b'FranceChristmas Lights and Holiday DelightsParis in December is a magical and enchanting experience, filled with the festive spirit of the holiday season. Beautifully adorned with festive decorations and sparkling lights, the Champs-Elyses, the Eiffel Tower, and the grand boulevards are illuminated with stunning displays, as the city transforms into a winter wonderland and a palpable sense of excitement fills the crisp, chilly air.Alsace, in northeastern France, is celebrated for its picturesque villagesand authentic Alsatian culture. Half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture create a fairy tale-like atmosphere. The Christmasmarkets in Alsace are deeply rooted in local traditions and community spirit. Adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and festive decorations that transform the towns into a magical wonderland. The scent of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread fills the air; carol singers and streetperformers add to the festive ambiance. Enjoy superlative French service aboard your intimate 11-cabin canal barge, and explore from well-located boutique hotels.Savor Parisian flavors and Alsatian holiday traditional treats and plenty of vin chaudmulled wineto keep warm as you stroll the wintry, cobblestone streets.ITINERARY8 nights|Paris, 2 nights; train to Strasbourg, 2 nights; River BargeMS Madeleine, 3 nights; train to Charles de Gaulle Airport, 1 night; departures Pre-trip Extensions: 1, 2 or 3 additional nights in Paris HIGHLIGHTSDelight in Paris, the City of Holiday Lights displays by night: the Champs Elysees, the grand boulevards and the spectacular windows of the famed Parisian department stores Visit Vaux-le-Vicompte chteau, decorated for the holidaysTake in the effervescent Christmas markets in picturesque medieval towns decorated in festive lights: Strasbourg, Colmar, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, ObernaiDiscover the stunning 12th century Chteau du Haut-Knigsbourg,situated on a high hill overlooking the Alsace plainView French masterpieces from the Renaissance to Impressionism at the Marmottan and Unterlinden MuseumsEnjoy the unique French-German customs, gastronomy and wines of Prices Starting FromAlsace and the Rhine Regions $4,999 per personGroup Size: Maximum 20 travelers Season: DecemberAccommodations: Four-Star boutique hotels; French River Barge with panoramic views HistoryHeritage WineCulture Gastronomy Christmas2 Conservancy Travel|conservancytravel.org'