Czech Republic and Germany River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Czech Republic and Germany
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NinaCzech Republic and Germany travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas & New Year with Prague 2025 - 18 Days (12 destinations)
- Festive Season in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague 2025 (from Prague to Frankfurt-am-Main)
- Festive Season in the Heart of Germany with 2 Nights in Prague 2025 (from Frankfurt-am-Main to Prague)
- Cities of Light Bamberg to Trier
- Cities of Light Trier to Bamberg
- From Berlin to Prague: Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
- From Prague to Berlin: Cruise on the Vltava and Elbe Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
- Elegant Elbe Wittenberg to Decin
- Prague, Dresden, and the Castles of Bohemia: A Spectacular Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers
- Christmastime from Nuremberg to Basel with 2 Nights in Prague 2023
The Scenic Jade takes you from Prague through Germany's heartland. Highlights include Nuremberg's Imperial Castle, UNESCO-listed Bamberg, and the castle-lined Rhine Gorge. A special Christmas Day celebration and New Year's Eve fireworks in Cologne crown the journey.
Duration 18 days Destinations Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $17,740
48% Off- US$9,245You save $8,495
The luxury Avalon ships link Czech and German cultures via scenic waterways, from Prague's Vltava River to Germany's Main. The route encompasses Nuremberg's medieval sites, Bamberg's UNESCO Old Town, and Würzburg's Bishop's Residence.
Duration 8 days Destinations Prague, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, Frankfurt-am-Main Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
48% Off- US$3,428+$150 upfront costs
The luxurious Avalon Imagery II links Germany and Czech Republic. Christmas markets in Würzburg and Nuremberg, UNESCO-listed Bamberg, and Prague's historic center feature prominently, complemented by panoramic suite views and regional specialties.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Frankfurt-am-Main, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Prague Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways Viking ships transport you from Czech Republic through Germany's picturesque rivers. Highlights include Prague Castle, UNESCO-listed Bamberg, and medieval Rhine Valley castles, complemented by Moselle wine tastings and tours of Heidelberg's ancient university town.
Duration 12 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, France Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From
48% Off- US$4,634
A seven-night voyage from Germany's oldest city Trier to UNESCO-listed Bamberg awaits aboard Viking longships. The itinerary features Marksburg Castle, Würzburg's baroque palace, and medieval towns, complete with premium amenities and regional cuisine.
Duration 12 days Destinations France, Luxembourg, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From
48% Off- US$4,634
From Berlin to Prague: Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent tour selections with superb english-speaking guides. Tasty French food.”
Robert, traveled in March
MS Elbe Princesse II showcases Czech and German treasures. The route includes Meissen's porcelain workshops, Dresden's baroque architecture, and Prague's Castle District, with scenic passages past the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and medieval Litomerice's UNESCO-listed old town.
Duration 9 days Destinations Berlin, Nedlitz, Wusterwitz, Magdeburg, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden, Usti Nad Labem, Roudnice nad Labem, LitomericeSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
48% Off- US$2,057
From Prague to Berlin: Cruise on the Vltava and Elbe Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was not company's fault that water level in Elbe was a problem but it was their decision NOT to notify travellers in advance.”
Tanya, traveled in July
MS Elbe Princesse connects Prague's Gothic architecture to Berlin's historic center. The route showcases Dresden's Florence of the Elbe, Meissen's porcelain heritage, while sailing through the dramatic Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Duration 9 days Destinations Prague, Litomerice, Bad Schandau, Dresden, Meissen, Wittenberg, Magdeburg, Hohenwarthe, Genthin, Berlin Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
48% Off- US$2,057
Viking's custom-built ships bridge Germany and Czech Republic. The route encompasses Wittenberg's Luther sites, Dresden's restored glory, and Prague's Gothic architecture, featuring river-view staterooms and expert-guided excursions.
