Meet Soïka, the Expert Truffle Dog | Discover the Timeless Pleasures of Hotel Barging

Planning ahead definitely has its perks – and now’s a great time to do just that!

This month’s Lock Keeper is all about the simple joys of barge cruising. If your clients fancy a classic cruise through Burgundy’s wine country, La Belle Epoque may be just the ticket. If they’re planning a private family charter in the laid-back South of France, check out our visit to Le Mas d’Antonin. Or, if Venice is calling – let us take them behind the scenes at the elegant and historic Villa Ca’Zen…

Discover the Timeless Pleasures of Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising
A luxury hotel barge cruise offers a relaxing, all-inclusive way to explore Europe’s picturesque waterways. With no navigating or cooking required, guests can fully enjoy the scenery, fine dining, and personalised service throughout their journey.

​Spotlight on La Belle Epoque: Wine, History, and Culture in Northern Burgundy
Cruising the Burgundy Canal in style, the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque offers wine and culture lovers a luxurious journey through Northern Burgundy’s Chablis vineyards, historic sites, gourmet cuisine, and picturesque medieval villages.

A Gourmet Guide to Truffles: Truffle Hunting on a Luxury Barge Cruise
Aboard luxury hotel barges Anjodi and Enchanté, guests have an opportunity to experience a truffle-hunting demonstration at the Minervois olive oil and truffle estate, Le Mas d’Antonin. Find out more about French truffles in this ultimate guide.

Experience Byron’s River Po at Villa Ca’Zen with Hotel Barge La Bella Vita
A stay at Villa Ca’Zen on the Po Delta offers a serene escape in a historic 17th‑century estate. Explore Italy’s largest nature reserve by boat, enjoy Byron‑inspired gardens, wildlife, and immersive cultural and outdoor experiences.

Renaissance: Luxury Redefined on France’s Oldest Canal
Cruise in style aboard Renaissance along the historic Canal de Briare, exploring charming châteaux, medieval towns, and the Sancerre wine region. Highlights on this week-long cruise include a private lunch at celebrated artist, Rosa Bonheur’s untouched studio, a cooking demonstration at the Château de La Bussière, a Sancerre wine tasting, and the iconic Briare aqueduct (pictured) – with walking and biking options throughout. Watch the video, or click on the link below to find out more!

LAST-MINUTE PEAK SEPTEMBER AVAILABILITY FOR CHARTERS: 20% OFF
Are your clients considering a last-minute European barge escape this summer? Due to late cancellations, we have some last-minute charter weeks available on the following summer cruises:
Finesse: September 21
Kir Royale: August 31; September 7
Renaissance: September 7
Scottish Highlander: August 31

2025 SPECIAL OFFERS
Up to 25% Off Cabins
Save up to 25% on cabins on selected summer 2025 departures. Book by 30 June.
Up to 25% Off Charters

Enjoy up to 25% off selected whole barge charters departing this summer when booked by 30 June.
No Single Supplement Offers
Pay No Single Supplement on selected cruises in Burgundy, Canal du Midi, Italy Champagne & Scotland.

Enjoy a FREE Gondola Ride through Venice’s Scenic Canals
Did you know, when your clients book a cabin aboard La Bella Vita departing July 20, they can enjoy a FREE gondola ride through Venice’s waterways? This offer can be used in conjunction with our current specials on these dates, offering a No Single Supplement or UP TO 20% OFF!

*T&Cs apply, please visit our website

About the author

Nicola is the Managing Director of Micro-Cruising. Small ships great trips. Micro-Cruising sells trips on ships of 100 passengers or fewer. We are the specialists in small ships with over 700 vessels worldwide.