Hanseatic Heritage And Capital Charm

8 days
Museum Visits

No departures scheduled

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Start your journey in Potsdam, the former residence of the Prussian kings, where magnificent palaces such as Sanssouci Palace and extensive gardens such as Sanssouci Park bring the splendor of past centuries to life. The city invites you to stroll through historic avenues and enchants with its unique combination of culture, history and nature.

On board, you glide across tranquil river landscapes towards Eberswalde, past picturesque shores and small villages. A technical highlight awaits you at the Niederfinow boat lift, the oldest still-operating lift in Germany. Here you can experience the magic of human engineering embedded in a fascinating landscape of water, forest and meadows.

Continue through the dreamy Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with a stop in Peenemünde, which impresses with its important maritime history and historical museum. Enjoy the tranquillity of nature, which combines vast expanses of water with lush vegetation.

The trip comes to an end in the Hanseatic city of Stralsund, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose historic old town impresses with its Gothic brick architecture, the Ozeaneum and small harbour restaurants. Let the fresh Baltic Sea air envelop you and enjoy the flair of northern German Hanseatic history - an unforgettable river experience that harmoniously combines nature, technology and culture.

Itinerary

day 1 | Berlin

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. With its rich history and modern significance, the city offers countless fascinating sights to explore. Among its most famous landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. Berlin is also home to all major government buildings – most notably the Reichstag, with its striking glass dome, which is well worth a visit. You can also discover sites of great historical importance such as Checkpoint Charlie or the East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. And for shopping enthusiasts, the Kurfürstendamm – one of Berlin’s most iconic boulevards – offers a perfect mix of boutiques, cafés, and lively city flair.

Berlin is the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. With its rich history and modern significance, the city offers countless fascinating sights to explore. Among its most famous landmarks are the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, and the Victory Column. Berlin is also home to all major government buildings – most notably the Reichstag, with its striking glass dome, which is well worth a visit. You can also discover sites of great historical importance such as Checkpoint Charlie or the East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. And for shopping enthusiasts, the Kurfürstendamm – one of Berlin’s most iconic boulevards – offers a perfect mix of boutiques, cafés, and lively city flair.


day 1-2 | Potsdam

The capital of Brandenburg, Potsdam, is the most populous city in Brandenburg with about 180,000 inhabitants. However, Potsdam convinces primarily by a whole number of worthwhile sights, which even count to the UNESCO world cultural heritage. After all, the city was already in 1990 included in the so-called list of world cultural and natural heritage of mankind, because there is the largest German collection of world heritage sites. Since 2019, the Brandenburg city may also call itself a UNESCO film city. However, the most famous and important sights are definitely the famous Sanssouci Palace with its beautiful palace park, as well as the Potsdam Film Museum and the Mill Museum in the Historic Mill.

The capital of Brandenburg, Potsdam, is the most populous city in Brandenburg with about 180,000 inhabitants. However, Potsdam convinces primarily by a whole number of worthwhile sights, which even count to the UNESCO world cultural heritage. After all, the city was already in 1990 included in the so-called list of world cultural and natural heritage of mankind, because there is the largest German collection of world heritage sites. Since 2019, the Brandenburg city may also call itself a UNESCO film city. However, the most famous and important sights are definitely the famous Sanssouci Palace with its beautiful palace park, as well as the Potsdam Film Museum and the Mill Museum in the Historic Mill.


day 2 | Lehnitz

Lehnitz is a scenic residential district of Oranienburg in Brandenburg, Germany, located approximately 35 km north of Berlin. Often called the "Pearl of the North," it is a popular destination for nature lovers due to its namesake lake and lush forest surroundings.


day 3 | Eberswalde

Eberswalde is a charming small town in Brandenburg, surrounded by dense forests and numerous lakes. Known as the “Forest Town,” it enchants visitors with its idyllic nature and historic architecture. The Finow Canal, one of Germany’s oldest man-made waterways, winds picturesquely through the town. In Eberswalde, modern urban life meets unspoiled nature, with highlights such as the Zoological Garden and the impressive Maria Magdalena Church. Ideal for hikers and culture lovers alike, Eberswalde offers a relaxed, green oasis just outside Berlin.

