Highlights:
-Tour the beautiful city of Strasbourg and visit its Gothic cathedral
-Explore the Route des Vins d`Alsace with a private wine tasting
-Experience an ascent or descent of the unique Arzviller boat elevator
-Visit the spectacular Rene Lalique Collection
-Tour of Sarrebourg including a visit to the Chagall chapel
-Enjoy a candlelit meal whilst cruising through the Arzviller tunnels
-Excellent opportunities for walking & biking. “Biking Plus” option available~
_______________
Alsace & Lorraine Barge Cruise package includes:
– 6 night barge cruise aboard Panache from Kraft to Niderviller
– Gourmet meals prepared by the on-board chef, both onboard and ashore
– Select regional wines served throughout the cruise, a champagne welcome and an open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
– Chauffeured and guided sightseeing excursions, including admittance fees (where stipulated)
– Use of non motorised bicycles (E-Bikes if available at an additional charge)
– Attentive service from an experienced crew
– Local transfers to and from the barge and designated meeting points^
_______________
PRICING:
The fares shown here are full brochure fare. Please contact us for the best current offer. All rates in EUR.
Solo Travellers: Single cabins are capacity controlled. Single supplements apply.
CHARTER:
This barge is available for charter. When the vessel is chartered, you and your party will have the full capacity of the boat and may request certain deviations from the regular schedule and the service. When doable, the crews will make all efforts to accommodate. These special requests must be made known at the time of the first deposit and will be confirmed in writing. Please contact us for current charter rates.
THEMED CRUISES:
European Waterways offer a wide selection of themed itineraries available for whole boat private charters, which appeal to all types of interest groups, large or small. Some themed cruises will incur a supplement – please check with our reservations team at time of enquiry.
~Biking Plus:
For those passengers who would like to be a little more adventurous, a number of the hotel barges have now had several upgrades to their “Biking Plus” option, as follows:
-Whilst others are relaxing on deck, or maybe enjoying a stroll, you can take a bike on most days and follow an interesting, but not too challenging route which we will have already carefully researched.
-You will be given clearly marked maps for each round trip route and a backpack with everything you might need so that, for an hour or two, you can explore the surrounding countryside and villages along the lanes, towpaths and byways.
-If you get stuck or lost, a crew member will come to fetch you. Otherwise, you can just rejoin the hotel barge where you left her – or maybe a little further along the canal.
-The hotel barge itinerary is arranged so that you won’t miss any of the organised excursions or much of the cruising, but you will have seen a little more of the people & places around you – and done yourself some good at the same time!
-Bike helmets are provided and our reservations team can advise you on the biking opportunities for each itinerary.
-If the idea of a little pedalling appeals, our reservations team can advise you on the biking opportunities for each cruise itinerary.
-With pre – designed offline maps and directions that you can download to your phone, you’ll never get lost!
_______________
Not included:
-Service charges/crew gratuities. Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge recognition for the standard of service provided.
-Superior Chateaux vintage wines, optional activities such as hot air balloon flights, items of a personal nature such as laundry, communication charges or purchases and any other items not specifically included in the cost of your cruise.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Oct 2024 | Kraft, France |
||
| 21 Oct 2024 | Strasbourg, France |
||
| 22 Oct 2024 | Waltenheim, France |
||
| 23 Oct 2024 | Saverne, France |
||
| 24 Oct 2024 | Lutzelbourg, France |
||
| 25 Oct 2024 | Niderviller, France |
||
| 26 Oct 2024 | Niderviller, France |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
6 Night Cruise sailing from Kraft to Niderviller aboard Panache.
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
Sunday, Day 1 Krafft
Champagne welcome and the first opportunity to meet your crew. Perhaps there is time for a walk or cycle ride before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 Krafft to 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 cafés. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 Strasbourg to 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.
Wednesday, Day 4 Waltenheim-sur-Zorn to 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.
Thursday, Day 5 Saverne to 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, 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 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.
Friday, Day 6 Lutzelbourg to 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.
Saturday, Day 7 Niderviller
After breakfast, guests disembark.