Duration 10 days Destinations Berlin, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden, Prague Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Viking Cruises From
48% Off- US$4,888
MS Elbe Princesse II links Czech and German landmarks. The route from Prague's Charles Bridge to Dresden's Florence of the Elbe includes wine tasting at Nelahozeves Castle and visits to Konopiste Castle's medieval armory collection.
Duration 7 days Destinations Prague, Melnik, Dresden, Litomerice Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
48% Off- US$1,600
Avalon Tranquility II takes you from Prague to Nuremberg. The voyage features Czech Christmas markets, Bamberg's UNESCO-listed old town, and Würzburg's Bishop's Residenz, alongside traditional cookie-baking demonstrations and regional wine tastings.
No departure dates availableDuration 12 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Czech Republic and Germany
- From Berlin to Prague: Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
Great boat. Excellent tour selections with superb english-speaking guides. Tasty French food.
What our customers ask about Czech Republic and Germany River Cruises
What are the best months to take a river cruise between Prague and Berlin?
River cruises between Prague and Berlin operate from April through October with the best weather from June to September. May stands out as an excellent time to travel with average temperatures of 68°F (20°C) and spring flowers in full bloom. Cruise operators like CroisiEurope run their MS Elbe Princesse II during these months taking passengers past Dresden's Frauenkirke and Königstein Fortress. A TourRadar traveler noted "The spring weather was perfect for exploring charming towns like Meissen and enjoying the deck views of the scenic Elbe Sandstone Mountains."
What makes the Elbe River different from other European river cruise routes?
The Elbe River provides a less crowded alternative to popular routes like the Rhine and Danube flowing through the former Eastern Europe. The river's varying water levels require special vessels such as the MS Elbe Princesse II built with shallow drafts and modern engineering. Travelers experience a mix of German and Czech heritage along the route. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The Elbe cruise feels more intimate and less touristy than other European rivers though water levels can affect the itinerary - our ship had to adjust courses but the crew handled it professionally."
What are the major highlights and stops along Czech Republic and Germany river cruise routes?
The river journey connects numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites and historic cities. Stops include Prague's Old Town Castle complex Dresden's Frauenkirche the porcelain center of Meissen and Berlin's historic districts. The route passes through Saxon Switzerland National Park known for its distinctive sandstone formations. Local experiences range from Saxon wine tastings to tours of Wittenberg's Luther House. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The variety of stops was excellent - from Prague's stunning architecture to the natural beauty of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the guided tours in Dresden were particularly informative."
What type of river cruise ships operate between Czech Republic and Germany?
The Elbe River's conditions require specially engineered vessels. CroisiEurope's MS Elbe Princesse and MS Elbe Princesse II use paddlewheel technology for shallow water navigation carrying 80 passengers. Viking's fleet includes the Viking Beyla designed with a flat bottom for the Elbe. These ships feature panoramic lounges sun decks and window-lined dining rooms. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The MS Elbe Princesse II was perfect for this route - small enough to dock in town centers but with all the amenities we needed including a comfortable lounge for scenic viewing."
Which cruise lines offer the best Czech Republic and Germany river cruises?
Leading operators on these routes include Avalon Waterways with the Avalon Imagery II and Panorama CroisiEurope's MS Elbe Princesse series and Scenic's vessels like the Scenic Crystal. These ships accommodate between 80-169 passengers offering modern facilities including panoramic windows sun decks and wellness areas. A TourRadar traveler commented: "Avalon's smaller ship size meant we could dock right in town centers and the service was incredibly personal."
What are the main ports and cities visited on Czech Republic and Germany river cruises?
The itineraries cover key cultural sites along the Elbe Main and Vltava rivers. Major stops include Prague with its medieval Astronomical Clock Dresden the "Florence of the Elbe" UNESCO-protected Bamberg and Nuremberg known for Christmas markets and WWII sites. Smaller destinations feature Melnik where the Elbe meets the Vltava and Wurzburg called the "Pearl of the Romantic Road." A TourRadar traveler mentioned "visiting both iconic cities and lesser-known medieval towns gave us a perfect mix of experiences."