Hotel Barging Makes the Perfect Post-Lockdown Escape
Privacy and Seclusion on a Private Barge Charter
How better to enjoy the very best of a destination on a post-lockdown escape than in the comfort and seclusion of a private barge charter? We are seeing a huge interest for charter bookings in 2021 & 2022 for groups of friends and families in hopes of reconnecting and making up for lost time during lockdown. With the perks of what feels like having your very own private floating villa, equipped with a personal crew and private chef, it's not difficult to see why.
Our vessels accommodate between 6 and 12 passengers depending on the individual barge. With our small group cruises, from hygiene to haute cuisine, you can expect the highest standard of service throughout.
The Path Less Traveled
The beauty of canal cruising is that you can access the smaller waterways of Europe that are often inaccessible to the larger river cruises. This means that you'll get to enjoy the scenic countryside all to yourself at an unhurried pace.
Live Like a Local, Visiting Lesser-Known Gems
Many of our guests return to us for a second or third barging trip. Our cruises avoid larger cities and ports, and never moor alongside another vessel. You are offered the opportunity to visit the region's lesser-known gems for a true cultural immersion, with the chance to "live like a local" for the day. What better way to truly get to know the destination you're visiting.
Hop On and Off at Your Leisure
Your luxury barge is always just a few feet from the shore and, if you wish, you may hop off at the next lock for a walk or a bike ride and meet up a short while later. Therefore, the inevitable "stuck at sea" feeling aboard large cruise ships is completely non-existent here. And, with their air-conditioned minivans close by, heading out to explore the region is easy, comfortable, and hassle free.
Chauffeur Service Throughout Your Stay
From the moment you arrive at your pickup point, feel the pressures of travel float away in the knowledge that your barge's fully air-conditioned minivans are on hand to "take it from here". Their spacious and well-equipped vehicle will whisk you away to the barge, where a champagne reception awaits. From there, they will transport you to your daily tours, and will always be nearby, even when you're cruising.
Private (& Often Exclusive) Insider Experiences
We all love the thought of getting off-the-beaten-track, and with your daily "Insider Experiences", they take great pride in introducing you to people and places that often aren't available to anyone else. Imagine sipping tea with a French countess in her private apartments in the 18th century Château de la Motte, an exclusive hosted fine Italian dinner on the banks of Byron’s River Po, a personal address by a Scottish bagpiper as he marches alongside the barge with the Highlands as his backdrop, or perhaps, an exclusive live jazz session as sundowners are served on deck.
Space and Well-being
When you fancy stepping out to soak up the sunshine, breathe in some fresh air and stretch your legs in vast open spaces, feel free to go for a walk or take one of the barge's bicycles on a towpath discovery. When you’re ready to come back aboard, simply meet the barge at the next lock. Those who are especially keen cyclists may be interested in the Biking Plus option with cycling maps, offering a more adventurous route, away from the towpath. eBikes are also available at a supplement.
Tailor-Made Itineraries
Itineraries have been carefully designed so guests leave the vessel knowing that they have experienced the very best of the region – from food and drink to culture and history, and everything in between. Led by an onboard guide, private tours can be tailor-made to suit guests’ needs: perhaps to avoid any crowds or simply escape from the midday sun. Many of these tours also offer exclusive access to private venues, creating a unique experience with the space and freedom to fully explore at leisure.
The expert local knowledge of your guides, make your experience truly unforgettable as you discover ancient vineyards, medieval centers, charming châteaux, picture-perfect villages, and so much more. A host of fun-filled activities are also available for families and special interest groups, including tennis, golf, kayaking, and horse riding.
A Gastronomic Journey
Gastronomy plays a huge part on a barge cruise, with gourmet fares prepared by an expert chef, creating each menu using locally-sourced ingredients. With irresistible menus served with full table service inside or out on deck, it is like you’re attending a different restaurant for each meal without a buffet table in sight. Of course, you can’t enjoy fine cuisine without a hand-picked selection of fine wines, and so your wine expert will present their choice to the table at every lunch and dinner.
Plan Your Post-Lockdown Escape
Enjoy 2021 and 2022 barge cruises at 2020 prices for a limited time! Be sure to check our current special offers HERE.
Also...
- For bookings made by September 30, 2020 for cruises in 2020 or 2021, you may reschedule your cruise at any time up to 30 days prior to departure if certain COVD-19 related government regulations will or are likely to prevent travel to the barge. See Book Your Cruise With Confidence for more information.
- Please visit our website for Safe Cruising Protocols being undertaken by the barges.
