Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Derek Banks, the Managing Director of European Waterways, emphasizes that the most unforgettable moments for their guests often arise unexpectedly. While the company’s hotel barge cruises promise daily excursions to renowned vineyards, castles, and historical sites, Banks highlights the significance of encounters with people and the delightful surprises that enhance the overall experience.
Banks refers to these unexpected delights as “insider experiences,” which frequently showcase the rich traditions of the cruise region. Examples include a live jazz band welcoming guests back on board in the South of France, an entertaining “Opera Evening” during a Venice cruise, impromptu visits to local attractions like a Lock Keeper’s garden in Burgundy, or a Scottish Highland piper serenading guests by Loch Ness.
In addition to onboard feasts prepared by master chefs, European Waterways is committed to offering passengers unique gastronomic experiences in the cruise region. These may involve private dinners hosted by local aristocrats or in distinctive settings. For instance, guests can dine with a Countess at the 17th-century Villa Ca’Zen along the Po River or enjoy a meal with a Baroness at Chateau de Ricey-Bas in Burgundy.
European Waterways also introduces passengers to local personalities during private excursions. In Ireland, guests explore the country’s original “haunted house,” Leap Castle, hosted by its eccentric owner and Irish musicians. On the River Thames in England, guests witness traditional boatbuilders showcasing their craftsmanship at Peter Freebody’s Boatyard.
For nature enthusiasts, a truffle hunting dog leads passengers on a unique adventure in the Minervois wine region in the south of France. This experience is available on hotel barges Anjodi and Enchanté, cruising France’s Canal du Midi.
European Waterways’ luxury barge cruises are all-inclusive, featuring fully equipped en suite cabins, daily gastronomic meals, hand-picked wine pairings, bicycles for exploring towpaths and nearby towns, and guided private excursions per the itinerary.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
