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Barge Cruising and Canal Tours

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Try something different on your next cruise—barge cruising! These unique and small vessels are a new take on an old way to navigate the waters of the world. As tourism has increased throughout Europe, owners of old cargo barges have taken time to convert their vessels into now-luxurious hosts of your cruise, giving you exclusive access to canals and rivers all from aboard a truly intimate boat, often hosting fewer than 12 passengers. Contact us for more information on the treasured experience of barge cruising!

10 Best Barge Cruises for 2025-2026

View the colorful houses of Bergen

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

8 Days from $7,550
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain to discover Scotland's rugged isles and Norway's stunning fjords. Highlights include the Isle of Skye, Orkney's ancient Standing Stones, Shetland's Jarlshof, Olden's Briksdal Glacier, the Flam Railway, and Bergen's historic Bryggen Wharf.
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Bronze Age Clava Cairn near Inverness, Scotland

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

8 Days from $9,678
From Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, explore the historic sites of Scotland on this week-long cruise on the Lord of the Glens. Lochs, castles, villages, pubs, and ancient ruins highlight this tour, which features inland visits like Loch Ness and Duart Castle.
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Adventures in Europe. Scottish marine band

Classic Cruise – Scotland

7 Days from $6,090
Join a 7-day cruise on the Scottish Highlander through Scotland's stunning Caledonian Canal, exploring sites like Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, and Eilean Donan Castle. Experience guided tours, whisky tastings, and scenic walks, concluding your journey in Banavie with transportation back to Inverness.
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Grossmunster Cathedral, Zurich

Enchanting Rhine

12 Days from $5,699
After spending two nights in both Zurich and Lucerne, Switzerland, board the MS Amaprima on an exclusive 7-day Rhine River cruise through the historic old towns and big cities of Germany, the historic borderlands of Strasbourg, France, and finally to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
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Heidelberg

Rhine & Moselle Delights

15 Days from $7,219
This 15-day Rhine & Moselle River cruise aboard MS Amaprima takes you from Zurich to Basel to Amsterdam, passing through Germany and France along the way. Hike and bike in the lush Rhine Valley, stroll the "Crossroads of Europe" in Strasbourg, and savor the best wines and beers that have made this region famous.
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Seabirds flying over dramatic ocean island cliffs St Kilda

Wild Scotland

12 Days from $13,595
Set sail on a 12-day cruise from Edinburgh to Aberdeen aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring Scotland's untamed islands. Discover the ancient Hebrides and lush Orkney Islands, encounter wildlife along scenic coastlines, and experience local culture in charming villages while enjoying Scotland's renowned whisky.
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Ireland Ruins

Classic Cruise - Ireland

7 Days from $6,590
Experience a 7-day cruise on the Shannon Princess, exploring Ireland’s River Shannon from Glasson to Killaloe. Enjoy guided tours of historic sites, whiskey tastings, and a falconry experience while traveling through scenic waterways and charming villages.
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Broch of Mousa, Scotland

Best of British Isles

13 Days from $5,995
Embark on a 13-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Portsmouth and exploring the Scilly Isles, Ireland's scenic coast, Wales' Snowdonia, and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway. Discover Scotland's Orkney sites and Fair Isle's seabirds, and finish in Edinburgh's lively port of Leith.
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Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

12 Days from $12,745
Embark on a 12-day cruise from Portsmouth to Edinburgh aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Explore Britain's, Ireland's, and Scotland's lesser-known wonders. Discover ancient megaliths, mysterious sea caves, historic dockyards, and lush botanical gardens.
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Explore historic Bamberg

