trip
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7 Days$3490USD

View Inclusions
Activities
  • 6 nights canal cruise with optional guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights aboard MS Jeanine or MS Madeleine
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
 

Trip highlights

  • Explore Strasbourg, a UNESCO World Heritage city
  • Visit Saverne, a medieval town and the impressive Château du Haut-Barr, known as “The Eye of Alsace”
  • Discover the Kochersberg region and the Villa Meteor, France’s oldest brewery still in operation
  • Experience the engineering marvel of the Saint-Louis-Arzviller Inclined Plane
  • Admire Marc Chagall’s unique stained glass window in Sarrebourg

Cruise through the picturesque waterways of Alsace and Lorraine, beginning with a panoramic tour of Strasbourg’s historic highlights, including Petite France and the Covered Bridges. Sail past charming villages and scenic hillsides, with opportunities to stroll or bike along the canal. Discover Saverne, Lutzelbourg Castle, and the Château du Haut-Barr, “The Eye of Alsace,” and experience the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane. Cultural visits, local specialties like tarte flambée, and a festive gala evening complete this relaxing journey through eastern France.

Read more...

Trip Code: CEN

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You are welcome to board the ship from 4.00pm in Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region. After settling into your cabin, we begin with a panoramic boat tour through the city’s historic waterways. Cruising gently through the heart of the old town, you will pass the half-timbered houses of Petite France, the former tanners’ quarter, the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam. You will also see the European Parliament and other institutions that highlight Strasbourg’s contemporary importance. This evening, meet your crew during a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner on board as we prepare to cruise into the Alsatian countryside.

Meals:  D

Enjoy a relaxed morning cruising along the peaceful canals of Alsace. In the afternoon, travel into the fertile Kochersberg region. Visit the Maison du Kochersberg museum to gain insight into rural Alsatian traditions and architecture, then continue to Villa Meteor, home to France’s oldest independent brewery, where you learn about local brewing heritage.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we cruise towards Saverne, passing the hillside village of Schwindratzheim and the town of Hochfelden. You may choose to walk or cycle along the canal-side paths. In the afternoon, visit Château du Haut-Barr, known as the “Eye of Alsace”. Perched high above the plains, the castle ruins offer expansive views across the surrounding countryside. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant where you will sample tarte flambée, a regional Alsatian speciality.

Meals:  B,L,D

A guided tour of Saverne reveals a charming town often missed by mainstream tourism. We return to the ship and cruise towards Lutzelbourg. The canal winds through the forested Vosges Mountains before edging towards the Lorraine region. Late in the afternoon, you may wish to walk up to the ruins of Lutzelbourg Castle for views over the valley and surrounding hills.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we visit the Lehrer Crystal Glassworks to observe skilled artisans at work. Later, we cruise to Xouaxange and experience the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane and its impressive boat lift. Enjoy a candlelit lunch as we pass through the canal tunnels, creating a unique atmosphere on board. In the afternoon, follow the Chagall Trail in Sarrebourg and see Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained-glass window.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spend the day cruising towards Lagarde, embracing the rhythm of life on the water. Forests, farmland and quiet villages drift by as you relax on deck or in the lounge. This evening, celebrate the journey with a festive gala dinner on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 am in Lagarde. Possibility of coach transfer between Lagarde and Strasbourg.

Meals:  B

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You are welcome to board the ship from 6:00pm in Lagarde. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew during a welcome cocktail, followed by dinner on board. Possibility of coach transfer between Strasbourg and Lagarde.

Meals:  D

Enjoy a relaxed day cruising along the peaceful canals towards Xouaxange.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, explore Sarrebourg along the Chagall Trail, where you can view the famous stained-glass window created by Marc Chagall before returning to the ship. Enjoy a candlelit lunch on board as we pass through the canal tunnels. Later, experience the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane. We also pause at the Lehrer Crystal Glassworks to observe skilled artisans at work. We continue cruising towards Lutzelbourg, arriving later in the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning, you may wish to walk up to the ruins of Lutzelbourg Castle for views over the valley and surrounding hills. The ship cruises towards Saverne, arriving early in the afternoon. From here we visit Château de Hohbarr often referred to as the “Eye of Alsace”, which offers sweeping views across the Alsatian plains. We then return to the ship. Dinner this evening will be enjoyed at a local restaurant where you will sample tarte flambée, a traditional regional speciality.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we cruise towards Hochfelden. In the afternoon, we travel into the fertile Kochersberg region, known for its rolling farmland and traditional villages. Here we visit the Maison du Kochersberg museum followed by a visit to Villa Meteor, home to France’s oldest independent brewery. At the end of the day we return to the ship in Waltenheim-sur-Zorn.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spend the morning cruising towards Strasbourg, enjoying the changing scenery along the waterways. In the afternoon, discover the city from the water during a panoramic boat tour through Strasbourg’s historic quarter, including the picturesque Petite France district and its timber-framed houses. This evening, celebrate the journey with a festive gala dinner on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 am in Strasbourg.

Meals:  B

Map

Inclusions

What's included

  • All meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
  • 6 nights comfortable cabin accommodation
  • Onboard drinks included with meals and at the bar
  • All excursions listed in the itinerary
  • Assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
  • Refined French cuisine, Gala dinner and evening and a Welcome cocktail
  • All port fees included
  • Use of bicycles and helmets while onboard (e-bikes are not available on this trip)

  • Transport to and from the ship
  • Drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and phone calls
  • All other services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

What to Know Before You Join Us

Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These river cruises are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Shore landings and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and watch life on the river at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?

Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.

Vessel

MS Madeleine

The MS Madeleine & MS Jeanine are premium canal barges, measuring 38,50 meters long and 5,07 meters wide. They can accommodate 22 passengers, in 11 cabins offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. Located on the upper deck are the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, the lounge bar and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi.

Cabins

MS Madeleine

Double or Twin

Cabin equipped with two beds (with optional twin-bed configuration), private bathroom with shower and bath products, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high window, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
1
MS Jeanine
2
MS Madeleine
3
Itinerary runs from Strasbourg to Lagarde
4
Itinerary runs from Lagarde to Strasbourg

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$3490USD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Charming Canals of Alsace and Lorraine trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

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Why travel with us

Small ships, big experiences

Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.

More time ashore

Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.

Real exploration

Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.

Handpicked, sustainable adventures

Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.

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