Wine Tasting with European Waterways

European Waterways’ fully-crewed, 12-passenger hotel barge L’Impressionniste is cruising the Canal du Bourgogne on a special route designed to meet the demand for more wine–orientated cruises in Southern Burgundy, a region whose popularity continues to grow.

Highlights of the 6-night cruise itinerary include visits to the renowned medieval chateau of Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a special prized label to the finest Cote d’Or vintages. There will be visits to some prestigious winemakers such as Domaine Jafflin, home to some of France’s finest Grand and Premier Cru wines, for private tastings.

Also included on the itinerary are visits to Dijon’s Palace and market and the 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere, where passengers enjoy gastronomic delights and sample selected local burgundies in one of the fine restaurants.

The cruise route meanders through some of the great Burgundy vineyards and towns such as Beaune, capital of the region with a history of viticulture going back over 2,000 years. The itinerary includes a visit to Maison Champy, Beaune’s oldest winery established in 1720 and with even older cellars.

L'Impressionniste is a “floating boutique hotel” that comfortably accommodates up to 12 passengers. The boat is fully-air-conditioned and elegantly appointed with all modern conveniences, including an on-deck spa pool. Passengers are looked after by a highly experienced crew that includes the Captain, master chef, hostesses and a knowledgeable tour guide.

Rates for a cruise are from £2,690pp sharing a twin/double cabin. But for July and August departures, book 2 cabins and get the 2nd one for half price! Prices include accommodation in comfortable en suite cabins, all gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, daily excursions and local transfers.

For more info, visit www.gobarging.com or contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

A Luxury Hotel Barge Cruise

A cruise through Provence with European Waterways aboard luxury 8-passenger hotel barge Enchanté is genuinely like no other. After some Spring cruises along the 300-year-old Canal du Midi, she embarks in June on a series of delightful cruises through Provence, known for its gorgeous climate and fine cuisine.

Passengers joining Enchanté for any of these 6-night cruises along the Canal du Rhône à Sete can be sure of a fascinating voyage of discovery, whichever itinerary they choose.

On the Beziers and Aigues Mortes cruise, they will visit Pezenas, home of the playwright Moliere and cruise through the Camargue National Park, with its wild horses and pink flamingoes. On the Agde to Avignon route, highlights will include a cruise across the Thau Basin, an inland seawater lagoon full of oyster beds, and a tour of the impressive Palais des Papes in Avignon itself.

And on the Avignonto Marseillan voyage, there will be an excursion to see the amazing three-tiered Pont du Gard aqueduct built by the Romans, and a private wine tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. To really make it a special cruise, passengers will enjoy gourmet Provencale cuisine prepared by their onboard chef and fine local wines.

Prices for an all-inclusive 6-night cruise aboard Enchanté start from £3,300pp in an air-conditioned, en suite cabin, and from £23,500 for a full boat charter. The price includes gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, all excursions and local transfers.

For more info, visit http://www.gobarging.com/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Go-Barging Availability in May and June.

Just in from European Waterways, owners and operators of Europe's premier fleet of all-inclusive hotel-barges cruising the enchanting inland waterways of Europe, are these availabilities in May and June. Each departure date is a Sunday and the cruise is for 6 nights.

Scottish Highlander, on the Caledonian Canal - 8th May, 29th May or 12th June. Fantastic scenery in the Scottish Highlands: http://www.gobarging.com/scottish_highlander.html

L’Impressionniste, Lower Burgundy Canal – 15th May or 22nd May. Perfect route for fine wine enthusiasts: http://www.gobarging.com/impressionniste.html

La Belle Epoque, Upper Burgundy Canal – 22nd May. Classic Burgundy cruising, Chablis wine tastings, beautiful villages, etc: http://www.gobarging.com/la-belle-epoque-barge

Renaissance, Western Burgundy & Upper Loire – 22nd May. Really luxurious vessel, interesting route: http://www.gobarging.com/renaissance.html

For more information, visit www.gobarging.com

European Waterways refurbishes Rick Stein's Barge

Spring time will soon be upon us, and what better place to spend it than cruising through the orchards and vineyards in the South of France? The gorgeous Dutch barge Rosa immerses passengers in a world of picturesque villages, good food and fine wine, sailing on the Canal de la Garonne through Gascony towards Bordeaux.

An old friend and one of their most prized barges, she has been a member of the European Waterways fleet for a number of years, and was loved by celebrity chef Rick Stein on his hugely successful BBC TV series 'French Odyssey'.

Newly refurbished, Rosa now presents an exquisite wood-panelled saloon, occupied by cosy seating and a bar. Passengers can relax on her deck as they bask in the French sun and even enjoy her very own spa pool.

The varied itinerary offers passengers the very essence of Southern France. As they visit historic Montauban, experience ancient abbeys, indulge in wine, armagnac and fois gras tasting and even traverse an impressive 1,000ft aqueduct. Eight passengers can enjoy this experience, staying in one of four double cabins, each air conditioned and with en suite facilities, or a party can charter the whole barge.

Rates for a cruise aboard Rosa are from £2,250 per person sharing a double cabin and from £15,700 for an exclusive charter of the entire vessel for 8 passengers. This is all-inclusive (excl. travel).

The European Waterways hotel barges accommodate between 4 and 20 passengers and are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people or for those wanting a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.

All the vessels across Europe's rivers are fully crewed with a Captain, gourmet chef, hostess and tour guide, with a private air-conditioned mini-bus taking passengers on excursions. There are well-planned and interesting daily itineraries that give passengers the opportunity to visit cultural and historical places of interest, vineyards and markets in each region.

For more information visit European Waterways or contact the UK's leading luxury river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.