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Germany’s picturesque Elbe River Valley is filled with castles, palaces and medieval towns. Travel with the Gamblings on our delightful private-charter cruise aboard the 5-star MV Frederic Chopin. We’ll sail from historic Potsdam right into the heart of Prague, for a magical overnight berthed in the shadow of its castle. Wonderful meals, marvelous sightseeing, specially-arranged private events... Every moment promises to be truly unforgettable with John and Wendy!

Thrill to Berlin first! Join John and Wendy on a superbly-planned pre-cruise tour to Berlin and Potsdam featuring the historic Hotel Adlon Kempinski, just steps from Brandenburg Gate!

Brought to you by Alice Travel, Travel Four Vacations & General Tours World Traveler

>Exclusive Shipboard & Shoreside Events

Our private charter sailing aboard the luxury MV Chopin features special events you won’t find anywhere else…

• Hosted throughout by John & Wendy Gambling

• On-tour management by Helena Novak of General Tours World Traveler with specialty guides and cruise directors

• Our unique itinerary sails from historic Potsdam directly into the heart of Prague for a magical overnight berthed in the shadow of its castle

• A private reception and luncheon at the lovely Cecilienhof Palace, site of the historic Potsdam Conference in the summer of 1945

• A cocktail party in the tree-shaded, landscaped gardens of the Eckberg Palace, a fairytale Gothic Revival gem overlooking Dresden and the Elbe River

• Specially-arranged visit to Melnik Castle, strategically situated at the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava Rivers, with a private wine-tasting and luncheon in the medieval wine cellars of the castle

• Escorted tour of Dresden, featuring the opulent Zwinger Palace and the newly-rebuilt Frauenkirche, the city icon destroyed in World War II

• An exclusive WOR on-deck cocktail party with Dresden, dramatically illuminated, as our backdrop

• An enchanting evening of music at the Prague Autumn Festival, with a performance in one of the city’s renowned concert halls

• It’s a complete luxury vacation with in-depth sightseeing, all these special events, and great dining complemented by unlimited wine every evening with dinner

• Start your vacation in Berlin with John and Wendy on our superbly-planned pre-cruise tour to Germany’s ‘new’ capital, featuring the luxurious Hotel Adlon Kempinski, just steps away from Brandenburg Gate

• Discover more of Europe’s most enchanting city, with our delightful post-cruise stay in Prague at the historic Grand Bohemia Hotel right in the very heart of town

• Deluxe escorted airport transfers in Berlin and Prague

• 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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From Berlin to Prague… Our elegant Cruise through the Ages

The elegance and all-inclusive luxury of Peter Deilmann’s 5-star MV Chopin

• Peter Deilmann Cruises… Voted World’s Best by Travel+Leisure

• Smoke free cruising with a totally English-speaking staff – nearly twice the staff of all other cruise lines for impeccable service

• Spacious cabins with plush European-style bedding, complimentary bottled water, and fluffy cotton robes

• Fine dining with six meals daily and complimentary wine every evening with dinner

• An MD onboard for our entire cruise

Extraordinary experiences unfold each day along the Elbe

Sep 6 – Berlin / Cecilienhof Reception & Luncheon / Embarkation

A deluxe motor coach from Berlin brings us to Potsdam, home to the lovely Tudor-style Cecilienhof Palace, built in 1914 for Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia and his wife Cecilie. During the summer of 1945, Churchill, Truman and Stalin met here during the historic Potsdam Conference. After a tour of the town, we’ll visit the Cecilienhof’s hallowed halls and then enjoy a private reception and luncheon. Later, we arrive at the riverfront where the MV Chopin awaits. There’s time to settle-in to your spacious stateroom before our first delightful dinner onboard.

Sep 7 – Magdeburg

Among the many European towns and cities damaged by World War II, Magdeburg is most unique: It’s a city of amazing contrast, where pristine and untouched medieval monuments stand next to strikingly modern structures built since the destruction of the War. We’ll see the Magdeburg Rider, the city’s iconic 13th century statue, and the gloriously baroque City Hall before a guided tour through the Magdeburg Cathedral, built in 1209 and the first Gothic church in Germany. Tonight, our captain hosts a reception and gala dinner in the ship’s elegant dining room.

