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.
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F ew cities effortlessly blend history and modernity quite like Vienna. Along with its heritage in classical music and fine arts, the Austrian capital's walkability and bustling café culture have placed it high on the list of 'most livable cities in the world,' according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index. The best hotels in Vienna showcase the city's many charms in their décor, architecture and cuisine. To select the best accommodations in Vienna, I drew from my own personal stays in the city and spoke to Mary McCormack, an Austria specialist at Audley Travel, for key insights. My top recommendation is the contemporary and luxurious Rosewood Vienna. History buffs will appreciate the grand interiors of Hotel Imperial, while boutique lovers should book The Leo Grand or Hotel Motto. Below, the best hotels in Vienna in 2025. Guest room at the Rosewood Vienna. Rosewood Vienna Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking a well-appointed stay near top historic sights All-Star Amenities: Complimentary house car; Dyson hair dryers; butler service; 24-hour room service; spa with sauna and steam bath What Not To Miss: The speakeasy-inspired rooftop bar Location: Petersplatz in Innere Stadt Set in a meticulously restored 19th-century building where Mozart once lived, the Rosewood Vienna immerses guests in the heart of the City of Music. The neoclassical landmark has a prime location on Petersplatz, a lively square dominated by St. Peter's Cathedral, musicians and horse-drawn carriages. While the hotel is stone's throw away from all of the top sights, it also offers a peaceful atmosphere when you need a reprieve. Inside the 99 rooms and suites, you'll find Art Nouveau-style furniture upholstered in heritage fabrics, parquet flooring and designer lighting. The 1,916-square-foot presidential suite is particularly impressive, with a balcony overlooking Petersplatz. For even more views and tranquility, head to the Asaya Spa, which unfolds under archways across the fifth and sixth floors, or the rooftop terrace where you can appreciate the dome of St. Peter's Church with a cocktail. Interiors of Hotel Imperial, A Luxury Collection Hotel Hotel Imperial, A Luxury Collection Hotel Who Will Love It: Well-heeled travelers looking for the royal treatment All-Star Amenities: Butler service; private balconies with city views; 24-hour room service; pet-friendly amenities; turndown service What Not To Miss: The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant Opus Location: Ring Road in Innere Stadt Originally built as a palace, this grande dame property on Vienna's Ringstrasse (Ring Road) was converted into a luxury hotel in 1873—just in time for the World's Fair. Over the years, Hotel Imperial has hosted almost every head of state and celebrity imaginable, from Queen Elizabeth II to Charlie Chaplin. Thanks to the preservation of its elaborate details like the Royal Staircase, crystal chandeliers and carved statues, a stay here truly feels like stepping back in time. The property's 138 rooms and suites range in size and grandeur, but for a truly dazzling stay, book a suite—The Royal Suite is the most stately, with 23-foot ceilings and perks like butler service and a free-flowing minibar. Champagne breakfast buffets, afternoon tea and Friday jazz nights make the hotel a magnet for locals and travelers alike. Even if you don't stay here, you'll want to swing by Café Imperial Wien to try the Imperial Torte, a rich chocolate cake made with a secret recipe as old as the hotel itself. A room at Hotel Motto in Vienna, Austria. Hotel Motto Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for an intimate and stylish base in a trendy neighborhood All-Star Amenities: Organic toiletries from Viennese brand Saint Charles; Roberts Revival iStream radio; free-standing bathtubs; wellness area with a gym, steam bath and sauna What Not To Miss: The on-site bakery, restaurant and rooftop terrace Location: Mariahilf One of the most creative stays in Vienna, every detail at Hotel Motto lends itself to a whimsical atmosphere that feels straight out of a Wes Anderson film. Occupying a historic building that was once a gathering place for painters, poets and musicians, the property's creative roots are honored through murals and paintings by local artists everywhere you look. The staff's floral uniforms, designed by Austrian designer Lena Hoschek, are sure to bring a smile every time you see them. Rooms here can regularly be found for under $200 a night during the high summer season, making it the best value stay in the city. The service found here is also impeccable: I stayed at Hotel Motto in summer of 2022 and still receive a personalized birthday card from the property in the mail each year. Best Boutique Hotel In Vienna: The Leo Grand Grand Deluxe room at The Leo Grand. The Leo Grand The Leo Grand Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking a design-forward boutique with plenty of history All-Star Amenities: Courtyard restaurant with retractable roof; free-standing bathtubs What Not To Miss: The monkey lamps in each room Location: One block from St. Stephen's Cathedral in Innere Stradt The Leo Grand, a 76-key boutique property, officially opened in 2022, but its roots go back over three centuries. Named after Emperor Leopold I, the hotel was once a private residence from the Hapsburg monarchy in the late 17th century. After a careful restoration and redesign by Austria's Lenikus Group, the property today feels fresh and modern—without losing any of its historic charm. 