panoramic Dresden’, so we could explore this historical and beautiful city.
After a scenic drive we explored the city on foot. It was fascinating and truly a marvel to learn about how the city had been rebuilt. You are surrounded by beautiful architecture almost everywhere you look.
The Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) are extremely memorable.
We finished our tour with some time in the Green Vault museum where we gazed at the many treasures from around the world.
Meissen
Many passengers opted for the included tour on our stop in Meissen, a visit to the famous Meissen porcelain factory. However Mr B and I decided to spend the day on our own exploring this beautiful town.
Walking the cobbled streets we were greeted with beautiful architecture and colourful houses.
We explored the market square and walked to Dom zu Meissen and enjoyed this lovely view point.
We then made our way to Albrechtsburg Castle to marvel at the gothic architecture and enjoy looking down at the River Elbe.
Wittenberg
We joined the included tour in Wittenberg, the ‘Walking Wittenberg Tour’, as in this city full of so much history we knew the best way to see it and learn more would be with a guide.
We took a walk inside the stunning Lutheran All Saints’ Church, including the door which Martin Luther famously nailed his “95 Theses” against.
As well as learning about the birthplace of Protestant Reformation we walked the streets of this university town, exploring the market square. We chose not to end the tour by going back to the included coach to return to the ship, but instead we walked back, enjoying the 40-minute stroll through the town and by the river.
Potsdam
The day we explored Potsdam had a happy and sad start as it was the day we departed Beyla. We were happy with all the special memories we had made, but sad to say goodbye to the wonderful crew who had made our time onboard so very special.
As everything with Viking, the day was organised extremely well. After we said our farewells to beautiful Beyla and onto Berlin, our day saw us exploring Potsdam.
We first had a stop at Cecilienhof country house which our guide spoke to us about this being the location of the Potsdam Conference in in 1945. The Tudor-style house and perfectly manicured gardens were a joy to look at.
We next made our way to Sanssouci Palace where we had an audio tour inside this incredible building, marvelling at the elegant and opulent décor.
We then enjoyed some free time in Potsdam where we chose to stroll around, walking to Brandenburg Gate, do a bit of souvenir shopping and stopping for a currywurst and beer in the sunshine.
Berlin
Mr B and I had already enjoyed a city break in Germany’s capital. We loved our first visit, the city is full of so much recent history. We loved how cosmopolitan the city was and we found it really quite easy to navigate our way around. We were excited to revisit for our final stop on our Viking holiday.
We arrived in Berlin in the afternoon so we took the opportunity to relax and enjoy the evening indulging in a nice meal with a few drinks. However, Viking do offer some evening excursions for those that have not visited before so you can get the most out of your visit.
The next day we had signed up for the included tour, ‘Panoramic Berlin’. This was a tour done by coach due to the size of the city, but we did have stops along the way so we could see certain aspects up close and personal.
Our first stop was Checkpoint Charlie.
We then went into the East Side Gallery. Walking along and seeing the remains of the Berlin wall painted with various pieces from an array of artists was one of the most memorable parts for me.
We stopped at Museum Island.
With our final stop being the Holocaust Memorial, which was just as moving and thought provoking as the first time we visited.
We walked the short distance to the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag parliament building.
Viking
Our second Viking holiday, but definitely not our last. There is a reason Mr B and I, along with many other people we met onboard, are repeat Viking passengers. For me it is the exceptional organisation, the included tours and when not out exploring, how well you are looked after whilst onboard.
Our Elegant Elbe itinerary was a fantastic mix of touring and river cruising. We explored, we relaxed, we discovered new places and learnt about times in history we knew little about and, most importantly, we had a wonderful time the entire way.
Want to know about the ship we enjoyed our sailing on? Have a look at my blog post all about the beautiful Viking Beyla . . .
Want to know what the food is like on a Viking river cruise? Have a look at my blog post . . .
Read all about the drinks package on Viking to see what is included . . .
Awesome
I am so looking forward to this exact trip in October 2024
May I ask where are you from ?
Keep up the blog great job
Author May 29, 2024 / 6:57 pm
Thank you that’s really nice to hear. I am from Nottingham, England.
You will have a great time on this sailing, its such a wonderful itinerary.
I loved reading your very well written blog and your many beautiful pictures. After reading about your favourite cocktails, I will be sure to try some of them on my upcoming cruise.
Author June 14, 2024 / 9:24 am
Thank you so much, that is very kind of you to say. I am not a professional writer so reading comments like this means a lot. Enjoy the cocktails and happy sailing!