Sep 8 – Wittenberg

We step ashore this morning to ‘follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther,’ the Protestant reformer who began the Reformation here in the early 1500’s. Our tour includes the house were he lived, now a museum dedicated to his life and work, and the church, where in 1517, Luther is said to have posted his 95 theses. Although the original “Theses Door” no longer exists – it was destroyed by a fire in 1760 – the present door weighing over 2,000 pounds was cast in bronze in 1858 and is overlaid with the original Latin version of Luther’s 95 theses. We’ll also explore the original market square with its historic City Hall.

Sep 9 – Meissen / Dresden / Eckberg Palace Cocktail Reception

Today we’ll discover two wonderful treasures: Meissen porcelain – long prized by kings and collectors – and Dresden, the lovely ‘Florence on the Elbe’. And in between we’ll enjoy a private reception in an enchanting palace garden… Our visit to the Meissen workshop reveals the 300-year-old traditions behind the manufacturing of this noble china and affords opportunity to see rare and priceless pieces reflecting the very best craftsmanship of the past three centuries. Then we’ll travel to the Eckberg Palace, a Gothic Revival treasure complete with fairytale crenellated turrets and perched high above the Elbe with commanding river views. We’ll enjoy a private cocktail reception here on the park-like palace grounds, considered by many landscape historians to be one of the best examples of late Dresden Romanticism. Our tour of Dresden includes the opulent Zwinger Palace and the iconic Frauenkirche. Reduced to rubble in WWII, the dome and turrets of this masterfully-reconstructed Church grace the Dresden skyline once again. The illumination of these architectural masterpieces is the dramatic backdrop for tonight’s WOR top-deck cocktail party.

Sep 10 – Pillnitz Park and Königstein Fortress

From their royal residence in Dresden, the Saxon court would sail up the Elbe in magnificent gondolas to their splendid riverfront retreat of Pillnitz Park. In the 1700’s, all-things Chinese were in vogue, and the ornate pavilions and palaces of Pillnitz reflect this European fascination with Chinoiserie. In addition to these eastern influences, you’ll find dramatic flying buttresses and towering chimneys ornamented with crowns. The Pillnitz complex includes the Water Palace with its splendid Chinoiserie and a grand staircase leading up from the river, the New Palace, and the Mountain Palace – all set on beautifully-landscaped garden grounds ornamented with English and Chinese pavilions. The park also boasts numerous botanical highlights, including the Camellia House, where hundreds of delicate plants have been cultivated for over 250 years.

From Pillnitz, we journey into the Sandstone Mountains of ‘Saxon Switzerland’ to the mighty Königstein Fortress, set high atop a 1,200-foot plateau. From the ancient parapet walls, we’ll have sweeping views across the magnificent scenery of the Elbe Valley.

Sep 11 – Melnik Castle Tour with Wine Tasting and Luncheon

We alight in the charming town of Melnik, at the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava Rivers, for a specially-arranged tour of Melnik Castle, built in Gothic and Renaissance styles and surrounded by rolling vineyards planted centuries ago by the Princess Ludmila. We’ll sample these chateau vintages at our private wine-tasting and luncheon in the vaulted, 14th century cellars of the castle.

Our tour of the castle reveals the wealth and splendor of its royal residents over the centuries, first the Queen widows of Bohemia and later a succession of aristocratic and noble families. In the bedrooms and studies, we’ll admire exquisitely carved furniture and dramatic centuries-old portraits of royalty and nobility. The beautifully ornamented Grand Dining Room and the vaulted ceiling of the Drawing Room are especially impressive.

Tonight, our Captain hosts a gala farewell dinner.

Sep 12 – Prague / Prague Autumn Festival

We cruise through the tranquil rolling hills of Bohemia and into the very heart of the ‘City of 100 Spires’. Once docked under the shadow of Prague Castle, we’ll step off ship for a privately-escorted tour of the city’s architectural treasures. We’ll explore through the Old Town, surrounded by grand facades of the Baroque and Renaissance eras, and see the famous 15th century Astronomical Clock. Our walk across the Gothic stones of the Charles Bridge will be dramatic as we admire the stone carvings of Baroque saints that line the bridge, set against a backdrop of soaring spires and the dramatic silhouette of St. Vitus Cathedral.

