CroisiEurope Hotel Barge Christmas market cruises along the Alsatian canals

Ready for a little holiday shopping on the Rhine? Spend three nights and four days on MS Madeline – part of the CroisiEurope fleet of guest hotel ships – as she sails along the Alsatian canals on a tour of the Christmas markets. The return trip is the latest addition to CroisiEurope’s holiday cruises, starting and ending in Colmar, with port calls in the idyllic French towns of Kunheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr.

During the excursion, cruise along a landscape-lined canal from Colmar to Kunheim and savor Alsatian gingerbread. Then stroll through the holiday exhibitions in Kayersberg, where authentic Alsatian decorations are on display. Next, explore the quaint wine shops set against the cobblestone streets in the medieval town of Riquewihr, where half-timbered houses provide a charming backdrop for the city’s Christmas market.

©Bill Maloney

Enjoy a variety of onboard activities on the way back to Colmar. Once there, head into the city center for a guided tour of Little Venice, where canals meander between bright, decorated, traditional houses. Visit the Choco-Story chocolate museum and treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate before perusing the Christmas decorations, household goods, gifts and culinary treats on display in the market square.

Nightly events on board include an evening of music and storytelling, and a closing gala. The next departure dates are December 12th and 16th with prices starting at $1,185 per person. All meals and drinks, port excursions, port fees and emergency/repatriation insurance are included in the price.