Rhine cruise and Strasbourg tour: private boat, up to 7 people

Swim and paddleboard in a clear, warm gravel pit surrounded by swans and wild geese.

A private boat cruise on the Rhine departing Strasbourg in the morning, sailing to Gambsheim or Offendorf for lunch and water activities, then returning for a two-hour walking tour of the city's historic center. The boat holds up to seven passengers and includes breakfast, lunch, unlimited Crémant d'Alsace, snacks and the choice of swimming or paddle boarding in the afternoon. A live guide speaks English, French or German throughout the day, which runs roughly eight hours from morning departure to early evening return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and Strasbourg city visit

• Depart between 9 and 10 a.m.
• Pass through largest river lock in France
• Pass fish pass in Gambsheim
• Lunch at port restaurant in Kehl or Offendorf
• Afternoon swimming and paddle boarding at Offendorf port
• Return to Strasbourg in late afternoon
• Visit Petite France district and covered bridges
• See Strasbourg Cathedral and Rohan Palace
• View European Parliament and Council of Europe
• Enjoy aperitif with Italian charcuterie and Crémant d'Alsace
• End day between 6 and 7 p.m.

The Experience

The boat leaves between 9 and 10 in the morning. You'll pass through the largest river lock in France at Gambsheim, then sail downriver to either Gambsheim or Offendorf, where a gravel pit holds clear, warm water and a working restaurant at the port. Lunch is included—a dish, dessert and drink—or you can eat on board instead. The afternoon is yours to swim, paddle board, tan or simply watch the birds and wildlife along the banks.

Breakfast arrives when you board: pastries, coffee and juice to start. Throughout the day, snacks keep coming—Italian charcuterie, breadsticks, more after you swim. Crémant d'Alsace flows without limit; soft drinks and water too. The guide, fluent in English, French and German, narrates the route and answers questions as you move, so you follow comfortably in your own language.

By late afternoon the boat turns back toward Strasbourg. You dock and walk the city for two hours on foot. The route takes you through Petite France—the half-timbered houses and cobbled streets of the old quarter—across the Covered Bridges, past the cathedral, along the Vauban Dam terrace for a panoramic view, and past the European Parliament and Council of Europe buildings. An aperitif and a platter of Italian charcuterie wait during the walking tour. The day ends between 6 and 7 p.m.

What’s included

• Breakfast on board, lunch with a dish, dessert and drink (at the restaurant or on the boat), unlimited Crémant d'Alsace and soft drinks, snacks including Italian charcuterie and breadsticks before and after swimming.
• swimming and paddle boarding in the afternoon.
• a two-hour walking tour of Strasbourg including Petite France, the Covered Bridges, the cathedral, the Vauban Dam terrace and the European institutions.
• a live guide in English, French or German.
• pickup from Strasbourg.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Alsace Bateau Privatisé

Is this one for you?The guide speaks your language—English, French or German—so you follow the route and the history without translation or guesswork. Book this if you want the commentary woven through the day rather than walking on your own or hiring a separate city guide.

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Top questions

What happens if I want to eat lunch on the boat instead of at the restaurant?

Lunch is included either way—a dish, dessert and drink. You choose whether to eat at the restaurant at the port of Gambsheim or Offendorf, or stay aboard the boat while it's docked.

Can I bring my children on this cruise?

Children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. Only passengers over 18 can drink the Crémant d'Alsace, but everyone else gets unlimited soft drinks and water.

What is the Covered Bridges and why do people visit them?

The Covered Bridges are three historic bridges spanning the Ill River in the heart of Petite France, each lined with four fortified towers that date back centuries. They're listed as historic monuments and offer views of the half-timbered houses and canals that make the old quarter famous.

Is the guide included, and what languages does he or she speak?

Yes, a live guide is included throughout the day and speaks English, French and German, so you follow the commentary in whichever language suits you.

What is the gravel pit where we swim, and why is the water clear?

The afternoon swimming spot is a gravel pit near Offendorf or Gambsheim where the water stays clear and warm, surrounded by wildlife including swans and wild geese. It's a working water recreation area with a restaurant and facilities at the port.

Does the price include pickup from my hotel?

Yes, pickup is included. The boat departs from Strasbourg between 9 and 10 a.m., and you return to the city by early evening.