Celebrated author Michael Pollan once wrote, “At home, I serve the kind of food I know the story behind.” For European Waterways, it’s a philosophy they take to heart on all of the company’s luxury hotel barge cruises. Whether cruising the picturesque countryside of Southern France or the legendary Highlands of Scotland, their cruises offers the ultimate gastronomic experiences and the stories behind them. Cruises include immersive wine and food excursions, daily gourmet dining, and onboard meals prepared by master chefs.

Exploring the idyllic countryside, far from the crowded streets of major cities, European Waterways’ hotel barges include shopping with the chef for evening ingredients and meals paired with local wines that reveal the fascinating history of the cruise regions.  Guests can even go truffle hunting in the nearby hills and visit an escargot farm, in season.

“Our luxury barge cruises offer the ultimate escape from busy life,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.  “Since our hotel barges hold just six to 20 people, they create the perfect ‘travel bubble’ for like-minded guests to share their passions.”

Wine and Dine
European Waterways’ ultra-deluxe Enchanté is a stylish, 8-passenger double-decker hotel barge with an open-plan show kitchen, where guests can observe their skilled master chef preparing gastronomic masterpieces.  Among itinerary highlights are a visit to Lagrasse and its 8th century abbey, with lunch in a local restaurant. Guests will also enjoy a private winery tour and tasting of fine Minervois wines, as well as a visit to an olive press to taste the famous Lucques green olives. They will similarly visit the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne, where they can enjoy specialty chocolate and other sweet offerings produced by the city’s many artisanal confectioners. Guests can also stop at a local boulangerie, or bakery, to enjoy freshly baked bread and pastries.

European Waterways’ 12-passenger L’Impressionniste hotel barge cruises Southern Burgundy, with an elegant décor that includes hardwood flooring, comfortable leather sofas, and large picture windows for a perfect view of the rolling French countryside.  Among the cruise highlights is a private winery tour and tasting as well as a tour of Dijon and its markets. Guests will also enjoy a tour of Domaine Chanson in the heart of Burgundy’s Beaune region that includes a private wine tasting and exclusive gastronomic lunch.

“If you enjoy world-class cuisine and fine wines in picturesque surroundings, a cruise on a luxury hotel barge is for you,” said Banks.