“European Waterways’ guests want unique and memorable experiences that immerse them in the local culture – not as detached observers, but as active participants in ways that enrich their lives,” said Derek Banks, European Waterways’ managing director.
European Waterways’ 12-passenger La Belle Epoque deluxe hotel barge is a prime example of the luxury that awaits the company’s guests.
Cruising the Burgundy Canal, La Belle Epoque takes guests on excursions that include a private champagne tasting at Maison Taisne Riocour Champagne House, as well as dinner with the Baroness Ségolène De Taisne at her Château de Ricey-Bas.
Meanwhile, European Waterways’ excursions feature private transportation and often exclusive guided tours where guests interact with local personalities.
Featuring one of European Waterways’ most diverse cruising schedules, the 12-passenger Panache hotel barge cruises Holland in the spring, France’s Champagne region in early summer, and Alsace and Lorraine from July to October. This “relaxed luxury” trend is helping to fuel the increasing popularity of European Waterways’ hotel barge cruises. In Alsace and Lorraine, guests watch glassblowers in action, ride a 150-foot-high boat lift and enjoy the famous local flammekueche tart.
Today’s affluent travellers want to enjoy first-class service and accommodations in a friendlier, more casual setting without “old-world” pretensions.
Guests will also ride along the Route des Vins d’Alsace (the Alsace Wine Route) and savour a private tasting, among other experiences. Guests enjoy luxury amenities that include ensuite accommodations, a spa pool, and stylish furnishing. “They return from their excursions to a table exquisitely set for dining and worthy of the finest restaurant.
Guests also visit Eilean Donan and Urquhart castles and get “up close and personal” to a bird of prey demonstration on the banks of Loch Ness. Guests don’t need to follow a “black tie” or fancy dress code. An attentive crew is always ready to satisfy their every wish, and an onboard master chef prepares their gastronomic meals paired with the finest local vintages. In Champagne, guests are treated to a private tour and tasting at Moët & Chandon. It features wood-panelling, custom-made seating, a spacious sundeck, a spa pool, and marble ensuite junior cabins and staterooms.
At 117 feet in length, European Waterways’ Scottish Highlander has every comfort needed to enjoy the magnificence of the Scottish Highlands. Among the itinerary highlights are a private tour and tasting at Dalwhinnie whisky distillery. The vessel’s yacht-like design boasts brass and mahogany fittings, panoramic windows for an unparalleled view of the passing countryside, leather chairs and polished hardwood floors. It is one of the few in Scotland that still uses wooden worm tubs, the traditional way of turning spirit vapour back into liquid.
The meals are always lively, entertaining, and often memorable, with conversations that produce long-term friendships beyond the cruise.” Its décor evokes a country house atmosphere with subtle tartan furnishing, wooden panelling, and leather Chesterfield sofas. The company’s deluxe vessels are often compared to floating boutique hotels in Europe and the UK. Here, they are treated to a private tour of the cellar of one of its many wine producers. In Holland, itinerary highlights include a tour of the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens. Other excursions include visiting the Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They also visit Epernay, the self-proclaimed capitale du Champagne (capital of Champagne) and home to many Champagne houses. Yet, amid all the luxury and special treatment, the atmosphere is always relaxed. A well-stocked open bar features some of Scotland’s finest single malt whiskies. They might even share a private meal with them in their château! A six-person crew ensures that every guest receives personalized service throughout the journey. It also has a spacious sundeck perfect for relaxing and alfresco dining.
