Autumn Splendor on the Rhine: Cruise & Hikes through the Rhineland (port-to-port cruise)

STRASBOURG - BREISACH - STRASBOURG

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail.

Immerse yourself in Alsatian charm with live music and a traditional dinner onboard.

Optional Hike or Excursion:
- HIKERS: The Green Belt of Strasbourg, Urban Hike (1) (only available with pre-reservation before departure). During this tour, you will admire the historic city of Strasbourg and its architectural treasures. You will then walk along part of the Green Belt of Strasbourg, allowing you to discover the unique aspects of the Alsatian capital by passing through green spaces and paths along waterways. (Duration: ~2.5 hours, Elevation: none, 7 km)

- NON-HIKERS: Strasbourg by Boat (2) (only available with pre-reservation before departure). Transfer to the city center of Strasbourg and departure by boat for a discovery tour of the city. Navigate towards Petite France, a famous and beloved district of Strasbourg, with its canals, charming colorful half-timbered houses, and narrow streets. Continue towards the German Quarter. After the French defeat in 1870, Germany planned to make Strasbourg the capital of the Reichsland of Alsace-Lorraine. Then, discover Strasbourg and Europe: the European Parliament, intended to host the monthly sessions of this institution, and the Palace of Human Rights, which houses the European Court of Human Rights.

OR transfer to the city center of Strasbourg for free time.

Afternoon navigation towards Vieux-Brisach. After leaving the European capital, the Rhine winds through the valley between the Black Forest and the Vosges, where you will notice landscapes with beautiful red-orange hues. The cruise then follows the Ried and its natural banks before reaching Vieux-Brisach in the evening.

Day, included Hike or Excursion:

- HIKERS: In the Kaiserstuhl Massif (packed lunch). Enjoy two beautiful hikes on the ancient volcanic massif of Kaiserstuhl, bathed in autumnal hues. This area offers hikers the natural richness of a protected environment with unique flora and fauna. It also presents walkers with incomparable views of the vineyards and the Rhine. (Duration: ~7 hours, including 4.5 hours of effective walking, ~270m elevation gain, ~14 km).
- NON-HIKERS: Eguisheim and the Wine Route. Depart by coach towards Eguisheim, an important wine center. This village, one of the most beautiful in Alsace, hidden among the vineyards, is remarkable for its medieval layout and old winding streets. Stop and visit the village, the cradle of the Alsatian vineyard. Depart for Munster. Located in the heart of the Vosges massif, Munster is renowned for its precious asset in Alsatian gastronomy: the delicious Munster cheese. Visit and free time. Depart for a marcaire lunch in a farm inn. A wonderful discovery of the generosity of the local terroir! In the afternoon, you will discover the Alsace Wine Route as the harvest is in full swing for the Vendanges Tardives appellation. You will see Riquewihr, an open-air museum, and Ribeauvillé, the city of the Minstrels. Along the way, visit a wine cellar followed by a tasting. Return on board for dinner. Alsatian evening on board, animated by a folkloric ensemble.

Day, included Hike or Excursion:
- HIKERS: Hike to the Castles of Bernstein and Ortenbourg (packed lunch). Enjoy a beautiful hike in the Vosges massif starting from the old wine-growing town of Dambach La Ville and its magnificent St. Sebastian Chapel. After a gentle climb through the forest adorned with golden hues, the ridge route will lead us from Bernstein Castle to Ortenbourg Castle, two masterpieces of medieval architecture. (Duration: ~7 hours, ~300m elevation gain, 15 km).
- NON-HIKERS: Colmar and the Wine Route with a typical lunch. Depart by coach towards Colmar, one of the most charming towns in Alsace. The birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty, Colmar is an incredible city of art, history, and heritage. The town delights the eyes at every turn of its streets. You will see the Quai de la Poissonnerie, where most of the town's professional fishermen once lived, united with the boatmen in a powerful corporation, the Tanner's Quarter, and the picturesque Petite Venise, a true gem of Colmar with its typical Alsatian half-timbered houses lining the river. Continue towards Obernai. Lunch stop along the way.
In the afternoon, visit Obernai, a medieval town with shimmering foliage ideally located on the Wine Route. This fortified town surrounded by its old ramparts is full of charm. A predominance of colorful half-timbered houses gives the town center its elegance. The town hall, the six-seal well, and the Sainte-Odile fountain on the famous market square are all jewels. A unique feature that Obernai is proud of is its 60-meter-high belfry, the only one of its kind in Alsace. Then we will rejoin the boat in Schoenau.
Navigation towards Strasbourg. Gala evening on board.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.