- Czech Republic River Cruises
- Prague, Bohemia and the Elegant Elbe
Discover the many hidden treasures of Bohemia as you journey between the charming cities of Prague and Dresden and cruise along the picturesque Elbe and Vltava Rivers. Bohemia's idyllic landscapes, peppered with grand castles built by the nation's nobility, are only the start of the treasures you will uncover during this trip.
Dinner
Depart the UK on your scheduled flight to Prague where you will transfer to your vessel. Once on-board sample a welcome cocktail as you are introduced to the crew before dinner You will board your ship at 6 pm. If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you are free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning your boat will cruise along the Vltava River to Stechovice. Nestled in peaceful surroundings, take in the view as you sail past rural landscapes. Once known for its gold mines, Stechovice is now famous for its traditional handmade pottery. This afternoon join an excursion to Konopiste Castle. This 13th-century gothic fortress became the Habsburg's hunting lodge and has been renovated throughout history in Renaissance and 19th Century styles. Lavishly decorated, the castle was the former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand who lived here prior to his assassination in Sarajevo which triggered the first world war. Enjoy an evening of entertainment onboard.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue your cruise on the Vltava to the Slapy dam, following the river as it winds past castles in romantic, restful landscapes so typical of central Bohemia. The reservoir made by the dam is a popular bathing site for residents of Prague, with numerous recreational activities available. Later that afternoon the ship will return to Prague where you will stop for the night.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Prague's Old Town. Stroll through the citys narrow streets and discover one of the most important places in Bohemian history as you visit the Jewish quarter, the old town hall with its famous astronomical clock, and the Charles Bridge. After lunch on board either spend the afternoon relaxing or disembark again to explore Prague's Castle District. Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral; one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in Europe; the Old Royal Palace; and the Golden Lane, famed for the many goldsmiths who set up shop here in the 17th Century. Return to the ship for an evening of traditional entertainment on board.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning cruise to Melnik, at the confluence of the Elbe River. After lunch on board, join a tour of Nelahozeves Castle, the birth house of Antonin Dvorak - one of the greatest composers of the 19th century, and one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Bohemia. The castle's elaborate interiors are adorned with Italian-style stucco home to an incredible collection of art including works by Rubens and Velazquez collected over time by one of the oldest Bohemian noble families. Finish the tour with a wine tasting from the castle's own vineyard before returning to the ship for an evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the German city of Dresden, known as the 'Florence of the Elbe' and former seat of the Dukes of Saxony.Transfer from Melnik to Dresden by road (approx. 2hr journey each way). Picturesquely situated on the banks of the Elbe, Dresden offers a wide variety of attractions, including several fascinating museums and beautiful promenades along the riverbank. Have lunch in a local restaurant before a guided tour of the Royal Palace in the afternoon. Return to the ship by coach for a farewell gala evening.
Breakfast
Have breakfast on board this morning before disembarking by 9am, and transferring to the airport for your return flight to the UK. If you have a late return flight, you may leave your luggage onboard the ship until 14.00pm and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer.
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The Captain and CroisiEurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. This also means that included excursions will alter/modify to match the cruise itinerary.
Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. To enter Czech Republic or Germany your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Sources of information include; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details, including terminal, airline and baggage allowance, will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
Airport Extras: If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This river cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves getting on and off the cruise vessel managed by gangways and climbing stairs on all decks on board the vessel. On moderate days the level terrain on walking excursions are cobbled streets. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (Kč) and the currency in Germany and onboard ship is the Euro (€). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country.
Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout all major cities.
This cruise is on an All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book
Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for these purpose that can be handed to reception at the end of your cruise.
Your cruise and excursions are not exclusive to Mercury Holidays and will be shared with other international travellers.
An English-speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. While on excursions included in your itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour guide. When exploring locally during your leisure time you will not be accompanied by a tour guide.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort, or character. Cruise accommodation is generally rated as a local 4- or 5-star rating, to please note differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Europe destinations.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily are taken onboard the ship. Tables seat 6 people, so you’ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on-board the cruise vessel as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost).
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information
On your arrival in Prague you will be met by a representative from our local agent, CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.
Embarkation Time: 6pm
If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you will be able to leave your luggage. You are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship.
Disembarkation Time: 9am
If your return flight is after 9am you will be able to leave your luggage onboard the ship (until 14:00pm) and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer.
Please note from 9:00 am on day of disembarkation drinks will not be available in the lounge bar and there will be no other cruise services on board.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details will be given on your arrival.
Telephone number for the MS Elbe Princesse: +33(0) 7 72 34 29 41