Eberswalde is a charming small town in Brandenburg, surrounded by dense forests and numerous lakes. Known as the “Forest Town,” it enchants visitors with its idyllic nature and historic architecture. The Finow Canal, one of Germany’s oldest man-made waterways, winds picturesquely through the town. In Eberswalde, modern urban life meets unspoiled nature, with highlights such as the Zoological Garden and the impressive Maria Magdalena Church. Ideal for hikers and culture lovers alike, Eberswalde offers a relaxed, green oasis just outside Berlin.


day 3 | Hohensaaten

Hohensaaten is a historic village and river port in the Brandenburg state of Germany, located directly on the border with Poland. Since 2009, it has been part of the municipality of Bad Freienwalde in the Märkisch-Oderland district.


day 3-4 | Schwedt

Schwedt/Oder is a city in northeastern Brandenburg, Germany, situated on the western bank of the Oder River along the border with Poland. It is the largest town in the Uckermark district and serves as a major industrial hub, primarily known for its massive oil refinery and paper industry.


day 4-5 | Szczecin

Szczecin is a Hanseatic city in Poland, located on the Baltic Sea, with a beautiful harbor and a unique old town. The city’s most famous landmark is the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, whitewashed and crowned with its distinctive onion dome. Also worth a visit is the Wały Chrobrego promenade, known as the Hakenterrasse, offering wonderful views over the city and the river. Rebuilt in 1693, the St. James Cathedral with its 110-meter tower is one of the highlights of the old town today. A special excursion destination is Dąbie Lake at the mouth of the Oder River, where visitors can go sailing or swimming in summer.

Szczecin is a Hanseatic city in Poland, located on the Baltic Sea, with a beautiful harbor and a unique old town. The city’s most famous landmark is the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, whitewashed and crowned with its distinctive onion dome. Also worth a visit is the Wały Chrobrego promenade, known as the Hakenterrasse, offering wonderful views over the city and the river. Rebuilt in 1693, the St. James Cathedral with its 110-meter tower is one of the highlights of the old town today. A special excursion destination is Dąbie Lake at the mouth of the Oder River, where visitors can go sailing or swimming in summer.


day 5-6 | Peenemünde

Around 300 people live in this former fishing village on the Peenestrom River. Its history, however, has been anything but quiet: in 1942, the first rocket was launched into space from Peenemünde. Today, the Historical Technical Museum tells the story of this once-secret military research center. An impressive example of engineering can be seen in the Juliett U-461 submarine, an 86-meter giant open for visitors at the main harbor. Another highlight in this lively museum landscape at the northern tip of the island is the Phänomenta, an interactive science exhibition that inspires curiosity and offers fascinating hands-on experiences for both children and adults.

Around 300 people live in this former fishing village on the Peenestrom River. Its history, however, has been anything but quiet: in 1942, the first rocket was launched into space from Peenemünde. Today, the Historical Technical Museum tells the story of this once-secret military research center. An impressive example of engineering can be seen in the Juliett U-461 submarine, an 86-meter giant open for visitors at the main harbor. Another highlight in this lively museum landscape at the northern tip of the island is the Phänomenta, an interactive science exhibition that inspires curiosity and offers fascinating hands-on experiences for both children and adults.


day 6 | Greifswald

Greifswald-Wieck is an old, listed fishing village, built five kilometers east of the Hanseatic city of Greifswald on the river Ryck. Its history dates back to the 13th century. The main attraction of Greifswald-Wieck is the wooden bascule bridge built in 1887: Still in operation, it connects Wieck and Eldena and is opened every hour by means of a rotary crank. Also worth seeing are the fishermen's houses with their typical thatched roofs and the picturesque harbor, where the sail training ship "Greif" is anchored.


day 6-7 | Vitte

In Vitte on the island of Hiddensee there is much more to see besides a beautiful sandy beach and the picturesque harbor. In the center of the village you can stroll very comfortably between pretty little stores and restaurants.The villa "Karusel", where the Danish silent film star Asta Nielsen once lived, is located northeast of Vitte. There you will find an exhibition on Asta Nielsen and the architect Max Taut. A little further south is the historic windmill. A visit is worthwhile.Also worth seeing is the "Blue Barn", which is over 200 years old. There lived the painter Henni Lehmann, who belonged to the Hiddenseer Künstlerinnenbund and liked to invite many artists there. Hiddensee is not known as a romantic artist island for nothing. Celebrities such as Carl Zuckmayer, Thomas Mann, Sigmund Freud and especially Gerhart Hauptmann also spent numerous summers in Vitte and left their mark here. In house "Seedorn", Hauptmann's former summer residence, is now a museum.Hikers and strollers can walk over the dike to Kloster and Neuendorf and explore the surroundings of Vitte along the way. Or you can treat yourself to a horse-drawn cab and enjoy the natural beauty during an unforgettable carriage ride. The entire island is almost car-free. This makes it particularly charming.

