Cruise Europe’s Canals With European Waterways
European Waterways has released its 2022 hotel barge cruising brochure, providing a comprehensive guide to cruising the canals and smaller waterways of Europe and the U.K.
The brochure features new excursions to cultural attractions, as well as enhanced experiences that offer more immersive, “deep dives” into the various cruise regions. It features easy-to-navigate guides that allow travellers to effortlessly find their perfect cruise – from the ideal itinerary, to the time to travel, to which barge style best suits their travel interests and needs.
According to European Waterways’ managing director Derek Banks, the company has ramped up its offerings of exclusive excursions and experiential outings for 2022 to meet travelers’ demand for unique and more memorable activities.
Said Banks: “Many of our guests tell us that they’ve ‘been there, done that’ aboard the larger river and ocean vessels, and they yearn for the truly unique activities that our smaller, more intimate barges provide.”
And he pointed out that: “You can’t offer ‘exclusive tours’ for a 100 people! Since most of our barges hold a maximum of 12 guests, exclusivity is our specialty! For 2022, we went in search of the more hidden gems and less crowded attractions that are tailor-made for small groups – and are often overlooked by visitors.”
As part of L’Impressionniste’s cruise in Southern Burgundy, for example, European Waterways has added a private tour and tasting at Domaine Chanson, one of the region’s most historic wine makers. The classic cruise also features a second wine tasting during the week, to Domaine Rion, a family-owned vineyard spanning five generations.
The brochure also highlights the hotel barge Renaissance, which cruises the Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal. Guests on the journey can enjoy a visit to the studio of the most celebrated female artist of the 19th century – Rosa Bonheur – which has remained untouched since her death more than 120 years ago.
The artist is best known for the extraordinary accuracy and attention to detail of her animal paintings, alongside an unusual friendship with American soldier, bison hunter and showman – Buffalo Bill. Renaissance will also treat guests to a more in-depth tour of Château de Fontainebleau, one of France’s largest royal palaces.
The château served as a residence for a series of French monarchs, from Louis VII to Napoleon III, the latter who was a nephew of Napoleon I.
The newly enhanced private tour includes a visit to Napoleon III’s sumptuous, recently restored Imperial Theatre, as well as certain rooms and galleries that are normally excluded from public view. For the artistically inclined, European Waterways offers the opportunity to participate in a pottery class at the Château de Ratilly, an impressive 13th century medieval castle that today serves as a haven for artists.
Meanwhile, food lovers can savor a cooking demonstration in the picturesque gardens of the Château de la Bussière, hosted by the barge’s chef. The château is also known as the “fishermen’s castle” because it features a museum of freshwater fish.
European Waterways is currently offering fleet-wide specials of 10% off on cabins and whole-boat charters for travel between now and Oct. 31, 2021, when booked by Sept. 20, 2021. Complete details, eligible vessels and dates are available at https://www.europeanwaterways.com/special-offers/?y=2021
For more, sail on over to www.europeanwaterways.com .
