“Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald.
This insightful observation from the renowned American writer is behind the latest luxury VIP Champagne Cruise.
With over 40 years’ experience, European Waterways operate the largest luxury hotel barging company in Europe. The all inclusive, boutique luxury experience focuses on local culture, history, fine wine and gourmet cuisine. Guests are transported through intimate inland waterways, whilst experiencing an impeccable level of service.
Raising The Bar
Panache, the luxury 12 passenger hotel barge, already visits well known wineries and Champagne houses such as Maison Pannier. Now they have added exclusive VIP experiences at prestigious Moët & Chandon and Henriot champagne houses.
“European Waterways’ Panache hotel barge offers some of the most diverse programmes in our fleet, with Tulip cruises through Holland in the spring, Champagne Cruises in May and June, and a beautiful route across Alsace & Lorraine through the summer and into the Autumn,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “These new VIP excursions reflect our continuing focus on providing luxurious, memorable experiences with a real difference.
More Moët
Founded in 1743, the Moët & Chandon brand is one of the best-known and most exclusive in the world. Located on the famed Avenue de Champagne in the city of Epernay, in France’s Champagne region, the domaine features 200-year-old tunnels carved out of the area’s white chalk stone and spreading for 17 miles under the city. They provide the perfect temperature and humidity necessary for the slowly maturing process of the famous wines.
On a Panache Champagne Cruise, European Waterways’ guests enjoy a private tour of Moët & Chandon’s vast underground cellar and its much-admired, bubbly treasure. This is followed by an exclusive tasting of some of their renowned vintages, which takes place in an elegant private salon, hosted by an experienced cellar master.
The Panache Champagne Cruises also includes a visit to the domaine of Champagne Henriot. Guests can tour the vineyard and discover the fine art of grape production and selection. There is also a visit to the nearby village of Pierry for a private tour of the winery’s 18th century Château Les Aulnois. Guests will then enjoy an exclusive tasting of various Henriot Champagnes in the Chateau’s dining room, followed by a gastronomic lunch.
A trip to La Maison Pannier is another integral part of the upgraded itinerary for Panache. Founded in 1899, it is the largest Champagne house in the valley. Following the tour of its medieval labyrinth-like cellars, guests will be treated to a private tasting.
Double Bubble
“After these exclusive tastings, the Champagne flows freely aboard the hotel barge, too, where we don’t spare the bubbly!” said Banks. “Our guests are also treated to the finest gastronomic experiences onboard, with meals prepared by the chef using regionally-sourced ingredients, such as Champagne’s creamy, crumbly Chaource cheese.”
These six-night Champagne cruise fares have a 20 % discount on the May 26, June 16 and June 30 cruise departures this season, and includes;
- 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, including bicycles and hot tub.
Restrictions apply. Please visit www.europeanwaterways.com for information;
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