In Vitte on the island of Hiddensee there is much more to see besides a beautiful sandy beach and the picturesque harbor. In the center of the village you can stroll very comfortably between pretty little stores and restaurants.The villa "Karusel", where the Danish silent film star Asta Nielsen once lived, is located northeast of Vitte. There you will find an exhibition on Asta Nielsen and the architect Max Taut. A little further south is the historic windmill. A visit is worthwhile.Also worth seeing is the "Blue Barn", which is over 200 years old. There lived the painter Henni Lehmann, who belonged to the Hiddenseer Künstlerinnenbund and liked to invite many artists there. Hiddensee is not known as a romantic artist island for nothing. Celebrities such as Carl Zuckmayer, Thomas Mann, Sigmund Freud and especially Gerhart Hauptmann also spent numerous summers in Vitte and left their mark here. In house "Seedorn", Hauptmann's former summer residence, is now a museum.Hikers and strollers can walk over the dike to Kloster and Neuendorf and explore the surroundings of Vitte along the way. Or you can treat yourself to a horse-drawn cab and enjoy the natural beauty during an unforgettable carriage ride. The entire island is almost car-free. This makes it particularly charming.


day 7 | Stralsund

Many travellers only see Stralsund on their way to Rügen — a big mistake. This proud Hanseatic city is one of Germany’s most beautiful historic gems. Once the most important Baltic trading hub after Lübeck, Stralsund’s old town with over 500 listed buildings is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its skyline is marked by the soaring spires of three grand churches, especially St. Mary’s with its 104 m tower and a stunning 90 m-high viewing platform offering views over the city and the sea to Rügen. Highlights include the magnificent town hall in Brick Gothic style and two fascinating maritime museums — the Ozeaneum and the Meeresmuseum — beloved by families. Add a charming zoo and the famous sailing ship Gorch Fock, and Stralsund becomes a perfect blend of history, sea, and discovery.

Many travellers only see Stralsund on their way to Rügen — a big mistake. This proud Hanseatic city is one of Germany’s most beautiful historic gems. Once the most important Baltic trading hub after Lübeck, Stralsund’s old town with over 500 listed buildings is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its skyline is marked by the soaring spires of three grand churches, especially St. Mary’s with its 104 m tower and a stunning 90 m-high viewing platform offering views over the city and the sea to Rügen. Highlights include the magnificent town hall in Brick Gothic style and two fascinating maritime museums — the Ozeaneum and the Meeresmuseum — beloved by families. Add a charming zoo and the famous sailing ship Gorch Fock, and Stralsund becomes a perfect blend of history, sea, and discovery.


day 7 | Lauterbach

Rügen Island, and especially the town of Lauterbach, have much to offer. Here you can experience beautiful beaches, unique landscapes, and the famous chalk cliffs. A true highlight is the Rasender Roland, a nostalgic steam train that runs all the way to the mainland. The island is also home to popular seaside resorts such as Binz and Sellin. Since Rügen is not very large, you can easily explore several places in a single day. The steep coastal cliffs offer breathtaking views over the Baltic Sea, while Lauterbach itself is a small, dreamy village that captures the essence of island tranquility.

Rügen Island, and especially the town of Lauterbach, have much to offer. Here you can experience beautiful beaches, unique landscapes, and the famous chalk cliffs. A true highlight is the Rasender Roland, a nostalgic steam train that runs all the way to the mainland. The island is also home to popular seaside resorts such as Binz and Sellin. Since Rügen is not very large, you can easily explore several places in a single day. The steep coastal cliffs offer breathtaking views over the Baltic Sea, while Lauterbach itself is a small, dreamy village that captures the essence of island tranquility.


day 8 | Stralsund

Many travellers only see Stralsund on their way to Rügen — a big mistake. This proud Hanseatic city is one of Germany’s most beautiful historic gems. Once the most important Baltic trading hub after Lübeck, Stralsund’s old town with over 500 listed buildings is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its skyline is marked by the soaring spires of three grand churches, especially St. Mary’s with its 104 m tower and a stunning 90 m-high viewing platform offering views over the city and the sea to Rügen. Highlights include the magnificent town hall in Brick Gothic style and two fascinating maritime museums — the Ozeaneum and the Meeresmuseum — beloved by families. Add a charming zoo and the famous sailing ship Gorch Fock, and Stralsund becomes a perfect blend of history, sea, and discovery.


What's included

VIVA All-Inclusive

  • Diner

    Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times.

  • Soda

    All day high quality hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of alcoholic beverages; have a look at our bar menu

  • High Tea

    High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. A variety of teas are offered to match

  • Minibar

    daily freshly stocked minibar and reusable water bottle in the cabin

  • Sekt

    A warm welcome with a welcome champagne - here's to a wonderful stay on board

  • Beauty

    Selected beauty products from RITUALS

  • Wifi

    Free WLAN on board - for undisturbed reception

  • Service

    Tips for the entire crew


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