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Home » Non Sequitur » AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 6 – The Charming City of Strasbourg, France

AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 6 – The Charming City of Strasbourg, France

June 29th, 2016 | 22 Comments

Sightseeing in Strasbourg with AmaWaterways

The sixth day of our Enchanting Rhine River cruise with AmaWaterways, which embarked in Amsterdam and ended in Basel, Switzerland, took us to Strasbourg, France. The previous day had been spent in Heidelberg, Germany, a historical gem on the Neckar River.

Disclosure: my mother and I were hosted for an Enchanting Rhine river cruise courtesy of AmaWaterways. No conditions were made for a review and as always, my opinions are solely mine.

My mother and I had been having one of the best holidays we’ve ever had aboard the AmaCerto, being treated like VIPs, morning, noon and night! The excursions had all been fabulous, especially with the marvelous tour guides that AmaWaterways staff hand picks to lead the small groups. Last, but not least, the food on board always exceeded our expectations (which were high to begin with.)

In the morning before we ventured into Strasbourg, we had an early breakfast from the buffet.

Breakfast on the AmaCerto

Those passengers who chose to go on the Strasbourg hike departed at 9 am, and those of us who chose the city tour, left half an hour afterwards. One of the most amazing things I saw on my entire trip was on this short bus ride from Kehl, Germany, where we were docked, to Strasbourg, France. Our tour guide began telling us about the storks of Alsace, but then we spotted them! It was almost like a stork factory production line as each of the trees lining the streets had a nest with storks in them! Luckily, our bus driver stopped for us to have a quick photo-taking opportunity. You can see a video clip here.

Storks nesting in Strasbourg, France

My mother and I were elated to see so many storks in their nests. Our tour guide told us that the storks are a major influence in Alsace living, having many stories and legends passed down from generation to generation. We saw images of them in many places afterwards, and I would hazard a guess that the myth of storks bringing babies to parents might have begun here.

On the way to La Petit France, the old town of Strasbourg, we passed several important and significant buildings such as the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights.

Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights

The contemporary style of architecture in the buildings soon began to transform into older and more classic. On the way, we passed St. Paul’s, a beautiful gothic revival church.

St. Paul's Chuch in Strasbourg

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky when we arrived in Grande ÃŽle, Strasbourg’s historic city center which has been name a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Blue skies in Strasbourg, FranceImmediately, I fell in love with this city. The architecture alone had me smitten!

Touring Strasbourg with AmaWaterways.jpg

Our guide took us along the canal, explaining the interesting historical facts about Strasbourg and its struggles over the centuries between France and Germany. Soon we were in the medieval area of the tanners, with old, half timbered buildings and homes lining the streets. This building was erected in 1572 and is now a restaurant.

House of the Tanners in Strasbourg, France

We were shown the windows in the rooftops where the skins were put out to cure. I could only imagine how horrific the odors must have been back then. Thank goodness there’s no longer any ongoing tanning.

Strasbourg's tanners' buildings

Our guide continued to take us through the cobblestoned streets, pointing out many different buildings, shops and telling us so many interesting facts about this magical part of the city as we walked.

Strasbourg sights on the AmaWaterways excursion.
Remember I told you about those storks? Look at the design on the cookware.

Soon, we came upon the Strasbourg Cathedral, or the Cathedrale de Notre Dame, as the locals call it, imposing over one of the small streets: it was awe-inspiring.

Strasbourg Cathedral, France

For over 200 years, the cathedral held the title for the tallest building in the world; it is now the sixth tallest church in the world. It didn’t take quite as long to build the Strasbourg Cathedral as it did the Cologne Cathedral, but it did take 273 years (construction began in 1176.) There is an incredible amount of detail on the exterior of this structure alone, and it would take ages to fully appreciate all of it.

Exterior of the Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral, France

The interior of the cathedral was also astonishing. It is truly one of the most exquisite buildings in the world.

Strasbourg Cathedral interior

Art in the Strasbourg Cathedral

One of the most incredible features inside the Strasbourg Cathedral is the Astronomical Clock which is one of the largest in the world. It is extremely accurate and can discern when Easter will be in any given year. At 12:30 pm each day-

…the clock shows much more than the official time; it also indicates solar time, the day of the week (each represented by a god of mythology), the month, the year, the sign of the zodiac, the phase of the moon and the position of several planets. All these automatons are put into operation at 12:30 PM. – Wikipedia

AmaWaterways gave us tickets if we wanted to see the clock in action, which would have been wonderful to see, but Mum and I decided to explore more of the city instead (although if we had more than one day in Strasbourg, we absolutely would have waited for this display.)

