European Waterways, luxury hotel barge cruising specialist, is offering a wide selection of 2017 autumn season specials that are up to 20% off for cabins and whole boat charters.
The specials apply to some of its most popular vessels, including hotel barges that cruise France’s famous wine-making regions during the annual grape harvest season. These include L’Impressionniste in Burgundy, Anjodi on the Canal du Midi and Panache in Alsace & Lorraine. Prices are based on double occupancy and cruises must be booked by August 29 to be eligible.
Wine production is a vital part of the French economy, but it is also a great passion for its people. France’s Vendange – or grape harvest – starts as early as August and often goes as late as October and even November. With the largest selection of luxury hotel barge cruises in France and particularly the wine-growing regions, European Waterways’ autumn specials offer a unique opportunity for guests to see first-hand the country’s renowned harvest and to be in the middle of the action.
“The Vendange is not simply about harvesting grapes in France, but a time of great public celebrations and joyful family gatherings,” said Derek Banks, managing director for European Waterways. “If you want to get to know the soul of the French people, visiting during grape harvest is a great time to go.”
Among the hotel barges offering 20% off on select departures is the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste, which cruises France’s Burgundy region. The vessel winds its way through an area of many famous vineyards, some of which guests will visit. These include Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils, where guests are treated to a private tour of its extensive cellars and enjoy a private wine tasting. Other tours on the itinerary include visits to medieval towns, elegant châteaux and charming villages. European Waterways is offering 20% off per cabin on the vessel’s October 1 departure, a saving of €1,980 (AU$2,970) off the €9,900 (AU$14,860) price for two people. Its October 1 and October 15 departures are also eligible for 20% off the price of a whole boat charter, a saving of up to €10,980 (AU$16,480).
European Waterways’ 8-passenger Anjodi was especially designed to navigate the historic Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in another important wine-growing region, Languedoc-Roussillon. In addition to excursions and wine tastings at prominent vineyards, the route includes a visit to the hilltop village of Minerve, considered to be the ‘quintessential medieval village’. Guests will also enjoy a tour of Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in existence. The October 15 departure is available at 20% off per cabin, a saving of €1,500 (AU$2,250) off the regular €7,500 (AU$11,260), based on double occupancy.
European Waterways’ 12-passenger Panache features panoramic windows in the saloon that offer the perfect view of the lush French countryside in the Alsace & Lorraine region. Guests will explore the famous Route des Vins d’Alsace (Alsace Wine Route), called one of France’s “most evocative drive” by Lonely Planet. Excursions include a visit to the striking city of Strasbourg, unique in its blending of French and German architectures. Guests will also ride the famous Arzviller boat elevator, which carries the entire barge up and down the mountainside, bypassing 17 locks. The October 1 and 8 departures are eligible for 20% off per cabin, a saving of up to €2,020 (AU$3,030), based on double occupancy. Other departures are also available at comparable savings and must be booked by August 29 to be eligible.
Complete information can be found at www.gobarging.com/special-offers.php#offers.
Visit www.gobarging.com or call 1800 828 050 for information on pricing, cruises and schedules on these barges and more.
SOURCE: European Waterways