The weather outside is delightful for European Waterways guests on the company’s new offering: Christmas Markets Cruises in Alsace-Lorraine, France. According to Managing Director Derek Banks, the holiday-themed hotel barge cruises are already a hit with travelers, who want to experience the old-world traditions of “Christmas past,” while also enjoying Alsace-Lorraine’s unique fusion of French and German charm. They are available on the company’s 12-passenger Panache on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin with excursions that include Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in Europe, and the market of Haguenau, known for its 52-feet-long nativity scene.
“Many of our guests have already experienced the very best of the warmer months in Europe. Now they want to try something different,” said Banks. “They look forward to the crisp, invigorating weather and becoming immersed in the holiday spirit: the bright, colorful lights, the smell of warm bread and chestnuts cooking over embers, and the spiced aroma of mulled wine wafting from the countless stalls in the public squares.”
A Christmas to Remember
Originating in Germany hundreds of years ago, Christmas markets are one of Europe’s most enduring and beloved traditions that attract millions of visitors every year. Often nestled in the shadows of majestic churches, they are renowned for the countless brightly decorated stalls that offer a bewildering array of artisan wares such as hand-blown glass tree ornaments and a whole host of festive souvenirs to take home. Visitors are also treated to regional delicacies that include fresh-roasted nuts, cookies and cakes, as well as a variety of cheeses, meats, fish, and sausages.
In Strasbourg, in addition to the Christmas markets, guests will visit the Musée du Chocolat, where the seasonal candy is made. The six Christmas markets of Colmar are also on the itinerary. They include the market at Place de la Cathédrale, which spreads out before the Gothic Eglise Saint-Martin. In Lorraine, the journey continues with excursions taking guests to the Meisenthal Glass Bauble factory to watch its artisans in action, as well as the Musée Lalique, which houses the incredible glassware collection of French jeweler and master glassmaker René Jules Lalique.
After time exploring the delights of the region, guests look forward to returning to the inviting atmosphere of the cozy barge saloon, where a warming “tipple” awaits them, while the master chef prepares a lavish, four-course evening meal.
European Waterways’ Christmas Markets Cruises are all-inclusive with luxury accommodations, daily excursions, fine wine, and gastronomic meals made using locally sourced and seasonal produce. Guests can book individual cabins or charter the entire barge for a family or group.
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