Viking Northern Europe: 11 nights from Prague with Viking Longship Alsvin
6 Nov 2024

Prague

The history of Prague

Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, is a city that tells the history of a millenium through its architecture and its monuments. Founded in 9th century, Prague has been the residence of Kings and emperors, including the court of Carlo IV, that in the 14th century became one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its historic center declared UNESCO heritage by UNESCO, Prague offers a journey back in time, from the medieval streets of the Jewish district to the Baroque splendour of Prague castel.

Climate

Prague's climate is continental, with cold winters and warm, pleasant summers. Spring and autumn are very enchanting because they offer mild temperatures and colourful cityscape. These seasons are ideal for visiting the city, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without the cold temperatures of winter and the extreme hot of summer.

Attractions and places to visit

Prague is rich in architectural and cultural wonders. The Charles Bridge, with its Baroque statues, offers an iconic view of the Vltava River. The Castle of Prague, the largest caste complex in the world, hosts treasures such as St Vitus Cathedral. The Old town, with its famous Astronomical Clock, is a maze of historic small streets widing around the clock square. For art and culture lovers, Prague offers museums, galleries and theatres, for example the famous National Theatre.

Local cuisine and typical products

Local cuisine is a delicious journey through the flavours of the Bohemian tradition. Dishes such as goulash, knedlíky (bread dumplings) e il pečená kachna (roast duck) should not be missed. No less important are the local beers, with the Pilsner Urquell considered as the best one, that represent a fundamental part of the culinary identity of the city. Prague's historic cafés and bars offer a cozy setting to taste these delicacies.

Conclusion: set sail from Prague on a cruise

Not only is Prague an architectural and cultural gem, but it is also an excellent starting point for river cruise. ruising on the Vltava River, one can discover the wonders of the Czech Republic and Central Europe. A cruise from Prague offers a unique opportunity to admire enchanting landscapes and historic cities, combining the fascination of land exploration with the relaxation and luxury of river cruises.

Norimberga

Germany's Imperial city

Nuremberg, located in the heart of Baviera, is a city rich in history, culture and tradition that captivates visitors with its medieval charm and its lively modern atmosphere. Known as the 'Imperial city',
Nuremberg has a glorious past and it has been one of Germany's most important political, economic and cultural centers for centuries.

WHEN TO VISIT NORIMBERGA: CLIMATE AND SEASONALITY
The city has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Nuremberg is undoubtedly during the spring and autumn months, when temperatures are mild and days are sunny.
In summer, the city offers open-air meetings and festivals, while in winter the famous Christmas Market attracts milions of tourists from all over the world.

Must-see attractions in Nuremberg
Nuremberg's main attractions include the Imperial Castle, an imposing medieval fortress that dominates the city, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a Gothic masterpiece, and the Central Market Square, the beating heart of the city. Strolling through the narrow streets of the old town, you can admire the half- timbered houses, craft shops and numerous fountains. Cruise passengers should not miss a visit to the

National Toy Museum, which tells the story of this important local industry, and the Museum of Documentation, which delves into Nuremberg's role during the Third Reich.

Culinary Specialities and Typical Products of Nuremberg
Nuremberg cuisine is rich in typical Bavarian specialities, such as the famous Nuremberg sausages, served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, and Lebkuchen, delicious spiced biscuits. There are also river fish dishes, such as Bavarian-style carp, and traditional desserts like Dampfnudel, steamed buns filled with cream. Cruise passengers can also sample the region's renowned wines and buy local handicrafts, such as Nuremberg porcelain.

Discover Nuremberg on Board a Cruise
Nuremberg is an excellent base for a cruise along the Danube, allowing you to explore other fascinating cities in Germany and Central Europe. Embarking on a cruise from Nuremberg means having the opportunity to admire river landscapes, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, and enjoy unique cultural experiences at every stage of your journey. Whether you choose to sail to Vienna, Budapest or Belgrade, a cruise from Nuremberg will provide you with unforgettable memories and let you discover the best of Germany and Europe.

Mühlhausen/Thüringen

Wurzburg

Mannheim

Frankfurt

Cochem

Mehring bei Trier

Reims

Paris

Paris is a unique city that makes everyone who visits it fall in love with it. Its atmosphere is magical, and its many characters make it beautiful and varied. Walking along the streets in Paris brings you back in time. In short, walking in Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the best destination for artists in search of fame.
Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city to settle in, including Pisarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Modigliani. The city offers all kinds of attractions, from noteworthy works of architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated back to 12th century and the principal place of worship of the city and the Arc of Triomphe, located at the end of Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate Napoleone Bonaparte's victories.

It is inconceivable that you go to Paris and you do not visit the Palace of Versailles that was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center and it is a true spectacle, both inside and outside. Famous is the Gallery of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it looks like as if it were bathed in gold, and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are true gems. The interplay of perspective was designed by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an
expanse of water play and geometry, sculptures and canals. If you are an art lover, you can indulge yourself in Paris. The Gare d'Orsay, is a real railway station used as art gallery in 1986, features some of
the world's most famous works, such as Degas's ballerinas or Renoir's portraits. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the old Paris station dating back to 1900.

Worth mentioning is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and restructured in the 1990s by a group of architects including Renzo Piano. The gallery hosts works of architecture, modern art and photography with a permanent exhibition that is always active and lots of itinerant exhibitions that go hand in hand with conferences, concerts and cultural activities. Another attraction not to be missed is the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, located inside Beaubourgand it is the main library in Paris that hosts hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores and much more.

Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters in this city and the Fashion Week makes the city full of eccentric people showing off their extravagant outfits.

Paris

Paris is a unique city that makes everyone who visits it fall in love with it. Its atmosphere is magical, and its many characters make it beautiful and varied. Walking along the streets in Paris brings you back in time. In short, walking in Montmartre, you will relive the atmosphere of the Belle Époque, when Paris was the best destination for artists in search of fame.
Some of the most famous painters in the world chose Paris as the city to settle in, including Pisarro, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Modigliani. The city offers all kinds of attractions, from noteworthy works of architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dated back to 12th century and the principal place of worship of the city and the Arc of Triomphe, located at the end of Champs-Élysées and built to celebrate Napoleone Bonaparte's victories.

It is inconceivable that you go to Paris and you do not visit the Palace of Versailles that was the residence of the Sun King until the French Revolution. The palace is located about 20 kilometers from the center and it is a true spectacle, both inside and outside. Famous is the Gallery of Mirrors, where the play of light makes it looks like as if it were bathed in gold, and its gardens, as far as the eye can see, are true gems. The interplay of perspective was designed by the architect André Le Nôtre and the result is an
expanse of water play and geometry, sculptures and canals. If you are an art lover, you can indulge yourself in Paris. The Gare d'Orsay, is a real railway station used as art gallery in 1986, features some of
the world's most famous works, such as Degas's ballerinas or Renoir's portraits. The structure itself is noteworthy: it is the old Paris station dating back to 1900.

Worth mentioning is the Centre Pompidou (or Beaubourg), inaugurated in 1977 and restructured in the 1990s by a group of architects including Renzo Piano. The gallery hosts works of architecture, modern art and photography with a permanent exhibition that is always active and lots of itinerant exhibitions that go hand in hand with conferences, concerts and cultural activities. Another attraction not to be missed is the Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, located inside Beaubourgand it is the main library in Paris that hosts hundreds of thousands of sources including books, magazines, maps, scores and much more.

Paris is also the city of fashion. Some of the most famous and exclusive brands have their headquarters in this city and the Fashion Week makes the city full of eccentric people showing off their extravagant outfits.