offers you the unique opportunity
to explore the treasures of the countryside in
ultimate comfort aboard a fully-crewed beautiful
floating hotel barge cruising the canals and rivers
of France, England, Scotland, Ireland and Germany.
Your
floating barge hotel .... is furnished with every modern
comfort. The finest gourmet cuisine is prepared by
your on-board master chef, complemented by a wide array
of fine regional wines and an open bar. And, of course
the experienced and knowledgeable crew is there to
attend to your slightest need.
A
European Waterways Voyage ....includes accommodation,
all gourmet meals aboard and ashore, Champagne welcome,
open bar, excursions and admittance fees, use of bicycles
and other facilities such as sauna, spa pool/jacuzzi
and fitness room. Far removed from the hustle and bustle
of city life, our all-inclusive hotel barge vacations
offer a unique opportunity to travel in comfort without
the strains of unpacking and packing, whilst enjoying
a balanced blend of daily excursions and fascinating
cruising.
Cruises Includes
- Fully
air-conditioned suites, twin or double staterooms
- En-suite
facilities in all accomodations
- Gourmet
meals aboard and ashore
- Fine
wines and an open bar
- Fascinating
daily excursions
- Local
transfers
- Full
use of vessel facilities such as jacuzzi, bicycles
and sauna
The Classic
Traditions of French and International Cuisine - an
unforgettable highlight of your Barge cruise...
Our chefs are experienced culinary artists, whose gastronomic creations are
often rated higher than top restaurants and cruise liners by our discerning
clients.
Before
you awaken each morning, a crew member has already
been ashore to collect crisp breads, buttery croissants
and a variety of fresh pastries. Together with the
aroma of coffee, the day has just begun.
Lunch
will be a colourful arrangement of salads, pâtés, savoury
quiches and a selection of cheeses. Accompanied by
an excellent choice from the barge cellar, lunch is
often enjoyed on the sun-deck, perhaps while cruising.
Your
chef supplements the vessel's larder with fresh produce
bought from lock-keeper's gardens or local markets
and creates mouth-watering regional and national dishes
which are only challenged in flavour by the delicious
range of fine wines we serve you aboard. This really
does feel like the Grand Finalé to an amazing day of
exploration and intrigue, cruising the old trading
routes which stretch from the Mediterranean right across
Europe.
Requests
for vegetarian and special diets may be made at the
time of reservation, non alcoholic beverages and regular
or decaffeinated tea and coffee, whole or low fat milk
are offered with all meals.
Excursions
Our
excursions into nearby villages or countryside are
either a quick journey in the barge mini-bus or just
a short walk from the mooring. All excursions are entirely
optional, these regular opportunities to explore really
do allow you to experience to the full the area you
have chosen.
You'll explore ancient castles, picture-book villages and stately homes. Wander
around fascinating museums, take part in private wine tasting at renowned and
lesser known vineyards and shop in colourful open air markets. There is plenty
of time to browse tiny shops of skilled craftsmen, enjoy the special atmosphere
of the moment or shop for that gift which typifies the region in which you
are traveling.
Whether exploring the magnificent chateaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting
in the Roman Vineyards of Minervois and Corbières or discovering Celtic secrets
in the 6th century monastic settlement of Clonmacnois above the banks of the
Shannon River ... you can rest assured that our meticulously planned itineraries
include a host of pleasurable little side trips which show you the most delightful
highlights of the area you have chosen to cruise.
Special
Interests
If your vision of the perfect vacation is the pursuit of your favourite special
interest with a group of like-minded friends, in some of the most picturesque
scenery Europe has to offer, with gourmet food and fine wines, European Waterways
can make that vision a reality.
Our
theme cruises are automatically geared towards "middle" range
ability, however all levels can be catered for on request.
Theme cruises are available for whole boat charters (ranging from 4 to 12 people,
according to the boat) when organised directly through European Waterways.
The special activities available are the following Golf, Antiques, Tennis,
Riding, Walking, Painting, Biking, Fishing, Water-Sports.
If your interest is not listed and you think that it could be successfully
combined with a barge vacation in any of the countries we cover which include
England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and France. Just let us know and we will
see what we can arrange for you.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What
is a Hotel Barge?
Luxury hotel barges are smaller vessels, accommodating a minimum of 6 passengers,
maximum 50 passengers. They include all gourmet meals with wine, all shore
excursions, and most also include an "open bar" and bicycles for the use of
the guests. These vessels cruise on small waterways - mostly on canals, such
as the Nivernais in Burgundy, France's most famous wine country, the Canal
du Midi in the south of France, or through the tulip fields of Holland or along
the Caledonian Canal in Scotland; but sometimes they cruise on rivers, such
as the Shannon in Ireland, the Rhone in France and the Thames in England.
