From Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities (port-to-port cruise)

In the morning, join a guided tour of Hamburg. Soak up the atmosphere and take in the maritime charm of Germany’s second-largest city. This guided tour will bring you to the top sites, including the main shopping street Mönckebergstraße in the city center, the Alster Lakes, the Rathausmarkt (City Hall Marketplace), the stock exchange, and St. Michael's Church. We'll continue on foot through the city's historical center—one of the oldest sections of Hamburg. Lunch will be served on board.

This afternoon, leave by coach for a guided tour of Lübeck. Known as the “Queen of the Hanseatic League,” Lübeck was founded in 1143 by Adolf II, Count of Schauenburg and Holstein. UNESCO lists the city as a World Heritage Site because of its aristocratic homes and numerous red-brick Gothic monuments. Founded on the banks of the Trave River, the historic center is home to a unique collection of monuments from different eras—namely the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. We’ll discover the Holsten Gate leading to the old city center, Lübeck’s most well-known landmark and a symbol of the power once possessed by this former Hanseatic city; St. Mary’s Church, an absolute Gothic gem; and the castle monastery. We’ll wrap up our excursion by visiting a tea room where we’ll enjoy some delicious marzipan, a local specialty. After our tour, return on board in Hamburg. This evening enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Spend the morning cruising then ride on the Scharnebeck twin ship lift, one of the highest in Europe with a maximum vertical lift of 125 feet (38 meters). Join the morning guided tour of Luneburg, one of the best-preserved Hanseatic cities. During the Middle Ages, its salt deposits made it one of Germany’s wealthiest areas. The Old City has conserved its traditional brick architecture from this prosperous time. Spend the afternoon cruising to Wolfsburg, arriving in the evening.

Visit \the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German automobile design. Opened during Expo 2000 in Hanover, the Autostadt is every car-lover’s dream—a huge campus full of museums, games, restaurants, and a five-star hotel. After the excursion, return on board the ship, spending the afternoon cruising to Magdeburg. Arrival into Magdeburg in the evening.

This morning, take a guided tour of Magdeburg—situated midway on the Elbe River and also on the historic Roman Roads. This former Hanseatic League city is a melting pot of cultural and architectural riches. Return on board and continue cruising to Potsdam.

Leave on a visit to the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Sanssouci Palace, once the residence of Frederick the Great. This afternoon will be dedicated to a guided tour of Berlin, the capital that once illustrated the division of the world into East and West. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

One last breakfast on board this morning before disembarking. End of services.

• Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
• All onboard beverages (not including the special lists)
• Accommodation in a double-occupancy, climate-controlled cabin with shower in private bathroom
• Onboard activities
• Welcome cocktail
• Gala evening
• Assistance from our onboard, multi-lingual host/hostess
• Emergency/repatriation insurance
• All port fees.
• Pre-paid Classic sightseeing package

• Drinks from the special wine list or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
• Cancellation and baggage insurance
• Optional excursions
• Transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points
• Personal expenses