Luxury hotel barge cruise company European Waterways has just introduced some new special itineraries visiting Christmas Markets Cruises in Alsace-Lorraine, France.
These holiday-themed hotel barge cruises are purportedly already proving popular among travelers who are keen to the Old-world customs and traditional festivities of “Christmas Past”, all while basking in Alsace-Lorraine signature blend of French and German charm.
These European Christmas Market voyages sail down the picturesque Canal de la Marne au Rhin on the 12-passenger vessel Panache, and feature excursions to Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market on the Continent, and the market of Haguenau’s holiday market, famous for its striking 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 European Waterways’ Managing Director, Derek 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.”
Traditional Christmas markets originated in Germany centuries ago and signify one of Europe's most enduring and cherished traditions. Often nestled in the streets that sit among majestic churches and historic structures, these yuletide events attract millions of visitors annually. They’re widely beloved due to the myriad of brilliantly decorated vendor stalls, where you’ll find a vast variety of artisanal treasures on offer, including hand-blown-glass Christmas tree ornaments, and an array of other souvenirs and keepsakes.
European Waterways' luxury hotel barge, Panache. (Photo Credit: European Waterways)
Not least of all, market patrons also get the chance to sample local traditional Christmas treats, like fresh-roasted nuts, cookies and cakes, and a host of special delicacies, including regional meats, cheeses, fish and sausages.
While in Strasbourg, guests will not only visit the Christmas markets, they’ll also enjoy an excursion to Musée du Chocolat, where seasonal confections are being made. The itinerary extends to Colmar, which boasts six enchanting Christmas markets, including the one at Place de la Cathédrale, stretched alongside of the Gothic-era church, Eglise Saint-Martin.
And, while in Lorraine, guests can join excursions to the Meisenthal Glass Bauble factory, where they can witness its skilled artisans work; and Musée Lalique, which is home to the extraordinary glassware collection of renowned French jeweler and master glassmaker, René Jules Lalique.
Each day, after spending an ample amount of time sampling the delights of the local area, guests return to the cozy atmosphere of the barge’s saloon, where they can warmth up with a tempting “tipple” while waiting for the master chef to whip up a sumptuous, four-course evening feast.
European Waterways’ Christmas Markets Cruises offer an all-inclusive luxury hotel barging experience, complete with plush accommodations, daily excursions, fine wines, and gourmet meals that are prepared using locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. Travelers have the option of booking individual cabins aboard its intimate vessels, or chartering the whole hotel barge for their family or group.
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