Christmas,Barging,River Cruising
Upon arrival, guests are met in Strasbourg and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Panache's Mooring for a Champagne welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. There may be time for a short walk along the Canal before dark or you can enjoy settling into your cabin and relaxing, before your first Gourmet Dinner onboard. Meals: Dinner
This morning, our first cruise of the week takes us from Plobsheim and through the countryside before reaching the outskirts of Strasbourg to reach our Mooring in this historic city. After lunch, we drive to Colmar to visit its six Christmas Markets including the gourmet foods area. Framed by fairytale half timbered houses with festive scenes and Christmas Trees on every corner, there is a magical atmosphere here. Later, we visit a local Chocolate Atelier where you will be the opportunity to try your hand at creating your very own Chocolatey souvenirs. Dinner will be served onboard Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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After breakfast, we will explore beautiful Strasbourg, which is known as the 'Capital City of Europe'. Here, explore its 13 Christmas Markets in its historic centre. We will stroll around Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, which is a cobbled pedestrian area brimming with half timbered houses, boutique shops and cafés. We will also see Strasbourg's breathtaking 12th Century Gothic pink sandstone Cathedral, home to a famous Renaissance Astronomical Clock and soaring Spire as well as its popular Nativity Scene. After lunch, we will cruise through the city and pass the impressive European Parliament Building, the Palais de l'Europe, which is located on the outskirts of Strasbourg, to our Mooring in Souffelweyersheim. Dinner will be onshore this evening at a traditional Alsatian restaurant Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, Panache cruises further north along the Canal with good walking and cycling opportunities. We will cruise through the pretty countryside and Forest of Brumath to our rural Mooring set amongst the trees. In the afternoon, we drive to the beautiful little Medieval Town of Riquewhir, which is located in the heart of the Alsatian Vineyards. We have time to wander the Christmas Markets and many artisanal craft stalls with the option of a Wine Tasting experience at nearby Maison Hugel. Dinner is served onboard. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. After lunch onboard, we visit Meisenthal with its Glass Bauble Factory, which is the original birthplace of this iconic Christmas decoration, to watch the Glass Blowers in action. If time permits, on the way back to the barge there is the option to visit the famed René Lalique Collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco Glassware. Before dinner onboard, there is time for Apéritifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian 'Flammekueche' prepared by your Chef. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we cruise further west through the open countryside to our final Mooring in Hochfelden. After lunch onboard, we head to the 12th Century hilltop Château du Haut-Barr, which towers 457 metres above the pretty Town of Saverne to admire the panoramic view, before having time to wander the decorated Town Centre for some final festive shopping. Perhaps try a turn on the Ice Rink in the Market Square. Captain's Farewell Dinner with be served onboard. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, guests are transferred by a private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg. Meals: Breakfast
River Cruise Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (ew)
