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Where will people go when they start traveling again? After months of practicing social distancing, some may “test the waters” by going to the less crowded destinations first. They may hold off on Paris, for example, and check out the South of France. Thinking ‘Small’
Among the beneficiaries of this early trend may be boutique operators such as luxury hotel barge specialist European Waterways.  The company has the largest fleet of luxury hotel barges in the European countryside, each with a capacity of just six to 12 guests.  They offer six-night all-inclusive cruises that take the “path less traveled” of canals and small rivers, visiting local towns and attraction that are less crowded than their big-city counterparts.  Itineraries focus upon the culture, history, fine wine and gourmet cuisine of the French countryside.

Travelers can book individual cabins, while families, special-interest groups and small groups of like-minded friends can charter the entire boat for themselves. Those who book a cabin will enjoy one of European Waterways’ many classic cruises, which include a little bit of everything – wine excursions, exclusive “meet and greet” with local personages – from a humble lock keeper to a countess – and tours of famous sites.  Chartered cruises feature enhanced itineraries that highlight the guests’ particular interests.  For example, wine lovers can enjoy more exclusive tastings at a variety of vineyards.  Golf enthusiasts can hit the links every day. Multi-generational families can request kid-friendly activities to keep the young ones happy.

Making a Good Impression
Guests on a wine-themed charter aboard the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste in Southern Burgundy can enjoy such Burgundies as Nuits St-Georges, Santenay and Vosne Romanée, with premier or grand cru vintages hand-picked by the knowledgeable guides.  Regions visited include the Loire Valley, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Alsace.

The wide expanses of the Scottish Highlands may also benefit from travelers’ initial foray into the world, when travel bans are lifted.  European Waterways’ 12-passenger Spirit of Scotland Golf Cruise offers guests the opportunity to play such championship courses as the Castle Stuart, the Royal DornochFort Augustus, and Newtonmore.

Travelers can take advantage of the many special offers available for future bookings by visiting European Waterways’ website.  For now, they can enjoy a “virtual vacation” by visiting the company’s Youtube channel, which contains colorful videos of their many canal cruises in Europe.  It’s located at youtube.com/user/EuropeanWaterways