A new Brittany itinerary, private castle visits and additional food and cultural experiences will feature in European Waterways’ 2027 program, alongside an early booking offer on selected cruises and private charters.
A new six-passenger Nymphea itinerary will travel between Josselin and Redon along the River Oust and Canal de Nantes à Brest.
Highlights include Château de Josselin, the medieval streets of Malestroit, the standing stones of Monteneuf and Rochefort-en-Terre, alongside dinner at Michelin-starred Maison Tiegezh, cider tastings and a winery visit on the Rhuys peninsula.
Burgundy will also receive several new experiences, including private falconry encounters at Château de Germolles and Château de Bazoches. Guests aboard Finesse will additionally visit the 11th-century Château de Couches.
On the Canal du Midi, Anjodi guests will visit Château Canet near Carcassonne for an experience combining olive groves, vineyards, tastings and a private lunch paired with regional wines. European Waterways said Australian passenger numbers on the Canal du Midi increased 20% in 2026.
Ireland’s River Shannon program will add a visit to Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery and an enhanced private visit to Birr Castle. Australian passenger numbers aboard Shannon Princess doubled year-on-year in 2026, according to the company.
John Wood-Dow, European Waterways Co-founder and Director, said the new experiences were designed to give travellers more opportunities to explore the regions surrounding Europe’s waterways.
“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,” Mr Wood-Dow said.
Travellers booking selected 2027 scheduled departures or whole-barge private charters by November 16 will receive a 10% saving. The new 2027/28 brochure is also now available.
