Great Rail Journeys The Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine

• Standard Class Rail
• 6-night cruise on board the MS Madeleine
• An escorted experience and all travel arrangements
• Exciting excursions and free time to explore
• 6-night cruise on board the MS Madeleine
• 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
• Wingersheim hops path (with a beer tasting)

• MS Madeleine
• Strasbourg by night
• Peaceful Wingersheim including walking tour
• Beer tasting
• Haut-Barr Castle
• Guided tour of Saverne
• The ingenious Inclined plane
• Sarrebourg
• All inclusive meals and drinks on board, Gala Dinner

Day 1: To Strasbourg and embarkation

After meeting at our St Pancras Departure Office, board the Eurostar to Paris, continuing to Strasbourg – the capital of the historical region of Alsace. This area is one of France’s best-kept secrets, by-passed by sun-seekers who race to the Côte d’Azur. But to the delight of gourmets across the country other than Paris, there are more Michelin-starred restaurants in Alsace than anywhere else in France. The region is famous for its cuisine and the world-renowned wines from vineyards along the ‘Route des Vins’, making it a delightful holiday destination.

Day 2-3: Wingersheim and Haut-Barr Castle

Take time to relax on board this morning before we set off by coach for a tranquil walking tour of the Wingersheim hops path. Beautiful Alsace is famed for its beer production and we get the opportunity to try some at a special tasting. Back on board tonight, there is a celebratory gala dinner.

Begin Day 3 sailing to Saverne. On arrival, we enjoy a visit to the towering Haut-Barr Castle. Strategically positioned at 470m above sea level, it is also known as ‘the Eye of Alsace’ for the views it offers out over the Alsace Plain. Haut-Barr Castle is also home to the ‘devil’s bridge’, a walkway suspended between two seemingly perilously perched rocks – a unique experience not for the faint of heart! On our return to the boat, we stop briefly at the Chappe Tower.

Day 4: Saverne

This morning includes a guided tour of Saverne, discovering the town’s main street, with its unicorn fountain (Saverne’s emblem), and Katz house, a tavern adorned with beautifully decorated, halftimbered sculpturing that dates back to 1605. We also visit the church of Notre Dame and the surviving 12th century porch tower. This afternoon we take a leisurely stroll to Lutzelbourg Castle, before dinner at a local restaurant. Here, you have the chance to experience a local delicacy – tarte flambée.

Day 5: The Inclined Plane

This morning is spent aboard the Madeleine with a candlelit lunch as we pass through the Arzviller and Niderviller Tunnels. We make our way closer towards the remarkable Arzviller Inclined Plane. The only one of its kind in Europe, it was designed to replace over 4km of locks that used to take a whole day to navigate. It is essentially a boat lift that traverses a 41% incline in only four minutes, a unique and unforgettable experience. At the foot of the incline, we find the Inclined Plane Crystal Workshop that has been preserving the art of blowing, carving and etching crystal for the past 25 years. Here we learn about these age-old methods and receive a demonstration. After some time here, our ship continues down the Marne-Rhine canal towards Xouaxange.

Day 6-7: Sarrebourg and homeward bound

Arriving back in Lagarde this morning. After lunch, we depart the boat and transfer by coach to Sarrebourg which sits on the banks of the River Saar, the waterway from which the city gets its name. Here we enjoy a guided tour of this cultural destination and discover many of its hidden historical gems. The 13th century chapel of Cordeliers can be found in Sarrebourg: the original Marc Chagall stained glass window here, ‘Peace’, is the largest piece of its kind that the artist ever created and takes pride of place in the heart of the church. We’ll also see the Art Nouveau architecture on display and wander the 18th century Grand’rue.

Following a buffet breakfast on Day 7, transfer to the railway station in Strasbourg. Here we catch the train to Paris for our onward journey to London St Pancras.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 1 person sharing and doesn’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.