A gentle cruise on a hotel barge is the perfect way to discover the very soul of Europe, exploring its wonderful countryside and historical treasures and meeting its many friendly, diverse people. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, hotel barge voyages allow you to travel in luxury without the strains of packing and unpacking, whilst enjoying a balanced blend of daily excursions and fascinating cruising. The Experience • Each hotel barge cruise is for 6 nights and includes: • Comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite staterooms or suites • Gourmet meals prepared by the on-board chef, fine wines and an open bar • Daily escorted excursions in an air-conditioned minibus to places of interest and private wine tastings • Local transfers e.g. to and from Paris • Bicycles and, on most hotel barges, an on-deck spa pool • Attentive service from an experienced crew – Captain, chef, tour-guide, and hosts/hostesses Hotel Barge Spirit of Scotland Spirit of Scotland is an elegant hotel barge with extensive public areas inside and out that are perfect from which to admire the breath-taking Scottish Highlands scenery in comfort as she cruises the Caledonian Canal and the lochs of the Great Glen. Although purpose-built less than twenty years ago as a hotel barge, her style evokes that of the traditional steamers that plied the lochs of Scotland in times gone by. Accommodating up to 12 passengers in comfort, Spirit of Scotland’s interior features a bright and spacious saloon and dining area with picture windows, a separate bar, and an integral forward wheelhouse giving views of the cruise route ahead. The 6 air-conditioned cabins offer a choice of twin or double beds and are complemented by well-designed en suite shower rooms. Outside, there are separate areas where you can relax on a recliner, or perhaps in the heated spa pool, as well as a covered dining terrace. And the large upper sun deck is the ideal place to admire the dramatic backdrop as you cruise on deep-water lochs such as Loch Oich and past historic landmarks along the way. Your voyage aboard Spirit of Scotland will be an unforgettable experience, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the very best this dramatic region of Scotland has to offer from a unique perspective. All this, together with the traditional Scottish cuisine, fine wines and wide range of whiskies served on board by an attentive crew of 6, combine to ensure a truly memorable cruising experience. Hotel Barge Shannon Princess The River Shannon and its lakes represent Ireland at its finest and your cruise aboard Shannon Princess features a landscape of rolling green fields, ancient Celtic landmarks and an abundance of wildlife. The legends and fables of Ireland are found everywhere and are well understood by the hospitable Irish people who will be happy to tell you more about the ancient culture. The history of Ireland has been varied and sometimes difficult, but the locals always find the time to chat and perhaps charm you a tale or two of folklore. During your cruise, there is a programme of fascinating excursions that will you give you a true immersion into the heritage and traditions of this part of Ireland, such as a personal tour of a castle by its eccentric owner, a birds of prey display, visits to a whiskey distillery and hand-weaving workshop and, of course, the chance to sample a pint or two of the ‘black stuff’ – Guinness. Shannon Princess, accommodating 10 guests in comfort, is the largest hotel barge to be cruising the River Shannon and its picturesque, intertwining lakes. Her thoughtfully-designed interior includes a comfortable saloon and dining area with panoramic windows. The five junior twin/double cabin suites, also with picture windows, are stylishly furnished and each is air-conditioned, centrally heated, and accompanied by a modern en-suite shower room. The large rooftop sundeck is certainly the place to relax, perhaps on one of the comfortable loungers, to watch the countryside glide slowly by, or in the heated spa pool. There is also an inviting dining area with circular table to savour that gourmet meal on warmer days. Shannon Princess’s Captain and his crew will go out of their way to ensure your every need is accommodated, while your Master Chef who was trained at Darina Allen’s world-famous Ballymaloe Cookery School, will create some wonderful signature dishes to make your enthralling voyage through the ‘Emerald Isle’ complete. Hotel Barge Scottish Highlander Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a comfortable Country House with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings, a reminder of the spectacular surroundings to be seen on your voyage through the Great Glen. At 117 feet long, she is spacious and has every comfort needed for enjoying the magnificence of the Highlands during Spring, Summer and Autumn. The warm and welcoming saloon features rich-coloured wooden panelling, large picture windows and comfortable leather Chesterfield sofas to relax in, perhaps with a mellow single malt whisky from the very well-stocked bar. Accommodation for eight guests is in three twin/double staterooms and one larger twin/double junior suite, each one centrally heated and with en suite facilities. There is a cosy observation area behind the wheelhouse where you can admire the passing scenery and chat to the Captain about life on the Caledonian Canal and its interconnecting lochs. On the forward deck area, there is more seating where you can take in the far-reaching views and take photographs as Scottish Highlander plots her course past landmarks such as Urquhart Castle perched alongside Loch Ness. A cruise on mystical waterways aboard Scottish Highlander as you marvel at some of Scotland’s finest scenery will be one that stays in the memory for a long time. