7-Day Alsace & Lorraine Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Alsace & Lorraine tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAlsace & Lorraine travel expert at TourRadar

• 4 Days in Alsace Christmas Markets, incl. Strasbourg and Potter Villages

  Sail through Alsace on a 4-day Christmas cruise with stops in Strasbourg and Kirrwiller. The route includes traditional Potter villages like Soufflenheim and Betschdorf, a festive show at the Royal Palace, and Strasbourg's enchanting Christmas markets. MS Gerard Schmitter or MS Modigliani serves as your home with all-inclusive meals for approx. $170 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Strasbourg Arrival

    Your river ship boards at 6 PM in central Strasbourg. Try to arrive a few hours early to explore the historic Petite France district before check-in. The half-timbered houses look beautiful in the soft winter afternoon light. The ship's central docking location makes it simple to walk to nearby cafes and get familiar with the area.

    
  • Day 2

    Potter Villages & Royal Palace Show

    Visit northern Alsace's pottery towns of Soufflenheim and Betschdorf where local artisans have made traditional ceramics since the 14th century. Plan to reach the workshops before 11 AM since most potters take their lunch break then. In the afternoon you'll enjoy lunch and a show at the Royal Palace in Kirrwiller. Pack warm clothes for the short walk from the bus to the venue. December temperatures usually stay around 35°F (2°C).

    
  • Day 3

    Strasbourg Christmas Markets

    The day begins with a city tour covering the European Quarter German District and medieval center. Your afternoon is free to explore Strasbourg's Christmas markets with over 300 wooden chalets across multiple squares. Visit Place Broglie's Christkindelsmärik (the oldest market) around 4 PM when the lights come on but before the evening crowds arrive. Wait until after dark to see Place Kléber's giant Christmas tree in all its illuminated glory.

    
  • Day 4

    Departure

    The cruise ends after breakfast at 9 AM. If your schedule allows store your luggage at the station and spend the morning at the Cathedral Square market stalls. Shopping is more relaxed earlier in the day and you might find better prices.

    

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• 7 Days in Alsace & Lorraine, incl. Strasbourg and Saverne

  A week-long adventure through Alsace-Lorraine encompasses 12 towns including Strasbourg, Saverne, and Lutzelbourg. Château du Haut-Barr, Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane, and Villa Meteor brewery await. MS Jeanine or MS Madeleine welcomes 24 passengers.

  

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  • Day 1

    Strasbourg

    Board your river ship in Strasbourg at 4 PM. Get there a few hours early to see the famous Cathedral Notre Dame. The astronomical clock has a special show at 12:30 PM daily. Your evening begins with a boat tour through Strasbourg's canals where you can take great photos of the half-timbered houses in the Petite France district.

    
  • Day 2

    Strasbourg to Waltenheim

    Spend the morning cruising through Alsatian countryside. Visit the Kochersberg region in the afternoon, an area known as Strasbourg's breadbasket. Stop at the Maison du Kochersberg museum to learn about local traditions and the Villa Meteor brewery. Wear comfortable shoes since the museum's traditional farmhouse has uneven stone floors.

    
  • Day 3

    Waltenheim to Saverne

    Take a scenic morning cruise past small villages like Schwindratzheim and Hochfelden. You'll find excellent paved trails along the canal for walking or biking (bikes are available on the ship). After lunch, visit Château du Haut-Barr, known as "The Eye of Alsace." The walk up takes about 30 minutes and it's steep, but the views across the Rhine Valley are worth it. End your day with local tarte flambée (Alsatian pizza) at a restaurant in Saverne.

    
  • Day 4

    Saverne to Lutzelbourg

    Start with a walking tour of Saverne, a beautiful town that most tourists miss. The afternoon cruise takes you into the Vosges Mountains where the canal weaves through forest valleys. Later, you can hike up to Lutzelbourg Castle ruins. The round trip takes about 45 minutes. Make sure to wear good shoes as the path can get slippery.

    
  • Day 5

    Lutzelbourg to Xouaxange

    Today you'll see the Saint-Louis-Arzviller inclined plane, a boat elevator that replaces 17 locks. Visit the Lehrer Crystal Glassworks to watch glass masters at work. In Sarrebourg, you can follow the Chagall trail to see the artist's largest stained glass window. You'll have lunch by candlelight while passing through canal tunnels.

    
  • Day 6

    Xouaxange to Lagarde

    Spend the day cruising through the quiet Lorraine countryside. The peaceful canal is great for watching herons and kingfishers from the sun deck. Tonight is the captain's gala dinner, so bring one nice outfit.

    
  • Day 7

    Lagarde to Strasbourg

    Disembark after breakfast at 9 AM. You can take an optional coach back to Strasbourg (about 1.5 hours). Book this ahead since taxis are hard to find in Lagarde. If you're going to Paris next, take an afternoon train from Strasbourg when it's less busy.

    

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• 4 Days in Alsace Christmas Markets, incl. Strasbourg and Potter Villages

  A regional immersion aboard MS La Bohème spans four days, featuring Strasbourg's historic center, artisanal potter villages Soufflenheim and Betschdorf, plus Royal Palace Kirrwiller. The ship remains centrally docked, offering all meals and drinks throughout the trip.

  

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  • Day 1

    Strasbourg Arrival

    Arrive in Strasbourg by late afternoon to check in at your river cruise ship. The port is about 15 minutes by taxi from the main train station. Take a walk through the illuminated Grande Île (historic center) for your first look at Europe's oldest Christmas market. Consider booking an upper deck cabin to enjoy better views of the city lights reflecting on the water.

    
  • Day 2

    Potter Villages & Royal Palace Show

    Visit the famous pottery towns in the Alsatian countryside. Start your morning in Soufflenheim or Betschdorf (about 45 minutes from Strasbourg) to see centuries-old ceramic traditions. You can watch local artisans at work and buy authentic pottery gifts at better prices than Strasbourg's tourist shops. In the afternoon, enjoy a Vegas-style show at the Royal Palace in Kirrwiller. Remember to pack warm clothes for village walks since December temperatures usually stay around 40°F (4°C).

    
  • Day 3

    Strasbourg Christmas Markets

    Spend the day exploring Strasbourg's Christmas wonderland with a local guide. Get to the iconic Christkindelsmärik in Place Broglie before 10 AM to beat the crowds. Walk through the connected markets in Place de la Cathédrale and Place Kléber, trying local treats like bredele cookies and vin chaud (mulled wine). The markets become magical as thousands of lights turn on in late afternoon. For great photos of the lit-up half-timbered houses, head to Pont du Corbeau bridge.

    
  • Day 4

    Departure

    Have your final breakfast on board before leaving at 9 AM. If you're departing later, store your bags at the station and visit Place Gutenberg's artisan market. The morning hours usually have shorter lines.

    

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