Panache - Alsace - Lorraine Cruise

You 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, home to an abundance of birdlife, to arrive at the historic city of Strasbourg. Later, you'll 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. You'll visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafés. Dinner on board.

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, you'll 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.

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, mooring at the foot of the Château de Rohan, also known as the ‘Versailles of Alsace’. You'll take a walking tour of Saverne and drive up to Chateau Haut-Barr perched on the hillside.

This morning, perhaps after a visit to Saverne’s market, you'll 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, you will 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 II battleground where American infantry fought with distinction. Before dinner on board, time for aperitifs and perhaps some traditional Alsatian ‘Flammekueche’ prepared by your chef.

For early risers, there is an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patisseries preparing their delicious creations, before you cruise through beautiful Alsatian countryside, visiting a fascinating local glass works en route. You'll 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 the final mooring at Niderviller. After lunch on board, you'll 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.

After breakfast, you are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg.