September 19, 2025: 11 days France & Germany, Limited to 12 Guests Only
Michael & Kelly host this 6 night luxury barge cruise exclusive private charter plus 5 nights by land – Frankfurt, Strasbourg, and Oktoberfest in Munich! The private river cruise will take us from Niderviller (with the Arzviller Boat Lift!) to Saverne, Krafft, & other lovely towns in Alsace-Lorraine France!
A spacious and contemporary two-story vessel, the Panache gleams with elegant décor and chic design. Roomy cabins offer generous storage space, and the modern bathrooms feature a double sink. Handsome leather couches in the lovely salon provide the perfect perch for enjoying a glass of wine with friends or cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea. Those who appreciate more active pursuits can stroll or cycle along the towpath, perhaps after a refreshing soak in the hot tub.
From the expansive Grand Cru vineyards of the Alsace to the iconic stained glass windows of Marc Chagall, there is much on this cruise route for culture lovers to explore. Excursions introduce guests to the region’s culinary heritage, artisan producers, and lively towns. A highlight of this route is experiencing the famed 450 foot Arzviller Boat Lift, which allows vessels to easily cross into the Vosges Mountains. An engineering marvel of epic proportions, this massive open air elevator lifts the barge up (or down) while guests will have a “front row seat” to this unique thrill.
Food and drink reflects the local flavors and culinary customs of this idiosyncratic region. Guests enjoy a visit to a traditional inn, or ‘bierstub’, for an evening of classic Alsatian dishes such as ‘Flammekueche’, while hand selected wine pairings from the many nearby vineyards round out the Panache’s marvelous dining program.
THURSDAY SEPT 18, 2025
Depart the USA for Frankfurt
FRIDAY SEPT 19
Arrive Frankfurt transfer to Hotel for 2 nights
SATURDAY SEPT 20
Special Tour & Outlanders Welcome Dinner
SUNDAY SEPT 21
Group transfer from Frankfurt Hotel to Barge River Cruise
Travel: Arrive in Niderviller
Meals: Dinner onboard
In the afternoon, you will be met by a crew member of the Panache at the designated meeting point in Strasbourg. From here, relax as you are chauffeured to the barge, moored in Niderviller. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction to the crew awaits you, before the first of many gourmet dinners onboard.
MONDAY SEPT 22
Travel: Niderviller to Lutzelbourg
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard
Begin the day with a candlelit breakfast cruise through the two Arzviller tunnels, then descend the Arzviller Boat Lift, a unique nautical elevator that carries Panache 450 feet down the mountains in minutes! After a tour of a local crystal shop, cruise this afternoon through beautiful woodlands and countryside. Relax on deck with a glass of wine and admire the scenery. An afternoon excursion presents Marc Chagall’s remarkable stained glass windows in Sarrebourg, followed by Alsatian themed appetizers and dinner onboard.
TUESDAY SEPT 23
Travel: Lutzelbourg to Saverne
Early risers will enjoy an optional visit to a local bakery to watch skilled patissiers create their delicious confections. A morning cruise offers the perfect opportunity to laze on deck, or explore the towpath with a gentle pedal or leisurely stroll. This afternoon, discover over 500 superb examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco crystal at the Rene Lalique museum. Dedicated to France’s master craftsman of fine glass, the Lalique collection is housed in an old glassworks factory. Your Tour Guide returns you to the Panache for drinks and dinner.
WEDNESDAY SEPT 24
Travel: Saverne to Waltenheim-sur-Zorn
Meals: Breakfast & lunch onboard, dinner ashore
The adventures begin today with a walking tour of Saverne, which was once the seat of the diocese for several centuries. Admire the Chateau de Rohan, well-known as the “Versailles of Alsace”, and located opposite the Panache’s mooring. Then it’s on to the hilltop Chateau Haut-Barr for its wonderful views over the countryside. Your Tour Guide returns you to the barge for an afternoon cruise, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the towpath on foot or by bicycle. Freshen up, as dinner is ashore at a traditional Alsatian auberge.
THURSDAY SEPT 25
Travel: Waltenheim-sur-Zorn to Strasbourg
Winetasting is always a welcome excursion on the Panache! This morning, take a scenic drive to the Route des Grands Crus where the finest wines of Alsace are produced. Discover the secrets of producing such wines as Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Riesling, and of course enjoy a special sampling. Return to Panache for an afternoon cruise, gliding through the beautiful Brumath Forest, and explore the local flora and fauna by foot or bicycle. Dinner onboard is enhanced by tonight’s exciting mooring in the heart of one of Europe’s top capitals.
FRIDAY SEPT 26
Travel: Strasbourg to Krafft
This morning’s excursion is to the capital city of the Alsace-Lorraine region, Strasbourg. Discover the extraordinary 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and a soaring spire; then sip, shop, and stroll your way through the charming pedestrian boulevards. Return to the barge for a lazy afternoon cruise, crossing the Gran Ried wetlands, home to an abundance of wildlife, before arriving at the final mooring. Savor cocktails and canapes before the gala Captain’s Dinner onboard.
SATURDAY SEPT 27
Meals: Breakfast onboard
After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Strasbourg, where we have a special hotel for 1 night. Lunch and Dinner on your own.
SUNDAY SEPT 28
Transfer to Munich, with a stop in Stuttgart for lunch along the way. Arrive at our final hotel for a 2 night stay.
MONDAY SEPT 29
Enjoy Oktoberfest, tis the season!
TUESDAY SEPT 30
Transfer to Munich Airport for your flights home
Breakfast selections consist of freshly baked goods from a local boulangerie, along with fruit, cereal, yogurt, cheese, coffee, tea, and juice. For lunches and dinners, your onboard Chef creates regionally and seasonally inspired fare. Lunch is typically a light buffet featuring hearty salads and savory entrees, and your multi-course gourmet dinner is served with grand table settings and fine crockery, all in a festive setting. Wine pairings feature a red and a white from area vineyards, along with a cheese platter of artisanal favorites. Note these are sample menus. Bon Appetit!
Our 11 night Small Group Alsace with Oktoberfest: 5 nights land, with tours and transfers + 6 night private barge cruise exclusively for 12 guests! $13,206 per person, based on double occupancy and availability. It is non-refundable so insurance is recommended. Price does not include airfare or insurance.
Hosted by Michael & Kelly.
Special Offer of $500 per person discount if deposited by February 28, 2023!
Cruise Itinerary Map
Cruise and land itineraries are subject to change at any time. This itinerary is not finalized and pricing may be adjusted for fuel or inflation. IMPORTANT: Please note that this is an Outlander Society trip and The Outlander Society Travel Club requires invitation but you may request to apply with Michael Graham or ask another member to stand for you.
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