European Waterways, Europe’s largest luxury hotel barge cruising company, is offering a Black Friday special of 30% off private whole barge charters on three of its most popular cruises in France for 2021. The special is valid when booked during Thanksgiving Day weekend, November 27 through December 4, 2020. Cruises are all-inclusive and include all gourmet meals, wine and liquor onboard, private wine tasting excursions and guided tours, and onboard amenities such as deck-top spa pools, and bicycles for pedaling along the level towpaths or exploring nearby villages.
Among eligible cruises for the Black Friday special are the April 11 and May 2, 2021 departures of the 8-passenger Anjodi hotel barge, a founding member of the company’s fleet. Cruising the Canal du Midi, Anjodi features a classic Dutch design and all modern conveniences. With 30% off, charters start at just $24,850, a saving of $10,650 off the $35,500 price.
The April 25 and May 9, 2021 departures of the 8-passenger Renaissance are also eligible for the Black Friday special. Ultra-deluxe Renaissance cruises the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy regions along the Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal. With 30% off, charters are just $42,700, a saving of $18,300 off the $61,000 price.
The third eligible vessel is La Belle Epoque. Hosting up to 12 passengers and cruising Northern Burgundy, it is offering 30% off on its April 25 and May 9, 2021 departures. Charters are just $49,350 for these dates, a saving of $21,150 off the $70,500 price.
“We are seeing increasing interest from multi-generational families and small groups who are looking to reconnect after months of separation due to government ‘stay-at-home’ policies,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “Hotel barges offer the perfect ‘travel bubbles,’ since guests can charter the entire vessel for the whole week.”
Among notable excursions on the Anjodi is a tour of Carcassonne, the most complete medieval fortified city in the world, as well as a private wine tasting and tour of the wine cellars of Château Pech-Celeyran. On Renaissance, guests will enjoy a private tour and tasting at renowned Sancerre winery, Domaine Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol, as well as a unique cruise across Gustave Eiffel’s famous aqueduct at Briare, which spans the river Loire. La Belle Epoque features an exclusive tasting at the Domaine Laroche and the renowned Alexandre Bonnet Champagne House, plus an exclusive hosted lunch with the Baroness of the Château de Ricey-Bas. Some of the itineraries can also be modified to accommodate the special interests of the groups. Private air-conditioned transportation is provided to all excursions, many of which are exclusive to European Waterways’ guests and conducted during less crowded times, when possible.
“Whether your interest is historical or cultural, you love good food and fine wine – or you love them all – we have the perfect cruise for you,” said Banks.
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.
