Most hotel barges offer a cruise for 6 nights, which include gourmet meals, fine wines and an open bar, daily escorted excursions to places of interest along with private wine tasting in air-conditioned minibuses. To provide a general outline of the hotel barge experience it would go something like this: passengers are collected at a designated meeting point either by the Captain or crew member and then escorted by air conditioned minibuses to the hotel barge. A crew will await passengers on board with a welcoming of champagne before giving the grand tour of the barges luxury suites and facilities. After some light eating, the gourmet experience begins complemented by fine wines.
Europe’s ‘off the beaten track’ waterways
16th September 2015
Ever wanted to explore the canals of Europe?
It is rather fascinating with so many waterways to be discovered – through the vineyards of Burgundy, the historic Po Valley in Italy to the Caledonian Canal in Scotland and the more open waters of Loch Ness, cruising along Europe’s waterways is one adventure to add to that bucket list – we think.
The best way to explore Europe’s waterways is of course a gentle cruise on a hotel barge; one that is replete with perfectly adorned suites and a well-rounded crew. European Waterways has been pioneering hotel barges for nearly 40 years and currently has a fleet of hotel barges to suit different passengers – an example is the Hotel Barge Finesse, a luxury double-decker hotel barge that is currently being commissioned. The Finesse offers room for 8 passengers in four spacious twin or double-bedded suites with air-conditioning and private shower rooms to match. “She will also boast a large saloon with panoramic windows and a demonstration galley where guests can watch their chef preparing delicious gourmet meals”. Cruising for the Finesse will begin from May 2016 travelling through River Saone and Southern Burgundy where one can discover its vineyards.
Compared to other forms of cruising a hotel barge is more intimate and relaxed with a better focus on exploring different regions and excursions to “off the beaten track” places. Each hotel barge has been meticulously thought of in terms of comfort and luxury accommodation, and with a staff to match, rest assured they will keep to the background but will always be alert to any needs.
For your next holiday or get together hotel barging might be a grand idea. Get in touch to curate your own holiday hotel barge.
Share this Article
You Might Also Like
-
The 10 Best Jazz Clubs in London for an Elegant Evening Out
Here are 10 jazz clubs across the city where the music is front and centre, the setting feels a little more refined, and the night seems truly magical.
-
What’s On Our Radar This Month: August 2025
From exciting new food joints to the latest must-have beauty and fashion launches, here are the 20 things on The Sybarite’s radar this August.
-
Amazing Graceland — Building The 'Priscilla' Movie
Priscilla Presley’s complex life has drawn intrigue for decades. Lucy Cocoran speaks to Tamara Deverell, the production designer behind Sofia Coppola’s on-screen interpretation.
-
Exploring America’s Private Members Club Scene
From Aman New York to The Aster in Los Angeles these are the exclusive private members clubs to join to rub shoulders with fellow creatives and visionaries.
-
Location Vacation — How The White Lotus Is Changing Travel
The allure of movies and television is inspiring a new wave of plugged-in travellers.
-
A Luxury Insider’s Guide to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Every August, Edinburgh transforms into a living, breathing work of art.
-
An Icon Reimagined: Experiencing the Timeless Magic of Raffles Singapore
What began as a modest bungalow in 1887 has since transformed into one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage hotels, named in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Declared a national monument in 1987, it remains the only hotel in the country to hold such recognition.
-
Happy Days on the Harley-Davidson 117 Low Rider Softail
Jeremy Webb takes the Harley-Davidson 117 Low Rider Softail for a scenic spin. Here's his honest verdict.
-
What's On Our Radar This Month: September 2025
From the hippest new restaurants and cocktail bars to the chicest beauty and fashion drops, here are 19 things on The Sybarite’s radar this September.
-
Q&A With Patina's General Manager Anthony Gill
In this exclusive Q&A with the resort’s General Manager, we’ll explore what sets Patina Maldives apart in the competitive Maldivian hospitality scene, its dedication to sustainability, and the personalised experiences that make it a standout destination.
-
The Sanchaya: Bintan’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away in Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago on the idyllic island of Bintan, The Sanchaya is a beachfront escape that’s still refreshingly under the radar. While part of us wants to keep this gem a secret, it's simply too exceptional not to share.
-
The Sybarite Q&A with Narelle McDougall, General Manager of Amilla Maldives
In this exclusive Q&A interview with the resort’s General Manager, we’ll explore what makes Amilla Maldives a standout destination in the Maldives, the philosophy behind its impeccable service, and the experiences that guests can look forward to.
-
A Unique Escape at InterContinental Khao Yai, Thailand
The InterContinental Khao Yai is not your typical resort. Designed by the visionary architect Bill Bensley, the property draws inspiration from the region’s railway heritage, transforming upcycled train carriages into one-of-a-kind luxury suites.
-
Austin: The Live Music Capital of the World Continues to Strike a Captivating Tune
Austin's unique charm has elicited praise from many travel writers. The city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird," reflects its independent and alternative spirit, even as it faces commercialisation.
-
Casa Talia: A Journey into Slow Living
Kristýna Jandová discovers a slower pace of life in the heart of Modica, Sicily. Below, read her review of boutique hotel, Casa Talia.
-
Luxury Living Aboard One-of-a-kind Residential Megayacht, The World, Residences at Sea
Baldwin Ho explores luxury living on The World, Residences at Sea, spotlighting everything from its fascinating history to its spectacular amenities.
-
A Sleepover At THE PIG-at Combe
The ever-expanding litter of THE PIG hotels are synonymous with gourmet excellence, making them the perfect weekend retreat for a foodie escape, which is how I found myself at THE PIG- at Combe, arguably the grandest of the British hotel groups outposts.
-
72 Hours in Madrid: What to See, Do and Eat, According to an Insider
Madrid is a haven for culture vultures and foodies alike. Discover insider Kellie Erm’s guide to the best things to see, do and eat in the soulful Spanish city.
Learn more about luxury lifestyle by signing up for free
For our latest experiences and editorials, be the first in the know. You'll learn about upcoming experiences happening worldwide and the secrets and lifestyle of a sybarite.