Classic Alsace

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Day 1 - Strasbourg

We meet you at the designated meeting point and transfer you to Panache moored in the Parc d'etoiles, for a Champagne Welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. Time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board. (D)

Day 2 - Strasbourg/Waltenheim-sur-Zorn

This morning after breakfast, enjoy a tour of Strasbourg, 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 the highest spire in France. We visit Place Gutenber and pass the impressive Protestant church of St. Thomas, leaving enough time to explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafes. After lunch we cruise through the Brumath Forest to the picturesque village of Waltenheim-sur-Zorn where the Captain takes you to a typical Hansel and Gretel style Alsatian Inn. Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Waltenheim-sur-Zorn/Saverne

We cruise to the enchanting town of Saverne where history traces back over two thousand years to the Gallo- Roman Times, mooring at the foot of the Chateau de Rohan, also known as the Versailles of Alsace with its monumental classicistic facade. After lunch we enjoy a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills and on the Route des Grands Vins, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, followed by a private tasting with the Mosbach family in Marlenheim. Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling have been produced here for over 200 years. Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Saverne/Lutzelbourg

After breakfast, your guide will lead you through the narrow picturesque streets of Saverne. Visit the hilltop 11th Century Chateau du Haut Barr, a former residence of the bishops of Strasbourg with its Roman chapel and Gothic choir. Afternoon cruise through the valley and forest to Lutzelbourg where we gaze along the Zorn valley from the 12th Century castle ruins overlooking our mooring. Dinner ashore at Restaurant des Vosges. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Lutzelbourg/Arzviller

We start the day with a visit to one of the local bakeries to watch skilled bread makers and patissiers at work preparing their delicious creations. After a short cruise we visit the Fusion Libre artistic glass blowers workshop, before ascending the Arzviller boat lift. This unique barge elevator allows a vessel to glide effortlessly up the mountainside in minutes, thus avoiding 17 traditional locks and an additional day's navigation. After mooring in the village of Arzviller, we visit the mountain top village of La Petite Pierre with its Medieval castle fortified by the personal architect of Louis XIV, Sebastien Le Prestre Vauban. After a short drive we tour the outstanding Rene Lalique collection and see over 500 exceptional examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glassware, chandelier and designs depicting the Belle Epoque era. Nearby Wingen-sur- Moder is also the World War II battleground where American infantry confronted some of Germany's most seasoned veterans. Then, returning to the barge there is enough time for a stroll along the path of the old lock system around the Arzviller boat lift. Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Arzviller/Xouaxange

This morning there is a tour of the interesting town of Sarrebourg, including visits to the 13th Century chapel containing remarkable stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall and the impressive museum with its collection of Roman and Medieval artifacts. Also time to visit Mephisto and have a private tour of the shoe factory. Martin Michaeli set up the Mephisto in France in 1965 with his savings from the time he spent in the USA and created the high end, handmade Mephisto shoe. The moccasin is the spearhead of Mephisto. We return to the barge to enjoy one of the highlights of the week - while passing through the two Arzviller tunnels, a candlelit meal will be served followed by a relaxing afternoon cruise to our final mooring at Xouaxange. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)