'It feels very Parisian,' says McCormack, who counts the property among her top recommendations in the city. 'The staff is incredible and go above and beyond to make visitors feel welcome.' Alongside a central location by St. Stephen's Cathedral (some rooms offer direct views), all of the furniture, wallpaper, carpets and lamps (the monkey lamps in each room are not to be missed) were custom made for the property. After a day at the museums, guests can also dine at the property's courtyard restaurant, Dots At Leo Grand. Best Hotel For Couples In Vienna: Hotel Sacher Vienna The hotel's 152 rooms and suites are among the city's most romantic. Hotel Sacher Wien Hotel Sacher Vienna Who Will Love It: Lovebirds looking for a glamorous stay to complement a night at the opera All-Star Amenities: Free non-alcoholic minibar; marble bathrooms with heated floors; separate tubs and showers; spa with steam room and sauna What Not To Miss: A nightcap in the sultry Blaue Bar Location: Across from the Vienna State Opera in Innere Stadt The centuries-old café in Hotel Sacher Vienna is a popular stop for anyone wanting to taste the original chocolatey Sachertorte filled with apricot jam. Especially great for couples, the hotel's 152 rooms and suites are among the city's most romantic. The property blends old-world details like crystal chandeliers with high-tech innovations like televisions built into the mirrors, making it ideal for those looking for a fairy-tale escape with modern comforts. If you can tear yourself away from the plush bed, go on a horse-drawn carriage tour around town while sipping bubbly and taking in the sights, or get tickets to the Vienna State Opera across the street from the hotel. Several on-site bars and restaurants offer intimate places to grab a cocktail or a bite. Best Hotel For Families In Vienna: Hotel König Von Ungarn Interiors of Hotel König Von Ungarn. Hotel König Von Ungarn Hotel König Von Ungarn Who Will Love It: Families seeking a centrally located hotel with spacious suites All-Star Amenities: Private balconies and terraces; in-room tea and coffee-making facilities What Not To Miss: The excellent breakfast buffet Location: Next to St. Stephen's Cathedral in Innere Stadt Dating back to the 1700s, Hotel König von Ungarn is one of the oldest hotels in Vienna. While the property has held onto its traditional charm—many of the rooms have a traditional Austrian aesthetic—it's also become a convenient spot for families seeking a comfortable and affordable stay. The building was once a guest house for visiting church dignitaries, so many of the 44 rooms and suites feel more like apartments centered around a peaceful inner courtyard. Families will want to book the maisonettes, which can accommodate up to four guests across two floors—the spacious layout features a bathroom on each floor, as well as armchairs and couches. Those with kids will appreciate the hotel's central location just steps away from the old town and the underground station, as well as the option to enjoy breakfast in their room at no additional cost. Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Vienna: Park Hyatt Vienna The spa at the Park Hyatt Vienna. 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And those looking for further pampering can enjoy an impressive menu of treatments—from gold-infused body scrubs and hydrafacials to a couple's massage and bath in the romantic Twinity Spa Suite. While children are allowed in the pool between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., the spa is adults-only outside of that period. The serene atmosphere extends to the 146 rooms and suites featuring large marble bathrooms and cloud-like beds. Start your day slow with breakfast in the property's historic cashier hall, which now serves as an atmospheric restaurant. Best Hotel For Design Lovers In Vienna: The Amauris Vienna Grand Maisonette Suite at The Amauris Vienna. 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Is 4th of July a busy day to fly? Hotel deals, fireworks on Treasure Coast
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Freedom Festival When: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: Riverview Park, 600 U.S. 1 What: Parade along Indian River Drive from Sebastian Community Center and Davis Street to Riverview Park at U.S. 1 and County Road 512 starts 8:30 a.m.; festival with live music, vendors and games from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Website: Independence Day on the Indian River When: 5-9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: Riverside Park, 3001 Riverside Park Drive What: Food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, live music, beer and wine for sale, fireworks synchronized to music Website: Stars over St. Lucie When: 6-9:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: Marina Square, 1 Avenue A What: Live music, food vendors Website: Watch: Patriotic Boat Parade When: 11 a.m. Where: Meet at the turning basin just north of the South Causeway