For nearly two decades, the renowned Prague Autumn Festival has been the country’s premier concert event. Carefully-nurtured partnerships with the best orchestras of the BBC, Germany and Russia ensure an impressive array every year of world-renowned artists. The well-balanced, audience-pleasing programs feature the most significant classical compositions of the past 250 years plus innovative works from the world over. Recent Festivals have featured internationally-acclaimed guest conductors, best-loved works by Dvorak, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Ravel, plus premiers of Chinese opera, a guitar orchestra from Mexico, flamenco, and a 100-strong Gypsy violin orchestra. These Festival concerts are held in the city’s renowned historical buildings and concert halls. We’ll experience the Prague Autumn Festival this evening as we attend one of the stellar performances.

Sep 13 – Prague Disembarkation

After breakfast, travelers returning to the USA will be transferred to the airport. Or, you can extend your stay here in the majestic city of Prague.

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Cocktail parties… private luncheons… And wine tasting in a castle wine cellar… Unforgettable events specially arranged for the guests of John & Wendy

An exclusive reception and luncheon at the site of the historic Potsdam Conference

Don’t be alarmed should you feel a bit of disorientation upon your arrival at the historic Cecilienhof Palace. Here we are in the heart of Germany, standing before one of the world’s most impressive English Tudor palaces, complete with formal gardens and a beautifully wrought half-timber façade! This was the last palace built by the wealthy Hohenzollern Dynasty, constructed in 1914 for Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia and his wife for whom the palace was named, Cecilie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Cecilienhof, of course, was thrust into the world limelight in the summer of 1945 when the victorious Allied leaders - Truman, Churchill and Stalin - met at the Potsdam Conference and shaped much of the post-war 20th century.

Our tour of this Tudor gem reveals several intriguing features. In a bid for modesty, the enormity of the palace – and its 176 rooms! – is ingeniously disguised by a layout that incorporates individual building elements cleverly grouped around several courtyards. Both the Prince and Princess enjoyed spacious private quarters: Wilhelm’s residence included a smoking salon, library and a breakfast room, while Cecilie enjoyed a music salon, a study and a charming nautically-themed room designed in the style of a ship’s cabin. We’ll tour the exquisitely-furnished halls of Cecilienhof and admire the tranquil landscaped grounds before our private luncheon reception.

A garden cocktail party on the banks of the Elbe River

The captivating scenery of Dresden and the Elbe River is punctuated by three renowned Prussian castles, set high above the river with commanding views over the Elbe and the spires and domes of Dresden… There’s the imposing symmetry of the Albrechtsberg Palace; the powerful austerity of the Lingner Palace built in 1851 for the Chamberlain of Prince Albrecht of Prussia; and lastly there’s the ornamented splendor of the Eckberg Palace, built in 1859 and considered by many architectural historians to be one of the best Gothic Revival palaces in Germany, a fairytale fantasia of crenellated turrets set high above the river.

The Eckberg’s beautifully landscaped park-like grounds are a delightful example of late Dresden Romanticism, filled with lovely shade trees that cascade down the hill to the riverbank and carefully tended plantings that frame the captivating views of Dresden and the Elbe Valley. Our day in Dresden is highlighted by a private WOR cocktail reception amidst the garden splendor of the Eckberg Palace.

A Bohemian castle set amidst rolling vineyards

Born in 1063, Princess Ludmila of Bohemia lived only to the age of 26, but her short life brought great change to this enchanting village set at the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava Rivers. Vine cultivation arrived in Bohemia in the 10^th century and the Princess herself – who was born in Melnik Castle – planted the very first vines in the rolling hills surrounding her royal home. The illustrious history of viticulture in this corner of central Europe also includes the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia Charles IV, who set forth strict laws defining the rights and obligations of vine growers and wine makers and who is widely credited with bringing the Pinot Noir grape from Burgundy to Melnik.

