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International Lyceum of Pontonniers in Strasbourg

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 2026-2027

Best Barge Cruising Deals for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Classic Cruise – Southern Burgundy $9,390 7 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 – Champagne $9,390 7 Experience a 7-day cruise from Chateau-Thierry to Chalons-en-Champagne aboard Kir Royale, featuring champagne tastings, World War I site visits, and gourmet dining along the scenic River Marne.
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Classic Cruise – Canal du Midi $8,250 7 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 – Northern Burgundy $7,090 7 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 – Scotland $6,350 7 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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Classic Cruise – Scotland $6,850 7 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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Classic Cruise - Gascony $6,090 7 Experience a 7-day cruise on the Rosa through southwest France along the Canal de Garonne, featuring wine tastings, historic tours, and charming villages. Enjoy daily scenic journeys with highlights, including a visit to a dairy farm, a tour of Abbaye St-Pierre, and tea at Chateau de Lamotte-Bardigues.
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Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi $6,250 7 Join a 7-day cruise on the Athos from Argeliers to Marseillan along the Canal du Midi, featuring tours of Carcassonne and Minerve, tastings at local producers, and market visits. Enjoy chef-prepared meals and cultural excursions, and end with a visit to the Noilly Prat vermouth distillery.
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Jewels of the Rhine & Amsterdam $8,900 10 Experience a 10-day river cruise on the Emerald Dawn, starting in Germany's Black Forest and exploring towns like Strasbourg and Cologne, along with wine tastings and scenic views of Dutch windmills. Conclude your journey in Amsterdam with a two-night hotel stay to discover its cultural landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.
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Danube Delights $7,990 8 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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The World's Top 9 Barge Cruising Destinations for 2026-2027

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Top 10 Barge Charters for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Private Charter - Western Galapagos Journey $85,450 6 Explore the western islands of Isabela and Fernandina on this 6-day cruise aboard the Galapagos Sea Star. The natural wonders and precious wildlife of the islands make this cruise a unique and exciting experience for the entire family.
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Private Charter - Following Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace $190,300 8 Embark on a memorable private vacation aboard the Grace. The 8-day journey allows for many close encounters with Galapagos wildlife. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming and kayaking in clear waters with your private group of up to 16 guests.
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Private Charter - North & West Islands $62,000 8 This 8-day North & West Islands Galapagos private cruise on the Nemo II explores the wildlife-rich shores of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Santiago, Rabida, and more. Experience a more intimate and profound nature and cruise while enjoying amazing and unexpected encounters with the unique Galapagos wildlife.
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $134,805 4 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 $307,705 9 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 $275,405 8 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 $175,750 5 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 $134,805 4 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 $275,405 8 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 $248,805 7 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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All Europe Articles

Barge Cruising Travel Guide

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.
 

Jeff Rottschafer Adventure Life employee profile
Jeff R.

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