Discover storybook castles, Alsatian wine vineyards, baroque, gothic, and romanesque architecture on this 7-day eastern France private cruise. Set sail on the hotel barge Panache in Strasbourg, Europe's capital. Visit the 12th-century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, Place Gutenberg, and La Petite France, a pedestrian area full of half-timbered buildings, shops, and cafés. Continue to a long-established winemaker, Domaine Pfister, and enjoy a private tasting of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Riesling wines. Head to the charming village of Lutzelbourg, surrounded by hills and dominated by the remnants of a medieval castle, before continuing to the Lehrer Crystal glassworks. Then the Arzviller boat elevator takes you 450 feet up the mountainside. Your trip concludes in Sarrebourg before you disembark in Strasbourg.
Highlights
Explore the Route des Vins d’Alsace and enjoy a private wine tasting with your private group of up to 12 guests
Visit the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640
Tour Sarrebourg including a visit to the Chagall chapel
Tour the beautiful city of Strasbourg and visit its Gothic cathedral
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Guests are met in Strasbourg and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Panache for a champagne welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. Perhaps there is time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board.
Your day starts with a morning cruise across the Gran Ried wetlands and home to an abundance of birdlife to arrive at the historical city of Strasbourg. Later, enjoy a tour of the beautiful ‘capital city of Europe’ including, of course, a visit to the 12th-century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and soaring spire. Visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops, and cafés.
After breakfast, your cruise takes you past the impressive European Parliament building on the outskirts of Strasbourg and on through the Brumath Forest to the picturesque mooring at Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. This afternoon enjoys a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills on the Route des Grands Vins, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, and a private tasting of Gewürztraminer Pinot Noir and Riesling wines at a long-established winemaker, such as Domaine Pfister. Dinner ashore this evening at a traditional Alsatian restaurant.
This morning take a guided tour, with an optional beer tasting, at the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640, and the last privately-owned brewery in Alsace. Returning to Panache, you cruise further along the canal, with good walking and cycling opportunities, to the enchanting town of Saverne where history traces back over 2,000 years to the Gallo-Roman Times, mooring at the foot of the Château de Rohan, also known as the ‘Versailles of Alsace.’
This morning, perhaps after a visit to Saverne’s market, enjoy a cruise to the mooring in the pretty village of Lutzelbourg, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the ruins of the medieval castle. In the afternoon, visit the mountaintop village of La Petite Pierre, then tour the outstanding René Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. Nearby Wingen-Sur-Moder is also the World War Two battleground where American infantry fought with distinction. Before dinner on board, time for aperitifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian ‘Flammekueche’ prepared by your chef.
There is an optional visit to a local bakery for early risers to watch skilled patissiers preparing their delicious creations before you cruise through the beautiful Alsatian countryside, visiting the Lehrer Crystal glassworks en-route. You then ascend the unique Arzviller boat elevator that carries Panache 450 feet up the mountainside in minutes and enjoy a candlelit cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels to your final mooring at Niderviller. After lunch on board, set off on a tour of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th-century chapel containing Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained-glass window and the impressive museum of Roman and Medieval artifacts. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7: Niderviller | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$79,500
or $6,625 per person based on 12 max passengers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Junior Suite
150 sq ft including en suite facilities including TV/DVD, Double sink in bathroom and air conditioning/ heating, WiFi (subject to location)
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Credit card, check, and bank transfer. All final payments by credit card subject to a surcharge of 2.5% and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
2 weeks ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.