Discover the creation of the region’s popular global contributions on the Elbe

Cruises on the Elbe through the Czech Republic and Eastern Germany are known for chic and elegant stopovers such as Berlin, Dresden and Prague. However, the Elbe connects historic industrial centers with shipping through the North Sea.

Many people along the river still produce one of the oldest products in the world: beer. From Berlin to Prague, the region is dominated by beer. In Berlin Viking visits the microbrewery “Das Lemke”in a revitalized district under the S-Bahn. Nestled in what feels like the heart of the city, guests enjoy a three-course meal with beer in a beer garden courtyard. Round off the feast with a stroll through the brewery and learn more about the 500-year-old Purity Law, which still specifies the individual ingredients for beer: hops, malt, yeast and water.

From the beer hall to fine dining, an included excursion in Meissen, Germanyexplores the history of “white gold” or porcelain, which has adorned the finest celebrations since its invention in 1709. The Meissen manufactory produces porcelain from kaolin clay and pottery clay, and even today many of them are handcrafted with motifs from the historical Rococo and Baroque styles.

The region’s other iconic creation is far less delicate. Volkswagen invites its Viking guests to the Transparent Factory. Europe’s largest car factory – itself state-of-the-art – showcases its renowned engineering program. This tour offers an exclusive look at the production area, the future of electric vehicles, the company’s environmental efforts and design innovations.