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| Vacation ‘Bubbles’ Featuring Small Groups Provide Sense of Comfort and Safety, Says European Waterways. (Pictured: Anjodi crossing aqueduct over River Orb) |
By Anthony Diaz (Anthony@herman-almontepr.com)
According to the latest industry surveys, the roll-out of the COVID-19
vaccine worldwide is helping to restore confidence in travel and drive new
bookings for 2021 and beyond. However, with health and safety still
important concerns, travelers are seeking out natural attractions and rural settings
over the traditionally crowded “tourist hotspots”. The result is a greater
demand for immersive, experiential travel away from the crowds that also
provides a safe “travel bubble”. It’s a unique combination that makes
luxury hotel barging specialist, European Waterways, “the perfect vacation
choice,” said the company’s Managing Director, Derek Banks.
“Our vessels hold just six to 20 passengers and cruise the gently rolling hills
and ‘paths less traveled’ of the European countryside, where the bigger river
vessels often can’t reach,” said Banks. “They’re perfect for families and
small groups of friends, who can charter the boats for themselves and enjoy
activities and private excursions tailored to their special interests. Guests
travel together the entire time, with an attentive crew that observes all
health and safety protocols, keeping their wellbeing top-of-mind.”
A Canal Runs Through It
Among the hotel barges enjoying a surge in bookings for 2021 is European
Waterways’ eight-passenger Anjodi, which cruises the Canal du Midi in
Southern France. A bonafide “star” in the company’s extensive fleet, Anjodi
earned praise from celebrated chef Rick Stein, who features the vessel in the
book that chronicles his “gastronomic journey of discovery,” French Odyssey.
The 330-year-old Canal du Midi itself is a star in its own right: a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, it is one of France’s most renowned architectural
achievements.
As part of Anjodi’s classic itinerary, guests are treated to a private
wine tasting at the Château Pech-Celeyran, which has been in the Saint-Exupéry
family for five generations. They also visit the hilltop village of
Minerve, which produces its namesake wine, as well the town of Carcassonne, one
of the best-preserved examples of medieval fortification.
Themed charters can focus on a range of family activities or on sports, such as
golf. “Wine Appreciation” cruises, for example, include private tastings at the
14th Century Château de Perdiguier and pre-dinner wine tasting at Chateau de
Guery, a 500 year old canal-side vineyard.
With the current special of 20% off the June 27, 2021 departure, a whole barge
charter aboard Anjodi is $32,800, based on eight passengers, a saving of
$8,200 off the $41,000 price. Price includes accommodations with en-suite
facilities, gourmet meals onboard, an open bar, all excursions and admission
fees per itinerary, bicycles, and other amenities. Special pricings are
also available on other, selected departures through the summer.
As Good as Life Gets
Cruising through the Veneto region between Venice and the Renaissance city of
Mantua, where hospitality is gradually reopening for residents, European
Waterways’ 20-passenger La Bella Vita takes guests on a fascinating
journey along the Po River and the Bianco Canal. Along the way, guests
are treated to the sight of colorful lagoon islands, peaceful farmland, and
marshes full of waterfowl that include flamingos, heron and other wading birds.
The vessel features a spacious dining and living area, as well as an
upper-level sundeck that offers unobstructed, front-row seats to the
ever-changing scenery, with a 10-member crew that includes a master chef.
Cruise highlights include a guided walking tour of Venice’s less frequented
historical Castello District, a tour of the coastal town of Chioggia on a
traditional wooden boat, and a private wine tasting and tour of the cellars of
Villa Widmann-Borletti. Hosted by the owners, guests will also dine at
the 17th century Venetian Villa Ca’Zen – a private stately home
where Lord Byron courted the Countess Giuccioli and wrote some of his finest
poetry.
La Bella Vita offers a variety of private, whole barge charters with
tailored themes that include family, golf, and wine appreciation. It also
offers a limited number of Opera Cruises that come with premium seats at the
Arena di Verona amphitheater. This year, guests can choose among performances
of Aida, Turandot and La Traviata.
With the current special of 20% off on the July 11, 2021 departure, charter of La
Bella Vita is $68,000, based on 20 passengers, a saving of $17,000 off the
$85,000 price. Price includes accommodations with en-suite facilities, gourmet meals
onboard, an open bar, all excursions and admission fees per itinerary,
bicycles, and other amenities. Specials are also available on other,
selected departures of La Bella Vita through the summer.
“Traveling together, guests become immersed in the culture and cuisine of the
cruise regions,” said Banks. “Canal towpaths provide gentle level
surfaces that are perfect for cycling and walking, and there are plenty of
little chocolate-box villages along the way that lend themselves to safe and pleasant
exploration.”
Book With Confidence
European Waterways’ “Book with Confidence” policy provides flexibility in
rescheduling future cruises, should they be impacted by government
restrictions. The health and safety of guests are also top priorities, with strict
protocols in place that include crew and passenger temperature checks as well
as deep cleaning and disinfecting of all cabins and public surfaces on the
boats. For more information, visit www.europeanwaterways.com.
About European Waterways
Hotel Barging is a boutique, unique experience which offers an immersive,
all-inclusive “gentle voyage of discovery” that focuses upon the culture,
history, fine wine and gourmet cuisine of the region. With a 6-to-20-person
capacity and 1:2 crew ratio, European Waterways are able to provide an
impeccable level of on board service and can transport their guests on the
intimate inland waterways that are inaccessible to larger vessels. This
fascinating network of smaller canals allows for flexibility, spontaneity and
ample opportunity to hop off and explore the beautiful surroundings via
bicycle, or on foot. In addition to this there are daily, chauffeured
excursions “off the beaten track” to a wide variety of enthralling locations,
from exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes. With over 40
years’ experience and a fleet that spans nine countries it is the largest
luxury hotel barging company in Europe. For more information, call
1-877-879-8808 in the U.S. and 1-877-574-3404 in Canada, or visit
www.europeanwaterways.com.
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