Europe's Rivers & Castles - Cruise Only

8 Days from $4,239
Set sail on an 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amacerto, exploring Europe’s charm from the scenic Main River to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley's castles and Moselle's vineyards. Visit picturesque villages like Bernkastel, Cochem, and Rothenburg, admire the Wurzburg Residenz fresco, and savor German wines and smoked beer.
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Best Barge Cruising Deals for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Classic Cruise – Canal du Midi $7,990 7 Jul 06, 2025 Experience a 7-day cruise on the Enchanté along the Canal du Midi, visiting sites like Narbonne’s Roman ruins, Chateau de Paraza, and the medieval village of Minerve. Conclude your journey in Trebes after exploring Carcassonne and enjoying truffle hunting and wine tastings.
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Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy $9,090 7 Jul 06, 2025 Set sail on a 7-day cruise aboard the Finesse through Southern Burgundy, starting in St-Julien-sur-Dheune and concluding in Chalon-sur-Saone. Enjoy guided tours of historic sites, premier vineyards, and biodynamic wine tastings while exploring the scenic Canal du Centre.
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Classic Cruise – Northern Burgundy $6,850 7 Jul 06, 2025 Experience a 7-day cruise on La Belle Epoque, exploring Burgundy’s cultural and culinary gems. Enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and gourmet dining, with stops at historic sites and charming towns, before returning to Paris.
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Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy $6,850 7 Jul 06, 2025 Join a 7-day cruise on the L’impressionniste along the Burgundy Canal, enjoying wine tastings, guided excursions, and local cuisine. Highlights include historic tours, cycling paths, and breathtaking countryside views from Chateauneuf-en-Auxois.
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Classic Cruise – Scotland $6,550 7 Jul 06, 2025 Experience a 7-day cruise from Banavie to Muirtown on the Spirit of Scotland, featuring a champagne welcome and visits to Caledonian highlights like Dalwhinnie Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, and Culloden Moor. Enjoy excursions with cultural landmarks, wildlife encounters, and whisky tastings along the scenic journey.
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Danube Delights $7,990 8 Sep 13, 2025 Experience an 8-day Danube river cruise from Budapest to Munich on the Emerald Destiny, exploring four countries rich in history and culture. Guided tours reveal the architectural marvels and imperial heritage of Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany.
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Danube Christmas Markets $10,790 8 Dec 07, 2026 Experience an 8-day Danube River cruise from Munich to Budapest aboard the Scenic Amber, exploring enchanting Christmas markets and local traditions. Enjoy exclusive events and guided tours that showcase Central Europe's cultural heritage during the festive season.
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Rhine Highlights $9,390 8 Jul 09, 2025 Experience an enriching 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Scenic Pearl, uncovering historic cities and scenic towns along the Rhine. Enjoy Amsterdam's canals, Koblenz's culture, Cochem's vineyards, Baden-Baden's thermal spa, and Strasbourg's unique architecture.
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Rhine Highlights $10,590 8 Sep 01, 2025 Experience an enriching 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Scenic Jasper, uncovering historic cities and scenic towns along the Rhine. Enjoy Amsterdam's canals, Koblenz's culture, Cochem's vineyards, Baden-Baden's thermal spa, and Strasbourg's unique architecture.
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Rhine Highlights $9,390 8 Oct 22, 2025 Experience an enriching 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel on the Scenic Jewel, uncovering historic cities and scenic towns along the Rhine. Enjoy Amsterdam's canals, Koblenz's culture, Cochem's vineyards, Baden-Baden's thermal spa, and Strasbourg's unique architecture.
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The World's Top 9 Barge Cruising Destinations for 2025-2026

Stop in Avignon on your cruise of the Rhône river.

French Barge Cruises
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Historic old town Strasbourg

Canal du Midi
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Golden hour in Venice's famed Piazza San Marco

Italian Barge Cruises
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The beautiful tulip gardens of Holland

Holland Barge Cruises
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Relax in one of Edinburgh's parks

Scotland Barge Cruises
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Visit charming villages in France

Moselle River Barge Cruises
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The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skyline

Rhone River Barge Cruises
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Explore Paris, the legendary city of light

Seine River Barge Cruises
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Peaceful canal running through a European town

