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The River Elbe is one of central Europe's most important waterways and its 724-mile journey starts in the Krkonoše Mountains, winding through Bohemia and Germany.

Saga guests on the all-inclusive Beauty of Bohemia cruise will embark on a stunning round-trip river journey from Prague. The 102-passenger MS Princess will be moored in the ‘City of Spires’ overnight to allow plenty of time to explore before sailing.

A half-day cruise on the Upper Vltava to Slapy Dam will be an early highlight of the holiday before MS Princess sails on to Melnik, where there will be an opportunity to wander in the town which is overlooked by the imposing clifftop church of St Peter and Paul.

Next stop will be Litomerice, a beautiful city set within Gothic city walls, before cruising on to Bad Schandau for an optional excursion to the dramatic Sandstone Mountains.

The journey will continue to Dresden, where an included tour will explore this ‘Jewel Box’ city of baroque and rococo buildings. Destroyed in the Second World War, Dresden has been beautifully restored and is known as the Florence of the Elbe.

Pirna, in former East Germany, was much admired by Italian artist Canaletto (1697 -1768) who painted 11 views of the town. Passengers can visit the market square and Canaletto Haus which he included in his famous work.

Sail on to Decin, an attractive town which straddles the Elbe, close to the border of the Bohemian Switzerland region of Germany. Guests will marvel at the superb scenery along this narrow, upstream stretch of the river en route to Brandys.

An included morning excursion will explore Nymburk, a medieval town set inside defensive walls alongside the river - and for those who like a beer, the local brewery will be open for business!

On this relaxed sailing guests will be able to savour the scenic panoramas from MS Princess’s panoramic windows and a partially-covered sun deck. The ship is small and comfortable with a friendly crew.

At the end of the cruise, guests can opt for a two-night post-holiday extension in Prague, at the locally rated 5-star Corinthia Hotel which is in a convenient central location.

Ends

For details call free on 0800 300 400 or visit travel.saga.co.uk/rivers

10 nights from £1,299 departing London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh on April 15, 2016

Price includes UK travel service, all meals and entertainment, free 12-hour bar, four included excursions, on-board gratuities, porterage, Saga escort, travel insurance and cancellation cover or a discount if passenger has own insurance cover.

Saga Holidays offer a variety of River Cruises, Long-Haul, European and UK destinations, exclusively available for people aged 50 and over. All Saga holidays include welcome drink, porterage of luggage and cancellation cover.