The destination of our cruise is the wine-making village of Velké Žernoseky located on the right bank of the Elbe River about 5 km from Litoměřice. In the village before the church we will take a turn towards the railroad underpass and, immediately behind it, we are welcomed by the grand Elbe River. We arrived just in time because we see a small white boat in the distance which soon turns into a big cruise ship named Porta Bohemica. The ship performs a successful landing manoeuvre, and we are eagerly waiting in line to embark. There is just the right number of people and after a short while we are on the observation deck with seats. The ship is 33 metres long and offers enough space so we can take our bikes with us. Of course the ship is equipped with a restaurant where you can enjoy tasty meals and drinks in a non-traditional environment. After only a short wait Porta Bohemica is pushed away from the river banks towards the open mouth of the Elbe River, carrying the same name. Porta Bohemica - the Bohemian Gate is also the name for a canyon shaped valley through which the Elbe River enters the Czech Central Mountains. This section is about 4 km long and begins just outside Velké Žernoseky. The voyage is enjoyable and before we know it we are entering the Bohemian Gate, which is highlighted by a Calvary scene, also known as the Three-Cross Hill. It is a steep rocky cliff on the right river bank with three crosses on top. You will also find here a natural reservation with rare fauna and flora. The rocks, slopes and silhouettes of the surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking. No wonder this scenery puts us in a mellow and blissful mood. We are enchanted by the surrounding scenery and random water splashes keeps us in an alert observational mood. Right and left and here and there our mood is disturbed by trains, but before we know it we are slowly passing Libochovany, Sebuzín and Brná and begin to enter Vaňov, where we are welcomed by the impressive site of Střekov Castle rising above a huge rock. Also big Masaryk ship locks are seen from here, which somewhat disturb the idyllic atmosphere. In the distance we may see the town of Ústí nad Labem submerged in a haze and our ship slowly manoeuvres towards its port. It is just about the right time to grab a bite to eat, so we take a trip to the ship restaurant. The journey back to Velké Žernoseky will begin within 30 minutes so we get a chance to enjoy the scenery once again but from the opposite direction.