Over the centuries, queens, princes, and a long line of aristocracy and nobility have tended the vineyards of Melnik and cultivated the rich traditions of wine-making in the region. Our tour of this historic castle includes the medieval stone cellars filled with wooden barrels where red wines are still aged to this day. We’ll sample several excellent vintages and enjoy a private luncheon prepared especially for WOR by the chefs of Melnik Castle. 

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Peter Deilmann Cruises… Voted World’s Best by Travel+Leisure

Our enchanting Peter Deilmann river vessel, the 5-star MV Chopin, was built for cruising on Central Europe’s historic waterways. Chartered exclusively for the guests of John and Wendy Gambling, our elegant home on the Elbe is among the most intimate in Europe, carrying only 79 passengers in spacious outside cabins that are among the largest of any river vessel. Delight in the scenery of Saxon Germany and Bohemia from your stateroom with panoramic windows or full-length French doors to capture every moment. Accommodations are beautifully-appointed with built-in closets, a writing desk, television, luxurious European-style bedding, plush terry robes and complimentary bottled water en suite.

The Chopin is resplendent with fine furnishings and original works of art grace the walls. Gather with fellow travelers in charming public spaces, including a lounge, bar, and spacious Sun Deck. With the best staff-to-guest ratio in Europe, we’ll enjoy impeccable dining room and shipboard services that are personal, attentive, and efficient. The staff is English-speaking and there will be a Medical doctor onboard with us. Six gourmet meals a day with 9-course dinners on select evenings, plus nightly entertainment and dancing, will be enhanced with our shipboard parties and themed events, superbly planned to complement our voyage.

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>Fine Dining on the MV Chopin

Six gourmet meals daily… with elegant dinners up to 9 courses on select evenings and unlimited wine with every dinner

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>Deposit, Payment & Visa Information

Deposit
A deposit of $450 per person is due within 7 calendar days of booking in order to secure your reservation.

Full Payment
Full payment is due on May 2, 2008. After May 2, full payment must be guaranteed at the time of booking with a credit card. After any payment has been made, a minimum $30 fee will be charged per transaction for any changes made to dates, hotels, or to ground or air transportation. When dates are changed, it is considered a cancelled trip and cancellation penalties will apply. Revisions to air tickets are subject to the rules and regulations of the fare type purchased. Prices may vary depending on the day of travel and airline class of service booked, which is determined by seat availability. All prices are subject to change without notice.

If The Traveler Cancels
Cancellations must be received in writing and are subject to the following per person fees:

• Between Feb 18 – May 2, $450 per person

• Between May 3 – June 2, 50% of price plus airline cancel­lation penalties

• Between June 3 and day of departure, 100% of price

Hotel bookings cancelled after departure from the USA are subject to 100% cancellation penalties.

Contact for Deposits & Final Payments
General Tours World Traveler, 53 Summer Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431
Email: info@generaltours.com

Transfers
Group transfers are included as indicated and are scheduled to meet air-inclusive arrangements purchased through General Tours. Transfers at other times may require an additional charge.

Travelers Requiring Special Assistance
Any disability requiring special attention should be reported to General Tours at the time the reservation is made. General Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of such travelers, but it is not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, ships and other transportation vehicle, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Cruise ships have very limited handicapped facilities; almost all have stairs rather than elevators.

Passport
A passport valid for six months upon return to the U.S. is required of all tour participants.

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Have fun with John & Wendy in one of Europe’s most captivating cities!

Enjoy 3 nights at the famed Hotel Adlon Kempinski, just steps from Brandenburg Gate, with exclusive sightseeing and private WOR events every day. John and Wendy will make it special as we explore the best of Berlin, including world-renowned museums and the lovely palace of Sanssouci. $1,899 per person, double. Single supplement $650.

Sep 3 – Arrive Berlin

We’ll be transferred by deluxe motorcoach from the Berlin Airport to our city-center hotel. The luxurious Hotel Adlon opened next to the Brandenburg Gate 101 years ago and very quickly attracted a parade of notable characters. Heralded in the local press as “an impressive building… a great achievement for a modern city,” Berlin nobility soon sold their city homes to take up residence in the Adlon’s suites, and Kaiser Wilhelm II fled his poorly insulated palace for the warmth of the hotel!

