Cruising The Marne-Rhine Canal – From Lagarde to Strasbourg
May 16-30, 2026
Join Travac this spring on an incredible journey through France’s gorgeous Alsace region!
Our tour begins with three unforgettable days in Paris, where you will have the opportunity to indulge in all the best the City of Light has to offer, from its iconic landmarks to world-renowned art and cuisine. After soaking in the magic of the city, we will make our way to the town of Lagarde where we will board CroisiEurope’s MS Jeanine barge to embark on our adventure along the Marne-Rhine canal. France’s beauty unfolds as we cruise along the water at a gentle pace. Along the way, you’ll experience the charming storybook villages that define the Alsace and Moselle regions, including Xouaxange, Lutzelbourg, Saverne, and Waltenheim.
Our final stop on the cruise is the vibrant city of Strasbourg- one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe, with a unique blend of French and Germanic influences. We will spend three nights in the city, where you can explore its fairy-tale Old Town, Gothic monuments, and renowned Alcatian wines and cuisine, before returning to Paris. We will then tour the historic village of Reims in France’s Champagne region before returning to Canada.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
This evening, you will depart from the Ottawa Airport on your overnight flight to Paris. Let the excitement of your European journey take flight!
Day 2
Arrive in the City of Lights and transfer 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. (B)
Your Hotel for the next 3 nights: Hotel Maison Mere, Paris.
Day 3
Enjoy a private, half-day guided motorcoach tour, uncovering Paris’s iconic sights and hidden gems. The afternoon is yours to explore—whether visiting world-class museums, browsing boutique shops, or simply soaking up Parisian ambiance. (B)
Day 4
A full free day invites you to discover Paris at your own pace. Your Travac Tours Director will be happy to offer recommendations, whether you wish to explore art, history, or indulge in French culinary delights. (B)
Day 5
After breakfast, transfer to the quaint town of Lagarde in Alsace-Lorraine. Embark on the elegant MS Jeanine around 6:00pm. Meet the crew during the welcome cocktail and settle into your cozy cabin for an unforgettable river cruise experience. (B, D)
Day 6
We’ll spend the day cruising towards Xouaxange. (B, L, D)
Day 7
In the morning, follow Chagall’s Way in Saarburg. We’ll cruise to Lutzelbourg. Candlelight lunch while passing through the tunnels. This afternoon, travel the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane. Stopover at the Lehrer Crystal Glassworks. We’ll continue to Lutzelbourg and arrive in the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 8
We’ll walk to the Château de Lutzelbourg. The ship will cruise to Saverne and arrive at the beginning of the afternoon. We’ll visit the Château de Hohbarr, also known as the “Eye of Alsace.” Afterward, we’ll return to Saverne for a guided tour of the city. At the end of our afternoon, we’ll return on board the ship. Dinner will be tarte flambée, a local specialty, at a restaurant (included with cruise). (B, L, D)
Day 9
We’ll spend the morning cruising to Hochefelden. In the afternoon, join us for an excursion to the lush region of Kochersberg and a visit to the Maison du Kochersberg Museum and the Villa Meteor. At the end of our day, we’ll return on board the ship in Waltenheim-sur-Zorn. (B, L, D)
Day 10
We’ll spend the morning cruising to Strasbourg. Enjoy a tour-boat ride through the oldest section of the city in the afternoon. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. Tonight is our festive gala evening. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. After Disembarkation, you will be transferred to your hotel in Strasbourg. Check in time is 3:00pm. The remainder of your day is free to explore or relax in this beautiful city. (B)
Your hotel for the next 3 nights: Le Grand Hotel (or similar)
Day 12
Delve into Strasbourg’s rich history on a private half-day guided motorcoach tour, discovering the fascinating blend of French and German culture. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring this captivating city. (B)
Day 13
A free day in Strasbourg invites you to wander the Palais Rohan’s museums, sample exquisite Alsatian cuisine, or simply enjoy the charming streets. Your Travac Tours Director will be on hand with plenty of suggestions. (B)
Day 14
Today we will be taking a private motorcoach back to Paris to stay overnight in preparation for our return to Canada. En route, enjoy a guided tour and lunch in the historic city of Reims ($) before continuing to Paris. (B)
Overnight – Hampton by Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Day 15
After breakfast, transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your afternoon flight home to Ottawa, concluding your memorable European journey. (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Hotel Information
Hotel Maison Mere
Hotel Address
7 Rue MayranParis, France
75009
+33 1 42 80 00 00
Le Grand Hotel Strasbourg
Hotel Address
12 Pl. de la GareStrasbourg, France
67000
+33 3 88 52 84 84
Hampton by Hilton Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Hotel Address
2 Av. Heinz GloorRoissy-en-France, France
95700
+1 800-445-8667