A European Escape You've Never Considered: River Barge Cruises (With Our Top 5)

Europe's waterways offer an enchanting way to explore the continent's rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. River barge cruises provide a unique and luxurious travel experience, combining the comfort of a floating boutique hotel with the convenience of all-inclusive amenities. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of river barge travel in Europe and why it’s the perfect choice for a worry-free vacation. It is also a fantastic way to create unforgettable moments with family or friends. The LuxeAway team handles every aspect of your trip planning, so all you have to do is tell us your preferences and pack your bags. 

Photo by Oliver Barge

The Advantages of River Barge Cruises

An Effortless Travel Experience

One of the major benefits of a river barge cruise is the seamless travel experience. Unlike traditional travel, where you have to check in and out of hotels and deal with the hassle of ground transportation, a river barge cruise eliminates these inconveniences. Once you step aboard your barge, you unpack just once and settle into your luxurious cabin for the duration of the journey. The barge becomes your home away from home, floating gently from one picturesque destination to the next.

All-Inclusive Luxury

River barge cruises offer an all-inclusive experience, ensuring that your vacation is as stress-free as possible. Gourmet meals, fine wines, and daily excursions are typically included in the price, allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment without worrying about additional costs. The culinary experience on a river barge is often a highlight, with talented chefs preparing exquisite meals using fresh, local ingredients. Each day, you’ll savor delicious dishes that reflect the regional flavors of the places you visit.

Intimate and Personalized

River barges are much smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, often accommodating just a handful of guests (usually between 4 and 12). This intimate setting allows for personalized service and a more relaxed atmosphere. The crew gets to know you by name and tailors the experience to your preferences. Whether you want a private excursion, a special meal, or simply a quiet afternoon on deck, the attentive staff is there to cater to your every need.

Scenic and Leisurely Pace

Traveling by river barge allows you to explore Europe at a leisurely pace, taking in the breathtaking scenery as you glide along the waterways. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, as you pass by charming villages, often with castles and vineyards nearby. Unlike busier modes of travel, a river barge cruise offers a serene and unhurried experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.

Unique and Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

You’ll have the opportunity to explore hidden gems and authentic local experiences, away from the typical tourist crowds. Each stop along the way is thoughtfully chosen to showcase the region’s unique culture and history. The activities are based on what each region has to offer. The barge will moor, and the guests will explore surrounding sites, such as historical landmarks, villages, vineyards, etc. Bicycles are also available to the guests, who can choose to cycle along the river. Market tours, cooking classes, and truffle hunting are also examples of possible activities.

How they work

Each barge cruise usually lasts for about 6-7 days. If you are traveling with friends or family, chartering the entire barge will be the best option. For a couple only, you can reserve one cabin on board. There is staff on board to take care of the navigation, service, food preparation, and cleaning. The meals are all included, prepared and served on the barge. The activities are also organized and included. Please note that the itineraries are pre-planned, and the schedule is not flexible even for charters. The barges only operate from April to October. You can book a trip for this year or the following.

Why book with LuxeAway 

The LuxeAway Team organizes every detail of your travel plans, including flights, airport transfers, pre or post river barge land exploration, with hotels, transport, restaurants and activities. The river barge cruises typically last around a week and can easily be integrated into a longer trip. Whether you want to visit only one country or multiple, we plan seamless itineraries that fulfill all your wishes. 

Our Top 5 barge trips and their highlights

1) The Canal du Midi, France: Drift through the heart of the Languedoc wine region, visiting medieval towns like famous Carcassonne, local markets, and historic châteaux. Enjoy wine tastings, gourmet picnics, and the stunning scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site which is one of the world’s marvels of civil engineering and an under-appreciated highlight of France. The Canal was built between 1667 and 1694 as a 360 km network to link the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Truly extraordinary.

2) The River Thames, England: Explore the English countryside with visits to stately homes, picturesque villages, and renowned gardens. Highlights include Oxford, the historic city of Bath and Windsor - home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and a residence of the British monarch for over 900 years. It typically starts on the outskirts of London and ends in the small town of Henley-on-Thames.

Photo by Summer Robertson

3) The Burgundy Canal, France: Discover the gastronomic delights of Burgundy with visits to local vineyards, artisanal cheesemakers, and charming towns like Dijon and Beaune. Enjoy gourmet dining on board, paired with the region’s world-class wines, particularly the world-famous Premier Cru and Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This cruise usually starts from Dijon.

Photo by IrishFireside

4) The River Shannon, Ireland: Experience the natural beauty and rich history of Ireland, with stops at ancient monasteries, vibrant towns, and scenic landscapes. Cruising the River Shannon offers unique experiences such as bird-watching at Adare Manor, handweaving demonstrations on the shores of Lough Derg (Ireland’s largest lake), lunch at a Guinness and Oyster Bar in Galway (the Gaelic speaking capital), exploring the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise, an Irish whiskey tasting at Kilbeggan Distillery, and a private visit to the famously haunted Leap Castle. This cruise typically starts from Killaloe and ends 1.5 hours away from Dublin in a town called Glasson. You can also take the opposite route.

5) Dutch Canals, Netherlands: A river barge cruise in the Netherlands offers an exceptional journey through the picturesque Dutch waterways. It takes you through the heart of the Netherlands, showcasing stunning tulip fields, historic windmills, and charming villages. Guests enjoy personalized excursions, such as visits to the Keukenhof Gardens and the historic cities of Haarlem and Amsterdam. Expect to sample several local cheeses, notably the well-known gouda, and admire beautiful 17th and 18th century manors. This itinerary is a loop, starting and ending in the same town.

Conclusion

A river barge cruise in Europe offers a truly unique and luxurious way to travel. With its effortless travel experience, all-inclusive luxury, intimate setting, leisurely pace, and access to off-the-beaten-path destinations, it’s the perfect choice for those seeking a worry-free vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the world of river cruises, this enchanting mode of travel promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe. 

Book your river barge cruise with LuxeAway and discover the magic of Europe from the comfort of your floating boutique hotel. Find your destination and select the river barge option in our customized trip builder or contact us at any time, and one of our experts will help you find the best cruise option for your party.

About LuxeAway

We are a premier full-service travel company specializing in planning and organizing trips tailored to the unique preferences of each traveler. We provide 100% custom travel packages to over 40 destinations worldwide, focusing on understanding your travel goals and crafting an itinerary that matches your vision. From accommodations to activities and transport, we handle all the details to ensure your journey is as seamless and enjoyable from start to finish.