European Waterways offering early bird specials

European Waterways has announced that it is offering a 10 per cent off “early bird” special on select departures in 2017 for those who book their cruises by 31 December 2016. Eligible cruises are available from March through late August, making this an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of the most popular hotel barge cruises at the best times of the year.

Participating hotel barges include the bright and spacious 20-passenger La Bella Vita, which cruises the Venetian Lagoon and Po Valley; the eight-passenger Rosa, which takes guests through the rural, colourful landscape of Gascony in Southwest France; and the 12-passenger Panache, whose panoramic saloon windows and large sun deck offer guests the perfect view of the historic Alsace Lorraine region with its mixture of French and German cultures.

European Waterways cruises gently carry passengers through the heart of some of Europe’s most picturesque regions. Guests experience the local gastronomy and enjoy private wine tastings as they discover the culture and history of each region. Cruise highlights include a visit to the village of Le Mas d’Agenais and the colourful market of Marmande on the Rosa; a romantic candlelit meal while cruising through the two Arzviller tunnels on Panache’s summer cruises in Alsace Lorraine; and a visit to Mantua’s Ducal Palace and gardens – or the Doge’s Palace in Venice on La Bella Vita.

“’Everyone should do this at least once in their life’ is a frequent comment among our guests, with ‘it’s the best way of seeing France’ a universal sentiment,” said Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways. “The friendships and comradery that develop among our small groups of sophisticated ‘cultural adventurists’ makes for a truly unforgettable vacation. That’s why many of them return to cruise with us again.”