For multi-generational travelers, “it’s all about sharing the experience, creating moments that last a lifetime and spending quality time with your loved ones,” says European Waterways’ Managing Director, Derek Banks. “Spring is the perfect time for a family cruise because seasonal festivals and celebrations offer distinct opportunities for families to meet the locals, learn about their history and culture, and acquire unique and unforgettable experiences.” With European Waterways offering 10% off select 2020 charters and cabins in Holland, France and Scotland until January 6, 2020, now is also the perfect time to book.
“To enhance our guests’ hotel barging experience, we’re developing more flexible excursions that better address the interests of each member of the family – both young and old – while also ensuring plenty of ‘together time,’ where the best memories can be created,” says Banks. “They allow parents to show their children a world beyond their tablets and mobile phones that includes beautiful parks to roam in, authentic market squares to explore, charming small towns with cobbled streets to stroll through, and landscapes bursting with castles, gardens and royal palaces.”
Tulips in Holland
Holland’s family-friendly Spring and Flower Festival in Keukenhof Flower Park, March 21 – May 10, 2020, offers almost 80 acres of spectacular displays that attract millions of visitors each year. European Waterways’ March 29, 2020 departure of the 12-passenger Panache hotel barge can put guests “right in the heart of the action,” says Banks. With the current special, the whole boat charter of this departure is $54,450, a saving of $6,050 off the regular price of $60,500. Other departures in Holland are available at regular prices and include cruises on Panache’s “sister” barge, La Nouvelle Etoile, which follows a similar route.
Burgundy’s Rolling Vineyards
Spring is also a special time in Burgundy, France, where the countryside is blanketed with colorful flowers and lush green vineyards stirring awake in the warming weather. Towns come alive as vendors set up their stalls in the market squares and townsfolk fill the streets for Easter parades. Each region offers its own unique forms of entertainment, often with historical themes such as medieval festivals that feature jousting and horseback riding. Many also offer family-friendly foodie tours that highlight the best of the region.
Like all of European Waterways’ hotel barges, the 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre on Burgundy’s Canal du Nivernais and River Yonne offers a “front-row” seat to many of the region’s spring festivals and celebrations. In addition to participating in these local events, families can explore such attractions as the caves of Arcy-sur-Cure, which feature some of the world’s oldest cave paintings. They can also visit theme parks, wander in the shadows of spectacular castles and aristocratic estates – and even be treated to exclusive tours of their lavish interiors. Adults, of course, can enjoy “grown-up” experiences such as wine tasting and playing golf. And, the entire family can ride their bicycles or take leisurely walks along the gentle tow paths that line the canals.
L’Art de Vivre offers 10% off on all its April 2020 charters, with savings of up to $4,100. Similar savings on charters and cabins are available on other hotel barges when booked by January 6, 2020.
“The world is out there to explore for the entire family from the comfortable ‘home base’ of a hotel barge,” said Banks. “A hotel barge is the perfect setting, with great meals prepared by a master chef, spacious saloons to play and socialize in, and the ever-changing landscape that will keep everyone engaged for hours.”
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