Saxony Cruise: Germany's
Elbe River and Prague
May 9-17, 2008

Overview
Itinerary

Overview (Return to top)

Discover one of Europe's most majestic and historic regions as you cruise the sapphire waters of the lovely Elbe River. Begin your adventure in Prague, and marvel at St. Vitus Cathedral, the Charles Bridge, and the exquisite blend of architecture and natural beauty that characterizes this superb capital. Admire the artistic and architectural treasures of Dresden, then tour a porcelain factory in Meissen, and learn about the production of this "white gold." Sail to Torgau, the former residence of medieval Saxon kings, and Wittenburg, the center of the German Reformation. Travel to Potsdam to visit Cecilienhof Palace, site of the Potsdam Conference. Conclude in Berlin. Walk along its famous Unter den Linden and Ku'damm boulevards, and see Charlottenburg Palace, the remnants of the Berlin Wall and other historic landmarks.

Priced from $2,195 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Prague, Czech Republic.

Day 2
Transfer to Prague. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)
The afternoon is at leisure.
Local Flavor:  Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Prague.

Day 3
Educational Focus: The Velvet Revolution.
Excursion: Prague City Tour.  The graceful City of One Hundred Spires showcases its picturesque highlights built atop seven hills. Explore Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, wander the storybook streets of the Old Town, stroll across the Charles Bridge.
Transfer to Meln¡k, and embark the MS Swiss Ruby.
Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception and Dinner on board the ship.

Day 4
Excursion: Cruising the Saxon Alps.  Today, the majestic landscape of the Saxon Alps unfolds before your eyes. Relax and admire one of Germany's most scenic regions, referred to as the Switzerland of Germany.
Educational Focus: The Sound of Saxony Musical Performance.

Day 5
Excursion: Dresden City Tour.  The landmarks of one of Europe's most beautiful cities are on display-see the Bruhlsche Terrasse, Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House and Zwinger.
Local Flavor:  Savor lunch at a local restaurant.
Excursion: Meissen Porcelain Factory.  In the early 18th century, this ancient wine-producing town became home to the first porcelain production outside of the Far East. Tour the historic factory and museum and learn about the process for creating this exquisite stoneware, which has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries.

Day 6
Excursion: Torgau.  Visit ancient Torgau, former residence of medieval Saxon kings. Admire the lovely Renaissance Town Hall, the late-Gothic Marienkirche church and Schloss Hartenfels, a Renaissance castle with a chapel consecrated by Martin Luther.
Local Flavor:  Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Excursion: Wittenberg.  The center of the German Reformation, Wittenberg is the former residence of Martin Luther and the birthplace of Humanist, Phillip Melanchton. See the Schlosskirche, the Parish Church with its 16th-century altar, and the 16th-century Town Hall.
Educational Focus: Martin Luther and the Reformation.

Day 7
Excursion: Berlin City Tour.  Journey along the famous Unter den Linden and Ku'damm boulevards to admire the facades of both "sides" of Berlin. See remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Charlottenburg Palace and the Reichstag Parliament.
Local Flavor:  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 8
Educational Focus and Excursion: Potsdam.  Upon arrival in the elegant capital of Germany's Brandenburg state, visit the site of the Potsdam Conference, Cecilienhof Palace. Learn about the historic 1945 meeting of the Allied leaders who redrew the borders and determined the fate of post-war Germany. See Sanssouci Park, the magnificent summer home of Frederick the Great. Then, enjoy free time exploring Potsdam's 18th-century baroque Dutch Quarter.

Day 9
Educational Focus:  A Tale of Two Cities: East and West Berlin.
Independent Exploration: Today is free to pursue your own interests.
This evening, gather on board with fellow travelers for your Graduation Ceremony, and a festive Farewell Dinner.

Day 10
Transfer to the Berlin airport for the return flight to your gateway city.