European Waterways, Europe’s largest luxury hotel barging cruise company, announced that its new luxury hotel barge Finesse will launch her maiden season in May 2016 cruising a new route as part of the company’s continuing expansion of vessels and services.
An eight-passenger, ultra-deluxe, double-decker vessel, the Finesse will cruise the River Saône and Canal du Centre in Southern Burgundy through vineyards and past historic towns and villages. Staffed by a crew of five, she will feature a demonstration galley where guests can watch the on board master chef preparing the daily gourmet meals. Cabins will start at €5,090 (AU$7,175) per person, all-inclusive, based on double occupancy, with private charters from €34,900 (AU$49,200).
European Waterways are currently offering a special saving of 10% off cabin and full boat charter prices for May and June 2016 departures.
“We are always looking for new ways to both excite and entertain our guests, to make their cruise with us one of their most memorable,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “The Finesse is being built to exacting standards and with the utmost luxury in mind. She will have a modern design that includes a clean and spacious interior with panoramic saloon windows, offering plenty of natural daylight for passengers.”
Featuring some of the largest accommodation in the fleet, each air-conditioned, en-suite cabin can be set up as twin or double-bedded. The hotel barge will boast a spacious sun deck with an alfresco dining area and a relaxing spa pool. The new cruise route will also present excellent opportunities for walking and cycling, with level towpaths and gently rolling countryside.
Vineyards and Culture on the Finesse
The River Saône and Canal du Centre meander through some of the most renowned vineyards of Southern Burgundy, a region known for producing bold, aromatic Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The cruise treats guests to scenic and historic sites such as the wine producing village of Santenay, the city of Dijon with its wonderful produce markets, mustard shops and cathedral, and the Château de Germolles, a 14th century palace that was once home to the Dukes of Burgundy.
Other cruise highlights include visiting the riverside town of Paray-le-Monial, with its 12th century basilica, a masterpiece of Romanesque art that was also once a pilgrimage site. Passengers will travel through Côte de Beaune vineyards to Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wine country, and enjoy a tour and private tasting at Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils, as well as a private Michelin chef-prepared lunch in the Bouchard Château Orangery, owned by the winery since the early 1800’s.
“The Finesse will be the perfect vessel for cruising through the picturesque countryside of Southern Burgundy,” said Banks. “With its contemporary design, huge saloon windows, and light and airy public areas, it is the ideal ‘luxury floating hotel’ on which to indulge in the exceptional wines and gastronomic offerings of the region.”
For more information on pricing, cruises and schedules on these barges and more, please visit www.gobarging.com or call 1800 828 050.
SOURCE European Waterways