European River Cruises by Barge | European Waterways

If you love the water and you want a different perspective on the countries that you are exploring then our river cruises in Europe offer you that unique experience.

Our barges are styled ‘floating boutique hotels’ where you can relax in the capable hands of the attentive crew. Limited to 6-20 passengers, the intimate quality of our boats provides our guests with a sense of exclusivity.

Over 40 Years’ Experience

Established in 1974 and operating since the early 1980s, European Waterways has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our clients.

The Largest Barging Company in Europe

Still in the same private ownership of the Directors who run the company, our guests can be assured of consistently high standards of personal service, and vast experience of our markets.

A Superb Fleet of 18 Vessels

We have Hotel barges available for up to 20 passengers with cabin sizes varying from cozy and compact to ultra-deluxe staterooms comparable to top hotel rooms.

Cruises in 9 Countries Across Europe

We offer the widest choice of destinations of any hotel barge company. Cruising areas range from the Midi in Southern France to the Scottish Highlands and from Ireland in the West to Venice in the East.

See what Our Clients Say

Many of our guests book with us over and over again and also recommend us to their friends – which is the best endorsement that a travel company can hope for. See some of their comments on Feefo, below.

Exceptional Service & Expert Staff

Our crews are trained to provide the highest levels of service whilst making you feel totally at home. Our office staff will equally guide you effortlessly through the process of booking the holiday of a lifetime.

As Told by Our Guests...

The welcome we received and everything on board was perfect

Pauline Taplin, Hampshire, UK

This is a treasure that most people don’t know about

Denise Thorson , New Jersey, USA

Everbody should do this at least once in their life

Charles Baertl, Texas USA

For a very special occasion this is the place to be

John Thorson, New Jersey, USA

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The Hotel Barging Experience

Are you looking to experience a once-in-a-lifetime river cruise in a stunning European location? European Waterways specialises in creating the ultimate feeling of relaxation as the European river cruises feel the parting water of Europe’s fairy tale waterways.

Over the course of your journey, you will enjoy a plethora of fantastic local excursions that will allow you to fully embrace the true culture and heart of these destinations. At the end of your adventure-filled shore excursions days, your luxury hotel barge will await your return so that you can enjoy your night in the finest luxury.

Multi Generational Cruises

With capacity for between 6 and 20 passengers, a private hotel barge charter is perfect for a multi generational getaway

A Home Away from Home

All hotel barges in the fleet benefit from an annual refurbishment and this may vary from redecoration and refurnishing of the...

Enriching Excursions

Every hotel barge cruise includes daily excursions to some fascinating local places of interest - châteaux, Cathar hilltop...

Insider Experiences

These experiences form the heart of a European Waterways cruise; spontaneous, unique adventures that just couldn't be had anywhere else

Hotel Barging Experience

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, hotel barge voyages allow you to travel in luxury without the strains of...

Outstanding Service

Crews are mainly British or French and they all speak English, so there is no need to worry about a language barrier when they are...

A Gastronomic Experience

The classic traditions of French and International cuisine are an unforgettable highlight of your cruise. The onboard chefs are...

Themed Charter Cruises

We can arrange a wide selection of themed charter cruises which will appeal to all types of interest groups, large or small...

Family & Friends Cruises

Families or groups of friends can charter any of the hotel barges. You will have the whole vessel to yourselves and she becomes a...

Barging & Biking

We know that many of our passengers enjoy taking some exercise during their hotel barge cruise, so each vessel carries...

Shopping & Markets

Even if you are not normally a lover of shopping, the vast array of fascinating shops and markets you can discover on one of our...

Wine & Whisky Tours

Many of our cruises are through some of the best wine- growing regions of France, such as Burgundy, Bordeaux...

Where We Operate in Europe

With all of our river cruises, we give you a real taste of the country that you are exploring. Our phenomenal hotel barges navigate through the rivers and canals in several key destinations that offer some of the most gorgeous waterways that the continent has to offer.

France

We embark on journeys around the nation’s 2,700 miles of inland waterways. France is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and there is no better way to see the stunning country than through its many majestic waterways. The cruises travel through the countless UNESCO world heritage-listed vineyards where you will get the opportunity to try phenomenal fine wines. We offer barge cruise lines that travel the Rhone River, Seine river, Saone river, and other main rivers to French destinations such as Burgundy, Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, and Picardy.

Holland

Otherwise known as the Netherlands has some of the prettiest waters and countryside in Europe. Our cruises travel the country’s waters decorated in stunning windmills. We travel the very river that gave the iconic city of Amsterdam its name. On our Dutch cruise, you will get to see the true charm and beauty of this stunning country.

Belgium

As a country, Belgium is not explored half as much as it should be. Our cruise experiences show the true culture and beauty of this wonderful country. We will visit stunning locations with immense history and culture such as Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent.

Italy

During our Italian cruise experiences, we travel to some of the country’s most beautiful and infamous waterways. The highlight of our glorious Italian cruises is when we travel the historic waterways of the province of Venice. Venice boasts 177 glorious canals and countless historic locations. Over your holiday you will also be able to experience the world-class cuisine that Italy has to offer.

Germany & Luxembourg

This stunning cruise travels the Moselle river which touches both of these breathtaking countries. The awe-inspiring river is decorated with steep-sided hillsides and vineyards creating a truly magical atmosphere. You will also get to taste the fine wines that the Moselle region of Germany is famous for.

England

On the English cruise ship you will navigate through the iconic waters of the Royal River Thames. Along the journey, you will pass some of the country’s most important architecture such as Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace, both royal residences. The tremendous journey that we embark on is also an old Viking trading route.

Ireland

The island, also known as ‘The Emerald Isle’ is one of the most beautiful countries in not only Europe but the world. However, it is also widely undiscovered by most. Over the course of your Irish river cruise, you will get to experience the true soul of the country through its beautiful music, friendly locals, and stunning scenery.

Scotland

Travelling through the inspiring land of mountains, glens, and famous magical lochs is truly an experience that you will never forget. You will get the chance to experience the magical scenic landscape, local whiskey, and the famous loch ness.

Burgundy

The wine-growing region of Burgundy lies at the very heart of rural France with a rich and unique history.

Canal du Midi

The Midi - A land with rich heritage - diverse Mediterranean landscapes, sun-drenched vineyards and Cathar fortresses

Alsace & Lorraine

A unique blend of French and German cultures, forested hillsides, storybook villages and wonderful white wines.

Loire Valley

A fairytale region of exquisite Renaissance châteaux, Royal French history and contrasting waterways.

Gascony

A peaceful region of colours and flavours, of orchards and vineyards, where we get a taste of the real France

Bordeaux

A region of vividly colourful landscapes, wonderful gastronomy and a ‘terroir’ that produces world-renowned wines.

Champagne

A mosaic of forests, vineyards and rolling cornfields beneath expansive skies – home to the eponymous sparkling wine that all the world knows and craves.