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare – salmon, game and seafood, prepared by your own Master Chef, and the hotel barge’s experienced crew of four will take care of your every need. Hotel Barge Rosa Rosa is an old Dutch “Klipper” barge that was built early in the last century to carry different cargoes on the offshore waterways of Holland. Now, as a charming hotel barge, she navigates the calmer canals of southwest France. The prettily decorated saloon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood panelling, comfortable seating, dining area and a cosy bar. The four cosy staterooms accommodating 8 passengers have individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, and full en suite facilities. Two staterooms have double beds, the other two staterooms have twin beds. Outside there is a spacious sun deck with a dining area and parasols for enjoying an alfresco prepared by your chef. Comfortable loungers are also there to relax in as you take in the passing countryside on your sedate cruise along the Canal de Garonne. Eight bikes are available for your use if you wish to perhaps venture into the next village along the towpath. Rosa also featured with Anjodi in the successful television series, Rick Stein’s French Odyssey and you are sure to enjoy your own personal ‘odyssey’ through this colourful, captivating part of southwest France. Hotel Barge Renaissance Renaissance has been designed to carry her guests in ultimate luxury along the Canal de Briare, France’s oldest canal and steeped in history on a cruise route that features elegant chateaux, small countryside villages and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre. She is a very spacious hotel barge and the beautifully-appointed saloon with its wooden beams, classic dining furniture and artworks, invokes the atmosphere of a classic French manor house. The comfortable leather sofas and hand-built bar where you can enjoy your pre-dinner aperitif, add to the feeling of onboard opulence. The ‘Renaissance mood’ extends to the four very generously-sized twin or double bedded bedroom suites, (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one fully air-conditioned and complemented by a large en suite bathroom. Outside, the large forward deck includes a covered roof extension with a circular table for alfresco dining, comfortable hardwood sun loungers and a heated spa pool. With her refined onboard ambience, Renaissance is the perfect vessel on which to cruise a historic canal and experience the splendour of landmarks en route, including Gustav’s Eiffels’s aqueduct across the mighty River Loire. Hotel Barge Panache Panache is a hotel barge that has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings in the spacious public areas and very comfortable cabin accommodation. In the saloon the panoramic windows let in plenty of natural light, and the tempting cocktail bar and comfortable leather sofas are enhanced by polished hardwood flooring. The separate roomy dining area provides a congenial setting for up to 12 guests to enjoy the gourmet meals and fine wines served on board. The cabin accommodation comprises six generously-sized junior suites which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration. All the en suite bathrooms have twin hand-basins and oversized showers. Outside, the spacious sun deck is the perfect place to unwind and admire the passing scenery in one of the comfortable chairs, or to enjoy being served a long, lazy alfresco lunch at the outside dining table. The heated spa pool and plentiful number of bicycles for you to explore the towpath complete the picture. Panache cruises in Holland in the Spring, when the flowers are in full bloom. This is without a doubt the best time to visit this country, and our cruises in Holland are carefully planned to allow you to experience all that the country has to offer. She’s then cruising in Champagne for a number of weeks in May & June. The Champagne itineraries typically include Brie cheese tastings, a tour of the Cathedral at Reims, Epernay and of course, tastings at renowned champagne houses. In the Summer and Autumn, Panache cruises the beautiful and varied waterways of Alsace & Lorraine, a region of France offering a unique mix of French and German cultures, history and local gastronomy. Panache’s voyage through Alsace & Lorraine will give you the opportunity to appreciate the very best of the region, passing storybook villages along the way, visiting places such as Strasbourg, renowned for their Baroque and Romanesque architecture and uniquely, experiencing Europe’s most famous boat elevator! Hotel Barge Nymphea Nymphea’s Dutch design with its shallow draft makes her the ideal vessel for navigating the beautiful sandy reaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Very few other vessels are able to cruise this magical waterway. Her traditional interior, reminiscent of a classic yacht, features a warm décor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and shining brass. The traditionally furnished saloon and dining area have a warm and welcoming country house atmosphere and there is an additional upper saloon area with more comfortable seating to relax in. Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities. Outside, the sun deck with its comfortable seating offers the perfect vantage point from which to admire the next picturesque waterside village, elegant châteaux, or stunning stretch of scenery as it slowly comes into view. You will even get to cruise through the arches of probably the most-photographed château in the Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau – not once, but twice – a rare privilege afforded to very few boats! And if you wish to explore the River Cher’s towpath and surrounding countryside, there are 6 bicycles available for your use. Nymphea’s crew of Captain/Tour Leader and Master Chef are most knowledgeable about the history, wine and cuisine of the region and they will be there to help make your journey through the ‘Valley of the Kings of France’ truly unforgettable. Luxury Hotel Barge Magna Carta Hotel barge Magna Carta will take you on a slow, meandering journey along the prettiest stretches of England’s River Thames, past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages – a captivating mixture of olde worlde England and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley, with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore as we follow this old Viking trading route through some of England’s prettiest counties. During the cruise aboard hotel barge Magna Carta, there is a diverse programme of escorted visits along the way – art galleries, stately homes including the real “Downton Abbey”, even a boatyard that has been building traditional river craft for centuries. There are also good cycling and walking opportunities along the ever-present Thames Towpath. Hotel barge Magna Carta accommodates 8 guests and is one of the finest vessels cruising the waters of the British Isles today. Originally built in the 1930’s, today she is a luxurious and spacious ‘floating country hotel’ boasting a combination of traditional and contemporary features that create a very inviting ambience on board. There is great attention to detail with the use of fine mahogany, teak and oak woods throughout, complemented by modern amenities such as under floor heating and TV/DVD players in the cabin suites. The large saloon and dining area feature picture windows and stylish furnishings, and the sense of refined space continues in the four very generous, air-conditioned twin/double suites, with their combination of period furniture and contemporary en-suite shower rooms. Outside you can unwind in the heated spa pool, or enjoy a mouth-watering alfresco lunch prepared by your onboard master chef as you get admiring glances from passers-by. Hotel Barge L’Impressionniste L’Impressionniste is in many ways similar to our other 12 passenger hotel barge in Burgundy, La Belle Epoque – offering an onboard ambience that combines traditional and more modern French influences. Her light and airy interior features picture windows and prints reminiscent of the era after which she has been named. In the spacious saloon with its rich-coloured teak flooring and soft lighting, there are balloon-backed dining chairs and comfortable leather sofas that complete the effect. The cabins, each one bearing the name of a renowned Impressionist painter, offer a choice of accommodation in two junior suites or four staterooms, complemented by modern en-suite shower rooms. Twin or double bed configurations are also available. L’Impressionniste glides gently through the picturesque Ouche Valley in Southern Burgundy through locks with their charming lock houses. You will see medieval villages perched on hilltops and have the opportunity to discover a region famed for its history and viticulture, with visits to such places as Beaune, the regions ‘wine capital’, and the elegant city of Dijon. Hotel Barge La Nouvelle Etoile La Nouvelle Etoile has been designed to offer a very high level of comfort and convenience, to provide a blend of traditional elegance and modern-day facilities. The spacious, air conditioned saloon with its attractive cocktail bar, piano and elegant furnishings provides a truly sophisticated setting, while other amenities include an exercise room and a lift. Each of the four generous 200sq ft cabin suites is lavishly equipped and the en-suite bathrooms feature double hand-basins and oversized showers. On deck there is a large sun deck with comfortable loungers and a spa pool, as well as bicycles for you to pedal along the nearby towpath. This cruise on the luxurious La Nouvelle Etoile is a journey back in time through a picturesque landscape along two delightful canals, including France’s oldest, the Canal de Briare. She also cruises in Alsace, Champagne, Holland, Belgium, Picardy, Germany and Luxembourg in Spring and Autumn. Hotel Barge La Belle Epoque La Belle Epoque in her first life carried logs from Burgundy to Paris, but today she is transformed into a deluxe hotel barge carrying a very different cargo along the very same canal. She has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind and her welcoming features include a wood-panelled saloon/dining room with bespoke, hand-built seating and a spacious sundeck with spa pool. The comfortable cabin accommodation comprises two junior suites and four staterooms and a choice of twin or double beds, all with marble en-suite facilities. La Belle Epoque is the perfect vessel to take you on a gentle voyage of discovery through a region studded with traditions and history that go back centuries. As she meanders along the Burgundy Canal with its undulating countryside, you fill find that the towpath is always there for spot of walking or cycling. Hotel Barge La Bella Vita A cruise aboard La Bella Vita on Italy’s Venetian Lagoon, River Po and Canal Bianco between Venice and the lakeside Renaissance city of Mantua is a truly magical experience. There is the opportunity to enjoy diverse landscapes and nature en route, from colourful lagoon islands to wild beach dunes and pine woods full of birdlife. The itinerary includes fascinating guided tours of Ferrara, Mantua and Chioggia which give a real insight into the many cultures – Renaissance, Roman, Etruscan, Byzantine – that have influenced this region of Italy for centuries. La Bella Vita is a stylish 20 passenger vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colours throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation. There is an inviting bar area in which to enjoy a glass of Prosecco and a spacious dining room with louvre doors that open to give a perfect view as you are served delicious Italian specialities and wines. She has two upper deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all air-conditioned and with en-suite facilities, while above