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Alsace & Lorraine Cruise (Panache)

Alsace & Lorraine Cruise (Panache)

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Description

Alsace-Lorraine is a unique corner of France. Discover a land of storybook castles, rolling vineyards of Alsatian wines as well as Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture. For centuries, the great empires of Europe confronted one another at this strategic and military crossroads. The area’s unique blend of French and German influences are strongly evident in its customs, cuisine, wines, architecture and language.

Here you will see canalside villages of half-timbered houses, perhaps with a stork nesting in the chimney top. The waterway winds through steep sided forested valleys and features an amazing boat lift which carries the barge sideways 450 feet up the hillside and several tunnels which we cruise through by candlelight.

Please Note: On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

Trip Name
Alsace & Lorraine Cruise (Panache)
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge / River Boat Length: 128 feet / 39.01 meters Passenger Capacity: 12 Panache is a hotel barge that has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings in the spacious public areas and very comfortable cabin accommodation. In the saloon the panoramic windows let in plenty of natural light, and the tempting cocktail bar and comfortable leather sofas are enhanced by polished hardwood flooring. The separate roomy dining area provides a congenial setting for up to 12 guests to enjoy the gourmet meals and fine wines served on board. The cabin accommodation comprises six generously-sized junior suites which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration. All the en suite bathrooms have twin hand-basins and oversized showers. Outside, the spacious sun deck is the perfect place to unwind and admire the passing scenery in one of the comfortable chairs, or to enjoy being served a long, lazy alfresco lunch at the outside dining table. The heated spa pool and plentiful number of bicycles for you to explore the towpath complete the picture. Panache cruises in Holland in the Spring, when the flowers are in full bloom. This is without a doubt the best time to visit this country, and our cruises in Holland are carefully planned to allow you to experience all that the country has to offer. She then cruising in Champagne for a number of weeks in May & June. The Champagne itineraries typically include Brie cheese tastings, a tour of the Cathedral at Reim, Epernay and of course, tastings at renowned Champagne houses. In the Summer and Autumn, Panache cruises the beautiful and varied waterways of Alsace & Lorraine, a region of France offering a unique mix of French and German cultures, history and local gastronomy. Panache’s voyage through Alsace & Lorraine will give you the opportunity to appreciate the very best of the region, passing storybook villages along the way, visiting places such as Strasbourg, renowned for their Baroque and Romanesque architecture and uniquely, experiencing Europe’s most famous boat elevator!

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Krafft
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.
Day 2 - Day 2 Krafft to Strasbourg
Our day starts with a morning cruise, across the Gran Ried wetlands and home to an abundance of birdlife, to arrive at the historic city of Strasbourg. Later, we 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. We visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafés. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 Strasbourg to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
After breakfast, our cruise takes us past the impressive European Parliament building on the outskirts of Strasbourg and on through the Brumath Forest to our picturesque mooring at Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. This afternoon we enjoy 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.
Day 4 - Day 4 Waltenheim-sur-Zorn to Saverne
This morning, any guests who are interested can hop on a bike and cycle to the Meteor Brewery, the last privately-owned brewery in Alsace. Otherwise, Panache cruises 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’. We take a walking tour of Saverne and drive up to Chateau Haut-Barr perched on the hillside and offering wonderful views. Dinner on board.
Day 5 - Day 5 Saverne to Lutzelbourg
This morning, perhaps after a visit to Saverne’s market, we enjoy a cruise to our mooring in the pretty village of Lutzelbourg, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the ruins of the medieval castle. In the afternoon, we 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.
Day 6 - Day 6 Lutzelbourg to Niderviller
For early risers, there is an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers preparing their delicious creations, before we cruise through beautiful Alsatian countryside, visiting a fascinating local glassworks en route. We 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 our final mooring at Niderviller. After lunch on board, we 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 artefacts. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 7 - Day 7 Niderviller
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg.
Day 8 - Please Note:
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Tour the beautiful city of Strasbourg and visit its Gothic cathedral
    • Explore the Route des Vins d’Alsace and a private wine tasting
    • Visit the Meteor Brewery, founded in 1640
    • Experience an ascent or descent of the unique Arzviller boat elevator
    • Visit the spectacular René Lalique Collection
    • Tour of Sarrebourg including a visit to the Chagall chapel
    • Enjoy a candlelit meal whilst cruising through the two Arzviller tunnels
    • Excellent towpath for walking

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