Over the decades, the hotel’s luminary registration list has included names like Edison, Ford, Rockefeller and Strauss. Charlie Chaplin lost his trouser buttons to an enthused Berlin crowd right in front of the Adlon, and Marlene Dietrich was discovered here.

During the tumultuous decades of the GDR, the Adlon struggled for survival, closing in the 1970’s and ultimately being torn down in 1984. The reunification of Germany witnessed the rebirth of the grand Hotel Adlon. On August 23, 1997, the President of Germany personally opened the new Hotel Adlon Kempinski, rebuilt on the exact location of the original, and reviving the unparalleled standards of graceful hospitality and elegant luxury that brought such fame to the original hotel of Lorenz Adlon.

After settling-in to our luxurious rooms, we’ll gather together for an exclusive WOR cocktail reception and welcome dinner here at the venerable Hotel Adlon Kempinski.

Sep 4 – Berlin Sightseeing: Checkpoint Charlie and Museum Island

Berlin today is such an energetic, brash, sophisticated and welcoming city, that it’s difficult to grasp the harsh reality of life here during the time of the Berlin Wall. We’ll gain some insight this morning when we visit Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous border crossing between East and West, where Soviet and American tanks stood face-to-face after the erection of the wall in 1961. A fascinating exhibit in the museum recounts the amazing history of the Wall and this once-divided city.

We’ll travel even farther back in time when we cross to Museum Island and enter the famed Pergamon Museum, perhaps the world’s greatest collection of antiquities from nearly every corner of the ancient world, from the Roman Empire to the Islamic world. A highlight, certainly, is the famed 1st century BC Pergamon Altar, excavated by Carl Humann in 1878. Once part of a complex of palaces, temples, a library and a theater, this enormous colonnaded alter with a grand staircase has been stunningly reconstructed here in its own hall of the museum.

We head back toward Brandenburg Gate to the historic Theodor Tucher restaurant – a legendary favorite of former German Chancellor Schroeder, known to entertain visiting Heads of State here. We’ll enjoy a lunch of traditional German fare in the restaurant’s cozy, almost library-like ambience.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. The Adlon’s close proximity to sights, cultural institutions, boutiques and cafes makes it easy to pursue your own passions.

Sep 5 – Berlin Sightseeing: A special invitation into the Reichstag

We have to be prompt this morning! A special invitation will bring us into the seat of the German Bundestag, or Parliament, for a privately escorted tour. The Reichstag was constructed in the late 1800’s in grand neo-Classical style. After heavy damage from a fire in 1933 and near total devastation during World War II, the building underwent extensive restoration in the 1960’s.

The first session of the reunified German Parliament was convened here in the fall of 1990, and in 1993 the British architect Sir Norman Foster won the commission to fully restore and also expand the Parliament building. Recognizing both the rich history of The Reichstag and the functional requirements for a modern government building, Sir Norman’s designs preserved the original architectural features, while adding glass walls, and a glass roof and chamber that allowed light into the heart of the building. Foster’s most controversial addition, a soaring glass dome visible from miles away, has become an iconic presence in Berlin’s 21^st century skyline.

Our private guide will lead us through the Reichstag to learn about the Bundestag and to discover the rich history, both old and recent, of this grand institution and magnificent building.

Berlin offers something for everyone – from the cultural institutions of Museum Island and the 21^st century architecture of Potsdamer Platz to the boutiques of Unter Den Linden (where our hotel is located) and the bustling shops of the famous Kurfürstendamm Boulevard. Fortunately, we enjoy another free and flexible afternoon to do just as we please. Our tour escorts will be on-hand to offer suggestions and assistance for dining, sightseeing, shopping, gallery-hopping and entertainment – from traditional cabarets to opera and theater.

