The one-hour Spree river cruise begins at the “Alte Börse” pier, right next to the Friedrichsbrücke bridge, opposite Museum Island and near the “Hackescher Markt” S-Bahn station. Sit back, relax, and learn interesting facts about Berlin's fascinating history through the onboard audio guide commentary. The cruise heads east, starting with a view of the Berlin Cathedral. After passing the Karl-Liebknecht-Brücke, you will see the newly opened Humboldt Forum, located on the site where the Palace of the Republic—and before that, the old Berlin City Palace—once stood. After turning around in front of the Mühlendamm Lock, the boat heads back west, passing Berlin's oldest district, the Nikolaiviertel, and offering views of the Berlin TV Tower. Further downstream, you will learn more about Museum Island; you then pass Friedrichstraße along the Schiffbauerdamm and go by the “Tränenpalast” (Palace of Tears). Shortly after, you reach the parliamentary and government district. The ship glides past the Reichstag building, travels through the “Band des Bundes” (Federal Ribbon) complex, and passes Berlin Central Station as well as the Federal Chancellery. You will also see a brand-new bridge leading to the site of the Chancellery's extension building. After passing the House of World Cultures, the boat turns around and returns to the “Alte Börse” pier, the tour's starting point. This allows you to see all the attractions twice during the cruise, giving you the chance to choose the perfect moment for your photos.