European Waterways is offering last-minute opportunities for travellers to experience luxury hotel barge cruising with 20 per cent off its departures on both charters and cabins in 2023.

They include charters for the 9 April and 30 April 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 14 May departure of La Bella Vita in Italy.

Finesse (Supplied)

With 20 per cent off, savings on eligible departures are significant. With as much as €11,600 (AU$18,000) off the €58,000 (AU$90,100) charter price for the eight-passenger Finesse, which can be booked for €46,400 (AU$72,100) for the 30 April departure. Charter of the 2 April departure is even less, at €40,000 (AU$62,150). Cabins for the March 26 departure of the 12-passenger Panache are available for €4,400 (AU$6,800) per person, a saving of €1,100 (AU$1,700), based on double occupancy. The specials are valid when booked by February 13, 2023, and cannot be combined with other offers.

“People are definitely ready to travel again after years of pandemic-related restrictions,” Derek Banks, European Waterways’ managing director, said.

“With ‘relaxed luxury’ experiences among the biggest trends this year, it’s clear to see why European Waterways 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 Style

The end of March signals the start of Holland’s famed tulip season, when the region’s colourful tulip fields come to life. European Waterways’ hotel barge Panache, whose 26 March departure is eligible for the 20 per cent off special, features 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.

Finesse, whose 9 April and 30 April departures can be chartered at 20 per cent off, is among the newest members of European Waterways’ expanding fleet. It 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 chef at work. Among the highlights are a private tasting and 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.

Enchanting Experiences

The eight-passenger Enchanté is a spacious double-decker hotel barge with a bright, art deco design and open-plan demonstration kitchen. 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 8^th century abbey.

Enchanté (Supplied)

Back view from the Enchanté (Supplied)

With the 20 per cent off special, charters of the 2 April or 9 April, 2023, departures of Enchanté are €35,200 (AU$54,400), a saving of €8,800 (AU$13,700) off the €44,000 (AU$68,000) price. In addition to the classic cruise, charters can be tailored to multi-generation guests, or feature themes such as golf or wine appreciation.

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 17^th 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 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.

La Bella Vita (Supplied)

With the 20 per cent off special, cabins for the 14 May, 2023, departure start at €3,512 (AU$5,458) per person.

“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,” Banks said.

Featured Image: La Bella Vita (Supplied)