European Waterways Feature New Bordeaux Cruise

European Waterways have introduced a new 6-night itinerary for their luxury hotel barge Rosa, which features more of the renowned Bordeaux wine region, including a visit to Saint Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tastings of premier cru and grand cru wines - perfect for you wine lovers!  

This new itinerary is only available this year on August 18 and 25 but, in 2014, Rosa will cruise this itinerary from August to November. 

The beautifully appointed Rosa carries just 8 passengers and can be booked either individually or whole-boat chartered. There is an elegant dining room and spacious sun deck, while there are bicycles for passengers to use along the tow paths.

All drinks are included and the onboard cuisine, like all European Waterways voyages, is provided by a highly-trained local chef using only the best regional ingredients.

The Bordeaux voyage sails from Castet-en-Dorthe to Boe (or vice versa) and includes calls at the medieval town of Nerac as well as a series of charming villages dating back to the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries.

For more info, visit www.gobarging.com and, for more luxury river-cruise ideas, follow this link to The Cruise Line, the UK's luxury cruising specialists.

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Take An Artisanal Luxury Hotel Barge Voyage In Ireland

European Waterways has created a new 'Artisan' theme cruise in Ireland which will particularly appeal to people interested in the crafting of handmade food products. During this 6-night, all-inclusive cruise aboard the 10-passenger hotel barge Shannon Princess, guests will enjoy tours to see the finest craftsmen at work.  People such as Ralph Haslam, the owner of Mossfield Organic Cheeses, or the owners of award-winning Meadowsweet Apiaries & Farm Shop, renowned for their delicious honey. Guests will also enjoy a trip to the world famous Clarindbridge oyster beds on the shores of Galway Bay, as well as a tour of Portumna Castle's kitchen garden, full of beautiful herbs and berries used by the barge's chef.  Two visits to the Wilde Irish Chocolate Makers and to McGeoughs Craft Butchers & Smokehouse, an award-winning charcuterie producing, among other delights, smoked Connemara lamb, complete the itinerary. Shannon Princess will be cruising between Athlone and Killaloe along the River Shannon and across Lough Derg and passengers will see Ireland at its finest, with rolling green landscapes, castles and an abundance of wildlife along the way.  Throughout the cruise, guests will be pampered by the attentive crew of five and enjoy wonderful gourmet meals prepared by onboard chef Olivia Gibbons, accompanied by fine wines and delicious local cheeses. On this fascinating voyage of discovery, each artisan our guests meet will have a story to tell. The Irish people in this region are convinced that fine locally produced products are fundamental to their quality of life and, after their cruise, guests will hopefully think so too.  Prices are from £2,540pp in a twin/double cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters  are also available.  For bookings, be sure to contact The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury river cruise specialists, on 0800 008 6677.

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