= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Europe | Canal & River Cruising
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A&K has a fleet of beautiful hotel barges at its disposal. If you are looking for a European holiday with a focus on fine food, good wines, beautiful landscapes and an exciting new destination each day without ever leaving home, then canal and river cruising is for you. It is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to discover rural Europe, without crowds and in great comfort. |
Vessels
The exclusive vessels we recommend all have charming cabins with private facilities, central heating/air-conditioning and portholes/windows. Passenger numbers start from as few as six. All offer exceptional service with distinctive dining, and include spacious lounges and sundecks, some with Jacuzzi. Cruises are six nights in duration and operate from March to November.
Food & Wine
One of the major highlights of any European sojourn is the regional food. Onboard, your chef is a master whose gastronomic creations our discerning guests often rate higher than those in top restaurants. The vessel's pantry is supplemented with fresh produce bought from lock-keepers’ gardens or local markets.
Before you wake each morning, a crew member has already been ashore to collect fresh breads, croissants and pastries while the coffee brews. Lunch will be a selection of salads, pâtés, quiches and cheeses, with a four or five-course dinner each night. Enjoy regional specialities such as magret de canard and foie gras while in Bordeaux, or ragoût de calamars in Provence. Each course is accompanied by the finest wines handpicked from the cellar.
Daily Excursions
Excursions into nearby villages or the surrounding countryside are either a quick journey in the barge minibus or just a short walk from the mooring. Touring may include the magnificent châteaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting in Burgundy, an ancient abbey in the south-west or a gothic church in Franche-Comté. All excursions are included but are entirely optional.
Special Interest Cruises
For those who prefer a holiday with a specific focus, itineraries have been designed to cater to unique interests. These may be for golf or garden lovers, opera-goers, wine connoisseurs, antique collectors or families travelling with children. Most are available to wholeboat charters only.
All cruises are 7 days/ 6 nights
Here are a just a selection of the many barges on offer.
France | Enchante
This state of the art barge offers four suites each with superbly appointed bathrooms and individual mobile phones. Tasteful contemporary furnishings give the vessel a light and airy feel and there’s a spacious sundeck with alfresco dining area, hot tub and sun loungers. Bikes are available for use during the cruise.
Cruise Region: Canal du Midi/ Provence
No. of guests: 8
France | Hirondelle
A converted cargo barge, the delightful Hirondelle is tastefully decorated in soft country shades. Its relaxed atmosphere is perfectly in tune with the scenery outside and her large picture windows and skylights flood the airy lounge with natural sunlight, making it the ideal spot to relax and watch rural France pass by. Four good-sized cabins all have en suite shower facilities:
Cruise Region: Burgundy
No. of guests: 8
France | Napoléon
Europe’s finest river cruiser combining the luxury of a hotel with the friendly ambience of a country inn. The six comfortable cabins are all located above the water line and have individually controlled air-conditioning. En suite bathrooms are beautifully appointed with hand-made Provencal tiles. A sun deck with Jacuzzi and exercise equipment is located on the top deck.
Cruise Region: Provence
No. of guests: 12
Ireland | Shannon Princess II
The largest barge cruising the River Shannon, she is thoughtfully designed with five cabins all with en suite bathrooms. There are panoramic windows to allow guests a full appreciation of the stunning countryside and a comfortable saloon, dining area, bar and upper sundeck.
Cruise Region: Lower Shannon
No. of guests: 10
Netherlands | Savoir Faire
Recently refurbished, this vessel is tastefully decorated with finishes of teak, mahogany and brass with antique furniture and paintings completing the elegant look. Six staterooms offer en suite bathrooms and there are two spacious decks for enjoying the enchanting countryside.
Cruise Region: Holland Tulip Cruise, Belgium & France
No. of guests: 12
Scotland | Scottish Highlander
With the delightful atmosphere of a Scottish country house, the subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings transports you to the lochs and rivers of Scotland. There are four cabins and spacious public areas with traditional Scottish fare a highlight.
Cruise Route: Caledonian Canal & Highlands
No. of guests: 8
