A&K has a fleet of 20 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 the crowds and in great comfort.
Vessels
The exclusive vessels that A&K recommend all have charming cabins with private facilities, central heating/air-conditioning and portholes/windows. All offer exceptional service with distinctive dining and include spacious lounges and sundecks, some with Jacuzzi.
Food & Wine
One of the major highlights of any European sojourn is the regional cuisine. On board, your chef is a master whose gastronomic creations guests often rate higher than those in top restaurants. The vessel’s pantry is supplemented with fresh produce bought from lockkeepers’ 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 and 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, there are select itineraries which 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 whole boat charters only.
