European Waterways has launched a series of special offers on many of its popular hotel barges of 20% off on charters for cruises on the canals and rivers of Europe. The offers apply to a wide range of spring and summer departure dates and must be booked by February 28 to be eligible. Other conditions may apply.
Among the hotel barges offering 20% off is the 8-passenger Renaissance pictured above and in which we travelled. She cruises the Upper Loire Valley, a region renowned for its elegant châteaux and fine wines. With the cruise area located just one hour from Paris, it is ideal for people who wish to combine time in the “City of Lights” with a relaxing voyage along France’s oldest canal. At 20% off, a charter party of eight will save up to £9,500.
Also offering 20% off is the 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre, which cruises the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy. Notable for its ever-present towpath and scenic, wide open spaces, it is perfect for walking, cycling, or simply taking in the view. The whole-boat charter special of 20% off represents up to £6,300 in savings.
The 12-passenger Panache, which cruises the waterways of Holland in the spring at the height of tulip season, is also offering 20% off. Itinerary highlights include visits to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, as well as the Royal Delft pottery, and historic cities such as Leiden. Whole-boat charters provide savings of up to £11,000.
The 20-passenger La Bella Vita, cruising the Venetian Lagoon and the Po Valley in Italy, will appeal to both groups and extended families. They will be able to savor the many charms of the romantic Veneto region, with its multi-cultural heritage and Renaissance architecture, from a unique viewpoint as they cruise in luxury and comfort, enjoying the regional cuisine and delightful wines. Whole boat charters represent savings of up to £13,000.
“With the rise of travel by families, as well as multi-generation and small, special interest groups, this is an excellent opportunity for travel agents to provide their clients with some of the best values in hotel barge cruising,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “With their ’floating boutique hotel’ all to themselves, sumptuous gourmet meals that inspire lively conversation, fascinating excursions, and the cruise’s leisurely pace, a hotel barge vacation offers the perfect setting for spending quality time together.”
In addition to the charter specials, European Waterways is also offering up to 20% off cabin bookings on many hotel barge cruises. The offers apply to select departure dates and must be booked by February 28 to be eligible.
Prices are all-inclusive and include all gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, escorted daily excursions and local transfers to and from the hotel barge.