European Waterways “break out the bubbly”

European Waterways ‘Breaks Out the Bubbly’ for the New Year With Exclusive Hotel Barge Cruise Excursions in Champagne, France

Champagne Tastings feature in the expanded ‘Insider Experiences’ Programme For 2020 Season, including Gastronomic Lunch at Famed Chateau

As the world breaks out the champagne to herald the New Year, European Waterways invites travellers to “break out the bubbly” in the land where it all began – Champagne, France.

For the 2020 season, launching in March, the luxury hotel barge cruise specialist is offering exclusive experiential excursions in Champagne that now include a tasting of various vintages and a gastronomic lunch at the 18th century Château Les Aulnois in the village of Pierry, just south of Épernay – the birthplace of champagne.

The opportunity is available when cruising aboard European Waterways’ Panache luxury hotel barge and also includes a tour of the original Champagne Henriot vineyards, one of the oldest family-owned domaines that traces its origins to the late 1700’s.

10% Off Selected Cruises

European Waterways is offering 10% off on selected cruise departures in May and June 2020, aboard Panache in Champagne, valid when booked before January 6, 2020.

For departures on June 7 and 28, cabins are available at £4,131 per person, based on double occupancy. This is a saving £459 off the regular price of £4,590.

Twelve-passenger whole boat charters are available at £44,550 for the May 31, June 14, and June 21, 2020 departures. This is a saving of £4,950 off the regular price of £49,500.

Celebrating with Panache

Panache cruises through the heart of Champagne from mid-June to mid-July, between Château-Thierry and Châlons-en-Champagne, just weeks before the start of France’s famous grape harvest. The vessel’s six-night, all-inclusive cruises offer a unique immersion into the celebrated history of the sparkling wine and the famous houses that include Moët & Chandon, Henriot and Pannier.

Epernay

In Épernay, the champagne house of Moët & Chandon features the largest vineyard in the region. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of its vast underground cellar, carved into the white chalk under L’Avenue de Champagne, and taste some of Moët’s vintages in a private salon with the cellar master. A separate excursion to the Domaine of Champagne Henriot includes a stop at its famous vineyard, where a viticulture expert explains their grape selection process. Guests are then treated to a private tour of the Château Les Aulnois. This includes a tasting of the various Henriot champagnes, and a gastronomic lunch in the chateau’s dining room.

Reims Cathedral

Panache’s guests visit the magnificent 800-year-old Reims Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the coronation of the kings of France once took place. Guests will also visit Château-Thierry, the scene of many fierce battles in WW1 and where American Expeditionary Forces first saw action. Guests will also visit the American cemetery at Belleau Wood, where the combined U.S., French and British forces fought against the Germans.

Dom Perignon

“The pioneering innovations in the wine-making processes by the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon led to the invention of champagne in the late 17th century, and the world has been celebrating ever since,” said Banks. “In 2020, we invite travellers to celebrate with us in the land that made it all possible.”

Six-night cruise fares, based on double occupancy, include:

local, private, chauffeured transfers
comfortable, air-conditioned accommodation
all gourmet meals
fine wines – indigenous to the cruise region
an open bar
daily excursions and admittance fees
use of barge facilities, such as bicycles and hot tub

European Waterways’ Brochure

The full range is available in European Waterways’ colourful new 104-page brochure. The brochure is available online at https://www.europeanwaterways.com/brochure-request/.

Please visit www.europeanwaterways.com for information.

With over 40 years’ experience in luxury hotel barging, European Waterways has a fleet that spans nine countries and is the largest luxury hotel barging company in Europe. Hotel Barging is a unique experience for 6 to 20 guests. It offers an immersive, all-inclusive “gentle voyage of discovery” focusing on local culture, history, fine wine and gourmet cuisine.

European Waterways provide an impeccable level of on board service with access to intimate inland waterways. This network of smaller canals allows for flexibility, spontaneity and opportunities to explore surroundings on a bicycle, or on foot. Chauffeured “off the beaten track” excursions to exquisite wine tastings to private tours of stately homes are available daily.