Family cruising in Europe

European Waterways recognises that hectic lifestyles allow little time for families to spend precious quality time together. Grandparents, parents and children rarely get an opportunity to experience group leisure time. European Waterways family charters provide a great solution and opportunity to share an experience that will be talked about over family dinners for years and generations to come.

Planning a holiday with children can be a daunting challenge. Making sure the hotel rooms are together, the meals are suitable and the excursions are fun for all the family are just a few of the components which, if badly planned, can ruin a holiday. If the children are happy then everyone is happy. Family charters aboard a hotel barge are the perfect all round solution.

Scottish Highlander travels the Great Glen, offering all ages a unique opportunity to go Nessie Spotting with Highlander’s own sonic “fish finder” whilst cruising across enchanting Loch Ness to Fort Augustus. A visit to the 13th century Urqhuart Castle, stunning Highland scenery with deer and Golden Eagles, trout fishing on the River Oich and an intriguing lock flight complete the barging picture.

Family Charterers can enjoy a picnic on the Silver Sands of Morar and board the magical steam train ride on The Hogwarts Express back across the Glenfinnan viaduct to Banavie. Many of the castles in this area were used in the Harry Potter movies and the whole trip is full of myth and legend.

L’Art de Vivre travels the Upper Nivernais Canal in Burgundy. Gliding idyllically past some of the most picturesque villages and hamlets in rural Burgundy, one can easily forget you are in the 21st century. Medieval castles, stalking mystical pre-historic monsters, kayaking down the river Yonne, or exploring the Morvan forest hills are all features on our Burgundy Family Charter.

A typical evening could see adults sipping chilled Chardonnay from the flower-surrounded sun deck Jacuzzi whilst discussing the next day’s cruising with the Tour Guide, who doubles as on board entertainer and may be organising a treasure hunt for the children.

Our family charters are tailored to families having a whole barge to themselves. Barging allows a new location every day without the dramas of packing and unpacking several times during the holiday. An onboard chef provides both the children and adults with a combination of menus that will delight all.

European Waterways vessels gently navigate the smaller canals and rivers of Europe allowing families time to savour the delights of the rural countryside and canalside villages and cycle or stroll alongside the barge which advances at little more than a walking pace.

A variety of activities can be tailored for all age groups both aboard and ashore. Older children may enjoy cultural excursions with their parents to chateaux, museums, vineyards and local markets. Other routes cruise close to Mediterranean beaches, where a variety of water sports can be sampled such as sailing, windsurfing, paragliding or water-skiing.

Six night /seven day cruises are available for Family Charters of between 4 and 12 in the party. Rates are from £8,200 for a whole boat charter. The price includes en-suite accommodation, champagne welcome, meals, refreshments and open bar (for the parents and grandparents!) use of all facilities on board, most shore excursions, admittance fees, use of bicycles and other facilities. All of European Waterways’ fleet cruise between April and November.

European Waterways’ fleet of intimate hotel barges cruise the inland waterways of France, England, Holland, Italy Ireland, Scotland and Germany. For reservations and more information visit GoBarging.com.