All European Barge Cruises
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Top 10 Barge Charters for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $117,705 4 Jul 07, 2025 Set sail on a private 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española, then discover unique beaches, flamingos, and marine life at Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Conclude your journey at the Charles Darwin Research Station and fly back home.
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Private Charter - Western & Eastern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $275,405 9 Jul 13, 2025 Embark on a private 9-day Western & Eastern Galapagos Islands trip aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Discover Bachas Beach, Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay, Espinoza Point, Santiago Island, and more. Witness unique wildlife, hike, snorkel, and savor the stunning natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
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Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $246,905 8 Jul 03, 2025 Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy geological wonders and encounter diverse wildlife on Rábida, Bartolomé, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. End at Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to see Galápagos tortoises and support conservation efforts.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $155,705 5 Jul 13, 2025 Set off on a 5-day private Western Islands Galapagos cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Begin at Baltra and sail to Bachas Beach for wildlife encounters. Explore Tagus Cove, Urbina Bay, Espinoza Point, and Vicente Roca Point, discovering rich marine life. Conclude with a visit to North Seymour Island before disembarking in Baltra.
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Private Charter - Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $117,705 4 Jul 10, 2025 Embark on a private 4-day North & Central Islands Galapagos cruise aboard the Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Observe Santa Cruz Highlands' giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Journey to Dragon Hill, home to land iguanas and flamingos then visit Chinese Hat. Explore El Barranco cliffs and Darwin Bay's bird paradise. Conclude with a visit in Black Turtle Cove.
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Private Charter - Northwestern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $246,905 8 Jul 10, 2025 Embark on a private 8-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Northwestern Galapagos Islands. Explore unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and lava tunnels. Visit Cerro Dragón, Chinese Hat, Genovesa, and more. Enjoy birdwatching, snorkeling, and diverse wildlife encounters. Finally, visit North Seymour before heading to Baltra for your flight home.
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Private Charter - Southern & Northern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $222,205 7 Jul 07, 2025 Join the 7-Day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Eastern & Central Galapagos, beginning on San Cristóbal Island. Explore Tijeretas, Gardner Bay, Punta Suárez, and Floreana. Snorkel at Champion Islet, then visit Genovesa Island. Conclude at Black Turtle Cove, disembarking in Baltra, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands II $51,120 5 Jul 10, 2025 Embark Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos. Enjoy the unique green sand beaches of Cormorant point, the abundance of wildlife on Española, and the friendly interaction with Floreana's playful sea lions. These volcanic and wildlife-rich islands are ideal for a vacation.
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Private Charter - Western Islands II $51,120 5 Jul 03, 2025 Join the Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands. The scenic Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, cliff-lined Fernandina, and pristine white sands of Bachas Beach are among the highlights. Swim beside friendly sea lions or stroll through volcanic landscapes teeming with gigantic tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and penguins.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita $60,800 7 Jul 06, 2025 Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita for a private expedition. This 7-day tour of the western islands takes you to white beaches, secluded lagoons, and pristine snorkeling locations for an unforgettable week-long tour of the Galapagos.
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All Europe Articles

Barge Cruising Travel Guide

Stroll through charming Strasbourg

All you need to know about Barge Cruising

Barge cruises are one of the most unique ways to explore France, Central Europe, and the United Kingdom. Intimate accommodations, great food, and focused experiences are part of the excitement of a barge cruise.
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Canal du Midi in France

Best Destinations for European Barge Cruises

Barge cruising in Europe is nothing new, but it is certainly a trending option for avid travelers hoping to experience something different. The top destinations for barge cruising are France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
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Top Barge Cruising Destinations in Europe

Cruising the canals of Europe is a relaxing way to enjoy the company of friends and family. Here are some of the hot spots:

France is considered the crème de la crème of barge cruising with the best-established barging culture where you can explore the canals and waterways of: Canal du Midi in the South of France, the Alsace-Lorraine region sailing the Marne-Rhine Canal to Strasbourg, and the famous wine regions of  Burgundy and Champagne. Some barge cruises even arrive to Paris.

Scotland & Ireland -  Sail the length of Loch Ness on the lookout for Nessy or cruise Ireland's Shannon River in a barge.

Germany  - where you can explore the picturesque Moselle River on a barge. 

Netherlands and Belgium whose canals make excellent barge cruising territory.

Italy's Po River features barge cruises beginning in Venice.
 

What to expect on a barge cruise

On your European barge cruise, you can expect a leisurely pace, an intimate atmosphere, and great, locally sourced food.
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Explore some of the most beautiful towns in France

Barge Cruises in France

Riverboats are already much smaller than the giant ocean liners that cruise the Atlantic and Caribbean, but they can still be characterized as floating hotels, complete with several dining areas or bars, multiple lounges and social areas, occasionally a pool, hot tub, or spa, and occupancy for up to 200 or more guests.
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Cruise through the canals of Amsterdam

Barge cruise vs. River cruise

What is the difference is between a European barge cruise and a river cruise? The relaxed and intimate atmosphere onboard is similar, and destinations are often largely the same as well, visiting many of the same major ports. The main difference between a barge cruise and a river cruise in Europe is the size of the boat and hence the number of passengers onboard.
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Romantic evening light on the Rhine

When to take a Barge Cruise in Europe

The best time to take a barge cruise through Europe is probably the autumn season, between September and October. Summer can also be an enjoyable barge cruising season if you don’t mind hotter temperatures and bigger crowds, and the start of the river cruising season in late spring (April-May) can be a good time to see Europe coming back to life after winter.
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