European Waterways has launched themed Ladies at Leisure hotel barge charter options.

These include a wide range of excursions, culinary experiences, shopping and health-conscious themes, such as yoga and walking.

There is also 10 per cent off charter prices on selected cruises for spring 2019, when booked by 14 September 2018.

The six-night Ladies at Leisure charters can be tailored to meet certain needs. For example, a culinary cruise can include private cooking demonstrations and related excursions.

Among hotel barges offering culinary-themed charters are the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste, which sails Southern Burgundy on the Canal de Bourgogne, including free transfers from Paris, and the eight-passenger Enchanté, which cruises on the Canal du Midi.

When the 10 per cent offer is included, full barge prices for selected spring 2019 departures aboard Enchanté start from £29,080, based on eight people, a saving of over £8,000. This includes transfers from the pick up point to the barge mooring (and return on the day of departure), en-suite accommodation, all gourmet meals and drinks/fine wines/open bar, all daily, escorted excursions/tours, which are pre-arranged, and the use of bicycles.

Some cruises also feature onboard entertainment by local performers, as well as demonstrations by local craftsmen, while there are also health, art and wine-themed departures.

“Today’s female travellers are more confident and independent,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways.

“The social nature of hotel barging makes it an ideal way to take a break, or mark a celebration, with like-minded friends in a relaxing setting. Vessels accommodate just six to 20 guests, with most featuring a 1:2 crew ratio, so every guest is assured the highest level of individual and attentive service.

“There is never a ‘what do we do today’ moment on a European Waterways’ cruise, because activities are carefully planned to fill the days.

“We also ensure there is plenty of free time for our guests to do nothing at all but enjoy the beautiful countryside as they sit back and sip their favourite wine. For some, that’s activity enough.”