European Waterways Unveils New Itineraries and Experiences for 2027

Luxury hotel-barging specialist European Waterways has unveiled a collection of new experiences for 2027, alongside the launch of its new 2027/28 brochure, and is offering savings of 10% off selected 2027 cruises and private charters booked before 16 November 2026.

Spanning some of Europe’s most picturesque inland waterways, additions for 2027 include a new itinerary through Brittany, exclusive encounters at medieval châteaux in Burgundy, and new culinary and cultural discoveries along the Canal du Midi and Ireland’s River Shannon.

New for 2027: Discover Brittany’s hidden waterways

One of the most significant additions for 2027 is a new cruising itinerary through Brittany aboard the 6-passenger Nymphea, traveling between Josselin and Redon along the peaceful River Oust and Canal de Nantes à Brest. The journey takes guests through one of France’s most distinctive regions, combining medieval villages, historic castles, and Breton culinary traditions.

Highlights include a private visit to the impressive Château de Josselin, exploring the medieval streets of Malestroit, discovering the ancient standing stones of Monteneuf, and visiting the picturesque village of Rochefort-en-Terre. 

Food and wine experiences include dinner at Michelin-starred Maison Tiegezh, local cider tastings, and a visit to Dantelezh winery on the Rhuys peninsula, where winemaking is currently enjoying a revival. 

Burgundy: Medieval castles and private falconry experiences

Guests aboard the 8-passenger Finesse and the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste can discover the medieval Château de Germolles, the only surviving residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, with an intimate falconry experience offering the opportunity to meet falconers and their birds of prey. Meanwhile, guests cruising aboard the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque and 8-passenger L’Art de Vivre can explore the 12th-century Château de Bazoches, once home to renowned French military engineer Vauban, and enjoy a private medieval falconry demonstration within the castle grounds. Beyond Burgundy, guests can also enjoy memorable falconry experiences in Scotland and Ireland.

Another new addition aboard Finesse is a visit to Château de Couches, an imposing 11th-century fortress featuring historic towers, courtyards, gardens, and underground passageways.

Canal du Midi: New flavors and cultural discoveries

For 2027, guests aboard the 8-passenger Anjodi can enjoy a new culinary experience at Château Canet, a family-owned wine and olive estate in the Minervois region near Carcassonne. The visit combines an exploration of the estate’s olive groves and vineyards with tastings of olives, tapenades, and rosé wine, followed by a private lunch at the château accompanied by carefully paired regional wines.

Ireland: Whiskey, castles and centuries of heritage

For 2027, guests cruising the River Shannon can visit the historic Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery, where they will discover the heritage of Irish whiskey-making and enjoy a guided tasting. The itinerary also introduces an enhanced private visit to Birr Castle, home to the Parsons family for more than 400 years. Alongside its historic interiors and gardens, guests can discover the estate’s remarkable scientific heritage, including the Great Telescope, built in 1845 and once the world’s largest telescope.

John Wood-Dow, Co-founder and Director of European Waterways, said the new brochure and early-booking offer come as people begin planning their 2027 European holidays.

“Our new experiences for 2027 are designed to make those journeys even more memorable, while the flexibility of hotel barging means guests can enjoy the comfort of a luxury cruise and still discover Europe at a much more leisurely pace.”

Accommodating between six and 20 guests, European Waterways’ luxury hotel barges combine the convenience of all-inclusive cruising with the intimacy of a boutique floating hotel, including gourmet meals prepared by onboard chefs, fine regional wines, personalised service, and privately guided excursions. Travellers can book individual cabins on scheduled departures or charter an entire barge for exclusive use, making the experience particularly appealing for families, friendship groups, milestone celebrations, and special-interest travel.

Save 10% on selected 2027 cruises and private charters: To celebrate the launch of its new 2027/28 brochure (available now to view online or order via post), European Waterways is offering 10% off selected scheduled 2027 departures and 10% off selected private whole-barge charters, for bookings made before 16 November 2026.

For further information, to view or order the new brochure, or to explore available 2027 departures and special offers, visit europeanwaterways.com.