Cruising The Marne-Rhine Canal – From Strasbourg to Lagarde

August 31-September 14, 2025

For information on our August 10-24 trip (from Lagarde to Strasbourg), please click here.

Tour Itinerary


Day 1

This afternoon we will depart from the Westgate Shopping Centre by chartered coach to Montreal Airport for our overnight flight to Paris with Air Transat.

Day 2

Upon arrival in Paris, you will be transferred to your hotel. Once your bags are unloaded, your Travac Tours Director will take you on an introduction walk around Paris. Check in time at the hotel is 3:00pm. Once checked in to the hotel, the remainder of your evening will be free.

Day 3

This morning you will embark on a half-day guided city tour of Paris by private motorcoach. The remainder of your day will be at your leisure to explore the City of Lights.

Day 4

Today is a free day to take in all Paris has to offer. Your Travac Tours Director can give ideas and advice about things to do around the city including its numerous museums, historical monuments, and one-of-a-kind dining culture.

Day 5

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Strasbourg, in the Alsace-Lorraine region of France. Here, you will embark on the MS Madeleine around 6:00pm. Once settled into your cabins, you will have an introduction to the crew, and a welcome cocktail.

Day 6

We’ll spend the morning cruising. In the afternoon, join us for an excursion to the lush region of Kochersberg and visit to the Maison du Kochersberg Museum and the Villa Meteor.

Day 7

The morning will be spent cruising toward Saverne. Enjoy this journey passing the towns of Schwindratzheim, nestled on a hillside, and Hochfelden, a typical local village. During the morning, feel free to stroll or bike on the paved trails alongside the canal. In the afternoon, join us on a tour of the Château du Haut-Barr, nicknamed “The Eye of Alsace”, where you will discover splendid views over the Alsatian plains. In the evening, we’ll enjoy tarte flambee, a local specialty, at a restaurant (included with cruise).

Day 8

We’ll set out on a guided tour of Saverne. Virtually unknown by the usual tourist routes, the city offers a wide range of places to discover. We’ll return on board and cruise towards Lutzelbourg. The canal winds through the Vosges Mountains before joining the Lorraine Region. Late in the afternoon, we suggest you set off on foot to marvel at Lutzelbourg Castle.

Day 9

Stopover at the Lehrer Crystal Glassworks. Cruise to Xouaxange. Travel on the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane. Candlelight lunch as you pass through the canal tunnels. Visit of the Chagall trail in Sarrebourg.

Day 10

We’ll spend the day cruising towards Xouaxange. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 11

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. After Disembarkation, you will be transferred from Lagarde to your hotel in Strasbourg. Check in time is 3:00pm. The remainder of your day will be free.

Day 12

This morning you will have a half day guided city tour of Strasbourg by private motorcoach. This city has an interesting blend of French and German culture. After the tour, you are free to explore Strasbourg.

Day 13

Today we will have a free day to explore Strasbourg. You may want to visit the Palais Rohan, a 3-tiered museum, or indulge in some classic Alsatian cuisine. Your Travac Tours Director will have ideas for how to spend your time.

Day 14

Today we will be taking a private motorcoach back to Paris to stay overnight in preparation for our return to Canada. Along our journey, we will stop in Reims for lunch ($) and a guided tour before continuing to Paris.

Day 15

This morning, we will be transferred to the Charles De Gaulle airport for your flights home with Air Transat to Montreal. Upon arrival, you will take a private motorcoach back to the Westgate Shopping Centre.

Itinerary and hotels subject to change.

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Hotel Information


Hotel Maison Mere

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
7 Rue Mayran
Paris, France
75009
+33 1 42 80 00 00


Le Grand Hotel Strasbourg

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
12 Pl. de la Gare
Strasbourg, France
67000
+33 3 88 52 84 84


Hampton by Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

Hotel website


Hotel Rating

Hotel Address
2 Av. Heinz Gloor
Roissy-en-France, France
95700
+1 800-445-8667


MS Madeleine (ship)

Ship information






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Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Paris

The Mystical Magic of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Paris

Dates coming in April 2025 for a January 2026 departure.

Please call our office at 613-728-1934 to be added to the interest list.

Discover the magic of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Paris with Travac this winter!  Our fabulous holiday combines the endless sunshine and vibrant culture of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with the quintessential charm of Paris.

