Compare French Canal Voyage by Barge: Discover Alsace-Lorraine by Road Scholar vs Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley - Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Strasbourg, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Strasbourg

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

After you check in to the hotel and get your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Chartered Exclusively for Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. There will only be Road Scholar participants aboard the vessel. All port stops and field trips are subject to change as weather and river conditions may affect the itinerary. River conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Therefore, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Additionally, the time available in each port is set by the cruise line and the cruise line reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Road Scholar delivers a robust educational program in each port, and this may mean that free time in port is limited. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will give lectures and provide expert commentary throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

We will walk to a local restaurant and order plated meals from a select menu with beverage choices of a glass of wine and water; other beverages available for purchase. In France, restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can take their time and enjoy every bite. It is customary for servers to wait until everyone has finished their dish before clearing the table and bringing out the next course. Meals are accompanied by complimentary bread (“pain”) and water (“eau” or “l’eau”) so you need not ask for them. It is customary to fill wine glasses no more than half full to allow the wine room to breathe. When you have finished your meal, you may indicate to the server by placing your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate.

Day 3 Strasbourg Walking Field Trip, Palais Rohan & Museums Strasbourg

Walking up to 3 miles, standing up to 2 hours; cobbled stone streets, inclined terrain, even and uneven ground.

We will head out with a local expert on a walking field trip to explore this place where people have lived for thousands of years. We will focus on the section of Strasbourg called “La Petite France” and visit the cathedral famed for its beauty.

We will continue our exploration and walk to the Palais Rohan, former residence of the Prince-Bishops of Strasbourg. It was designed by the principal architect to the king of France and is regarded as one of the finest structures of the 18th century, virtually unchanged since its completion in 1742. Today, it houses the Archaeological Museum, Decorative Arts Museum, and Fine Arts Museum. After an introduction by our Group Leader, we will have time for a self-directed study to see what interests each of us most. We will return to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, yogurt, fruit, breads, jam and butter, juices, coffee, tea, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine or soft drink and water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with beverage choices of a glass of wine, beer, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Strasbourg Field Trip, Transfer to Lagarde, Embark Barge Lagarde

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 67 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to 2 miles during scheduled activities; cobblestone streets.

We will check out and store our luggage at the hotel in a safe room (porterage service will be provided by the hotel). We’ll then meet a local expert who will lead us on another walking field trip to learn more about the city of Strasbourg.

We will have some time for independent exploration before transferring to the barge. You might like to see more museums, or simply sit at a café, sip a beverage, and watch the passing parade. We will regroup at a designated time and place, board a motorcoach, and ride to Lagarde where the barge is docked. After boarding and getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and relax. We will gather when announced for the crew’s orientation on safety and ship regulations.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Largarde overnight.

Hotel buffet.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Aboard the barge, we will have a 3-course meal with beverage choices of select wines and beer, fruit juice, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Lagarde to Xouaxange, Sarrebourg Xouaxange

Stepping on/off the barge. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven terrain.

We will gather aboard the barge for a lecture by Group Leader on navigation and the history of the Alsace-Lorraine canal. As we continue our journey towards Xouaxange, we will pass through the Réchicourt lock, one of the largest in France, and on into lakes.

We will stop en route to Xouaxange for a walking field trip with our Group Leader in Sarrebourg at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. It was once an imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire and has rich historical diversity. We will visit its church that features unique stained glass windows by Marc Chagall.

At leisure. The barge is scheduled to arrive in Xouaxange and dock after midnight.

Aboard the barge, the self-serve breakfast buffet offers a rotating variety of choices.

Aboard the barge, we will have a 3-course meal with beverage choices of select wines and beer, fruit juice, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Aboard the barge.

Day 6 Xouaxange to Lutzelbourg, Inclined Plane, Glass Works Lutzelbourg

Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets, uneven terrain. Standing for up to 2 hours; even and uneven terrain.

As we glide towards Lutzelbourg, the Group Leader will give us a lecture on the people and history of Alsace-Lorraine that was settled thousands of years ago by Celts. It was later taken by the Romans who prized its agriculture. After the Roman Empire, the area was controlled by Germanic and Frankish tribes, then the Holy Roman Empire, then the Habsburgs, then France. After the Franco-Prussian war of 1871, the German empire annexed the region. After World War I, it reverted to France but Germany took control again during World War II before returning to the French fold. While such tumult was at times calamitous for the people who lived here, it resulted in a richly distinctive cultural heritage that lives on today.

We will encounter the Saint-Louis-Arzviller “inclined plane” — a lift built in 1969 that moves boating traffic nearly 150 feet (45 meters) up or down the hill, thereby avoiding a series of 17 locks. This remarkable feat of engineering is the only transverse boat lift of its kind in Europe. We will step off the barge in Arzviller for a field trip to a local “cristallerie” — a crystal workshop specializing in the art of hand blowing and cutting crystal. This business, located at the foot of the incline, has been family operated for over 25 years. The tradition of glass works in the region goes back to the medieval period.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Lutzelbourg overnight.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Day 7 Lutzelbourg to Saverne, Châteaux de Lutzelbourg & Haut Barr Saverne

Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven and slightly inclined terrain, unavoidable steps at castle.

