Bohemian Rhapsody: A memorable CroisiEurope river cruise

Prague had never been on my bucket-list – and neither had a cruise on the Vltava River.

But when the opportunity came to join a mini-cruise on CroisiEurope’s MS Elbe Princesse II, I jumped at the chance. And I’m so glad I did, because it turned out to be the perfect escape.

Built in 2018, Elbe Princesse II is a modestly sized but beautifully appointed ship that accommodates just 81 guests in 40 cabins. Decorated in a contemporary style, the ship is light, airy and spacious – making it the perfect base for a river cruise.

When I arrive in the Czech Republic, Prague is in the middle of an unprecedented heatwave, so entering my cool, air-conditioned cabin is a welcome relief.

The room is inviting and designed with comfort and functionality in mind, offering an ensuite shower room, plenty of storage space and a generous seating area.

The expansive balcony provides sweeping views of the river, allowing me to absorb the hypnotic charms of river cruising without even leaving the comfort of my bed.

This is my kind of luxury.

French-owned CroisiEurope prides itself on offering its guests a more intimate cruising experience, with smaller vessels that can explore rivers and canals inaccessible to larger ships.

So if you’re looking for an authentic travel experience off the beaten path, this could be just the cruise line for you.

All CroisiEurope journeys also include meals and drinks in the fare – which not only simplifies budgeting and planning but allows you to relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about extra expenses.

Time-travelling in Prague

Having checked out my cabin, I head out among the sun-drenched streets to enjoy the sights and landmarks of Prague.

Located on the right bank of the Vltava River, the Old Town is characterised by its exquisite architecture, narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful squares.

It’s here that you’ll find the famous Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece of medieval technology that symbolises Prague’s history and architectural brilliance to the world.

As I feel myself begin to wilt from the heat, I head to the nearby Coda Restaurant where an inviting selection of canapés is served on the roof terrace, with an enchanting backdrop of panoramic city views.

Buoyed up by a delicious summer berry salad and a chilled glass of fizz, I resume my exploration, heading towards the famous Charles Bridge.

Spanning the Vltava River, this connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town, and is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture. It also offers breathtaking views of Prague Castle, the river and the picturesque cityscape, but it’s the cluster of padlocks attached to it that catches my eye.

Over the years, it seems, couples have attached these to the bridge as a symbol of their love.

Signs have been placed encouraging visitors to refrain from attaching more padlocks but, despite these efforts, the tradition continues to attract couples from all over the world, eager to leave their mark on this historic site.

Bon appetit

There’s nothing like a day’s sightseeing to stoke the appetite, and by evening I’m eager to see what culinary delights await me back on board MS Elbe Princesse II.

As you’d expect from a French ship, the cuisine is first class. The main restaurant also offers sweeping views of the river, making it the perfect setting to enjoy mouthwatering Gallic cuisine, and I savour each bite from the seasonally influenced set menu.

It’s also worth noting that house wines are complimentary and unlimited – making the dining experience both indulgent and great value for money.

After dinner I join my fellow passengers for a nightcap in the bar, enjoying the chance to meet and mingle.

As we raise our glasses, toasting newfound friendships, I look back on a truly delightful day – with a frisson of excitement at what might be in store for us tomorrow.

Castles & culture

The following morning brings an early awakening as the gentle hum of the ship’s engine and the soothing lap of the waves combine to ease me into a new day.

Cruising peacefully along the Vltava, we make our way towards the imposing Slapy Dam before arriving at the pretty little town of Stechovice.

Here we disembark for a visit to turreted Konopiste Castle, famous as the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination triggered the First World War.

You can see the fatal bullet in the castle’s museum, along with armour and a truly astonishing number of hunting trophies in the castle itself.

That evening features a delightful round of onboard entertainment, including a lively quiz that brings us all together in laughter and friendly competition.

And there’s a further chance to improve our cultural and historical knowledge the following day as we return to Prague for visits to St Vitus Cathedral, the historic Old Royal Palace and the charming Golden Lane.

Each stop on this journey seems to reveal a new layer of interest and beauty, leaving me in awe of this region’s rich history. There’s even more to come on our final day, as we cruise to the charming town of Melnik and explore Nelahozeves Castle, where the superb art collection includes works by Breughel, Rubens and Veronese.

As the trip draws to a close I realise how much I’ve seen in such a short space of time. The breathtaking architecture and the allure of Bohemian castles and historic towns and cities have impressed me deeply, and I can’t wait to return to this magical part of Europe.