New & Enhanced Experiences for the 2024 Cruise Season

At European Waterways, we live and breathe the regions we cruise though. And, because of this – we like to ensure our itineraries reflect the very best of the region. From time to time, we enhance certain experiences to continually improve our guest experience! What sets us apart? Our excursions really are immersive experiences into local cultures, history, food and wine, and so much more. They’re off-the-beaten-track and are often only known to locals as hidden gems. So, with 50 years of experience and local expertise, combined with our small passengers numbers – we can continue to look after these hidden gems and keep them just as special for our guests to experience time after time!

European Waterways guests exploring Villa Ca'Zen on the River Po
Guests aboard La Bella Vita will dine with a Countess at Villa Ca'Zen

NEW: A Unique Culinary Experience at Le Mas d’Antonin Truffle Farm

On the Canal du Midi, our first class Anjodi now offers a unique culinary experience at Le Mas d’Antonin truffle farm which includes black truffle hunting, olive oil sampling, and a gourmet lunch paired with local wines.

Le Mas d’Antonin is an estate producing high-quality black truffles (considered some of the world’s most prized varieties) and olive oil. After a welcome introduction by the owners, our guests take a private tour of the domain, before following the expert truffle dogs in search of the coveted “black gold” beneath oak trees, which we can help to dig up. We also discover the olive varieties grown in the estate’s olive grove before returning to the farmhouse to sample olive oils and truffles, and enjoy a gourmet lunch which incorporates their wonderful produce, paired with fine local wines.

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Olive oil tasting at Mas d'Antonin
Olive oil tasting is part of the experience at Mas d'Antonin

ENHANCED: Enjoy a tour, tasting and gourmet lunch at the Château de Paraza

Also on the Canal du Midi, ultra deluxe Enchanté now includes a visit to the family-owned Château de Paraza with a private tour and tasting of its fine wines, followed by a gourmet lunch in the château.

While guests aboard Enchanté have previously enjoyed a visit to the Chateau de Paraza, we have enhanced the experience with the inclusion of a fabulous gourmet lunch. Enjoy a private winery tour at the Danglas family-owned 17th century château, whose 70 hectares of vineyards border the Canal du Midi in which guests are cruising. After tasting some of their fine Minervois wines which are classed as some of the best in the Languedoc, we have a private gourmet lunch in the château’s salon.

Want to know more? You can read all about the Château de Paraza here >

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The Danglas family, owners of the Château de Paraza
Walk through the vineyards of the Château de Paraza

NEW: Discover the esteemed Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard

In Western Burgundy and the Upper Loire, our ultra deluxe Renaissance has upgraded her wine visit to the Sancerre winery of Hubert Brochard, known for his high-quality wines. Stroll through the exceptional terroir to learn about the viticulture of the renowned Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations, before heading into the winery to understand their fine winemaking process.

Here, guests enjoy a private tour and tasting of some of their best vintages which include his most popular varieties of Sancerre Blanc (his flagship wine), Sancerre Rouge (a Pinot Noir-based wine), and Vin Mousseux (a sparkling wine), complete with a sample of the critically-acclaimed Loire Valley ‘Crottin de Chavignol’ goat cheese. A true Sancerre immersion!

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Domaine Hubert Brochard
Guests aboard Renaissance visit Domaine Hubert Brochard

NEW: Sample the delights of La Maison Ayala in the famed village of Hautvillers

A new addition to our brand-new barge, Kir Royale’s itinerary is the renowned champagne house of La Maison Ayala, a renowned and family-owned champagne house since 1878. La Maison Ayala is situated in Aÿ, one of the 17 rare villages classified as Grand Cru in the Champagne region.

The company has been producing high-quality champagnes for over 140 years, with a focus on traditional methods and exceptional quality.  We take a tour of the historic cellars to learn about the house’s heritage and sustainable philosophy behind Champagne Ayala, before a private tasting of its exceptional offerings which may include a Maison Ayala Brut: A classic and elegant champagne made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, La Maison Ayala Rosé, and La Maison Ayala Grand Cru.

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La Maison Ayala

Inspired? Talk to our Cruise Experts to find your perfect cruise itinerary!

With a choice of 18 barges and numerous itineraries, picking the perfect one may seem a daunting task at first. If you want to learn more about the above experiences, or would like to see what else is on offer – feel free to browse our website or Talk to our Cruise Experts for a no obligation chat.

If you’d like to receive a complimentary copy of our brochure, please complete the following form.

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