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Europe Barge Cruises

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Modern Barge Cruises are small and slow vessels that were originally created with the purpose of transporting cargo through Europe’s canals that have been remodeled into luxury hotels on water. They usually hold around a dozen passengers making it great for charters for a large friend and family groups. Barges are slower than you might think, they travel under 5 miles an hour and most tours will travel around 50 miles in a week. If you have any questions regarding our barge cruises, contact our travel specialists for help.
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10 Best European Barge Cruises for 2025-2026

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Best European Barge Cruise Deals for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Classic Cruise - Canal du Midi $6,050 7 Join a 7-day cruise from Marseillan to Le Somail on the Anjodi, exploring the Canal du Midi with visits to Carcassonne, Narbonne, and a private truffle hunt. Enjoy wine tasting at Chateau de Paraza and biking along the Canal de la Robine.
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Classic Cruise – Canal du Midi $7,990 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 – Southern Burgundy $9,090 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 – Burgundy $6,050 7 Experience a 7-day cruise on the L'Art de Vivre, journeying through Burgundy from Auxerre to Chevroches. Enjoy private wine tastings, historic sites like Vezelay Basilica, and scenic excursions through vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
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Classic Cruise – Scotland $6,090 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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Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Scotland $47,000 7 Join a 7-day private 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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Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Italy $101,000 7 Experience a 7-day private cruise on La Bella Vita, exploring northern Italy from Venice to Mantua, with guided tours of historic sites and art museums. Indulge in local cuisine, wine tastings, and stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon and Po River Valley.
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Private Charter - European Classic Cruise - Alsace & Lorraine $79,500 7 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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Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Northern Burgundy $77,000 7 Experience a 7-day private 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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Private Charter - Classic Cruise – Burgundy $45,000 7 Experience a 7-day private cruise on the L'Art de Vivre, journeying through Burgundy from Auxerre to Chevroches. Enjoy private wine tastings, historic sites like Vezelay Basilica, and scenic excursions through vineyards and picturesque landscapes.
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Barge Cruising

Top European Barge Cruising Destinations

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Explore Paris, the legendary city of light

Seine River Barge

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The Palais des Papes dominates the Avignon skyline

Rhone River Barge

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Golden hour in Venice's famed Piazza San Marco

Italian

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The beautiful tulip gardens of Holland

Netherlands

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Relax in one of Edinburgh's parks

Scotland

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Europe Barge Cruising Travel Guide

Experience Europe from a novel perspective aboard an inviting barge cruise!

What were once barges built for cargo transport have been transformed by their innovative captains hoping to share their love of Europe with travelers into luxury cruising barges.

Intimate quarters, with space for just 12-24 travelers in cozy accommodations, give you exclusive access to the rivers and canals that traditional riverboats can't enter. 

The slower pace of barge cruises may mean that you visit fewer destinations on your cruise, but it also means you get to truly enjoy the rolling slopes, vineyards, and rich cultures of Europe along the way. 

Check out all the best destinations for barge cruising in Europe:
When to Go on your European Barge Cruise

The best time to enjoy a barge cruise through Europe is in the autumn season, when the summer tourists have gone home and the heat is waning.

If you don't mind bigger crowds and hotter days, summer is a good time to plan your trip as well.

Late spring, in April and May, can be an ideal shoulder season as well if you don't mind a bit of spring showers and cooler temperatures. 
What's included on your barge cruise? 

One of the best parts about barge cruises is that they are all inclusive- meaning that everything (even the alcohol) is included in the price. 

Daily excursions and tours and any activities are also included.

Plus, the food is often prepared by the captain and their crew and sourced from local ingredients using old family recipes.

Like all cruises, airfare, extra tours before or after the itinerary, and gratuities are not included.

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