How much does it cost?

From £2,499 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,376 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

What is the barge ship?

MS Jeanine, operated by Croisi Europe. It accommodates the group for all six nights of the cruise.

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.

Great Rail Journeys · Barge cruise

Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine

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

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.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at £2,499 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

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

Day 1railovernight: Aboard the barge, Strasbourg
Arrival in Strasbourg
We meet our Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras. Aboard the Eurostar we head to Paris and continue by rail to Strasbourg, then by coach to our barge ship, home for the next seven days. After a welcome cocktail we relax onboard over dinner as the barge moors in Strasbourg, with an optional night boat ride through the city.
Day 2overnight: Aboard the barge
Truchtersheim & beer tasting at Villa Meteor
After breakfast we cruise to Waltenheim, then take a guided coach tour to Truchtersheim to visit the Maison du Kochersberg museum, followed by a beer tasting at the Villa Meteor brewery in Hochfelden. Dinner onboard.
Day 3overnight: Aboard the barge
Haut-Barr Castle, the 'Eye of Alsace'
We sail towards Saverne past Schwindratzheim and Hochfelden, with free time to stroll or cycle the canal towpaths, then take a guided walking tour of Haut-Barr Castle and its 'devil's bridge', stopping at the Chappe Tower on the return.
Day 4overnight: Aboard the barge, Lutzelbourg
Historic Saverne
A guided sightseeing tour of Saverne, taking in the unicorn fountain, the Katz house and the church of Notre Dame, before cruising on to Lutzelbourg with free time to explore or walk up to Lutzelbourg Castle.
Day 5overnight: Aboard the barge
Touring the Crystal Glassworks & Sarrebourg
We cruise through the Arzviller and Niderviller Tunnels to the Arzviller Inclined Plane boat lift, visit the Crystal Glassworks, then continue by coach to Sarrebourg to see the Marc Chagall stained-glass window and Art Nouveau architecture.
Day 6overnight: Aboard the barge, Lagarde
Scenic cruise to Lagarde
A relaxing day cruising through the Lorraine Regional Natural Park to the village of Lagarde, with time to enjoy the ship's facilities before the final dinner of the cruise.
Day 7rail
Homeward bound
We disembark the barge and transfer to the railway station in Strasbourg, catching the train to Paris for an onward journey to London St Pancras.

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

Tour Manager: escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
Cruise: 6-night cruise onboard MS Jeanine, operated by Croisi Europe; excellent service onboard; complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
Transportation: Eurostar Standard Class rail travel; all rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Food & Drink: breakfast, lunch and dinner each day; drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
Luggage: complimentary luggage service from your home to the barge and back (one case per cabin)
Small Group: average group size of 22; enhanced excursions and exclusive experiences
Excursions & Entertainment: a superb choice of excursions

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,499 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,376 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
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.