Explore historic gems and charming villages on this luxury 6-night cruise aboard Panache from Krafft to Niderviller.
Cruise across the beautiful Gran Ried wetlands, home to an abundance of birdlife, before arriving in historic Strasbourg, home to a magnificent Gothic pink sandstone cathedral. From picturesque Waltenheim-sur-Zorn, enjoy a scenic drive into the rolling Vosges hills on the Route des Grands Vins, where the region's finest wines are produced.
Join a walking tour of Saverne and explore the mountaintop village of La Petite Pierre with its spectacular medieval castle, before the Arzviller boat elevator carries the barge up the mountainsideand you enjoy a candlelit cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels to our final mooring at Niderviller.
The Panache is traditionally furnished in old ship style accommmodating a maximum of 12 passengers in 6 air-conditioned suites with ensuite facilities. Luxurious and comfortable, you will be looked after by a professional crew including a Master Chef, tour guide and housekeeper.
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Alsace on Panache Itinerary
Day 1 - Kraft (France)
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 - 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 cafes. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - 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 - 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 - 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 with its medieval castle, then tour the outstanding Rene 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 - 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 - Niderviller
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in Strasbourg**.
Please note: This cruise operates in reverse on alternate weeks. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. **Other locations available for Private Charter bookings