Astronomical clock in Strasbourg

Our tour guide then gave us some tips and the rest of the time in Strasbourg was ours. We had chosen not to go back to the ship for lunch, so we stayed until the latest bus went back to the ship (there were numerous shuttles back and forth on this day, so we had lots of flexibility in what we could do.) Mum and I ventured into the area around the cathedral first to scope out places for lunch, although it was still early.

This is the square in front of the cathedral; everyone was really enjoying the lovely weather.

Square in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral

Including my mother and me!

Square in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral

Walking in Strasbourg with an AmaWaterways cruise excursion.

We picked up a snack because we couldn’t pass it up.

Pretzel in Strasbourg, France

Walking through the streets was so peaceful; there were many where we were the only pedestrians, and there were no cars or cyclists, either. Many of the streets were actually pedestrian-only.

Peaceful streets in Strasbourg, France

Mum and I soon came upon something we couldn’t resist: a bakery with bread and RHUBARB TART in the window! Those of you who know me, know I cannot pass up anything rhubarb! Mum had her eye on a simple Jambon Beurre, so in we went!

Rhubarb Tart and Jambon Beurre in Strasbourg, France.

I saved my pie for later, but we both tore into the sandwich! Delicious, but it only made us hungry so we headed back to a weinstube (a wine bar/tavern) we spotted earlier.

Weinstube in Strasbourg, France

Mum had a bowl of French Onion Soup and I ordered escargot, and in all honesty, I could have eaten a dozen instead of six because they were so incredibly tasty. Unfortunately, Mum’s soup was a disappointment. (We later learned that we’d missed Weinerschnitzel on the ship! Oh no!)

Weinstube lunch in Strasbourg, France.

A wine lunch in Strasbourg, France.

Mum and I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring more of Strasbourg, we did a little shopping and I took lots of pictures!

Sights around Strasbourg, France.

My mother decided to go back to the ship with some friends from the cruise, while I stayed behind with another new-found friend to do a bit more sight-seeing and have some beautifully scooped ice cream that tasted as good as it looked!

Strasbourg sights with AmaWaterways excursion.

Once we were back on the ship, it was time to get ready for the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail, and Gala Dinner. Mum and I were elated to be given a paper scroll tied up with a ribbon inviting us to sit with the Captain at his table! We were truly honored to be asked.

In the lounge later, Captain Istvan introduced the crew, chefs, managerial staff, bar and wait staff and others, and we toasted this wonderful crew.

Crew of the AmaCerto

After all the guests went to the restaurant to be seated for dinner, the four other invited guests, my mother and I, Captain Istvan and our Cruise Manager, Edward, stayed behind for another toast and a photo.

Captain's Gala Dinner Guests on the AmaCerto
No, the matching colors were not preplanned, believe it or not! :)

Dinner was simply a magnificent feast. The chefs never lowered the bar once during the entire cruise, and the service was always impeccable. I honestly would not make this up and am being completely truthful when I say that the food was just top-notch at every meal. It’s actually more difficult for me to write that everything was phenomenal because readers may think I have an ulterior motive, or I’m just not being honest, but this is just not the case. Take a look at these photos (which are not the best due to the indoor lighting.)

Amuse Bouche- Spinach, Feta Cheese and Tomato Salsa- a delightful and delicious start to our meal.

Amuse Bouche on the AmaCerto

Appetizers- Crab Cake,  Crayfish, Sweet Chili Cream, Wakame and Sour Cream- a lovely combination; the crayfish and crab cake were both sweet and fresh.

Seafood appetizer at the Captain's Gala Dinner

Soup- Lemon Grass Flavored Crayfish Bisque with Puff Pastry Sticks- light, yet flavorful; the lemongrass was a nice touch.

Crayfish bisque.

Sorbet- Refreshing Cassis and Sparkling Wine -I loved this palate cleanser!

Sorbet and sparkling wine.

Main Course- Grilled Sea Bream, Green Asparagus, Butter Sauce, Lemon Capers, Zucchini Pearls and Saffron Risotto- the fish was beautiful, but I just took a photo as I had the beef fillet.

Sea Bream aboard the AmaCerto.

Main Course- Tranche of Whole Roasted Black Angus Beef Fillet, Rosemary Jus, Red Wine Shallots, Carved Vegetables and Chive Mashed Potato- I’m not a beef person, but every cut of beef I had on the cruise was fantastic, this fillet, included. The presentation was also 5 stars!

steak on the Amacerto river cruise ship

Main Course (my mother’s choice)- Sage Gnocchi, Fresh Basil and White Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes and Gorgonzola- my mother is an Italian food litmus test for good and proper Italian cooking and even the gnocchi passed with flying colors. I will admit, I also tasted the gnocchi and I had to stop myself from eating my mother’s.

