Cruise

Book Early and Save With European Waterways

European Waterways is rewarding multi-generational and small group travellers with early-booking specials of 10% off whole-boat charter prices on many 2019 departures of the company’s luxury hotel barges, good when booked before Sept. 14.

These specials include the March 24 and 31, 2019 departures of the 12-passenger Panache as it cruises Holland during the beginning of the country’s famous tulip season. Prices for these cruises start at US$53,550, which means a savings of almost US$6,000.

In addition to departures in Holland, Panache is also offering 10% off whole boat charter prices on select departures in the Alsace & Lorraine region, which the vessel cruises later in the season. Prices for cruises on Aug. 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2019 start at US$53,550, a savings of almost US$6,000.

“Co-ordinating everyone’s vacation is probably one of the biggest challenges to families and groups,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “Advanced booking provides guests with greater flexibility on departure dates and in designing the itinerary. We can tailor their excursions to include more activities that better reflect the interests and passions of their party. For example, we can organize more family friendly outings or culinary explorations, extra tee times for golfers or walking and cycling tours for the active travellers.”

Featured in one of Europe’s most successful culinary series, “Rick Stein’s French Odyssey,” the eight-passenger Rosa hotel barge cruises the Gascony and Bordeaux regions of Southern France, with excursions that include wine tastings, tours of medieval towns, elegant chateaux, and colourful village markets. Whole boat charter prices start at US$30,420 – a savings of almost US$3,400 – for departures on April 14, 21 and 28, as well as May 5 and 12, 2019.

European Waterways’ largest vessel, the 20-passenger La Bella Vita, cruises the Venetian Lagoon, River Po and Canal Bianco between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua. Along the way, guests are immersed in a unique “voyage of discovery” that encompasses the Renaissance, Roman, Etruscan, and Byzantine cultures. Itinerary highlights include a tour of Venice, a visit to Chioggia’s colourful fish market, and dinner at the 17th century villa of Ca’Zen, accompanied by none other than the countess herself. Prices start at US$66,960, a savings of US$7,440. Eligible departures include March 24 and 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28, and May 5 and 12, 2019.

(https://www.europeanwaterways.com)