At the heart of Alsatian traditions (port-to-port cruise)

Introduction

Discover Strasbourg and the villages following the wine route on a magical cruise in the heart of Alsatian Christmas markets. Be carried away by the festive and magical atmosphere that animates the Alsatian capital and surrounding villages at this time of the year.

Day 1: STRASBOURG In and around Strasbourg Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served on board. The evening is free to do as you please.

Day 2: STRASBOURG - Villages along the Alsatian Wine Route - STRASBOURG Well cruise all the way to the European institutions. Well sail past the beautiful Parc de lOrangerie which was created by André Le Nôtre, the landscape architect who designed the park of the Palace of Versailles. Well depart by coach with our hostess towards Sélestat. Well stop at the Maison du Pain dAlsace (House of Bread) and discover the many culinary traditions of the region, including a tasting of the famous "bredeles”, small typical biscuits that are baked during Christmas time. Well continue our trip towards Eguisheim, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France” and which the French designated as their favorite village in 2013. Eguisheim has remained true to the authenticity of Christmas traditions. Youll be delighted by its Christmas Market located at the heart of the medieval village and which exhibits the works of many local craftsmen. This afternoon, well head to Obernai, a city which has kept all of the charms from its Rhineland Renaissance era. The town is particularly lively at this time of year. Well return on board.

Day 3: STRASBOURG Well cruise to the historic center of the city. Well set out on foot for the Hospices de Strasbourg(1) which house secret wine cellars. Wines gifted by patients to account for their medical care used to be kept there. Today, about twenty winemakers keep their most prestigious wines to age in the reputed cellars of the Hospices. The latter also house the oldest wine barrel dating from 1472. Your visit of the cellars will be followed by a tasting of some of the wines*. Well return on board after our tour and enjoy lunch as we sail along an arm of the Ill River towards the Ponts Couverts. This afternoon, well set out on foot for a guided tour of the Alsatian capital that will take you through the beautifully preserved district of the Petite France and past the cathedral (exterior only). Enjoy time at leisure in a magical atmosphere on the numerous Christmas Markets located in several squares across the city. Tonights our gala dinner and evening.

Day 4: STRASBOURG Enjoy one last buffet breakfast as we cruise before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.