If your river cruise stops in the Czech Republic, odds are Litomerice will be the place it docks, if only briefly. The town — one of the oldest in the Czech Republic, dating back to the 10th century — is most often a day stop on the way to Prague on an Elbe River itinerary sailing from Berlin to Prague or Berlin to Warsaw.
Local Brews: Beer fans will love Budweiser Budvar, brewed here since the 13th century. Count on locals, and perhaps your cruise ship's bartender, to point out the fact that the frosty brew is exported to 60 countries around the world.
Wine Country: Known as the Garden of Bohemia, Litomerice enjoys mild weather conditions — ideal for growing grapes — that naturally lead to some surprisingly good wines.
St. Stephen's Cathedral: This iconic, Baroque church has dominated the skyline of the town since 1057 and is a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
Peace Square: Litomerice's city center since the Middle Ages is home to some of the town's most stunning architecture, as well as a regional museum and town hall.
History Buffs: Due to its strategic location on the Elbe River, Litomerice was a well-known trading center of the Holy Roman Empire.
Dive Deep Into History: Tours here offer a good base foundation for understanding the development of the region ... assuming that's something that interests you.