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Romantic evening light on the Rhine

Rhine River Barge Cruises

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Barge cruises were originally made with the purpose of transporting goods in Europe from the 17th century to the 19th century and now have been remodeled to feel like boutique hotels without the bustling of the city and streets. They sail at a very slow speed of under 5 miles an hour allowing you to truly appreciate the scenery and usually hold around a dozen passengers making it a more private experience. Our Rhine Rivers will usually go through Germany, France, Switzerland and even the Netherlands. If you have any questions about our barge river cruises don’t hesitate to contact us for help.
Rhine River Cruises

Best Rhine River Barge Cruises for 2022-2023

Rhine River Cruises
Christmas in old town of Colmar, Alsace
At The Heart Of Alsatian Traditions
Strasbourg to Strasbourg
4 Days from $1,014
Join Madeleine on a 4-day magical river cruise, sailing to the villages following the wine route on a magical voyage in the heart of Alsatian Christmas markets. From Strasbourg, continue towards Sélestat, Eguisheim, the Wine Route, and Obernai. Visit the wine cellars of Hospices de Strasbourg and enjoy a stroll in the Alsatian capital's Petite France.
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Panache cruising through a beautiful Europian village
Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine Aboard Panache
7 Days from $64,400
Panache’s 7-day voyage through Alsace & Lorraine allows you to appreciate the very best of the region. Pass through storybook villages along the way, visiting places such as Strasbourg, renowned for their Baroque and Romanesque architecture, and Route des Grands Vins, where the finest wines of Alsace are produced.
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La Nouvelle Etoile Cruising
Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Germany & Luxembourg Aboard La Nouvelle Etoile
7 Days from $66,625
Explore Germany & Luxembourg on this 7-day private cruise aboard La Nouvelle Etoile to the picturesque destinations along two delightful canals. Among the historic sites along the way are the 12th-century castle Burg Eltz, Trier (the oldest town in Germany), the Porta Nigra, and the private wine cellars of Pauli Bergweiler.
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Cochem town on the Mosel River, Germany
Classic Cruise – Germany & Luxembourg
7 Days from $8,630
Onboard La Nouvelle Etoile, sail through the beautiful canals of Germany and Luxembourg for seven days, stopping at quaint towns along the way. While driving through Trier, the oldest city in Germany, the Porta Nigra, and Pauli Bergweiler's wine cellars are just a few of the numerous historical landmarks to see.
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Strasbourg Canal
European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine
7 Days from $5,950
Discover the beautiful storybook castles and picturesque villages of Alsace-Lorraine aboard the luxury hotel barge Panache on a wonderful 7-day trip to the eastern part of France. Explore the vineyards of Route des Vins d’Alsace for a private wine tasting and learn more about the region's art of wine making.
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Rhine River Barge Cruise 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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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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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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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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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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Wine and Dine on the Rhine!
Explore Central Europe from the intimacy of a barge cruise. The relaxing pace and friendly atmosphere aboard these luxuriously renovated vessels invites you to breathe in the fresh countryside air as you travel canals and parts of the river that aren't accessible to typical riverboats. 

While you may visit fewer places on your Rhine River barge cruise than a Rhine river cruise, you will have more time to enjoy the destinations along the way. 

Some highlights of your barge cruise on the Rhine may include visiting the seldom-visited Saverne, navigating the large Réchicourt locks, and cruising the Rhine-Marne Canal and learning about the local heritage & cuisine.

Check out all the best destinations for barge cruising in Europe:

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