The
purpose of a barge cruise is not to rush from Point
A to Point B, but to relax in a stress free environment
with fine food and wine, enjoy the delights of the
countryside you are passing through, and get to know
the "soul of the country." The barges travel neither
far or fast
Is
Barging only for the Sedentary, older Traveller ?
Not at all! Canal cruising is for those who want a "close-up, personal" experience
in Europe. Mature & younger travellers find the pace and comfort of a barge
the ideal way to explore the real heart & soul of a country. More active types
like to take off on village walks, hill climbs or bicycles...meeting up at
the next lock. The unique advantages of a barge is that we can tailor an itinerary
and celebrate a special event to suit the guests
What
is there to do except eat well and drink wine?
Lots! Each morning and again after lunch, guided tours to historic and cultural
sites of the region provide guests many interesting choices from visiting chateaux,
famous vineyards, country market towns, private gardens to museums celebrating
art, weapons, textiles or bread! Other interests, like golf, ballooning, riding
and tennis are also accommodated. If it's Burgundy, there's a visit to Beaune
or Macon...along the Thames in England the route might be Windsor Castle to
Oxford. (In between, there is fine food and drink)
How
will we do the sightseeing?
Each barge has a designated crew member guide and an air-conditioned van or
bus that travels with it, for daily excursions to points of interest such as
nearby chateaux, colourful local markets, ancient monasteries, or fascinating
speciality museums.
Will
I get bored and feel confined?
Not if you enjoy meeting the locals, viewing passing vineyards and chateaux
from a hot tub on deck, or sharing experiences with a congenial group of travellers
on journeys more like "moving house parties. You will be able to get on and
off your barge practically at will, to take a walk along the tow path or a
bicycle ride to town. (Almost all the barges have bicycles on board for passenger
use). Meet and talk to the locals, view the vineyards, or accompany the crew
as they shop in the early morning for delicious, freshly baked bread and croissants.
Learn the secrets of fine French cuisine from your gourmet chef. Savour an
amazing variety of local cheese and other delicacies. All of this in addition
to the included sightseeing tours en route.
The
gentle movement of the barge, anchored at night, has
caused dedicated insomniacs to report wonderful, restful
sleep. It is the relaxed atmosphere aboard, the friendly
and helpful crew, the peace and tranquillity of the
countryside, together with the wonderful cuisine, lively
conversation and interesting sightseeing that make
it magical.
Are
Barge Cruises expensive?
Barges come in many styles and levels of luxury from rustic and comfortable
like a good Country Inn to elegant, like a fashionable Hotel. But the essence
of barging is not decor...but the taste and texture of the region that is revealed
in the welcome greeting of the villagers, the smiles and hearty charm of the
lock keepers, and the personal & friendly attention of local artisans and guides.
Barge rates do reflect the level of luxury and the season...but since they
are inclusive, they are great value. Meals, wines, open bar, guided excursions
and admissions...all included!
Generally
speaking, the smaller the vessel, the more personal
the service, and the more exclusive the experience.
This is reflected in the pricing. Small vessels are
ideal for families, groups of friends, or individuals
who who are attracted to the luxury of a barge cruise.
Do
cabins have private bathrooms?
All cabins have private, nicely appointed bathrooms with showers. Some suites
include bathtubs. Several barges have saunas and on deck hot tubs or jacuzzis
as well.
Are
there telephones and TV?
Usually there are no telephones, TVs or computers. For emergency communications,
barges do carry a cellular phone. However...anyone who chooses to break the
tranquillity of the voyage for urgent business like baseball scores, elections
or market closings...public phones are handily spaced along the canals. As
for TV, a few barges have satellite TV for those who can't miss CNN.
Will
I get sick?
Never...canals are not tidal and are controlled waterways. The gentle movement
of the barges anchored for the night have caused dedicated insomniacs to report
wonderful, restful sleep.
What
clothes should I pack?
What's the attire on board? Most passengers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on
board barges and fancy dressing is not the custom. Comfortable, casual attire,
sneakers or docksiders on board. Sweaters, a windbreaker and shorts or cotton
pants are recommended. At the Captain's final dinner, a little "dress-up" is
O.K. Ties are rare, and there is no need for anything formal.
Are
kids welcome on Barges?
Most adult passengers appreciate the atmosphere and company of grownups, so
kids under 17 are accepted only on full charters. Family charters, reunions
of generations, (from grandparents & parents, teens and even babies), grow
more popular each year, seem to appeal to all ages, and are welcome on barges.
When's
the best season for barging?
All seasons are lovely on the Canals, but seasonal rates do vary barge to barge
and region to region, and do reflect special activities (grape harvest in Fall,
tulip time in Spring). Some barges have a quiet time in July or August, and
most offer Value rates in early Spring and late Fall when weather can be beautiful
or unpredictable.
