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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise

Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine

Seven-day barge cruise from Strasbourg through Alsace and Lorraine by Eurostar and rail

Illustration of Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine

Great Rail Journeys operates this seven-day all-inclusive escorted barge cruise starting from London St Pancras, combining Eurostar and TGV rail to reach Strasbourg, then sailing aboard MS Jeanine through the quiet waterways of Alsace and Lorraine. The journey unfolds over six nights onboard, visiting medieval towns, châteaux, and historic sites while remaining on the water. Day three takes you to Haut-Barr Castle, a 12th-century fortress 470 metres above the Alsace Plain, where the 'devil's bridge' rewards climbers with sweeping views. Day five features a glass-blowing demonstration at the Crystal Glassworks and a Marc Chagall stained-glass window in a 13th-century chapel. Beer tasting at Villa Meteor brewery, guided walks through half-timbered Saverne, and a final day cruising through the Lorraine Regional Natural Park complete the itinerary. All meals, drinks with dinner, guided excursions, and rail travel are included. An experienced Tour Manager leads the group, while an onboard Cruise Director manages the barge experience. This trip suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and couples seeking a leisurely, all-organised journey through rural France.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement price (from GBP 4,399) is significantly higher than half of the double rate; confirm cabin options and availability before committing.
  • The evening boat ride through Strasbourg on Day 1 is optional and subject to availability; it is not guaranteed.
  • Day 7 includes only breakfast; the return journey is unguided rail travel from Strasbourg to Paris to London.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg (onboard MS Jeanine)

    Arrival in Strasbourg

    Meet the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras. Travel aboard the Eurostar to Paris, then continue by rail to Strasbourg. Coach transfer to the barge ship. Welcome cocktail and dinner onboard. Optional evening panoramic boat ride through Petite France, the Tanners' Quarter, covered bridges, Vauban Dam terrace, and Strasbourg's German Quarter (subject to availability). Barge moors in Strasbourg overnight.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Waltenheim (onboard MS Jeanine)

    Truchtersheim & beer tasting at Villa Meteor

    Buffet breakfast then cruise to Waltenheim. Free morning to enjoy passing scenery from the deck. Lunch onboard. Afternoon guided coach tour to Truchtersheim and the Maison du Kochersberg museum. Continue to Hochfelden and Villa Meteor brewery for a tour and beer tasting. Return to barge for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Saverne (onboard MS Jeanine)

    Haut-Barr Castle, the 'Eye of Alsace'

    Sail towards Saverne, passing Schwindratzheim and Hochfelden. Option to stroll or cycle along paved canal trails during morning sailing. Arrive Saverne and take a guided walking tour of Haut-Barr Castle (470m above sea level), including the 'devil's bridge'. Brief stop at the Chappe Tower (restored 18th-century telegraph tower) on return to barge. Dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Lutzelbourg (onboard MS Jeanine)

    Historic Saverne

    Guided sightseeing tour of Saverne after breakfast, including the main street with its unicorn fountain, the Katz house (half-timbered tavern dating to 1605), and the church of Notre Dame with its 12th-century porch tower. Return to barge for lunch. Continue cruising towards Lutzelbourg. Free time in Lutzelbourg; optional walk up to Lutzelbourg Castle. Dinner with drinks onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Niderviller/Sarrebourg area (onboard MS Jeanine)

    Touring the Crystal Glassworks & Sarrebourg

    Continue barge cruise through Arzviller and Niderviller Tunnels to the Arzviller Inclined Plane. Visit the Crystal Glassworks at Arzviller for a guided tour and glass-blowing demonstration. Continue along the canal to Niderviller for lunch onboard. Coach to Sarrebourg for a guided tour including the 13th-century chapel of Cordeliers (Marc Chagall stained-glass window 'Peace'), Art Nouveau architecture, and the 18th-century Grand'rue. Return to ship for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Lagarde (onboard MS Jeanine)

    Scenic cruise to Lagarde

    Final full day of the cruise spent relaxing onboard, sailing through the Lorraine Regional Natural Park to Lagarde. Pass peaceful lakes and wooden embankments. All meals onboard. Enjoy the air-conditioned lounge or deck. Final dinner of the barge cruise holiday onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7rail

    Homeward bound

    Disembark the barge ship. Transfer to Strasbourg railway station. Train to Paris and onward journey to London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Optional evening panoramic boat ride through Strasbourg's Petite France district, Tanners' Quarter, covered bridges, and Vauban Dam terrace.
  • Day 2Guided tour and beer tasting at Villa Meteor brewery in Hochfelden.
  • Day 3Hiking to Haut-Barr Castle 470 metres above sea level to see the 'devil's bridge' and the 'Eye of Alsace' views.
  • Day 5Witnessing a glass-blowing demonstration at the Crystal Glassworks in Arzviller, then viewing the Marc Chagall stained-glass window in the 13th-century Chapel of Cordeliers in Sarrebourg.
  • Day 6Full-day scenic cruise through the Lorraine Regional Natural Park, passing peaceful lakes and wooden embankments to Lagarde.

Included

  • Experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team throughout
  • 6-night cruise onboard MS Jeanine, operated by Croisi Europe
  • Excellent service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Eurostar Standard Class travel
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
  • Complimentary luggage service from home to the barge and back (one case per cabin)
  • A superb choice of excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Class from London St Pancras to Paris, TGV Standard Class from Paris to Strasbourg, and the return rail journey. Upgrades to Eurostar Plus Class are available as an optional extra.
What is the barge ship?
MS Jeanine, operated by Croisi Europe. It accommodates the group for all six nights of the cruise.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included each day. A drinks package with dinner is provided every night of the cruise.
What are the main guided excursions?
A beer tasting and tour at Villa Meteor brewery, a guided walking tour of Haut-Barr Castle with views of the Alsace Plain, a guided sightseeing tour of Saverne including its 12th-century church and historic half-timbered buildings, a guided tour of the Crystal Glassworks at Arzviller with a glass-blowing demonstration, and a guided tour of Sarrebourg including the Marc Chagall stained-glass window in the Chapel of Cordeliers.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout the seven days.
When does the tour run?
Three departures are scheduled: May 2027, June 2027, and September 2027.

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