Luxury all-inclusive hotel barges cruising the beautiful waterways of Europe. A truly unique experience. Established in 1974 IIncorporatingncorporating GGoo BBargingarging Welcome Aboard! Welcome to our exclusive collection of hotel barge cruises. Since 1974 we have specialised in creating luxury hotel barge holidays on some of the most beautiful waterways in Europe. Our hotel barges gently introduce you to some of Year after year we have welcomed back many Europe’s finest scenery, fascinating history and local passengers and this repeated loyalty has helped us to culture – from the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy refine our luxury cruises into a wonderful blend of to the spectacular Scottish Highlands; from the sun- daily experiences which we are sure you will drenched waterways of the South of France to remember for many years to come. picturesque Moselle in Germany; from the storybook On behalf of my staff and crew throughout our fleet, Alsace region to the serenity of the Loire Valley. Welcome Aboard A cruise on one of our ‘floating boutique hotel’ barges is a wonderful combination. You will glide serenely along waterways that pass through magnificent countryside; be taken on fascinating local excursions; indulge in delicious meals, fine wines and comfortable accommodation – whilst all the time being pampered Derek Banks, by your attentive crew. Managing Director Contents Introduction Pages 2-11 Fr a n c e Burgundy 12 La Belle Epoque 14 L’Art de Vivre 16 L’Impressionniste 18 La Reine Pedauque 20 Hirondelle 21 Savoir Faire 43 La Nouvelle Etoile 45 Provence, Camargue & South of France 22 Napoleon 23 Enchanté 24 Canal du Midi 26 Anjodi 28 Alouette 30 Athos 31 Enchanté 24 Gascony with a Taste of Bordeaux 32 Rosa 33 Loire Valley & Western Burgundy/Upper Loire 34 Nymphea 36 Renaissance 38 La Nouvelle Etoile 45 Hirondelle 21 Italy Venice & The Veneto 40 La Dolce Vita 41 Holland Amsterdam and the Land of Rembrandt 42 Savoir Faire 43 Germany, France & the Low Countries The Moselle, Alsace, Champagne, Holland & Belgium 44 La Nouvelle Etoile 45 Savoir Faire 43 Scotland The Caledonian Canal & The Highlands 46 Scottish Highlander 47 England The Royal River Thames 48 Magna Carta 49 Ireland The River Shannon 50 Shannon Princess II 51 Family, Tandem & Theme Cruises 52 Wines and Vineyards 54 Comfort, Luxury & Style Shops and Markets 55 Travelling to Your Hotel Barge 56 Ship’s Log Read what our clients have to say 57 Inland Cruising with European Waterways Experience a fascinating world of hotel barging, whether in the shaded Canal du Midi in Southern France, the Venetian Lagoon, the rustic beauty of Ireland, the Royal River Thames, the stunningly rugged landscapes of Scotland, the picturesque Moselle region, or the flower capital of Holland. North Sea The Very Soul of Europe SCOTLAND magine the sense of relaxation and enjoyment as your Highlands floating hotel carries you from one peaceful mooring to the next with more than enough opportunity to explore Atlantic Ocean EDINBURGH I little villages, shops, the delightful countryside and much, much more – without the need to pack or unpack every day. Shannon Irish Sea IRELAND DUBLIN ENGLAND HOLLAND AMSTERDAM LONDON Thames Valley BELGIUM GERMANY English Channel BRUSSELS MOSELLE LUXEMBOURG REIMS PARIS Alsace Champagne Upper Loire STRASBOURG Loire Valley s your floating hotel moves Burgundy sedately along, just step ashore at a lock and stroll or A FRANCE cycle along the towpath with the Venice reassuring knowledge that your hotel barge is waiting further down the canal. Bordeaux Stumble across the local villagers Provence ITALY playing a game of boules, or discover Midi an enchanting vineyard, its juicy grapes Camargue bursting with ripeness and ready to be picked. ROME Mediterranean Allow yourself to relax as the week’s events unfold. Captain and Crew Most of our crews are English, Scottish, Irish or Bi-lingual so there is no need to worry about a language barrier when they are recounting the local folklore and history. he various roles undertaken by your crew will soon become clear. Your Captain, an experienced barge master, who is T usually British, will impress you with his ability to guide his impossibly large vessel into the smallest lock and through the lowest of bridges with inches to spare. He may also double as tour guide, at ease taking your party around family-owned vineyards, fine castles or perhaps a small crystal works, but always returning you to your hotel barge in time for the next culinary event or cruising journey. Fine Cuisine Relax and Enjoy ur predominantly British crews our Master Chef, as well take their roles very seriously, as creating the finest of keeping in the background, but dishes, is invariably O always finding time to share with you some Ysomething of a culinary aspect of local knowledge which just adds historian and a mine of information when it comes to to the intrigue and fascination during your regional recipes, cheeses and, of