Sep 6 – Berlin / Potsdam: Private reception at the Cecilienhof Palace / Embarkation

Sanssouci… French for ‘no worries’. Indeed, Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, built Sanssouci Palace, his breathtaking summer retreat, to escape the pressures of the royal court (and married life!). We’ll go behind the gloriously ornate Rococo façade to explore a succession of gorgeously furnished rooms – each a breathtaking “bachelor pad” decorated with hand painted detail and filled with precious art, furnishings and decorative objects. In the expansive, landscaped palace grounds, we’ll see planted terraces, sculpted fountains, and delightful garden follies.

Our next stop is the historic Cecilienhof Palace where Truman, Churchill and Stalin met in 1945 for the Potsdam Conference that shaped the post-war world. We join our fellow travelers arriving today from the USA, and together we’ll visit the hallowed halls of the Palace and enjoy a private reception and luncheon. Later, we arrive at the riverfront where the MV Chopin awaits. There’s time to settle-in to your spacious stateroom before our dinner onboard.

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>Delight in more of Prague after our Cruise

Enjoy two delightful nights at the deluxe Grand Bohemia Hotel in the heart of town. Visit the fairytale castle in Konopiste and enjoy a country lunch of hearty Bohemian fare. Then explore at your own pace or join an available glass-artisans tour before our festive dinner in one of Prague’s most beautiful Art Nouveau gems. $899 per person double. Single supplement $290.

Sep 13 – Prague: Konopiste Excursion

After breakfast onboard, we’ll be escorted to the beautiful Grand Bohemia Hotel in the heart of town. This deluxe landmark was once an Art Nouveau town palace, ideally situated just a few minutes stroll from the Old Town Square on the historic Royal Road, where the Kings of Bohemia would begin their processional walk to the Prague Castle. Its lovely period façade and architectural details have been lovingly restored, but spacious guestrooms have been designed with clean, contemporary furnishings.

We continue into the Bohemian countryside. It’s a scenic 25-mile drive to Konopiste, a medieval town dominated by an imposing 14^th century castle that has figured prominently in the region’s history. We’ll see the neo-Gothic tower where King Wenceslas (not the ‘Good King’ of the Christmas carol!) was held prisoner after being captured in the late 1300’s by Catholic nobles. The Archduke Franz Ferdinand resided for a time here in the late 19^th century, and several of the rooms reflect his extravagant tastes and lifestyle, including mementos and trophies that bear testament to his legendary obsession with hunting.

We’ll have a wonderful lunch at the Stara Myslivna Restaurant, where delicious Czech specialties include excellent soups and pork tenderloin in cream sauce. Perhaps in homage to the Archduke, there’s a bit of a hunting-lodge feel to the restaurant, and the views from the terrace are lovely.

Back in Prague, you’ll enjoy a free afternoon and evening to pursue your own interests. The boutiques, cafés and restaurants of Old Town are just steps away from our hotel, and General Tours’ resident staff will be on-hand to share insider tips on their favorite places.

Sep 14 – Prague

The entire day is unplanned so you can explore your own passions at your own pace. Czech glass artisans have gained world renown, and you’ll find beautiful pieces tempting you in many gallery windows. Garnet jewelry and crystal also make excellent mementos and are widely available in shops and boutiques close to our hotel.

You can explore ancient Jewish history in the Jewish Quarter, not far from Old Town, or wander through the Castle District and stroll down the enchanting Golden Lane, where Franz Kafka lived at No. 22. Our General Tours resident experts can arrange for a private guide to show you around, or get you pointed in the right direction with maps and plenty of information.

If you prefer an organized excursion, you can join our Living Gallery Tour to visit the studio and home of Manto Mrnka, a modern glass artist. You can try your hand at glass-making, and your finished art piece will be delivered to our hotel before you depart. Or, join one of our expert shopper-guides for an intimate and fascinating exploration of Prague’s antique shops.

Come evening, we’ll gather together at the Municipal House in Old Town, close to our hotel. This is without doubt the most spectacular Art Nouveau building in the city, newly restored to its early 20^th century glamour with detailed mosaics, magnificent frescoes, curved glass flourishes, intricate stone work, and beautiful stained glass. We’ll admire paintings by leading Czech artists from the early 1900’s and then sit down to a festive dinner in the on-site Plzensky Restaurant, with great Czech cuisine and lively entertainment.

Sep 15 – Prague departure