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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Commonly Heard Scottish Sayings and their Meanings
Bursting with culture and history, Scotland is a great place to visit – just make sure to master these fun Scottish sayings before you go! Read More
Traditional Scottish Drinks
Learn about some of the traditional Scottish drinks you can taste on your Highlands cruise with our handy guide to some of their lesser-known tipples... Read More
Discover the Haunted Castles of Europe
In the mood for something spooky? Why not read up on some of Europe's most haunted hotspots - all of which can be visited on a luxury barge cruise... 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