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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.
European River Cruises by Barge
A truly 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
The Largest Barging Company in Europe
A Superb Fleet of 18 Vessels
Cruises in 9 Countries Across Europe
See what Our Clients Say
Exceptional Service & Expert Staff
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
The Hotel Barging Experience
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...
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...
Multi Generational Cruises
With capacity for between 6 and 20 passengers, a private hotel barge charter is perfect for a multi generational getaway
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...
Insider Experiences
These experiences form the heart of a European Waterways cruise; spontaneous, unique adventures that just couldn't be had anywhere else
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...
Enriching Excursions
Every hotel barge cruise includes daily excursions to some fascinating local places of interest - châteaux, Cathar hilltop...
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...
Our Exclusive Collection of Hotel Barges
L’Impressionniste
L’Impressionniste is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that cruises the Burgundy Canal in the wine region of Southern Burgundy
L’Art de Vivre
L’Art de Vivre is a first class, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises the charming Canal du Nivernais and River Yonne in Burgundy
La Belle Epoque
La Belle Epoque is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that cruises the picturesque Burgundy Canal in Northern Burgundy
Themed Barge Holidays
Family Cruises
Family themed holidays are available aboard all our barges. You have the whole vessel to yourselves and she becomes a home from home, except we...
Golf Cruises
Scotland, Ireland, England and France all have some great golf courses including Royal Dornoch, Lahinch, Galway Bay, Wentworth, Sunningdale and Cap d'Agde...
Wine Appreciation Cruises
Our wine appreciation holidays in Burgundy and the Languedoc region will give you the opportunity to visit some renowned vineyards with our...
Video Feed
Scottish Highlands
Cruise the heart of the Scottish Highlands aboard the 8 passenger luxury hotel barge ‘Scottish Highlander’.
Cruises in Italy
Our cruises around Italy will let you discover that country’s hidden beauty!
Cruises in England
Magna Carta is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles today. The ambience created by combining a traditional 1936-built barge hull with fine mahogany, teak and oak woods is outstanding.
The Lock-Keeper Blog
Introducing our New Solo Traveller Cruise
Calling all solo travellers! Our new and exclusive solo cruise offers the very best of Venice to Mantua with the addition of some 'extra surprises' - exclusively picked for this... Read More
The Waterways of Northern Italy: History, Culture & Geology
One of the unique features of a river cruise in Italy is that you get first-hand experience of the history, culture and character of the waterways. Read More
10 Reasons to Join our Exclusive Solo Traveller Cruise
Going on holiday by yourself can seem like a daunting experience, but did you know that one in six holiday makers now choose to travel alone? For everything you need... Read More
In the Press
Der gute Geist der Highlands
Auf einer 6-tägigen Kreuzfahrt an Bord der Luxus-Hotelbarge Spirit of Scotland besuchte O. Schmidt die schönsten Sehenswürdigkeiten Schottlands. Read More
Tiptoe Through the Tulips on a Holland Cruise
Mix a handful of Americans, a couple of Brits, and a pinch of an Australian. Put them aboard a canal cruise flowing around Holland for several days, add some interesting excursions along the way, and feed them glorious food all day and night. What do you have? A fabulous cultural vacation in a European country with lots of sights, laughter, and good food. Read More
More of Scotland
"For six days we explored this hidden corner of France covering a mere 74 nautical miles. We came to appreciate that the insouciant movement is an inherent charm of barging..." Read More