http://www.europeanwaterways.com/ - In the Summer and Autumn, hotel barge Panache cruises the beautiful waterways of Alsace. It is a region in Eastern France with a unique mix of French and German cultures, Baroque and Romanesque architecture, storybook villages, diverse culinary specialities and wonderful white wines. During our voyage we visit historic landmarks such as Strasbourg’s majestic Gothic cathedral and the enchanting village of Saverne where history traces back over 20 centuries to the Gallo-Roman times. We also tour fascinating places such as Sarrebourg with its museum and the chapel containing Marc Chagall’s stunning stained glass windows, and visit the outstanding René Lalique collection of Nouveau and Art Deco glassware. We explore the rolling Vosges hills on the Route des Vins d'Alsace, where the finest wines of the region are produced. And of course experience an ascent or descent aboard Panache of the dramatic ‘boat elevator’ at Arzviller. Panache is a stylish twelve passenger hotel barge, with spacious public areas and six comfortable double or twin en suite cabins. All the bathrooms have twin handbasins and oversized showers. There are panoramic windows in the saloon and the hotel barge has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings. A large sun deck and spa pool, plus 12 bicycles for guests’ use to explore the towpath complete the picture. What is hotel barging? Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers. This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto. Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience! European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands. The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools. http://www.europeanwaterways.com/
Visibility: 3796
Duration: 2m 5s
Rating: 11