'lorraine'

Cruise along the peaceful Canal du Rh?ne au Rhin today, with a visit Colmar - renowned for its magnificent medieval and Renaissance buildings, 13th-century collegiate church and waterside district called "Little Venice." Enjoy a guided tour, stopping at the Unterlinden Museum, home to the beautiful Isenheim Altarpiece. Return to the barge by way of the famous vineyards of "La Route des Vins d'Alsace," stopping in medieval Riquewihr for a tasting of the local vintages. 'Lorraine' Barge B L D

This morning's cruise is to Strasbourg. After lunch, take a guided walking tour of the city that includes the well-preserved historic core, "Petite France," and the remarkable Cath?drale Notre Dame with its flamboyant Gothic spire. During time at leisure, explore a museum, take advantage of the excellent shopping opportunities or simply stroll the cobbled streets with their timbered houses. 'Lorraine' awaits at the village of Hochfelden. 'Lorraine' Barge B L D

Cruise past several typical Alsatian villages, stopping to visit a small local brewery along the way. All the best French beers are brewed in Alsace -- and records show that this has been so since the 9th century. There are excellent opportunities for walking and cycling today during a delightful afternoon cruise to the picturesque town of Lutzelbourg, nestled in the Vosges Mountains. 'Lorraine' Barge B L D

After breakfast, visit a crystal factory where beautiful pieces of crystal are still individually blown and fashioned by hand. Then, continue along a stretch of the canal that follows the steep-sided valley of the River Zorn. At the famous inclined plane of Arzwiller, a counterbalanced barge lift hauls the barge up nearly 150 feet to the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. 'Lorraine' then cruises through a cutting and two tunnels under the mountains, en route to the evening mooring in the village of Hess. 'Lorraine' Barge B L D

After cruising through a lovely nature reserve with numerous lakes and vast areas of woodland, the barge descends to the plain of Lorraine via a series of locks (a drop of nearly 50 feet). After lunch, visit Sarrebourg and the Chappelle des Cordeliers with its stained-glass by the Russian-born French painter and designer Marc Chagall. Return to 'Lorraine' for a gala farewell dinner. 'Lorraine' Barge B L D

After breakfast, transfer to the Strasbourg rail station where your tour ends. B

Routes are run in reverse on alternate weeks.