After arriving in Lutzelbourg, we will set out on a walking field trip to see the partly reclaimed ruins of a castle originally built in the 11th century. At an elevation of 980 feet (298 km), it has views of villages in the Zorn Valley.

For our next field trip, we will visit the Château de Haut Barr (Hohbarr in German), situated at an altitude of more than 1,500 feet (460 meters). For this reason, it has often been called “the eye of Alsace.” The original structure dates from c. 1000 CE, but was abandoned in 1770.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Saverne overnight.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Day 8 Saverne to Waltenheim, Kochersberg, Alsatian wines & beers Waltenheim

Walking up to 2.5 miles, standing up to 2 hours; cobblestone streets, uneven and slightly inclined terrain.

We will disembark the barge and enjoy a walking field trip of Saverne with a local expert to explore this relatively unknown but charming town. Among its highlights are the Grand Rue and Place de la Licorne (Place of the Unicorn) — the town’s emblem — Taverne Katz dating from 1605 with its façade of sculpted timbers, the 12th-century Notre Dame Church, and the Récollets Monastery founded in the 14th century.

Free time on board. As we go along, we will see the charming villages of Hochfelden, and Schwindratzheim.

At leisure. The barge will remain docked in Waltenheim overnight.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Day 9 Waltenheim to Strasbourg, Free Time Strasbourg

Walking up to 1 mile, standing up to 1 hour; uneven and inclined paths.

We will depart by motorcoach and make our way through the beautiful Kochersberg region with its rolling hills, lush fields, and quaint villages with half-timbered homes. With an expert, we will explore the Maison du Kocherberg museum, where we will learn about local history and traditions, and have the chance to see antique and modern objects from the area. Continuing on by motorcoach, we will go to Hochfelden to visit the Villa Meteor. With an expert, we will uncover the family history of the Meteor’s and their brewery from 1640 to present day. Additionally, we will learn about beer making and even have a chance to taste some local brews.

As we sail along, we will gather for a lecture by our Group Leader on the four different appellations of Alsatian wines and the vineyards they come from. Our lecture will culminate in an opportunity to taste the wines and learn how to differentiate among them.

We will float through Strasbourg’s old town, centerpiece of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site known as the Grande-Île. At its heart is the renowned Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg, more than a thousand years old. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge.

Aboard the barge, share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 10 Program Concludes In Flight

Disembarkation by 9:00 a.m.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Aboard the barge. This concludes our program.

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

On arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, transfers leave for the hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:30. After checking in, the capital’s grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. At 17:30, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner at Rural, a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by country recipes.

Le Méridien Etoile, Paris.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Rouen, Honfleur and Deauville

Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and to your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville.

Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.

Breakfast

Day 3: Normandy Beaches and D-Day Landings

Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Tapestry Museum and learn about the epic story of William, Duke of Normandy becoming the King of England. This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines.

Hotel Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo

Journey through Bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town - it's one street containing shops, cafes and hotels. Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town’s medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you may wish to join an Optional Experience to Cancale, known throughout France of its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialties?

Hôtel Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo.

Breakfast

Day 5: Villandry Experience

Head south to follow the valley of the Loire, passing the moated Angers Castle. Cross the Loire to Saumur, where a local vintner will guide you through tastings of the region's delicious wines. Head to Château de Villandry, the jewel of the Loire, to visit the glorious sustainable gardens on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Ensure you don't miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. This stunning sea of fragrant green herbs, silvery cabbages and purple basil which has been grown organically to re-generate the local ecosystem. Continue to your chateau hotel, where you can relax like royalty in sumptuous surroundings.

Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.

Breakfast

Day 6: Scenic Drive Along the Loire Valley

Journey to the fairy-tale Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, considered one of the best representations of French Renaissance architecture. Having recently undergone extensive restoration, your Local Expert will show you the subtle blend of French tradition and innovative Italian decor within this 16th century icon of the Loire Valley. Return to your superb chateau for relaxation and free time. This evening, your Celebration Dinner starts with a glass of local sparkling wine and continues with excellent service and delicious Farm-to-Table dishes in the most wholesome setting, ensuring the memory of your meal will linger long after you've returned home.

Château De Rochecotte, Saint Patrice, Loire Valley.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: La Beauce and Chartres to Paris, City of Light

Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight.From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to all the fabulous sights, including the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and the immense facades of the Louvre. Behold the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood, then travel down the Champs Élysées to Napoléon's Arc de Triomphe. After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour, don't miss the chance to experience one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

Pullman Paris Centre Bercy.

Breakfast

Day 8: Au Revoir Paris

Your departure transfer will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 08:00 or 11:00.

Breakfast