Introducing you to some of Europe’s finest scenery, fascinating history and local culture – from the picturesque vineyards to the spectacular Highlands; from the sun-drenched waterways to the beautiful quaint towns, which look as if they are out of a storybook. You will glide serenely along waterways that pass through magnificent countryside; fascinating local excursions; indulge in delicious meals, fine wines and comfortable accommodation – whilst all the time being pampered by your attentive crew. A gentle cruise on a hotel barge is the perfect way to discover the very soul of Europe, exploring it’s wonderful countryside and historical treasures and meeting its many friendly, diverse people. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, hotel barge voyages allow you to travel in luxury without the strain of packing and unpacking, whilst enjoying a balanced blend of daily excursions and fascinating cruising. The luxury cruises we offer are a wonderful blend of daily experiences which we are sure you will remember for many years to come.
What’s the Difference Between Hotel Barging and River Cruising?
Hotel Barging:
- Only 6 to 20 passengers aboard
- Crew of 4 to 8, so a very high level of personal service
- Less than 100 miles in a week, cruising at only 3mph
- Cruises on pretty waterways inaccessible to larger vessels
- Gentle pace, immersion in the local culture and history
- A few feet from the shore, so explore on foot or bicycle anytime
- Gastronomy – more focus on the specialties and wines of the region
- Excursions in small groups to “off the beaten track” places
- Style: relaxed and exclusive country house -party
- Whole barge charters possible
River Cruising:
- 100 – 200 passengers aboard
- Lower ratio of crew to passenger numbers
- Longer distances, sometimes in more than one country
- Cruises only on major rivers e.g. Danube, Rhine
- Faster pace, less time to get “under the skin” of a region
- Only usually possible to leave the vessel at fixed mooring points
- Larger scale dining, international cuisine. Wines often extra
- Larger groups to the major tourist destinations
- Style: Similar to a major international hotel
- Stateroom/suite bookings only
THE JOURNEY HAS BEGUN You are collected at the designated meeting point by the Captain or another crew member and escorted by air-conditioned minibus to your hotel barge. After a champagne welcome and the opportunity to meet the English-speaking crew and your fellow passengers, we will show you to your comfortable stateroom or suite, with it’s full en suite facilities. We sometimes embark on a short cruise on the first evening and immediately the fascinating world of barge cruising begins to unfold before you. Then, perhaps after an aperitif, it’s time to indulge in your first gourmet dining experience aboard, complemented, of course, by fine wines.
RELAX AND UNWIND You can just wander along the towpath or stumble across some local villagers or discover a vineyard, its vines laden with grapes. Alternatively, just absorb the ever-changing scenery from a comfortable lounger or deck-chair on the sun deck. Your hotel barge moors up for the night and there is plenty of time for a cocktail before dinner, or perhaps to enjoy a relaxing soak in the spa pool.
VINEYARDS AND WINE TASTING Whether you are a connoisseur or simply know what you like, each cruise has something to offer when it comes to discovering regional wines and vineyards. There is a truly wonderful choice of wines and cheeses to enjoy, and the barges’ chefs and wine experts know exactly how to marry one with the other to make every meal on board a memorable one.
ENTICING EXCURSIONS Our hotel barges cruise gently past many charming waterside villages and towns. Every hotel barge cruise includes daily excursions to some fascinating local places of interest – châteaux, Cathar hilltop villages, markets, renowned wine cellars, as well as other hidden gems that you would struggle to find on your own. Even if you are not normally a lover of shopping, the vast array of fascinating shops and markets you can discover may change your mind. Families or groups of friends can charter any of the hotel barges. You will have the whole vessel to yourselves and she becomes a home from home, except that the crew takes care of all the hard work! Whether you are young or old or a combination of all ages, whether there’s cause for celebration, or just a chance to enjoy each other’s company…a family or friends’ charter cruise really does take some beating.
