European Waterways Falls Into Autumn With Colorful Seasonal Specials

Online, September 7, 2012 (Newswire.com) - It is hard to imagine a more relaxing way to enjoy the vibrant colors of Autumn that will soon dust the landscape of Europe than to drift slowly down a tree-lined canal on the sundeck of a luxury hotel barge. As the leaves begin to turn and the summer crowds begin to fade, European Waterways, Europe's largest luxury hotel barge cruising company, is making its own colorful transition into the Fall season with exciting specials on a variety of its cruises-making Autumn an ideal time to book a cruise for those new to this unique experience.

"Autumn may just be my favorite season," said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. "The different shades of red and yellow lining the countryside, the clear blue skies, the pleasant temperatures - it's an excellent time to go barging and take in the beauty of Europe. If you've never been on a hotel barge before, this is the perfect time to go, and we're offering excellent discounts on many of our popular cruises in France, Scotland, and Italy."

Harvesting the Beauty of Alsace
This Fall, European Waterways' 12-passenger Panache is cruising through the historic French region of Alsace. Bordering Germany, the region features a combination of both French and German cultures, and boasts a classic landscape of rolling vineyards and winding waterways. Its medieval villages and historic citadels are tucked away between the Vosges Mountains on the west and the River Rhine to the east. During a characteristically long and warm Autumn, the region's half-timbered houses are set against an auburn countryside, complete with ripe rows of grapes just waiting to be picked and processed into wine.

Alsace is renowned for its dry and sweet white wines, where an array of grape varieties distinct to the region are grown and produced. Lucky passengers on Panache this Fall will cruise during the "Vendange", French for grape harvest, which takes place in September and October. A scenic drive through the Vosges hills and private tastings of the regions' Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Riesling wines are part of the itinerary.

Excellent seasonal specials on Panache include $2000 off per cabin, based on double occupancy, for last-minute travelers on September 16th, as well as for departures on Oct. 7 and October 14. Families or groups looking to book the whole boat can get 25 % off for departures on October 21.

The Scottish Highlands
The magnificent Scottish Highlands are arguably the quintessential trademark of Scotland. Featuring the Grampian Mountains and Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis, they are populated with medieval castles, country farm towns, and vast lakes.

Passengers on European Waterways' luxury barge, The Scottish Highlander, will be in "high" spirits this fall, spending long, peaceful days cruising the Caledonian Canal.

"The Highlands evoke the essence of a fairytale," said Banks, "and, in the early Fall, the iconic Scottish heather is in full bloom, so there are purple hues spread across the hilly landscapes. Later on, the leaves change color and the scenery takes on a glorious golden quality. It's a great time of year to experience the Highlands!"

Guests will take in the view on a gondola trip up Britain's eighth highest mountain, Aonach Mor. Scottish history will be explored at the famous medieval Eilean Donan Castle featured in the movie Highlander; and at Cawdor Castle, the setting of Shakespeare's' Macbeth. And for some onboard entertainment, a Scottish piper will serenade passengers one evening and Captain Dan Clark will play Scottish tunes on his accordion at the farewell dinner.

Specials on The Scottish Highlander this Fall include $2,000 off per cabin, based on double occupancy, for departures on September 23 and October 14; and 25 % off the full charter price for departures on October 7 and 21.

Say "Ciao" to La Bella Vita
Cruising slowly down the canals of northern Italy, one is truly living "La Bella Vita." It means "the beautiful life" in Italian, and it is also the namesake of European Waterways' stylish 20-passenger vessel that cruises the region. Traveling between Mantua in north central Italy and the coastal city of Venice, La Bella Vita cruises through the Po Valley and the Veneto on the canals and rivers of an ancient Roman trade route. It visits towns such as Ferrara, which boasts of Medieval and Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets, and the aroma of delicious local cuisine - where life in the moment really couldn't be more "Bella."

Northern Italy's beauty and charm has made it a popular tourist destination. In the Fall, crowds begin to thin out and the pleasant temperatures create an ideal barging environment for taking in the wonders of the region's diverse landscape.

La Bella Vita's varied itinerary spans the gardens and wine cellars of the 17th century Villa Widmann-Borletti, to the colorful beach towns of the lagoon islands. Guests will tour Venice, the ancient city built on water, and the small fishing port town of Chioggia, featuring a colorful fresh fish market, among other excursions.

European Waterways is offering $2,000 off per cabin, based on double occupancy, for departures on September 30 on La Bella Vita. It is also offering $5,000 off the whole boat charter for departures on October 14, 21 and 28.

All prices subject to availability.