European Waterways is offering last-minute opportunities for travellers to experience “the joys of luxury hotel barge cruising” with 20% off specials on a number of 2023 departures in Europe, applying to both charter and cabin bookings. They include charters for the April 9 and April 30 departures of Finesse in Burgundy and the April 2 and April 9 departures of Enchanté on the Canal du Midi. Cabin specials are available for the March 26 departure of Panache in Holland and the May 14 departure of La Bella Vita in Italy.
Valid when booked by 13 February, 2023 – and not combined with other offers – the 20% off savings on eligible departures can be significant. They are as much as £9,800 (approx… USD 12,171.65) off the £49,000 (approx…USD 60,858.24) charter price for the eight-passenger Finesse, which can now be booked for £39,200 (approx…USD 48,686.60) for the April 30 departure. Charter of the April 2 departure is even less, at just £33,600, a saving of £8,400 off the original £42,000 (approx… USD 52,164.21 ) price. Cabins for the March 26 departure of the 12-passenger Panache are now available for £3,720 (approx… USD 4,620.26 ) per person, a saving of £930, (approx…USD 1,155.18). based on double occupancy and a starting price of £4,650 (approx… USD 5,775.88).
“People are definitely ready to travel again after years of pandemic-related restrictions,” said Derek Banks, European Waterways’ managing director. “With ‘relaxed luxury’ experiences and multi-generational travel among the biggest trends this year, it’s clear to see why the European Waterways’ experience is more frequently found on travellers’ ‘bucket lists’. We offer luxury accommodations, daily gourmet meals prepared onboard by a master chef, fine wine, as well as private and often exclusive excursions as part of our all-inclusive cruises.”
Cruising in Holland
The end of March signals the start of Holland’s famed tulip season. The region’s colourful tulip fields are coming to life, populating the land as far as the eyes can see. The temperature is also ideal for bicycling and walking along the canals’ level towpaths. European Waterways’ hotel barge Panache, whose March 26 departure is eligible for the 20% off special, features large, panoramic windows providing superb views of the landscape as it welcomes Spring. Itinerary highlights include a visit to the famous Keukenhof Gardens – “the garden of Europe” – which features 32 hectares of flowers. Guests will also visit the Zaanse Schans museum and conservation area to learn about the history of windmills, as well as the traditions of clog making and cheese production.
Cruising in France
The ultra-deluxe Finesse April 9 and April 30 departures can be chartered at 20% off. Among the newest members of European Waterways’ expanding fleet, this barge carries guests in utmost comfort, with luxury accommodations and panoramic windows that perfectly frame the rural splendour of Southern Burgundy’s vineyards and picture-perfect villages. A demonstration galley lets guests observe the experienced master chef at work. Among the highlights are a private tasting and exclusive gastronomic lunch in the unique barrel-shaped cellars of Maison Champy, Burgundy’s oldest wine maker, as well as a private tour and tasting at Domaine Chanzy.
The eight-passenger Enchanté is a spacious double-decker hotel barge with a bright, art deco design and open-plan demonstration kitchen that allows guests to watch their daily gastronomic creations being produced. Its Canal du Midi cruise features private winery tours and tastings. Guests also visit the fascinating 100-year-old Halles de Narbonne market that reflects France’s rich and diverse food culture. Other excursions include a visit to the medieval city of Carcassonne and to Lagrasse’s 8th century abbey.
With the 20% off special, charters of the April 2 or April 9, 2023, departures of Enchanté are now £29,200 (approx… USD 36,273.85).
Cruising in Italy
European Waterways’ La Bella Vita hotel barge cruises between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua across the lagoon and along the Canal Bianco. In between, guests are treated to unique experiences that include a private dinner hosted by the owner of the 17th century Villa Ca’Zen; a tour of the historic town of Chioggia; a private visit to the wine cellars of Villa Widmann-Borletti; and a visit to Mantua’s Ducal Palace and gardens. They will also cruise through the UNESCO designated Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its 360 species of birds that include the purple heron, flamingos, and snipe.
“Through these specials, we want to give travellers a last-minute opportunity to experience the magnificent European countryside at its most colourful, when the landscape starts to bloom for Spring and the temperature is ideal for sightseeing,” said Banks.
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