Elbe River Itineraries

There are many ways in which to explore all the beauty that the Elbe River has to offer. Whether you are interested in a relaxing, comfortable river cruise, or an adventure packed biking tour, Stride has an Elbe River tour option for you. Cruises focus greatly on culture and senior travel (active and relaxed). Many popular stopping points along the Elbe River include aspects of nature, history, and modern German communities. The majority of Elbe River cruises last for a period of 2 weeks, however, you can find shorter journeys that explore a designated portion of the Elbe River region.

Elbe River Cruise in 6-8 Days

If you only have a short amount of time to discover all that the Elbe River has to offer, don’t worry, Stride has tour options for you! There are cycling tours and river cruises that offer travel opportunities within the 6-8 day rage. Single week tours are offered in the form of bike tours, river cruises, and travel by car or bus. Typically, 1 week tours will have time to explore one section of the Elbe River.

Days 1-2, Berlin: Within the first two days of your Elbe River tour, get a glimpse of the powerful city of Berlin, Germany. Experience German history and contemporary culture at the start of  your Elbe River trip.

Day 3, Potsdam: Make your way to the southern border of Berlin to explore the magnificent Potsdam. With its novel architecture and aesthetics, you will be blown away by the palaces and parks that make up the great city.

Day 4: Dresden: Explore this Elbe River town and bask in the beauty of what is famously referred to as the “Florence of the Elbe.”

Days 5-6: Munich: Stray from the Elbe River’s course to end your journey in the metropolitan city of Munich. Home to the famous Oktoberfest, you will find Munich to be a city rich in authentic German culture and full of top sights and activities.

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Elbe River Cruise in 2 Weeks

Common 2 week Elbe River cruises are those that run on the river’s course itself. These river cruises are offered by a series of tour operators that present a wide range of excursion and activity opportunities to passengers.

Days 1-3 Berlin: Kick off your Elbe River tour with an introduction to Berlin’s tumultuous history and rich culture. Explore Germany’s capital city before embarking on your Elbe River journey.

Day 4, Potsdam & Magdeburg: Explore the wonders of the picturesque Potsdam. Wander around the palaces and gardens as you marvel in their beauty before embarking on your river cruise in Magdeburg.

Days 5-7, Wittenberg: Enjoy your cruise time and debark at your first stop in Wittenberg, Germany. Here you will explore the city of the Protestant Reformation and surrounding German cities such as Woerlitz and Torgau.

Day 8, Meissen: Make sure to make a stop at the world renowned Meissen Porcelain Manufactory and snag your hand painted porcelain souvenir!

Day 9, Dresden: Visit the picturesque river city of Dresden. Here you will find ample museums and restored structures exhibiting classical architectural design.

Day 10, Swiss Saxony: Explore Saxon Switzerland National Park and get a taste of nature through hiking, biking, walking, and rock climbing!

Days 11-13, Prague: End your Elbe River tour in the Czech Republic’s prominent “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague.

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A Bike Tour on the Elbe River

Elbe River bike tours give an up-close and first-hand view of all that the course of the Elbe River has to offer. Winding along the river banks, cyclists experience spectacular castles of Germany, urban city regions, wonderous nature and wildlife, and rolling hills of the countryside.

Days 1-2, Berlin: Begin your route in Berlin. Experience the history and culture of this significant city while preparing for your cycling journey.

Days 3-4, Wittenberg: Bike along the banks of the Elbe to Wittenberg. Here you will explore Martin Luther’s home and the city to catapult the Protestant Reformation.

Days 5-6, Torgau: Cycle through the picturesque countryside to Torgau. Here experience authentic German culture and food in rural villages along the Elbe River.

Day 7, Meissen: Continue your journey to the beautiful city of Meissen. Here you can explore Castle Hill, Meissen Cathedral, and the old marketplace. Don’t forget to stop at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory!

Day 8, Dresden: Take a walking tour of the “Florence of the Elbe.” Dresden is a city rich with Baroque architecture, music, and culture.

Days 9-10, Saxon Switzerland: With scenery that will be guaranteed to impress, Saxon Switzerland is home to remarkable sandstone rock formations. Travelers can continue cycling or park their bikes to explore the national park by foot.

Day 11, Litomerice: Here you will be able to tour a variety of well-maintained buildings from the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance periods. In the nearby village of Terezín, you will learn about the horrors that took place at the the "model" Jewish ghetto.

Day 12-14, Prague: You will end your cycling tour in the Czech Republic’s capital city of Prague. Farewell dinners, Prague history tours, and free time to explore the stunning city will be provided.

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