gentle cruise. course, wine. Housekeeper and deck-hand busy themselves at keeping the ship clean and tidy, re-positioning the barge vehicle, preparing the bicycles and generally making sure everything is just how you would like it to be. Your attentive crew will be happy to pamper you. Cruising the Waterways of Europe since 1974 What better way is there to discover the very soul of Europe than by exploring its wonderful countryside and historical treasures and meeting its many friendly, diverse people whose lifestyles have changed little over the centuries. I c O q a n I . Admire the historic waterways like the 17th Century Y u l A i e x I lock flight of Rogny Les Sept Ecluses in Burgundy. Inviting Accommodation Casual refinement, hardwoods and classic yacht design, enticing you to cruise Our Vessels... enefit from an annual refurbishment and feature fine wood panelling, carpeting and a blend of antique and B traditional décor. All our hotel barges have central heating and most are air-conditioned. The majority of vessels also have bicycles on board so you can cycle along the tow-paths, and boules for those wishing to try their hand at this lively French game. All our barges have a library, games and CD/stereo for your enjoyment and use and, of course, an open bar stocked with a wide range of spirits and soft drinks. Accommodation ranges from charming twin and double- bedded staterooms to suites with sitting areas – all with opening windows, closet, drawer storage and private en- suite shower or bathroom. in comfort & style. Inviting accommodation – luxury in every single detail. Cuisine -Part of the Culture The classic traditions of French and International Cuisine - an unforgettable highlight of your cruise. Our chefs are experienced culinary artists, whose gastronomic creations are often rated higher than top restaurants and cruise liners by our discerning clients. efore you awaken each morning, a crew member has already been ashore to collect crisp breads, buttery B croissants and a variety of fresh pastries. Together with the aroma of coffee, the day has just begun. Lunch will be a colourful arrangement of salads, pâtés, savoury quiches and a selection of cheeses. Accompanied by an excellent choice from the hotel barge wine cellar, lunch is often enjoyed on the sun-deck, perhaps while cruising. Your chef supplements the vessel’s larder with fresh produce bought from lock-keepers’ gardens or local markets and creates mouthwatering regional and national dishes which are only challenged in flavour by the delicious range of regional wines we serve you aboard. Dinner is the culinary highlight of each day. Served by candlelight, each course is a delicious creation, subtly complemented with fine wines and still and sparkling water. This really does feel like the Grand Finale to an amazing day of Menu exploration and intrigue, cruising the old trading routes which Breakfast Awake each morning to the aroma of brewing coffee. Enjoy a stretch from the Mediterranean right across Europe. continental breakfast of freshly squeezed juices, hot buttery croissants, Requests for vegetarian and special diets may be made at the crispy breads and delicious pastries; or a hearty cooked breakfast (served in the British Isles). time of reservation. Lu n c h e o n s Are epicurean buffets, delicious green feast salads, pâtés and cold meat platters, accompanied by a hot soup or entrée, delectable desserts and a selection of regional cheeses and wines. Served deck whilst cruising amidst an ever changing scenery. Dinner by Candlelight Moored beneath the stars... every meal is part of the amazing journey which is slowly unfolding before you and is the finale alof fresco a great day of discovery and intrigue. You may be served with: Chèvre Chaud enon the sunlit Portefeuille followed by Eilet d’Agneau au Basilic, Truite à la Chablisienne, Magret de Canard avec Sauce au Vinaigre de Framboise, un Plateau de fromages, and for Dessert Ile Elottante, Crème Brûlée, Profiteroles à la Crème, Glace au Chocolat Chaud... each course accompanied by a fine wine. And, of course, coffee and liqueurs in the company of fellow passengers, completes the menu. A taste of Europe’s finest cuisine. A choice of over a thousand delicious cheeses... Can be found in France, Italy, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany and they are an excellent accompaniment to our selection of fine wines and regional cuisine. e research carefully the history and making of every cheese offered and all cheese courses are a W delightful journey into the country’s rich heritage, culture and traditions. A thousand years of steady wine production and over a thousand cheeses have convinced Europeans that quality and choice are fundamental to everyday life. A Taste for Fine Wines he Minervois and Corbieres of Southern France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte de Nuits, T Loire Valley, Chablis and Alsace vineyards all sprang up in the wake of the Roman invasion.