River Barge Tours - European River Cruises Cruises

Take It Easy on a River Barge

Universal Images Group Limited / Alamy Explore quaint destinations without big-ship crowds. You amble off your barge into a cobblestoned European village, enjoy a fresh-baked croissant and steaming cafe creme at the shop on the corner, then wander the streets, discovering a closet-sized clock shop and a charming handmade-toy store. After an hour or two, you reboard your floating hotel for a leisurely water journey past farms and vineyards to the next picturesque village. Sound like a dream? It's one that can come true. Touring by barge offers one of the most comfortable and relaxing ways to — and without having to pack and unpack your bags at each new destination.

What to expect

Conditions vary from barge to barge — and from budget to budget — but generally, even the smallest cabins are similar to what you'd find in a cozy country inn, with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Barge passengers are guaranteed a much more intimate experience than on a . The smallest barges accommodate four or six passengers, and the largest up to 32. This is one reason barge journeys are ideal for multigenerational family vacations or for a special celebratory getaway with a group of best friends. But many travelers voyage solo or as couples and enjoy the camaraderie of newfound friends. Cabins at the small end of the scale generally range from 90 to 100 square feet. At the more expansive end, you'll find some closer to 160 square feet and others as spacious as 230 square feet. These usually come with similarly splendid accoutrements and furnishings.

Itineraries

The most popular destinations follow canals and rivers in France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. Some companies also cruise in Croatia, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. Most cruises are six nights and seven days, and cover about 30 to 50 miles. Barges usually make a few stops each day, where you're free to wander on your own or relax on board; in some places, a local guide and land transportation will be provided to allow you to visit a chateau, cathedral, winery, cheesemaker or other notable site. Onboard crews range from two people on the smallest vessels to 12 on the largest; virtually all crew members speak English.

Keeping active

On canals, most vessels travel so slowly that you can walk the towpaths that parallel the waterway and reboard your barge at the next stop. Many vessels carry bicycles as well.

Meals and beverages

Dining is a highlight of most barge cruises. Whether your meals are taken on board or in local restaurants, they typically showcase regional specialties and wines, using ingredients purchased that morning in the market. Many ships also invite local dance troupes and musicians to perform.

Costs

Rates range from about $2,500 to $6,000 per person; if you're flexible, you can sometimes find lower special offers. All costs are included except airfare, transfers to and from the meeting point, and crew gratuities. Some trips also offer a half-board option, meaning that breakfast and either lunch or dinner is included. This is worth considering since dining in local eateries is one of the prime joys of these off-the-beaten-path explorations. There are numerous companies that offer European barge trips. Here are four experienced and reputable companies that specialize in barging and offer a full range of options. The Barge Company: Offers include half-board cruises, plus special food and wine cruises.

Barge Lady Cruises: Themed feasts include chocolate and wine tours in Burgundy, Bordeaux and the upper Loire Valley, and a culinary cruise on the Canal du Midi.

European Waterways: Offers Christmas and wine appreciation cruises, plus lots of other themed itineraries. The line also features a six-week thousand-mile voyage between Avignon in southern France and Amsterdam in the western Netherlands.

French Country Waterways: Special offers include an imaginative "quinquennial anniversary special" for couples celebrating a quinquennial (five-year, 10-year, etc.) wedding anniversary. The discount, applied on select departure dates, is equal to the number of years married — a 5 percent discount for five years, 10 percent for 10 years, and so forth, up to 50 years. Don George is a travel writer with more than 25 years' experience and the author of several books, including Better Than Fiction: True Travel Tales From Great Fiction Writers and The Kindness of Strangers.

Also of Interest

AARP Travel Center Call: 1.800.675.4318 Search Flights Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: search Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Flight 2 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 3 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 4 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Flight 5 Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Add Another Flight search Search Hotels Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date Room 1 Room 2 Room 3 Room 4 Room 5 Room 6 Room 7 Room 8 search Search Packages Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date You didn't specify child's age Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats: Room 1 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 2 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 3 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 4 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age Room 5 There are children in rooms without an adult You didn't specify child's age You didn't specify child's age You have more than 6 people total Please select a trip duration less than 28 days search Search Cars Enter a valid location Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search Search Cruises Select a valid location Select a month search Search Things to Do Enter a valid location Enter a valid date Enter a valid date search × Let's Go Reset Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Car Rentals offers > See more Travel offers > See more Hotels & Resorts offers > See more Gas & Auto Services offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.