In between the courses, everyone had so much fun at the Captain’s Table, chatting, laughing and drinking with each other. My mother truly enjoyed the dinner, too; it was just a wonderful evening!

Captain's Gala Dinner on the AmaCerto

Christina with Captain Istvan on the AmaCerto

DESSERT- “Strawberry Reverie”- Strawberry Mousse, Strawberry Sorbet and Chocolate Cake- my goodness, the pastry chef knows what she’s doing! Each dessert was a strawberry celebration in flavor!

Strawberry dessert trio on the AmaCerto

DESSERT- (my mother’s choice) “Banana Split”- Banana, Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate Sauce, Almond a Wafer and Whipped Cream

Banana Split dessert

There were also some stunning petit fours which were passed around. How could I resist?

Petit Fours on the AmaCerto

Later that evening, Edward had arranged to have a couple of guest entertainers perform French chansons in the lounge.

What else could have made the day any more enjoyable and unforgettable? I can’t think of a thing.

 

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Continue on to Day 7/8: Riquewihr, France and Disembarkation in Basel, Switzerland

______

Disclosure:my mother and I were hosted for an Enchanting Rhine river cruise courtesy of AmaWaterways.
No conditions were made for a review and as always, my opinions are solely mine.
I am posting this in accordance with FTC regulations.

 

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AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 5 – Heidelberg, Germany
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AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 7 & 8 – The Beautiful Village of Riquewihr, France and Ending our Cruise in Basel, Switzerland
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Country, FRANCE, My Rants & Recommendations, Non Sequitur, Uncategorized · AmaWaterways, cities, cruise, europe, France, French, Review, Reviews, Rhine, river cruise, sponsored, Strasbourg, Travel

Reader Interactions

22 Responses

  1. michella khan says:
    March 27, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    I lived in a small town called “Epinal” for just over a year, back in 83, i did visit Strasbourg for a couple of days, sadly didnt get to tour it, was at the mercy of friends who lived there for transport.

    Reply
  2. AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 5 – Heidelberg, Germany says:
    September 13, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    […] Continue on to Day 6: Strasbourg, France […]

    Reply
  3. Patricia says:
    July 4, 2016 at 7:22 pm

    Christina, this post brought back so many memories – as I said in my comment to your Riquewihr post, I lived on the German side of the Rhine and visited Strasbourg quite often. A walk around Petite France was a favourite pastime, and I used to buy books in English at the Fnac in Place Kleber. We haven’t been back to the area for many years – I’m definitely going to keep this river cruise in mind for a future trip.

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      July 5, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      Wonderful, Patricia! I’m so happy that AmaWaterways is now a company you can look into when you check into river cruises.

      I too, would go to Strasbourg often if I lived nearby! There’s so much to see there, and I’d love to check out all the shops and restaurants! Hope to be able to spend a bit longer in these places some time in the near future.

      Thanks again, and keep in touch!

      Christina

      Reply
  4. AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 7 & 8 – The Beautiful Village of Riquewihr, France and Ending our Cruise in Basel, Switzerland says:
    July 4, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    […] was the last full day of our Enchanting Rhine River cruise with AmaWaterways. We left Strasbourg (actually, we were docked in Kehl) in the early morning hours and traveled south on the Rhine to […]

    Reply
  5. Cathy says:
    July 2, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    The Strasbourg Cathedral is absolutely stunning. The meals on your ship look divine.

    Reply
    • Christina says:
      July 2, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      It is and they were, Cathy! Thank you for following along!

      Reply
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  1. AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 5 – Heidelberg, Germany says:
    September 13, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    […] Continue on to Day 6: Strasbourg, France […]

    Reply
  2. AmaWaterways Enchanting Rhine River Cruise: Day 7 & 8 – The Beautiful Village of Riquewihr, France and Ending our Cruise in Basel, Switzerland says:
    July 4, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    […] was the last full day of our Enchanting Rhine River cruise with AmaWaterways. We left Strasbourg (actually, we were docked in Kehl) in the early morning hours and traveled south on the Rhine to […]

    Reply

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Meet Christina

A Scottish Italian cook living in Los Angeles, Christina is usually cooking, baking or (cr)eating something scrumptious. When she isn't in the kitchen, she loves to travel, near and far, as long as good food is involved. Christina is on a mission to save authentic Italian dishes from extinction, and is constantly promoting Scottish (and British) food as some of the best cuisine the world has to offer—one steak pie and sticky toffee pudding at a time.



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