What
about tipping?
Always appreciated. Never required. Gratuities are not included in the price
of your trip - tipping is at your own discretion. We include suggested tipping
guidelines with your pre-cruise documents. On the barges, we suggest a guideline
of 5% of the cost of your cruise to be given to the captain at the end of the
cruise. The captain will distribute it to the crew. On the river ships, we
suggest $10-$15 per person per day - the gratuity will be divided among the
crew at the end of the cruise.
Will
I be able to make special request?
If there is a birthday or other special event to celebrate during your cruise,
or a special request for your diet, please let us know - the crew on board
is eager to tailor the barging experience especially for you!
What
is the difference between a River Boat and a Barge?
River boats accommodate from 60 to 250 passengers, and navigate the major waterways
of Europe, such as the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Po, Elbe, Douro and Volga. The
recent completion of the Main-Danube canal, makes it possible to travel all
the way from the North Sea (Amsterdam) to the Black Sea (Bucharest or Constanta)
on a "Grand European River Cruise" that spans eight countries.
On
a river cruise, you will sail from one fascinating
city to another, sometimes stopping at small romantic
villages, visiting fairytale castles and lush vineyards.
There is always something interesting to see - often
on both sides of the river - and frequent stops are
made for shore excursions, or just to give you a chance
to taste the nightlife, or experience the daytime ambience,
of a foreign town.
Aboard
the river ships you will find elegant dining rooms,
spacious sun decks, comfortable lounges, fitness facilities,
and sometimes swimming pools. Limited laundry service
is available on most river ships, but not on most barges.
A river cruise, like an ocean cruise, is a "one-unpacking
vacation" - no more early morning wake-up calls for
long coach rides from hotel to hotel! All meals on
board are included in the cruise price, but your bar
tab is charged to your shipboard account Aboard the
river ships you will find elegant dining rooms, spacious
sun decks, comfortable lounges, fitness facilities,
and sometimes swimming pools. Limited laundry service
is available on most river ships, but not on most barges.
The shore excursions may be optional at a supplemental
cost.
Do
all the river cruises offer the same services?
Not all river cruises offer exactly the same services and amenities. On some,
the dining room is "open seating" so that you can enjoy dining with different
guests throughout your holiday, while on others, restaurant seating is assigned
when you arrive on board (but of course, you always have the option of requesting
a change in table assignment). A great variety of fascinating shore excursions
are sometimes included in the cruise price, while on certain ships, they are
only available for purchase on board. Some of the river cruises forbid smoking
in their restaurants and most public areas, while on others, there will be
a designated smoking section in the on-board dining room. Generally, smoking
is allowed on deck outdoors. Some of the river cruises are sold only in English-speaking
countries, and service on board (announcements, shore excursions, etc.) are
done only in English; while other cruises are also sold in Europe and around
the world, so that announcements etc. will be multilingual, and you will have
a chance to mix with a variety of nationalities.
What
is the attire for a river cruise?
Clothing: informal and casual clothing is the norm on board for river ships
Soft-soled shoes are essential for the decks, and comfortable walking shoes
are a must. (Sneakers are excellent.) There are no formal events during these
cruises. At the Captain's Dinner on the last evening, a little "dress-up" is
the norm, but real formal wear is not usual. The weather in Europe can be very
changeable, so take a sweater or windproof jacket & a raincoat or umbrella.
How
much baggage can I bring?
Although the barges are spacious enough, there is limited storage facility
on board. For this reason we recommend limiting your barge cruise baggage to
one suitcase and one carry-on per person. But pack wisely, as there are no
laundry facilities on the barges, and laundromats are few and far between in
the rural areas. Since river ships are larger, and often the cruises are longer
it is not necessary to restrict the luggage you bring on board to one piece.
Most river ships do offer optional laundry service, but not dry-cleaning. If
the vessel you have chosen has a pool, a jacuzzi, or hot tub - don't forget
your swimsuit! Generally, the canals and rivers are not recommended for swimming.
What
kind of electricity is there on board?
All of our vessels are wired for 220 volts but not 110 volts. We suggest you
bring an adapter, converter, and /or the necessary wall plugs for your particular
appliance that corresponds to the standard for the countries you will be visiting.
Before using any electrical appliance while on board, please check with the
crew to ensure that it is suitable for the barge's electrical system. Some
of our vessels have hairdryers in the cabin, or available at reception - your
pre-cruise documentation will advise you about this.
Will
I have language problem?
All our crew members generally speak English. Some speak other languages as
well. When cruising through mainly rural areas, one is quite likely to find
the locals speaking with a strong dialect. Although sometimes difficult to
understand, we still encourage you to try to communicate with them
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