Meet the Captain of L’Art de Vivre | Nymphea bids Adieu to the River Cher | Enjoy a Venice Gondola Ride on us! | And so much more…

BRINGING YOU NEWS FROM TH​E TOWPATH

​With spring just around the corner, Europe is awakening to a symphony of colour! In Holland, tulip fields burst into bloom, golden daffodils and delicate crocuses brighten Britain’s landscapes, and in France, the sweet scent of cherry blossoms drifts through the air – just in time for the start of the cruising season later this month.

Spring is the perfect time to embrace a gentler pace, meandering through Europe’s tranquil waterways as nature reawakens. And for those planning ahead, our latest Special Offers include a complimentary gondola ride in Venice on selected summer departures – an unforgettable way to experience the magic of ‘La Serenissima’.

Scroll down to discover more…

Meet the Captain: Matthew Price, L’Art de Vivre
From Deckhand to Captain of L’Art de Vivre, Matthew Price knows Europe’s waterways well! Read on to find out how this London-born photography enthusiast enchants guests as they cruise the Canal du Nivernais…
Modern Luxury and French Charm Await Aboard Finesse
If your clients love modern comfort amidst the rural French landscapes, then a cruise aboard hotel barge Finesse could be perfect! They’re sure to fall in love with the sights, the wine, landscapes and so much more.
​Aubigny Quarry: An Ancient Wonder That Built Paris
Discover the underground wonder of Aubigny Quarry, a breathtaking ‘stone cathedral’ in Burgundy. Learn how its prized limestone shaped iconic landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Paris Opera House.
Enjoy a FREE Gondola Ride through Venice’s Canals
Book your clients’ cabin aboard La Bella Vita departing on June 01 & July 20, and they can enjoy a FREE gondola ride through Venice’s waterways! Find out more about these elegant and iconic vessels..
Ferrara Unveiled: A Journey Through Italy’s Renaissance Gem

Explore the timeless charm of Ferrara, a UNESCO-listed Renaissance city in northern Italy, aboard a luxury hotel barge cruise with La Bella Vita. This video tour takes you through its grand palaces, medieval streets, and historic waterways, showcasing its artistic heritage and cultural treasures. Step into the past and experience the elegance of Ferrara’s rich history and architectural beauty.

Don’t forget our current special offers for La Bella Vita cruises in 2025:

Enjoy up to 20% OFF selected Charters & Cabins
Solo travellers pay No Single Supplement on a number of departures
Guests cruising on June 01 & July 20 can enjoy a FREE Venice gondola ride which can also be combined with either of UP TO 20% off Cabins, or the No Single Supplement offers available
2025 SPECIAL OFFERS
Up to 20% OFF Cabins
Save up to 20% on cabins on selected spring & summer 2025 departures. Book by 31 March.

UP to 20% OFF Charters
Enjoy up to 20% off selected whole barge charters departing this spring and summer when booked by 31 March.

No Single Supplement Offers
Pay No Single Supplement on selected cruises in Burgundy, Italy, the Canal du Midi, Champagne & Scotland.

*T&Cs apply, please click on the link below for full details
New Beginnings for Nymphea: A Fond Farewell to the River Cher
Unfortunately, due to damage to critical infrastructure and a lack of investment from the local navigation authority to maintain the waterway, Nymphea  must bid adieu to her much-loved itinerary on the River Cher in the Loire Valley for the 2025 cruising season.

We are actively exploring the possibility of a cruising itinerary in Brittany for Nymphea in 2026, a new cruise region for European Waterways! In the meantime, we invite you to discover other exceptional cruising experiences nearby, such as Renaissance

Captured on French television channel France 3, Captain Leigh Wooton bids a fond farewell to the River Cher as hotel barge Nymphea is lifted on to road transport to begin her next chapter in another region of France.

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.