Panache is a hotel barge that has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings in the spacious public areas and very comfortable cabin accommodation. In the saloon the panoramic windows let in plenty of natural light, and the tempting cocktail bar and comfortable leather sofas are enhanced by polished hardwood flooring. The separate roomy dining area provides a congenial setting for up to 12 guests to enjoy the gourmet meals and fine wines served on board.
The cabin accommodation comprises six generously-sized junior suites which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration. All the en suite bathrooms have twin hand-basins and oversized showers.
Outside, the spacious sun deck is the perfect place to unwind and admire the passing scenery in one of the comfortable chairs, or to enjoy being served a long, lazy alfresco lunch at the outside dining table. The heated spa pool and plentiful number of bicycles for you to explore the towpath complete the picture.
Panache cruises in Holland in the Spring, when the flowers are in full bloom. This is without a doubt the best time to visit this country, and our cruises in Holland are carefully planned to allow you to experience all that the country has to offer.
She then cruising in Champagne for a number of weeks in May & June. The Champagne itineraries typically include Brie cheese tastings, a tour of the Cathedral at Reim, Epernay and of course, tastings at renowned Champagne houses.
In the Summer and Autumn, Panache cruises the beautiful and varied waterways of Alsace & Lorraine, a region of France offering a unique mix of French and German cultures, history and local gastronomy.
Panache’s voyage through Alsace & Lorraine will give you the opportunity to appreciate the very best of the region, passing storybook villages along the way, visiting places such as Strasbourg, renowned for their Baroque and Romanesque architecture and uniquely, experiencing Europe’s most famous boat elevator!
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 129 feet
- Maiden Voyage: 1959
- Refurbished: 1998
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 12
- Crew Nationality: European
- Dining Staff Nationality: European
Ship Amenities
- Individually Controlled Air Conditioning & Heating
- Bathrobes
- Slippers
- Hair Dryer
- Electricity (220V, French two pin plugs)
Ship Facilities
- Sun Deck
- Spa Pool
- Saloon
- Dining Area
We have been involved in all aspects of the hotel barge and travel industry for over 35 years including designing, building, owning and operating our fleet of luxury hotel barges. We have gradually refined our barge cruise holidays into unique travel experiences, which are just waiting to be discovered.
Our fully crewed, all inclusive luxury hotel barges cruise the inland waterways of nine European countries, along canals, rivers, lakes, lagoons and lochs, giving you the opportunity to experience life there from a truly unique perspective.
Our hotel barges are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people, or for those choosing a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.
On your all-inclusive cruise, your ‘floating boutique hotel’ glides gently along while you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of fellow passengers. There will be guided tours to castles, chateaux, vineyards, markets and when you return to the barge, you can be sure our dedicated, professional crew will be there to look after you once more.
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
The accommodation comprises six generously-sized junior suites, all of which include 2 wide windows (3ft 8 ins x 20 ins) allowing for plenty of natural light and viewing the passing countryside. Each suite has ample hanging and drawer space and features well over 6 ft. of head room. En suite bath facilities for each add a final touch of luxury and privacy.
Each suite is furnished in an ‘old ship’ style with some brass fittings, fitted wardrobes, 2 bedside tables with a reading lamp, a writing desk with chair and a TV/DVD mounted on the wall.
SUITE SIZE:
All suites are very similar in size and are equally comfortable. Each room is around 150 sq. ft. including bathroom area.
BATHROOMS:
All suites have fully private en suite bath facilities, complete with shower cubicle, toilet, and basin. They are well-stocked with towels and bath products.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
Unless otherwise expressly noted, all materials, including images, illustrations, designs, icons, and photographs appearing anywhere on this website are protected by worldwide copyright laws and treaty provisions. The copyright on such materials is held by the original creator of the materials. None of the materials may be copied, reproduced, displayed, modified, published, uploaded, posted, transmitted or distributed in whole or in part in any form or by any means other than as provided by Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller to its clients, or with the prior written permission of Cruise Factory and Cruise Traveller. All rights not expressly granted in these Terms are reserved. Any unauthorised use of the materials appearing on this website may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws and could result in criminal or civil penalties.