CroisiEurope, Europe’s largest river cruise operator, has launched a brand new hotel barge cruise along Belgium’s little-known waterways.
The six-night cruise itinerary on the MS Raymonde, pictured, which launches in April 2025, operates between Ghent and Halle and visits Bruges, Oudenaarde, Péronnes-Lez-Antoing, Mons, Strépy-Thieu and Brussels, taking in beautiful towns with a rich cultural heritage as well as a wide range of architectural and culinary discoveries.
Key highlights are the Strépy-Thieu boat lift, the second largest boat lift in the world with an impressive 73.15 metre incline; and the Inclined Plane of Ronquières which carries barges and other inland sailing vessels along a 1432-metre ramp with a 68-metre rise.
Other highlights include:
- Guided tours of Bruges, Oudenaarde and Brussels
- Visit to a Bruges brewery with a tasting
- Visit to a distillery in Oudenaarde to discover the traditional distillation process for jenever, gin and whiskey
- Culinary walk through Mons with a tasting of local specialities
- Visit to the Château de Beloiel to discover its vast art collection, library and gardens
- Guided tour of the award-winning Chant d’Éole vineyard which only produces sparkling wines made according to the traditional method
- Demonstration of how artisanal Belgian chocolate is made
The MS Raymonde features just 11 en-suite outward facing cabins, restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck and relaxation area with Jacuzzi.
The cruise will operate between April and October 2025 with prices from £2,674 per person.