European Waterways, the leading luxury hotel barge cruising company known for creating immersive travel experiences, is excited to introduce a range of new and upgraded excursions. These exclusive, customized adventures are crafted to enhance guest experiences by providing deeper insights into the rich history, vibrant local culture, and exceptional cuisine and wine of each destination.
NEW: A Culinary Adventure Featuring Truffle Hunting, Olive Oil Tasting, and a Gourmet Lunch in Southern France
Guests can indulge in a gastronomic journey aboard Anjodi with a special culinary experience at Le Mas d’Antonin truffle farm. The adventure begins with a thrilling truffle hunt for the prized “black gold,” aided by Soïka, the expert truffle dog. Afterward, guests will enjoy a sensory treat, sampling their truffle finds with fine olive oils from the estate’s own grove. This experience culminates in a gourmet lunch, perfectly paired with local wines, all set against the picturesque scenery of this renowned estate.
NEW: Wine Exploration in Burgundy and the Upper Loire
Renowned for their exquisite wines and rich cultural heritage, the regions of Burgundy and the Upper Loire offer a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and world-class gastronomy.
Travelers aboard the Renaissance can indulge in an upgraded visit to the prestigious Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard, a historic family-run winery established in 1900 that covers 60 hectares. Guests will stroll through the exceptional terroir to learn about the viticulture of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Following this, they will explore the winery to understand their winemaking process and enjoy a private tasting of the finest vintages of their celebrated crisp white wines made from sauvignon blanc. This tasting experience is complemented by sampling the famous ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ goat cheese, a renowned delicacy from Chavignol. This truly immersive experience offers a deep dive into the world of Sancerre wines.
ENHANCED: A Private Wine Immersion at a Family-Owned Château on the Canal du Midi
Aboard Enchanté, guests can now enjoy an enhanced visit to the family-owned Château de Paraza. Situated on the picturesque banks of the Canal du Midi, the Château de Paraza is steeped in history, with its vineyard dating back to Roman times. The château itself, built in 1612, once belonged to Guillaume Riquet, the father of the famous engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet who designed the Canal du Midi. Guests will receive a private tour and tasting of the château’s Minervois fine wines, followed by a gourmet lunch in the elegant salon. During the meal, one of the winery’s sommeliers will share the rich history of the château, dating back to the 17th century. This enhanced visit offers a deeply immersive and unforgettable wine adventure.
NEW: Celebrate at a Prestigious Champagne House on the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne.
Luxury hotel barge Panache, designed in traditional yacht style, offers the perfect atmosphere for cruising through the Champagne region. The itinerary typically features decadent brie cheese tastings, a tour of the Reims Cathedral, and visits to Epernay and various renowned and boutique champagne houses.
This summer, the luxury champagne house La Maison Boizel has been added to the customized itinerary. Located on the UNESCO-listed Avenue de Champagne, this esteemed champagne house has been in the Boizel family since 1834 for six generations. Guests will explore the underground cellars, including the ‘family treasure’ with bottles dating back to 1834 and some of the finest vintages of the 19th and 20th centuries. The visit is highlighted by a private tasting of two exclusive Boizel champagnes. Additionally, guests can opt to visit the Musée du Champagne, dedicated to the history and art of champagne making.
Led by knowledgeable onboard guides and often hosted by locals, European Waterways excursions provide a truly personalized experience that is always private and often exclusive to European Waterways guests.
These new and enhanced excursions are sure to excite and delight this summer season!
Why We Recommend European Waterways
Founded in 1974, European Waterways specializes in luxury hotel barging, offering immersive, all-inclusive “gentle voyages of discovery” that highlight the culture, history, fine wine, and gourmet cuisine of each region. With barges accommodating 6 to 20 guests and a 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio, European Waterways ensures an exceptional level of onboard service as they navigate the intimate inland waterways that larger vessels cannot access. This unique access allows for spontaneous exploration by bicycle or on foot in picturesque surroundings. Additionally, there are daily chauffeured excursions to a variety of captivating destinations, from exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes. European Waterways, the largest luxury hotel barging company in Europe, operates a fleet that cruises through nine countries.