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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 2025-2026

Best Barge Cruising Deals for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Melodies of the Danube - Cruise Only $4,149 8 Sail down the Danube River through Europe on this 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amabella. Experience the different cultures, customs, and history as you travel through Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany. Explore castles and cathedrals, go wine tasting, tour medieval towns, and more on this European cruise.
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Romantic Danube - Cruise Only $3,749 8 Cruise eastern Europe on this 8-day itinerary along the romantic Danube from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amasonata, stopping in cities like Passau, Linz, and Vienna en route. You will see breathtaking architecture, beautiful natural landscapes, and taste some of the most savory flavors and wines that Europe has to offer.
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Taste of Bordeaux - Cruise Only $4,139 8 Board an enchanting 8-day round-trip cruise from Bordeaux to Libourne on the MS Amadolce. Visit the towns of Cadillac, Pauillac, Bourg, Libourne, and Blaye as you enjoy wine-tasting tours, visit classic French chateaus, and explore historic sites. Biking and hiking options are available as well.
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Paris & Normandy - Cruise Only $4,149 8 Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the MS Amalyra, exploring Paris and the stunning Normandy coastline with its rich art, history, and cuisine. From Monet's Gardens to D-Day beaches and the regal Château de Bizy, immerse yourself in timeless culture and beauty.
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Balearic Islands & Spain $2,300 8 Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the Star Flyer from Nice along the French Riviera, exploring charming Old Towns, museums, and Mediterranean beaches, then visit Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Cartagena, Motril, and Malaga.
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Corsica & French Riviera $2,570 8 Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard the Royal Clipper, visiting beautiful France, Italy, and Corsica coasts. Enjoy vibrant towns, historic sites, fresh seafood, and charming beaches while soaking in the rich culture and stunning landscapes.
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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 $6,050 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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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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The World's Top 9 Barge Cruising Destinations for 2025-2026

Top 10 Barge Charters for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise $117,705 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 $275,405 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 $246,905 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 $155,705 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 $117,705 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 $246,905 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 $222,205 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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Private Charter - Eastern Islands II $51,120 5 Embark Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos. Enjoy the unique green sand beaches of Cormorant point, the abundance of wildlife on Española, and the friendly interaction with Floreana's playful sea lions. These volcanic and wildlife-rich islands are ideal for a vacation.
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Private Charter - Western Islands II $51,120 5 Join the Archipel I for a 5-day private cruise of the Western Galapagos Islands. The scenic Santa Cruz, wildlife-rich Isabela, cliff-lined Fernandina, and pristine white sands of Bachas Beach are among the highlights. Swim beside friendly sea lions or stroll through volcanic landscapes teeming with gigantic tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and penguins.
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Bonita $60,800 7 Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita for a private expedition. This 7-day tour of the western islands takes you to white beaches, secluded lagoons, and pristine snorkeling locations for an unforgettable week-long tour of the Galapagos.
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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.
 
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