From the Golf Courses of Scotland to the Vineyards of Burgundy, Travelers Indulge Their Passions with Themed Cruises

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - May 14th, 2013 - A luxury hotel barge cruise vacation is always a great experience, but one that revolves around a particular hobby or passion can be especially memorable.  European Waterways, Europe's largest luxury hotel barge cruising company, offers a wide range of themed cruises with itineraries tailor-made to a traveler’s special interests.  By chartering the entire vessel and taking along friends and family, for example, golf enthusiasts can hit the links at some of Scotland’s finest golf courses as they cruise aboard the Scottish Highlander. Walking cruises through the Burgundy region of France offer excellent opportunities to explore the beautiful countryside at a more leisurely pace, all the while enjoying the full amenities aboard hotel barges such as La Belle Epoque.  For wine lovers, vessels such as L'Impressionniste and the Anjodi offer themed cruises with a professional guide and more visits to vineyards than the typical cruises.

“Every European Waterways cruise is carefully designed to ensure travelers get a taste of all that the cruise region has to offer, from culinary and gastronomic fares, to historical and cultural attractions, as well as private tours that include vineyards and local food markets,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.  “A themed cruise ensures that you get even more of what you love most.  But our guests are free to do as much or as little as they want. After all, relaxing and ‘getting away from it all’ is a ‘theme’ of its own for many people!”

The Ultimate “Green” Vacation

Nearly half of European Waterways’ hotel barges offer golf themed cruises, but the spectacular scenery of Scotland is a particular lure to avid golfers.  Departing from the village of Dochgarroch, near Inverness, the first stop on the eight-passenger Scottish Highlander is the 18-hole championship golf course at Royal Dornoch, an internationally acclaimed course that dates from 1616 and is considered one of Scotland’s finest.  The following day, guests enjoy 18 holes at Nairn Golf Club, a traditional Scottish golf link bordering the North Sea.

Among other courses visited is the Fort Augustus G.C., often called “one of Scotland’s hidden gems,” located on the banks of the Caledonian Canal near the famous Loch Ness.  Of course, even the most avid golfer needs time away from the green to mull over their scores and reinvigorate their swing, so in between great rounds of golf almost every day, guests enjoy tours that include a visit to Glen Nevis Whisky Distillery, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, where they are invited to “take a dram…and savor the Uisge beatha - the water of life.”

The October 13, 2013 and May 4, 2014 departures on the Scottish Highlander are currently designated as golf themed cruises. With spaces limited, now is a great time to book a cabin to ensure a memorable cruise with other, like-minded golfers.  A supplement applies to players to cover the cost of booking all green fees.  Contact European Waterways for complete information.

A Walk to Remember

Like golf cruises, groups can charter a vessel for walking tours anytime, though off-season cruises during the mellow, cooler days of Autumn, are especially popular. Guests can also check the European Waterways website for pre-arranged walking cruises, when they can book one or two cabins and join like-minded travelers.  European Waterways’ classic cruises include ample walking opportunities under the guide of crew members with extensive knowledge of the area to help maximize the experience.

Because of its magnificent vistas, Burgundy is among the more popular regions for walking tours, with cruises aboard La Belle Epoque a particular favorite.  Guests visit peaceful villages as well as tour such sites as the striking 16th Century Renaissance-style Chateau de Tanlay. They’ll also walk from the World Heritage Unesco site of Abbey de Fontenay, past fields of grazing Charolais cattle, to the ancient town of Montbard.

The October 13 & 20, 2013 departures and the October 5 & 12, 2014 departures have been designated as walking cruises on La Belle Epoque, and cabins are still available for those wishing to join other walkers on their cruise.

De-“Vine” Cruises

France is arguably the greatest wine producing country in the world, and a wine appreciation cruise allows guests to savor many of the regions’ most celebrated vintages in the company of a professional guide. Among the popular hotel barges for these cruises are L’Impressionniste, which cruises through legendary provinces such as Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits; and the Anjodi, which cruises the Canal du Midi near the Mediterranean Sea through a region famous for its excellent Minervois and Corbièreswines, some of which today are considered on par with the classic French vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

In between visits to some of the world’s top wine producers, guests enjoy a diverse itinerary of sightseeing that helps put into perspective the historical context of the famous wines they will savor. The tours include quaint chateaux and ancient abbeys, ornamental gardens and lakes that offer insight into the glamorous lives of the French Aristocrats.

Rates include a supplement to cover the cost of a professional wine guide, comprehensive wine itinerary, and an upgrade of all wines onboard to include Premier and Grand Cru. Wine lovers can contact European Waterways for the latest information on chartering a hotel barge to create their own wine appreciation tour.

“Themed cruises allow travelers to be ‘captains of their own destiny,’ ” said Banks. “ Whatever your interest, we probably have a themed cruise that will make a truly memorable vacation.”

About European Waterways

The hotel barging experience is different from large vessel river cruising. It offers a slower paced, “gentle voyage of discovery” along the more intimate canals and waterways of Europe, allowing a small number of guests to become more fully immersed in the culture, history and gastronomy of the region. European Waterways is Europe’s largest all-inclusive luxury hotel barging operator, offering vacations in nine countries and carrying over 2,000 passengers a year.  Founded nearly 40 years ago, they own, operate and market a private fleet of luxury barges with cruises in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.  Pioneers in hotel barging, they were the first company to operate a hotel barge on the Upper Nivernais in Burgundy, and the “real” Loire Valley. They are also the only cruise company offering barge cruises in Scotland and in the Venetian lagoon and River Po valley. Please visit www.gobarging.com  or call Toll Free 1 877 879 8808 for more information, pricing, cruise schedules, brochures.

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