Obernai or Colmar for 1/2 day visit -- or just stay in Strasbourg?

To better ensure you make the bus back to the ship, consider either Obernai or just staying in Strasbourg. Assuming the tour ends about 11-12:00 the train to Colmar and back would use up about 1.5 hours of the remaining time. The historic center of Colmar is a mile from the train station using up even more time.

I think that is an excellent suggestion. I am still inclined to try Obernai which is closer and from what I understand a short walk from the train station into town. By the way, our ship does not leave until after dinner so there is that cushion, but I would like to catch the last bus offered by the ship which is at 5:30pm. If we got to Obernai by noon or 12:30 at the lastest, we should be able to look around for three hours and then head back to Strasbourg.

I agree with the above. Too much travel time for Colmar.

Have you been to Strasbourg before? There is more than just a morning tour of sights. Maybe enjoy some Alsatian food for lunch. A Tarte Flambée with a glass of local Riesling or beer at an outdoor table, then visit a sight or area that the morning tour missed

I am very open to that idea. I know I can google it, but are there any things you would recommend for Strasbourg - maybe something a little off the beaten path?

I don't know if you enjoy museums, if so there is a museum near the cathedral detailing the history of the area. I thought it was very good. https://www.musees.strasbourg.eu/musee-historique

Thank you for that suggestion. I'm not crazy about museums though.

I was in Strasbourg this spring and was surprised by how much I liked it! I found it more appealing than Colmar. If you decide to stay in Strasbourg, I can recommend the Batorama cruise that lets you see the city from the river. I took the "red" route which takes you out past the Parliament building. It's also fun to go through the locks. This route takes 1:10 hrs.

We have no idea what is included in your morning tour. Do a bit of research.

See the Cathedral's astronomical clock and the climb up to the viewing platform for panoramic views over the city and beyond on a clear day.

Wander around la Petite France, half timbered houses, canals, stop for a pastry.

If you're not tired of being on the water, take a boat tour. There are several to choose from depending on your interest and time.

Just wander the narrow streets around Place Kleber.

Visit the European Parliament.

Might not be for everyone but I had a visit to the EU parliament on my list for our trip. https://visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/visitor-offer/strasbourg/hemicycle You can visit anytime but if you wanted to see an actual session the calendar is here. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240308IPR18994/parliament-adopts-its-calendar-for-2025 For I that I believe you need a special reservation https://visiting.europarl.europa.eu/en/visitor-offer/strasbourg/hemicycle-during-plenary-session

Laurie Ann, thanks for that specific suggestion and websites. It looks very interesting.

Dawn, thank you for the cruise suggestion. I also do not know what is on the morning tours provided by the ship. I am note averse to doing research but am asking for ideas that people have experienced. I greatly appreciate those that were presented.

My comment regarding research, is for you to research some of the ideas that are being presented to you.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

Thanks, Jean. I understand now what you meant and of course will research the ideas presented. I really appreciate people sharing their experiences.