Explore, Paris and Alsace & Lorraine area, a unique corner of France, created by the German Empire in 1871. For centuries, the great empires of Europe confronted one another at this strategic military crossroads. Discover a land of storybook castles, rolling vineyards of Alsatian wines, and Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, as your barge navigates the rivers and canals of the Alsace-Lorraine. The area's unique blend of French and German influences are strongly evident in its customs, cuisine, wines, architecture and language. This river cruise will guide you to wonderful discoveries of Mittersheim, Nancy, Lutzelbourg, Hochfelden and Strasbourg. Each six-night cruise includes all meals, selected domaine and chateau wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions, local transfers and the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.

2012 &2013: Cruise departure every Sunday from Jun 10 - Oct 28.

Available by individual cabins, or private charter.

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

The Quartier Latin Paris (3*) is located in the heart of the Latin quartier, just a few steps from the Mouffetard and Monge open-air market, also has direct access to the Opera, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. The Saint Germain neighbourhood, the Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens and Notre Dame cathedral are all nearby. The hotel is in a typical Parisian style building, and the interior is very airy with large windows and wooden furnishings and flooring. The tastefully decorated lobby offers a peaceful atmosphere, while the comfortable salon is the perfect place to relax and avail of the complimentary WIFI and tea and coffee.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

After being picked up at your hotel, enjoy exploring Paris with your private vehicle - a jaguar for groups of 2 and a luxury minnivan for a group size up to 7, and English speaking Driver. Your driver will be knowledgeable about Paris, but is not a certified Guide so cannot enter into the sites with you as a Guide - If you would like to have a Guide this can easily be arranged - please speak to your Sales Advisor. Your driver will however, be a great source of general information about Paris and drive you from site to site as you explore the city. Paris was created 2000 years ago and began at the Cite Island (Ile de la Cite). The driver is at your disposal for 3/12 hours but here is a suggestion on how to spend the time; Discover the Marais District and the Latin Quarter before heading to the Notre Dame Cathedral with your driver. Then discover Place de la Concorde, Avenue des Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe amongst other main sites within the city. At the end of your tour you will be either dropped back to your hotel or left in a central place within the city, depending on your schedule. If you would like to have a certified Guide accompany you on this tour, please just ask your Sales Advisor and this can be arranged for you.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

Strasbourg is a world heritage UNESCO site, located close to the border with Germany, and provides the perfect base to explore the surrounding Alsace wine region. The city exudes charm, and has a rich and fascinating story to tell. Having been in German hands for some eight centuries, there is still a strong influence on everyday culture, ever-present in the local Alsace dialect, medieval architecture, hearty cuisine and colourful place names. The heart of the old city lies within the arms of the River Ill, forming a small island. It’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, around which the city has grown, dominates the centre and should be the first stop for visitors to the city. The medieval past is most strongly felt along the winding cobbled streets of the "Petite France" area, where tanners and weavers once resided.

Take a private train station transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Enjoy the direct train ride from Paris to Strasbourg. The ride is approximately 2.5 hours in length.

Avail of a train station transfer in a private vehicle with a French speaking driver.

Chateau de l'Ile (4*) part of the Grandes Etapes de France group, the wonderful Chateau is situated 6 km from Strasbourg, ideally located in a 4 hectare park within a tree-lined bend in the Ill River. With its half-timbered style and flowery balconies, it reflects traditional Alsatian architecture and is ideally suited to discover the region. The hotel has a traditional brasserie and gastronomic restaurant as well as the Ile Spa. The 62 rooms are decorated with elegance in the spirit of the 18th and 19th centuries and offer pleasant views over the Ill River or the typical village of Ostwald.

Overnight at Chateau de l`Ile (4*).

Cruise the rivers of the Alsace-Lorraine region of France, with its unique blend of French and German heritage and culture. Vineyards, riverside communes and wealthy century-old estates are the backdrop to an incredibly relaxing journey through these French waterways, as you cruise, explore, and taste your way through the delights of Alsace-Lorraine.

A Champagne reception welcomes you on board today, and provides you with a chance to meet the crew.

Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

This morning, you will cruise to Niderviller where you can enjoy several lakes through the game filled natural park and forest of Lorraine. After Lunch, we transfer to Nancy, an ancient capital of Lorraine. You will visit the Baroque Place Stanislas with ornate gold and wrought iron gates. It is considered one of the grandest square in all of France. You will also visit the Musee de l'Ecole to discover its fine collection

Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

In the morning you will discover 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. You will visit Wingen-sur-Moder which is the World War ll battleground. After lunch, you will visit the mountain top village of La Petite Pierre with its medieval castle fortified by the personal engineer of Louis XlV, Marechal Vauban. You will also enjoy the unique barge elevator which allows a vessel to glide effortlessly down the mountainside in minutes, avoiding 17 traditional locks and an additional day's navigation. Enjoy a candlelit afternoon tea whilst passing through two tunnels. 

Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

In the morning, Cruise through the Valley of the Zorn and forest to the enchanting village of Saverne. Saverne has a history which traces back over 22 centuries to the times of the Gauls. You will visit the Chateau de Rohan, 11th century Chateau du Haut Barr, 12th century Roman Chapel and Gothic choir. You will also enjoy a tour through the narrow picturesque streets of Saverne.

Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

This morning, you will enjoy a scenicdrive into the rolling Vosges hills and Route des Grands Crus, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced, for a private wine tasting of Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir & Riestling. After lunch, you will cruise through the Brumath Forest to the little port of Hochfelden, home of the Alsatian family Meteor Brewery since 1640.

Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

This morning, you will enjoy a tour of the beautiful city of Strasbourg, visit to the Beaux Arts Museum in the Palais Rohan and the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone Strasbourg Cathedral. You will also visit a pedestrian area brimming with half timbered houses, boutique shops and cafes.

Overnight at Panache Barge (BLD) (Cabin).

After breakfast, disembark the barge and transfer to your hotel.

Aiport transfer in private vehicle with English speaking Driver.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .