
European Waterways introducing more active barge cruises
The luxury barge cruise company is debuting the new travel style with private charters, giving families and groups of friends the ability to embark on a bespoke itinerary. At the heart of this travel style is immersive and experience-based travel.
"Many modern travelers crave more than just a beautiful view: They want stories, hands-on experiences and a deeper sense of connection," said managing director Derek Banks.
For example, with the private charters travelers can swap a chateau tour for a hike or take a cooking class instead of visiting a museum.
Other excursions available on the private charters include golf, kayaking, truffle hunting and falconry.
European Waterways vessels can accommodate from eight to 20 guests and include locally sourced cuisine, a private chef and private guide.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Forbes
12 minutes ago
- Forbes
The Icelandic Highlands Are Open For Just Eight Weeks A Year
The colorful landscape of Landmannalaugar in the Iceland Highlands is accessible for just a couple of months each year. getty The Icelandic highlands are one of Europe's last true wildernesses. It's a vast, uninhabited interior of volcanoes, glaciers and lava deserts that feels closer to another planet than the North Atlantic. Yet for most of the year, they are completely cut off by snow, flooding, and treacherous weather. For travelers, the window to explore this otherworldly volcanic landscape is surprisingly short: roughly eight weeks between early July and early September. Covering much of Iceland's central plateau, the Icelandic highlands are an environment of extremes. Black volcanic plains stretch to the horizon, broken by steam vents and bright green moss. Rhyolite mountains shimmer in shades of red, yellow, and orange. Braided glacial rivers cut through valleys, and massive ice caps glint in the distance. NASA even used parts of the highlands to train Apollo astronauts, believing the barren terrain would mimic the surface of the moon. That comparison still feels apt today: there are no permanent settlements, and apart from a handful of seasonal ranger stations and mountain huts, the region is empty. It feels like a world away from the busy tourist traffic of the Golden Circle. For travellers who make the journey into Iceland's highlands, the rewards are spectacular. Hikers at the Hvanngil camp site on the well-known Laugavegur hiking trail in the Highlands of Iceland. getty Landmannalaugar is perhaps the most celebrated destination, a wonderland of multicoloured rhyolite mountains where shades of red, yellow and green shift with the light. Here, natural geothermal hot springs provide a welcome soak after a day's exploration, and the area marks the starting point of the Laugavegur trail, one of Iceland's most famous multi-day hikes. Deep in the interior lies Askja, a vast volcanic caldera surrounded by a barren lava desert. At its heart sits Viti, a striking blue crater lake that steams invitingly in contrast to the stark black landscape. Another highlight is Kerlingarfjöll, a geothermal mountain range where vivid mineral-rich slopes are threaded with steaming valleys and snow patches, creating a surreal palette that changes with the seasons. Between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers, Hveravellir offers a rare highland oasis. The steaming hot spring field is steeped in history. Once a refuge for outlaws, it is now a peaceful stop for modern-day adventurers. Why Access Is Limited The Icelandic highlands are criss-crossed by rough gravel tracks known as F-roads. These roads are unpaved, often riddled with potholes and frequently require crossing unbridged rivers. It's not hard to see the volcanic origins of the vast Icelandic Highlands. getty In winter, they are buried under snow. In spring, melting ice turns them into impassable mud and floods. Each summer, Iceland's road authorities monitor conditions before declaring the F-roads open. In a warm, dry year, some routes may open in late June, but in colder years it can be mid-July before the interior is accessible. By early September, closures begin again as snow returns. Plan A Safe Trip To The Iceland Highlands Visiting the Iceland Highlands requires preparation. The rough F-roads demand a high-clearance 4×4, and river crossings can be hazardous without experience, which is why many travellers opt for guided super jeep tours or limited-schedule highland buses. From Reykjavik, it typically takes three to four hours to reach highland gateways such as Landmannalaugar or Hveravellir, making towns like Selfoss or Hella convenient overnight stops if you prefer to break up the journey. The travel window is short, but conditions can still change quickly. Always check for openings and for weather alerts before setting out. Accommodation is scarce, so book campsites, huts or lodges well in advance. Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and enough supplies to be self-sufficient, as cell coverage and fuel stations are rare in this remote wilderness. For example, although Hveravellir offers accommodation and is one of the highlights of a highland road trip, the nearest gas station is more than 60 miles away. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To See The Best Of Iceland On A Budget By David Nikel Forbes Discover The Story Of New Nordic Cuisine At Norway's National Museum By David Nikel Forbes How To See The Best Of Iceland On A Cruise By David Nikel
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
I've been to over 90 countries, but there's only one I want to return to again and again
I've been to 90-plus countries and often visit each only once — but I keep coming back to Iceland. There's so much to do in the country, from relaxing in lagoons to hiking glaciers. I've already visited Iceland several times. I love the adventure, local food, and people. Though I live in the US, I'm a born traveler at heart. I've been to over 90 countries and have no plans to stop exploring. But my approach to travel is usually one-and-done. Why see the Colosseum again when I haven't seen the Great Pyramids or Antarctica? Yet, there's one country that keeps pulling me back: Iceland. I've already visited three times and definitely plan to return. I quickly fell in love with the country during my first visit I'd always wanted to visit Iceland, but I never prioritized it until a close friend convinced me to take the plunge. She planned most of our trip and got me excited about seeing the country's soaring waterfalls, hot springs, glaciers, and lava fields. Even better? It turns out that Iceland is less than a five-hour flight from where I live on the East Coast. As soon as I arrived, I could feel myself falling for the country. Our first stop was Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital city. In the heart of the old town, there's a huge road painted like a rainbow — a beautiful and unmistakable sign that all are welcome in Iceland. It brought me so much joy. Alongside shopping and museums showcasing Icelandic art, history, and culture, the city's personality comes through. The old town of Iceland is filled with quirky museums, including a phallic museum and a punk rock museum in an underground, abandoned restroom. Other uniquely Icelandic attractions, including the Lava Show, complete with real, red-hot lava, and the Perlan museum, with an indoor ice cave, are also nearby. I was astounded by how much there was to do in Reykjavík, especially since it's a fairly small city with a population under 140,000. My trip just kept getting better as I experienced more of the country Though I could've happily stayed in Reykjavík, I ventured out to see what else Iceland had to offer. I started by soaking in the warm waters of the Sky Lagoon and indulging in a multistep ritual inspired by traditional Nordic wellness practices. My life is stressful, and I find it hard to relax, but I felt rejuvenated when I left. I also visited a black beach with soaring basalt columns formed by volcanoes, hiked up a glacier, walked behind a soaring waterfall, and crossed a bridge spanning North American and European tectonic plates. Throughout the trip, I enjoyed the local cuisine. It's hard not to love a country obsessed with hot dogs and ice cream, but I also loved the gourmet meals I had in Reykjavík. A lot of the local pastries were astonishingly good — better than any I had in Paris. Moreover, the people I encountered in Iceland — considered the world's most peaceful country — were incredibly nice. They also seemed proud to show off their country. Once, while standing on the rooftop of a restaurant, someone asked my friend and me whether we were tourists. I stiffened and wondered what was coming next. But when we nodded, they just led us to a higher part of the roof, where the views were even more stunning. Unexpectedly, I felt at home in Iceland. I loved the adventure, the food, and the people. I didn't want to leave. I've visited Iceland 2 more times since that trip — and I still plan to go back At first, it seemed unthinkable that I'd ever return to Iceland since there's still so much of the world I haven't seen. Yet, once I was back home in Washington, DC, my soul longed to return. I craved the vast, quiet, open landscapes that starkly contrast with my daily life in a big, busy city. When a planned family trip unexpectedly fell apart, I decided to take my children to Iceland — even though it'd been only three months since I first visited. This time, I booked an expedition cruise to the north. We saw puffins and whales, crossed the Arctic Circle, and hiked in mountains and lava fields so beautiful that the views didn't seem real. Five months later, I packed my base layers and returned to Iceland again. I was obsessed with the idea of seeing the northern lights and experiencing the country in winter. Iceland looked totally different covered in snow, and I got to briefly see the northern lights. During this visit, I experienced Reykjavík's nightlife, visiting everything from an upscale rooftop bar to Lemmy's, a heavy-metal bar named after Motörhead's lead singer. To me, this was more proof that there's always something new to discover in Iceland, and I'm already plotting a return trip. Next time, I want to see a volcanic eruption. Read the original article on Business Insider
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-provincetown-massachusetts-PROVINCETOWN0725-94aa031942cb48fb82010d3306e505eb.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Cape Cod Town Is a Dreamy Day Trip From Boston—and This Is the Perfect Itinerary
Whether you're a local, a 'washashore' (the term locals use for those not originally from here), or just a curious day-tripper, Provincetown—at the outermost point of Cape Cod—has long beckoned visitors. This hub for the whaler, the fisherman, the eclectic, and the LGBTQIA+ community is ever-evolving, ever-inviting, and a guaranteed backdrop for a great time regardless of the length of your stay. While you can easily fill a weeklong itinerary of things to do, tan, eat, and sip in Ptown, this slice of New England paradise can also be enjoyed in a single day by those looking for a more efficient experience. From linguiça breakfast sandwiches (a nod to the local Portuguese community) to afternoon 'tea dance,' we have you covered for the perfect day in Ptown—plus a few suggestions in case you decide to take your time and conveniently 'miss' the last ferry to Boston. ( I'd totally understand if you did. ) There are two fast ferry lines running from Boston to Provincetown, with Bay State Cruise Company offering a slightly earlier (8:30 a.m.) departure from Boston's Seaport neighborhood, while Boston Harbor City Cruise offers a 9 a.m. departure from Long Wharf in downtown. On the return, BHCC offers a later 9 p.m. sailing back to Boston on summer weekends, while Bay State operates daily 7:30 p.m. returns. Macmillan Pier in Provincetown, Cape Cod. The earliest fast ferry from Boston arrives shortly after 10 a.m. If you're visiting during the peak summer season, there's a good chance half the town is still asleep from the night before, while the other half have been up since dawn, strolling the shoreline or powering through cardio regimens on Commercial Street—Ptown's main thoroughfare of galleries, shops, bars and restaurants. Thanks to the ambitious early risers, it's wise to make a beeline for Liz's Café Anybody's Bar, the town's go-to spot for the first meal of the day, where you're almost certain to be privy to the tea du jour (and I don't mean of the Earl Grey varietal) rustling the town's lace curtains that week. Linguiça breakfast sandwiches served on a Portuguese muffin, as well as flippers (a Portuguese fried dough), share space on a menu of breakfast classics, lobster eggs benedict, and morning cocktails. The Old Harbour Life Saving Museum on Race Point Beach. DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images Once you're filled up with gossip and eggs, the town is truly your oyster. (Pro-tip: maybe hold off on imbibing on those until a late lunch.) Two blocks east of Liz's is Ptown Bikes, where you can rent cycles and enjoy a scenic couple hours pedaling though the Provincetown stretch of Cape Cod National Seashore, working off breakfast as you go. Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach are two of Provincetown's most beloved sandy stretches, connected via a bike and walking path through the dunes of the National Sea Shore. Herring Cove is closer to town and known for calmer waters, while Race Point directly faces the Atlantic Ocean and offers more crashing waves and taller dune backdrops to your beachside photo session. Once you're done basking in the sun and sand, coast through the West End for a self-guided tour of fabulous homes and historic architecture on your way back into town. Those feeling hungry after all the pedaling might want to stop into Pop+Dutch for sandwiches that are as delicious as their names are creative. The Celine Dijon (French ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, cornichons, and brown butter on French baguette) is a fan favorite—and often sells out early to those who can hit the high note of 'All By Myself' … or at least try their hardest each time it comes on Spotify. If you're in more of a sit-down mood, Pepe's Wharf, toward the East End, is a slightly more upscale venue to enjoy frozen cocktails, oysters, and fried seafood with a harbor view. Meanwhile, The Canteen is the town's (dog-friendly) haven for lobster rolls, frozen rosé, and crispy Brussels sprouts, best enjoyed in the backyard that spills right onto the beach. People walk past the colorful homes and shops on Commercial Street. But also be sure to save a little time for post-lunch culture and a bit of splurging. Dive into Provincetown's history (and its bragging rights of being the first landing spot for the Pilgrims, who signed the Mayflower Compact here before continuing to what became Plymouth) at the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. It's accessible via an inclined elevator tucked behind Town Hall on Bradford Street. For those whose idea of culture is more of the shop-'til-you-drop variety, Provincetown delivers. Art galleries, boutiques, and quirky gift shops abound up and down Commercial Street. More than 40 art galleries cater to collectors of every taste, while shops like Marine Specialties (where you can score anything from a Provincetown T-shirt to a decommissioned airline seat) offer a uniquely Outer Cape experience. Gift shops like Womencrafts highlight work by women artists, while Tim-Scapes puts a more modern spin on vintage travel posters and sells Ptown-themed apparel. As the afternoon winds down, those looking for a refined cocktail or early dinner before the ferry should head to The Red Inn, a crimson-hued waterfront favorite on Ptown's western edge. Known for its 'teatini' (a bold and flavorful Earl Grey tea-infused gin cocktail) and glowing golden hour views, it's an ideal pre-departure stop. Those looking to sip and savor closer to the town center and MacMillan Pier are in for a marquee dining moment. Ceraldi, long one of the toughest reservations on the Outer Cape, made its triumphant return to Ptown this summer after years in Wellfleet, where it began life here as a pop-up. The new location still serves chef Michael Ceraldi's signature seven-course tasting menu of hyper-seasonal, hyper-local ingredients from both land and sea. Now, diners can also opt for a more casual bite, thanks to an abridged menu of soup, salad, and pasta or the Artist's Special: 'one course in time and place.' If you're gauging what you have time for before it's all aboard on the last ferry back to Boston: the restaurant recommends allotting 2.5 hours for the tasting menu and 1 hour and 15 minutes for the three-course offering. Also, closer to the center of town, the Pop + Dutch team debuted Ladyslipper, an "elegant ... for Provincetown" (their words, not mine) cocktail bar this summer. It's already a hit among those jonesing for elevated yet low-commitment bar bites. (The "Rotating Caesar Something" adds intrigue to the savory side of things, while you can't go wrong with the mysterious "A Fruit Something," "A Custard Situation," or "A Chocolate Requirement" on the sweets lineup.) Be strategic with the curated cocktail list, as the vodka, cold brew, espresso, and vanilla-laced "Disco Nap" is perfect fuel for the dance floor. Speaking of: the see-and-be-seen (and sometimes costumed) moment begins each afternoon closer to the center of town at Boatslip Resort & Beach Club, home to Ptown's legendary afternoon 'tea dance.' Kicking off daily at 4 p.m., it's part dance party, part social hour, and the perfect place to debrief the day and plot the night ahead. Speaking of which, tea wraps at 7 p.m.—just in time to catch the last ferry back to Boston. If you're power-walking down Commercial Street, you might be able to squeeze in one last lobster roll to go from The Canteen before boarding at MacMillan Pier. But if you just happen to miss that final departure? Well, consider it fate. The Red Inn, the Brass Key Guesthouse and AWOL are all luxe options for an overnight stay before the morning ferries depart. Besides, missing the ferry might just be the best thing that happens all day. As any local—or washashore like yours truly—will tell you: Provincetown truly comes alive after dark. But that's a whole other story ...