Bridge at 10:45 a.m. What: Fort Pierce Yacht Club's 15th annual event where boats are decorated in red, white and blue. Boaters should use Channel 81 to communicate. Website: Freedomfest When: 4-10 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, 9221 S.E. Event Center Place What: Live music, food-eating contest, food and drinks, family-friendly entertainment Website: Tradition's Homegrown 4th of July Celebration When: 5-9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: Tradition Square, 10489 S.W. Meeting St., Port St. Lucie What: Live music, food trucks Website: 4th of July Centennial Salute to Martin County When: 4-10:15 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: Flagler Park, 201 S.W. Flagler Ave. What: Food trucks, live music on Riverwalk Stage from 7-10:15 p.m., children's activities from 4-8 p.m.; third annual golf cart parade at 10 a.m. costs $25 to enter Website: Farm Jam & Fireworks When: 6-9:15 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: Newfield Farm Lawn, 1050 S.W. Prairie Ave., Palm City What: Live music, food trucks, games; $10 per vehicle for non-residents, free for residents, registration required Website: Independence Day Celebration When: 5-11 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Where: Timer Powers Park, 21479 S.W. Citrus Blvd., Indiantown What: Music, vendors, a kids' zone, food trucks Website: Three Florida resorts and hotels, including Costa d'Este in Vero Beach, are offering rooms at $17.76 and $177.60 a night from June 27 to July 11 as a Fourth of July special. At least two dozen Benchmark resorts and hotels will offer a select number of rooms at an ultra-reduced rate in honor of July 4. The Independent Hotel Sale also includes rooms at a reduced rate of $177.60 for properties nationwide. The following Florida resorts and hotels are participating: Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa, Vero Beach, Florida Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast The Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida More: Florida Boater Freedom Act goes into effect July 1. How will it change 4th of July boating Prices as of June 30: Vero Beach flights to and from Hartford, Connecticut Flights from Vero Beach Airport to and from Hartford, Connecticut are offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in July. Departing ticket prices: $69 - $215 Returning ticket prices: $69 - $215 Vero Beach flights to and from New Haven, Connecticut Flights from Vero Beach Airport to and from New Haven, Connecticut are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout July. Departing ticket prices: $89 - $109 Returning ticket prices: $79 - $109 Vero Beach flights to and from Providence, Rhode Island Flights from Vero Beach Airport to and from Providence, Rhode Island are offered on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays in July. Departing ticket prices: $79 - $399 Returning ticket prices: $89 - $239 Vero Beach flights to and from Long Island / Islip, New York Flights from Vero Beach Airport to and from Long Island / Islip, New York are offered on Mondays and Fridays in July. Departing ticket prices: $104 - $189 Returning ticket prices: $79 - $159 Vero Beach flights to and from Newburgh, New York Flights from Vero Beach Airport to and from Newburgh, New York are not offered in July. When you try to book a flight, the Breeze Airways website says "Seasonal flights return soon." Vero Beach flights to and from Ogdensburg, New York Flights from Vero Beach Airport to Ogdensburg, New York are offered on Sundays and Thursdays in July. Returning flights are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays. Departing ticket prices: $33 - $305 Returning ticket prices: $59 - $147 Vero Beach flights to and from White Plains, New York Flights from Vero Beach Airport to and fromWhite Plains, New York are offered daily in July. Departing ticket prices: $79 - $499 Returning ticket prices: $79 - $359 Vero Beach flights to and from Washington, D.C. Flights from Vero Beach Airport to and from Washington, D.C. are offered on Thursdays and Sundays in July. Departing ticket prices: $69 - $329 Returning ticket prices: $69 - $149 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said in a travel advisory that it is staffed and ready to accommodate over 18.5 million passengers traveling for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. The projection encompasses travel from Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7, with the highest numbers of passengers, about 2.9 million, expected Sunday, July 6. July is a peak travel month due to summer break, family vacations and countless events going on during the season. CheapOair suggests travelers fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, which often cost less than weekend flights. The online travel agency mentioned Fourth of July weekend and late July as some of the busiest times of the month. "Experts suggest booking flights 1-3 months in advance for domestic trips and 2-8 months for international travel," the website states. "This window offers a sweet spot between availability and price." Contributing: Laurie K. Blandford and Gianna Montesano, Treasure Coast Newspapers, Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 4th of July on Treasure Coast brings fireworks, hotel deals and more