Your trip will begin in Dubai, one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world.  Dubai’s pleasingly warm January makes it the ideal time to visit this thriving cosmopolitan mecca.  In Dubai, you will have a chance to delve into the city’s rich heritage and history; enjoy its multicultural dining scene; adventure in the vast desert; take in the city’s many iconic sites such as Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower; and shop in some of the planet’s most impressive markets and shopping centres.  You will then head to the cultural heart of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi.   In Abu Dhabi you will have a chance to experience its most iconic landmarks, such as the astounding beauty of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the gem of Abu Dhabi’s waterfront, Corniche Beach.  Your holiday will then conclude with a sojourn in Paris, where you will have the opportunity to explore the City of Lights at your leisure.

Tour Itinerary


Day 1

Depart Ottawa

Today we will depart Ottawa for Dubai with a connection in Paris. Your booking agent will provide you with flight details. 

Day 2

Arrival in Dubai

Upon arrival in Dubai, we will be met by private motorcoach and transferred to our hotelArrival is in the evening.  

Day 3

Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner 

This morning is free to relax or explore the neighbourhood at your leisure.  In the afternoon, we will embark on an adventure into the vast golden dunes of the Arabian desert.  We will be transferred by private transportation from our hotel to the desert where we will take in the natural beauty of the dunes with optional rides in 4x4s, enjoy a BBQ dinner at a traditional Bedouin Camp with live Arabian music and entertainment, and experience spectacular views of the desert at sunset.  (B,D) 

Day 4

City tour of Dubai and Dhow Cruise 

After breakfast this morning, we will embark on a guided city tour of Dubai by private motorcoach.  We will see many of the stunning sites that make Dubai so unique, such as Jumeirah Mosque, Zabeel Palace, Palm Jumeirah, Bastakiya, and Dubai’s Spice and Gold Souqs.  After some free time to relax at the hotel, we will embark on a dinner cruise along the tranquil waters of the Dubai Marina. Savour a buffet-style dinner while taking in stunning landmarks of the city, beautifully illuminated in the evening lights. (B,D) 

Day 5

Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall/Aquarium 

This morning we will embark on a tour to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure. This stunning feat of architecture and engineering first opened to the public in 2010 after 6 years of construction, and pierces the sky at 2715 feet. After our tour, we will visit the adjacent Dubai Mall- one of the largest shopping centres in the world- where you will have time to take in the mesmerizing sites of its spectacular Aquarium and Underwater Zoo (admission included), and/or spend time shopping at your leisure. (B) 

Burj Khalifa, downtown Dubai

Day 6

Beauty of the Emirates

Today we will explore the incredible cultural diversity that exists in Dubai’s neighbouring Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. We will visit the beaches, architectural marvels, markets, and historical sites that make the Emirates so unique, including Qanat Al Qasba, the Islamic Art Museum, Bidiya Mosque, and Fujairah Fort. (B) 

Day 7

Tour of Abu Dhabi 

This morning we will depart Dubai for Abu Dhabi by private motorcoach. Upon arrival, we will embark on a guided city tour.  We will visit the incredible landmarks that make Abu Dhabi the cultural heart of the Emirates, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace, Corniche, BAPS Mandir, and Yas Island. After our city tour we will check into our hotel in the late afternoon. (B) 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Day 8

The Louvre Abu Dhabi and leisure time

This morning we will visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi- both a museum with a world-class art collection, and an architectural icon that blends Arabic tradition with cultural innovation.  The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.  You may wish to decompress on Abu Dhabi’s white sandy beaches or walk along the Corniche prominade.  Your Travac Tours Director will have suggestions on how to spend your afternoon. (B)

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Day 9

Travel to Paris 

Today we will depart our hotel for our flight to Paris.  We will arrive in Paris in the afternoon.  After checking into our hotel, your Travac Tours Director will offer an optional orientation walk of the neighbourhood.  The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. (B) 

 

 

Day 10

Paris

Today is yours to explore in the City of LightsYour Travac Tours Director will provide you with a 24 hour hop on/hop off bus ticket to enjoy at your own pace, and will be available to offer suggestions for how to make the most of your time in Paris. (B) 

 

Day 11

Paris

Today is another free day to enjoy at your leisure in Paris.  (B) 

 

Day 12

Return to Canada

Today we will be transferred to the airport for our return flight to Ottawa(B) 

 

Itinerary and hotels subject to change.

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