there is a huge sun deck with a large canopy and comfortable loungers to relax on and watch the world drift by. Hotel Barge L’Art de Vivre L’Art de Vivre is the oldest hotel barge in our fleet and was built in England during World War One as a supply vessel to the Allied troops battling in the Somme. Today her life is a little less dramatic as she cruises one of France’s longest-established canals, the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy. She is very much a traditional barge in style, with original wood and brass features that emphasise her heritage and create a warm and inviting interior atmosphere. The comfortable, compact cabins all have modern en-suite facilities and the delightful saloon combines contemporary leather with more traditional furnishings. Outside, there is a sun deck to relax on with a glass of wine as you glide through the pretty Burgundy countryside and a spa pool to soak in. You can explore the ever-present towpath on foot or on one of the barge’s bicycles, before re-joining the L’Art de Vivre at one of the locks up ahead. This region of Burgundy with its charming villages and centuries-old history simply oozes charm and your cruise aboard L’Art de Vivre is a journey back in time along a magical waterway. Hotel Barge Finesse Finesse is a double-decker hotel barge that was built to exacting standards with luxury in mind, enhanced by her modern public areas and very spacious cabin suite accommodation. The well-designed public areas include a saloon with contemporary furnishings and panoramic windows where the emphasis is on making the most of the natural light. There is also a demonstration galley where guests can watch their chef preparing delicious gourmet meals. Outside, guests can relax on the large sun deck with its alfresco dining area, comfortable seating and spa pool. The four en-suite cabins, which can be in twin or double-bedded configuration, are very spacious (approx. 265sq ft including en suite), each one air-conditioned and with a beautifully appointed shower room. Finesse is the perfect vessel on which to cruise the meandering waterways of Southern Burgundy past vineyards and charming canal-side villages, and to discover fascinating places along the way such as Autun, Beaune and Dijon. Hotel Barge Enchanté Enchanté is a spacious, double-decker hotel barge that has been built to the highest standard to offer a stylish on board ambience that is perfect for enjoying a cruise through the sun-drenched region of the Canal du Midi. The hotel barge is tastefully furnished in a contemporary style, creating a bright, art deco atmosphere. She has a large saloon with outstanding attention to detail, including an open-plan demonstration galley where guests can see their skilled chef at work. On the lower deck, there is also a computer with internet connection for guests’ use, as well as the requisite Wi-Fi onboard. The luxurious air-conditioned accommodation is in four equally spacious twin or double-bedded suites, the largest of any hotel barge on the Canal du Midi and all with superbly appointed en suite shower rooms. Outside, the spacious sun deck boasts an alfresco dining area, a gorgeous spa pool and comfortable loungers to relax in while the countryside drifts slowly by. Enchanté is a hotel barge that offers an alluring blend of luxury and modernity. She is a vessel that will charm any discerning traveller on her sedate journey through the Midi countryside. Hotel Barge Athos Athos was originally built as a commercial sand, grain and wine barge and converted into a luxury hotel barge in 1982. Her association with wine continues today as she gracefully meanders along the Canal du Midi, through the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Her intimate saloon is the perfect place to relax on a comfortable sofa with a good book, or to sip an aperitif before enjoying another gourmet meal at the elegant dining table. The barge is air-conditioned throughout and the five bright staterooms, each with a modern en suite shower room, offer all modern comforts and can be in either twin or queen-size double bed configuration. Outside, her spacious sundeck has a large, adjustable canopy to offer shade during a long, lazy lunch. There are comfortable hardwood deckchairs in which to relax and admire the slowly-passing Midi countryside and, of course, bicycles for the more energetic to venture along the towpath to the next lock or two. Athos is one of the most traditional hotel barges cruising the Canal du Midi and her welcoming onboard ambience will make your gentle voyage through the Languedoc landscape truly memorable. Hotel Barge Anjodi Anjodi is very much a hotel barge of the classic Dutch design and also the founding member of our fleet, embarking on her first cruises along the historic Canal du Midi 35 years ago. Her beautiful interior makes the most of traditional materials such as African hardwoods and shining brass to create a warm onboard feel, reminiscent of a classic yacht. The charming saloon is particularly welcoming, with its combination of richly coloured wooden flooring, elegant French dining furniture and comfortable banquette seating, as well as a fully stocked bar. The four compact, cleverly-designed cabins, featuring hardwood panelling and brass portholes, offer a choice of twin or double bedded accommodation, each with en suite facilities. The spacious sundeck is shaded by an adjustable canopy and there are comfortable sun loungers and a spa pool to soak in with a glass of chilled white wine. Anjodi is a very well-known hotel barge having achieved ‘film star’ status some years ago following her many appearances in the television series Rick Stein’s French Odyssey, when she carried the eponymous chef on a voyage of culinary discovery through Southern France. Why not follow in his footsteps with a cruise along the Canal du Midi, a 330-year-old canal with UNESCO World Heritage status.