Go Barging with European Waterways
Luxury Hotel Barge River Cruises and Charters in Europe

Belgium  |  England  |  France  |  Germany  |  Holland  |  Ireland  |  Italy  |  Scotland

2017 Special Offers 2017 Cruising Discounts & Specials

European Waterways offers you the unique opportunity to explore the treasures of the countryside in ultimate comfort aboard a fully-crewed beautiful floating hotel barge cruising the canals and rivers of Belgium, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg and Scotland.

Your floating barge hotel .... is furnished with every modern comfort. The finest gourmet cuisine is prepared by your on-board master chef, complemented by a wide array of fine regional wines and an open bar. And, of course the experienced and knowledgeable crew is there to attend to your slightest need.

A European Waterways Voyage ....includes accommodation, all gourmet meals aboard and ashore, Champagne welcome, open bar, excursions and admittance fees, use of bicycles and other facilities such as sauna, spa pool / jacuzzi and fitness room. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, our all-inclusive hotel barge vacations offer a unique opportunity to travel in comfort without the strains of unpacking and packing, whilst enjoying a balanced blend of daily excursions and fascinating cruising. More information here

Scotland River Cruises

The Highlands of Scotland We cruise along the Great Glen from Inverness towards Fort William, through lochs, along rivers and the scenic and absorbing Caledonian Canal. Ancient castles leading to the waters edge, heather-clad hillsides and arguably the finest inland cruising scenery in the world. The Legends of the past, the taste of single malt and the mythical inhabitant of Loch Ness all contribute to a special magic only experienced in Scotland’s dramatic Highlands.Aboard Scottish Highlander   2017 Cruise Rates & Schedules

England River Cruises

The Middle Thames A slow meandering journey past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns, villages , a mixture of olde worlde England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore whilst we follow this old Viking trading route deep into rural countryside. Gentle exploration are the keywords, with good cycling and walking opportunities as the elegant and spacious air-conditioned 8 passenger Magna Carta finds her way inland.    2017 Cruise Rates & Schedules

Ireland River Cruises

The River Shannon Represents Ireland at its finest. Rolling green fields, lakes and rivers, ancient Celtic monasteries and an abundance of wildlife. The legends and fables of Ireland are found everywhere and are well understood by the warm and hospitable Irish people. Their extraordinary history has been varied and sometimes difficult but they somehow always find the time to chat and discuss the time of day. Our Shannon cruise brings you in touch with the very soul of Ireland. The 10 passenger Shannon Princess II is a spacious powerful river cruise vessel specifically adapted for the Shannon.    2017 Cruise Rates & Schedules

France River Cruises

Fascinating France Experience a fascinating world of hotel barging, whether in the shaded Canal du Midi in Southern France, Burgundy, Loire and , Provence. Imagine the sense of relaxation and enjoyment as your floating hotel carries you from one peaceful mooring to the next with more than enough opportunity to explore little villages, shops, the delightful countryside and much, much more, without the need to pack and unpack every day. Click here for 2017 Cruise Rates & Schedules

Holland & Belgium River Cruises

Belgium / Holland / The Netherlands cruise Luxury barge cruises on Savoir Faire Barge in Belgium & Holland The 12-passenger Savoir Faire was built in 1932 as a Belgian transport barge. Converted into a hotel barge in 1979, she was substantially refurbished for the beginning of the 2005 season. Her six staterooms offer luxurious accommodation for 12 passengers who are attentively catered for by 6 English-speaking crew. Click here 2017 Cruise Rates & Schedules

Italy River Cruises

Venice The River Brenta & the Veneto Our cruise along the Brenta river and around the Venetian lagoon is as unique as Venice herself. Venice holds a romantic charm which has remained largely unaltered for centuries, boasting splendid architecture, elaborate palaces and a sense of culture and mystique unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms. The Venetians have a very special way of life, transporting everything and everybody, everywhere by water with a variety of adapted watercraft. This extraordinarily special voyage allows time for fascinating excursions, perhaps sampling Venetian Opera. La Bella Vita - 20 Passenger Luxury Barge    2017 Cruise Rates & Schedules

Germany River Cruises

Germany / Luxembourg Luxury barge cruises on La Nouvelle Etoile Barge in Germany & Luxemborg The picturesque Mosel region of Germany is a wine lover’s paradise and is most famous for its wines made from the Reisling grape. The area is known for the steep slopes of the region's vineyards overlooking the River Mosel.Highlands.Aboard La Nouvelle Etoile   2017 Cruise Rates & Schedules

European Waterways Cruising Information

Cruises Include
• Fully air-conditioned suites, twin or double staterooms
• En-suite facilities in all accomodations
• Gourmet meals aboard and ashore
• Fine wines and an open bar
• Fascinating daily excursions
• Local transfers
• Full use of vessel facilities such as jacuzzi, bicycles and sauna

The Classic Traditions of French and International Cuisine - an unforgettable highlight of your Barge cruise...
Our chefs are experienced culinary artists, whose gastronomic creations are often rated higher than top restaurants and cruise liners by our discerning clients.

Before you awaken each morning, a crew member has already been ashore to collect crisp breads, buttery croissants and a variety of fresh pastries. Together with the aroma of coffee, the day has just begun.

Lunch will be a colourful arrangement of salads, pâtés, savoury quiches and a selection of cheeses. Accompanied by an excellent choice from the barge cellar, lunch is often enjoyed on the sun-deck, perhaps while cruising.

Your chef supplements the vessel's larder with fresh produce bought from lock-keeper's gardens or local markets and creates mouth-watering regional and national dishes which are only challenged in flavour by the delicious range of fine wines we serve you aboard. This really does feel like the Grand Finalé to an amazing day of exploration and intrigue, cruising the old trading routes which stretch from the Mediterranean right across Europe.

Requests for vegetarian and special diets may be made at the time of reservation, non alcoholic beverages and regular or decaffeinated tea and coffee, whole or low fat milk are offered with all meals.

Excursions
Our excursions into nearby villages or countryside are either a quick journey in the barge mini-bus or just a short walk from the mooring. All excursions are entirely optional, these regular opportunities to explore really do allow you to experience to the full the area you have chosen.
You'll explore ancient castles, picture-book villages and stately homes. Wander around fascinating museums, take part in private wine tasting at renowned and lesser known vineyards and shop in colourful open air markets. There is plenty of time to browse tiny shops of skilled craftsmen, enjoy the special atmosphere of the moment or shop for that gift which typifies the region in which you are traveling.
Whether exploring the magnificent chateaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting in the Roman Vineyards of Minervois and Corbières or discovering Celtic secrets in the 6th century monastic settlement of Clonmacnois above the banks of the Shannon River ... you can rest assured that our meticulously planned itineraries include a host of pleasurable little side trips which show you the most delightful highlights of the area you have chosen to cruise.

Special Interest Cruises
If your vision of the perfect vacation is the pursuit of your favourite special interest with a group of like-minded friends, in some of the most picturesque scenery Europe has to offer, with gourmet food and fine wines, European Waterways can make that vision a reality.

Our theme cruises are automatically geared towards "middle" range ability, however all levels can be catered for on request.

Theme cruises are available for whole boat charters (ranging from 4 to 12 people, according to the boat) when organised directly through European Waterways.
The special activities available are the following Golf, Antiques, Tennis, Riding, Walking, Painting, Biking, Fishing, Water-Sports.

If your interest is not listed and you think that it could be successfully combined with a barge vacation in any of the countries we cover which include Belgium, England, France, Holland, Ireland, Italy & Scotland. Just let us know and we will see what we can arrange for you.

Top of page