Ready for a little holiday shopping along the Rhine? Spend three nights and four days on MS Madeline — part of the CroisiEurope fleet of guest hotel barges — as she sails along the Alsatian Canals on a tour of Christmas markets. The round-trip route is the latest addition to CroisiEurope’s holiday barge excursions, beginning and ending in Colmar, with port calls in the idyllic French towns of Kunheim, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr.

During the excursion, cruise along a canal bordered by landscapes from Colmar to Kunheim while enjoying Alsatian gingerbread. Then, wander among the holiday exhibits at Kayersberg, where authentic Alsatian decorations are on display. Next, explore the picturesque winemakers’ shops fronting the cobblestone-paved streets in the medieval town of Riquewihr, where half-timbered houses create a charming backdrop to the town’s Christmas market.

© Bill Maloney

On the way back to Colmar, enjoy a variety of onboard activities. Once there, head for the town’s center for a guided tour of Little Venice, where canals wind between bright, decorated, traditional houses. Visit the Choco-Story chocolate museum and indulge in a cup of hot chocolate before looking over the Christmas decorations, housewares, gifts and culinary treats on display at the marketplace.

On-board nighttime events include an evening of music and storytelling and an end-of-cruise gala. Upcoming departure dates include Dec. 12 and 16, with prices beginning at $1,185 per person. All meals and beverages, port excursions, port fees and emergency/repatriation insurance are included in the price.