Cruise Gascony aboard Hotel Barge Rosa European Waterways

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Rosa is a first-class, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises in Gascony between Agen and Montauban from April and August. She's an old Dutch “Clipper” barge that was built early in the last century to carry cargoes on the offshore waterways of Holland. Now, as a charming hotel barge, she navigates the much calmer canals of southwest France. • The pretty, wood-panelled saloon has comfortable seating, a dining area and bar, and the four cosy, air-conditioned staterooms have full en suite facilities. Outside there is a spacious sun deck with parasols and comfortable loungers to relax in. Rosa also featured with Anjodi in the successful television series, Rick Stein’s French Odyssey and you will be able to enjoy your own personal ‘odyssey’ through this captivating part of southwest France. • Gascony • The “Canal des Deux Mers”, comprising the Canal de Garonne and the Canal du Midi, links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, passing through the region of L’Occitanie – a veritable palette of colours and scents created by orchards and vineyards. On our cruise between Montauban and Boé through Gascony along the Canal de Garonne, we visit medieval fortified ‘bastides’ such as Valence d’Agen, learn about and taste some of the region’s wonderful local products and pass picturesque villages and quaint farms. • Cruise Highlights • Visit the renowned Château Bellevue la Fôret for a winery tour and private tasting • Cruise across the 1,000 foot long Pont Canal du Cacor - • Visit to Château de Goudourville - • Tour the medieval town and castle of Nérac • Guided tour and private tasting at a renowned local Armagnac producer • Visit Moissac and its UNESCO-classified abbey • What is hotel barging? • Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especiallly on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers. • This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto. • Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience! • European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands. • The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. • Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools. • http://www.europeanwaterways.com/

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