Podebrady (Czechia)

Podebrady (Podiebrad) is an Elbe River cruise port and town in Czech Republic's Central Bohemian Region, with a population of around 14,000. The town is located approx 50 km (31 mi) east from the country's capital city Prague (via Dalnice D11 / highway linking Prague with Hradec Kralove).

The settlement was founded in the early-12th-century and received its town status in 1472 AD. During the visit of Prince von Bülow () in 1905, in Podebrady Castle's inner courtyard was found a strong carbonic mineral water spring and soon (in 1908) was opened town's first spa. After WW1 (1914-1918) the town developed as a major spa travel destination (especially for treatments of cardiovascular diseases) among Czechs, Austrians, Germans, Russians, Americans. The mineral water (Podebradka) contains iron deposits and can be collected for free at four public taps. A refined Podebradka version is available for purchase at most stores in the country.

As cruise port, Podebrady is included in the regular schedule of one of Europe's largest river cruise companies - Nicko Cruises (Mystic Cruises-owned brand and subsidiary). The next table shows the Florentina ship's 9-day Elbe River cruise tour itinerary as ports sequence and times (arrival/departure). The roundtrip from homeport Prague visits only Czech ports and its prices start from ~USD 1400 per person (double occupancy cabin rates).