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Elbe River
Drift through history on the scenic Elbe River traveling through a landscape of medieval old towns, the idyllic green countryside and spectacular gorges.
Overview
An enchanting river cruise
It has been several years since we’ve cruised the Elbe River together and we’re very excited to explore this historic part of Europe by river vessel once again. Our floating home for eight nights, the intimate Elbe Princesse, provides great access to the port cities where we call and a relaxing ambience for watching the scenery go by during our mornings of cruising.
Travel from cities humming with newfound vitality to evocative historical sites spanning millennia, beginning in Berlin, a city vibrant with modernism and memories alike, continuing to Dresden, celebrated for its art museums and impressive post-WWII reconstruction, and ending in the Czech Republic’s ever-fascinating capital, Prague, filled with architectural masterpieces.
Dates
April 11–21, 2023Duration
11 daysPrice
From $9,695 per person
Trip size
31 participantsMinimum age
18 yearsFaculty leader
A different kind of classroom
With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
Steven Pifer
Center for International Security and Cooperation
A retired Foreign Service officer, Ambassador Pifer has more than 25 years with the State Department focused on U.S. relations with the former Soviet Union and Europe, as well as arms control and security issues. He served as the ambassador to Ukraine from 1998–2000.
Itinerary
A classic river cruise from Berlin to Prague
Begin with two full days immersed in Berlin’s vibrant cultural juxtaposition between rich history and cutting-edge innovation in art, music, and food before embarking our luxury river boat for an eight-night cruise through the idyllic green countryside that lines the River Elbe. Call at such historic cities as Dresden, Meissen and Magdeburg before concluding with a day in magical Prague.
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Berlin, Germany
Arrive in Berlin and transfer to our hotel. Meet fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner this evening.
Accommodations:Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Included meal: DinnerBerlin, Germany
Take a behind-the-scenes tour at the recently reconstructed Reichstag building, seat of the German parliament, and visit the Allied Museum, which aims to inform today’s public about the significance of peace, freedom and democracy.
Accommodations:Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Included meals: Breakfast and lunchBerlin / Embarkation
This morning, meet with students and faculty at the Berlin campus of Stanford’s Bing Overseas Studies Program. In the afternoon, tour the East Side Gallery, once the Berlin Wall and now the longest open-air gallery in the world, and the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial, erected in 1994 to commemorate the thousands of political prisoners interned there during the Soviet occupation. Embark the Elbe Princesse and enjoy a special welcome dinner onboard.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerBerlin / Potsdam, Germany
Enjoy a special curator-guided tour of Old Master paintings at the Kulturforum’s Gemäldegalerie before reboarding our ship for lunch while we cruise to Potsdam. There, explore the magnificent and gloriously rococo Sanssouci Palace and Park, originally sketched by Frederick the Great and now the largest UNESCO World Heritage site in Germany. Also visit Cecilienhof Palace, site of the historic Potsdam Conference, where Churchill, Truman and Stalin met in 1945. Tour the conference rooms and view the large collection of photos and memorabilia from the era.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerMagdeburg, Germany
After a morning of scenic cruising, disembark in Magdeburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany, to explore on foot or by bicycle. Visit the Gothic-style Magdeburg Cathedral, burial place of the Holy Roman emperor Otto the Great, and the fantastical Green Citadel.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerWittenberg, Germany
Upon arrival at Wittenberg visit the Castle Church, where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in 1517, beginning the Protestant Reformation. See Luther’s home as well as Wittenberg’s historic Market Square, spared by the Allies during bombing raids.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerMeissen / Dresden, Germany
Call at Meissen, where the formula for hard-paste porcelain was discovered in 1708. Choose to visit the Meissen Porcelain Museum and workshop where the “white gold” porcelain is still made, take a guided bicycle ride along the Elbe River, or enjoy free time in the town’s historic center. Continue by coach to Dresden for lunch before exploring this city of spires, towers and domes. Embark on a walking tour of the Old Town, including Theater Square and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). Also marvel at the glittering displays of precious objects from the late Renaissance and Rococo periods at Dresden Castle’s Green Vault.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerSaxon Switzerland National Park
We disembark this morning and head to Saxon Switzerland National Park. Walk in the German part of the Sandstone Mountains and ascend spectacular Bastei Rock to take in sweeping views of the river and distant mountains. Cross the border into the Czech Republic to rendezvous with the ship in the port town of Usti. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising through a maze of pinnacles, ravines and bizarre rock formations known as “Saxon Switzerland”.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerLitoměřice, Czech Republic
Spend the morning in Litoměřice, a royal enclave with an official history dating to the 10th Century, making it one of the oldest Bohemian settlements. A well-known trading post of the Holy Roman Empire, its old town is now under the protection of the Czech Ministry of Culture as a national cultural monument, and is highlighted by the Baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, finished in 1057.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerPrague, Czech Republic
Depart our ship just north of Prague to spend the morning at Prague Castle, which has been a royal residence since the 10th century and is still the seat of Czech government. Within its walls is the Renaissance-era St. Vitus Cathedral, the soaring hilltop structure that incorporates a unique mix of Gothic and baroque elements. Sample regional specialties during lunch at a local restaurant, then spend the afternoon in Prague’s Old Town Square, home of Prague’s intricately decorated astronomical clock and the iconic pointed spires of Tyn Cathedral. Stroll among the street artists and musicians on the Charles Bridge, which spans the Vltava River and offers spectacular views of Prague Castle and the domes and turrets of Old Town.
Accommodations:Elbe Princesse
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerPrague / Home
Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights.
Included meal: Breakfast
Prague Post-trip Extension
Want more time to explore? Get the most out of your stay in the Prague when you sign up for this optional trip extension.
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Prague, Czech Republic
After breakfast on board Elbe Princesse, disembark and return to central Prague to visit two of the beautiful synagogues inside the historic Jewish Quarter. Wend through a bustling market, taking in the colorful sights and tastes of vendors selling vegetables, cheeses, sausages and various treats. Enjoy local delicacies at lunch before checking in to our rooms and enjoying the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Accommodations:Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Included meals: Breakfast and lunchPrague, Czech Republic
Embark on a guided visit to the recently re-opened and newly refurbished Prague State Opera House. Those who are interested can opt to visit the intimate but rich Dvorak Museum to view the manuscripts and delve into the life of the beloved Czech composer. Following free time in town, conclude the day with a sunset visit to stunning Klementinum Library, part of an expansive baroque complex noted by UNESCO for its rich history and the site of the National Library of the Czech Republic.
Accommodations:Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Included meals: Breakfast and dinnerPrague / Home
After breakfast, depart for the airport for flights returning home.
Included meal: Breakfast
Trip details
Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime
From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.
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“A journey that opened our eyes to a part of Europe we had only imagined before and our minds to significant history, crossing centuries, that became understandable as we 'walked' through it.”
— Robert Thompson, ’70, MBA ’77
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Bastei, German Sandstone Mountains, Saxon Switzerland
Pricing
Secure your spot today
The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.
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Main Deck
Standard cabin with large picture window, a small desk and seating area, independent climate control, a safe, hairdryer, bathroom with full amenities, and a flat screen TV
Double occupancy: $9,695 per person
Single occupancy: $13,495 per person
Upper Deck
Deluxe cabin on Upper Deck with French balcony, a small desk and seating area, independent climate control, a safe, hairdryer, bathroom with full amenities, and a flat screen TV
Double occupancy: $10,695 per person
Single occupancy: $14,495 per person
Join us on the Elbe River
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