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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
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.
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
When you search for river cruises in Europe you are probably imagining that smooth, weightless feel of the parting waters as your boat glides down the river or canal. European Waterways specialises in creating that ultimate feeling of relaxation for guests who board their floating boutique hotels for one of their unique river cruises. Europe is a playground of waterways that offer an idyllic backdrop for a peaceful holiday.
Over the course of your journey with us you will enjoy local excursions that will give you an opportunity to experience the destination’s highlights and to sample the regional cuisine. At the end of each day your boat will await you: a haven of tranquillity far removed from the urban race where you can enjoy the finest luxury and the ultimate in service.
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...
Where We Operate in Europe
European river cruises can give you a real taste of the country that you are exploring by boat. Our hotel barges ply rivers and canals in several key destinations that offer the best river cruises in Europe.
For the Francophiles we have researched the best of the nation’s 2,700 miles of inland waterways for our cruising holidays. France is a well loved destination for those who enjoy river cruises in Europe. Visitors can take advantage of local culinary specialties, the fine wines and cultural gems that are accessible from their barge boat.
However, you should also consider European river cruises in other countries too. Italy attracts hordes of tourists every year so imagine having the luxury of observing the picturesque landscape and colourful villages from the comfort of your floating hotel.
More Destinations
If you prefer the Germanic and Benelux experience then you should consider a voyage of discovery through these more northern water passages. Whether your imagination is fired by the charming cities of Belgium or the castles, vineyards and medieval timbered houses of Germany, you can see the best of them on our river cruises. Europe’s friendliest people will welcome you and your boating party.
Our Exclusive Collection of Hotel Barges
Some vessels in our fleet are owned by us, others by experienced hotel barge operators who maintain similar standards and have been vetted by us. On board all of them you will glide serenely along waterways that pass through magnificent countryside; be taken on fascinating local excursions; indulge in delicious meals, fine wines and comfortable accommodation – whilst all the time being pampered by your attentive crew.
Spirit of Scotland
Spirit of Scotland is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that sails the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands
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
We can arrange a wide selection of themed charter cruises which will appeal to all types of interest groups, large or small, including golf, walking and wine appreciation themed cruises.
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...
Walking Cruises
The beauty of hotel barging and walking is that two of the most relaxing holidays possible are merged to give you the best of both worlds
Video Feed
We uploaded our first video in 2010 and since then we have added over 100 hotel barging videos and received over 1,000,000 views on YouTube. We hope you enjoyed watching our videos…
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
The Lock-Keeper has gone viral! Every few weeks we will be blogging about the hotel barging experience; From the history of our hotel barges to some of the off the beaten track excursions we visit. Intrigued? Then read on…
Meet the Loch Ness Monster on a Classic Scottish Cruise
As we cruise across the world's most famous loch, can you spot one of the world's most famous mythical creatures? Read More
Italian Cruises: What to Do in Venice
Explore the districts of San Marco and San Castello just like a local aboard Hotel Barge La Bella Vita Read More
What to see on the Bianco Canal in Italy
The Bianco Canal is a little known Italian Gem, but what is there to see and do as you cruise along it? Read More
In the Press
There have been many interesting and entertaining articles written by journalists and travel writers from across the globe about their journeys on our luxury hotel barge cruises.
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