Tripatini contributor Allan D. Kissam writes: 

"Booking a stateroom for an Elbe River cruise excursion during a colorful October in Germany made my seasonal travels a complete success.  The Elbe River extends through a part of Germany that I had yet to explore with Viking River Cruises. I'd previously done the Rhine and Rhone Rivers with Viking and enjoyed the included excursions. This travel mode allows for seeing a wonderful part of the world at river barge speed, with interesting stops, and in cruising elegance.

This cruise up the Elbe began in Prague, Czech Republic. The river cruise included two nights in a hotel near the central area of Prague. Similarly, it would end at a hotel in Berlin for two nights. These terminus stops are organized tours for the cruise passengers and all the famous places are included."  

Read more in his post Cruising from Prague to Berlin.