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.
France is the best destination for barge cruises and has been perfecting this style of cruising for years. Looking for a touch of the romantic for your European cruising experience? A barge cruise in France is unparalleled (make sure to ask for a bed that accommodates two, as cabins tend to be a bit small). As you cruise through France, you’ll certainly enjoy going through the many locks (especially on the Canal du Midi). Your cruise also may visit the popular countryside regions of Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Franche-Comte, Alsace-Lorraine, and Bordeaux. Sleepy villages, medieval towns, and chateaus line the way.
The United Kingdom has a host of great barge cruises to choose from, exploring the ancient and beautiful backcountry of Scotland, Ireland, and England. Castles, pubs, distilleries and rolling countryside highlight the itinerary. While exploring Scotland, you’ll navigate ancient Lochs, including Loch Ness, as well as visiting the theatres that first hosted Shakespeare’s plays. Step back in time centuries to see where Scottish clans battled each other. Listen as the traditional sound of bagpipes fills the air.
Cruising through Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium are good barge cruise destinations if you want to really spend your vacation getting to know Central Europe. In Holland, you’ll see seemingly endless fields of tulips, windmills that look like they were picked straight out of storybooks, tiny towns where age-old traditions are still very much alive today, trademark Flemish styles, and big cities like Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and others.
Vineyard underneath the Niederwald Monument, Rudesheim, Germany
In addition to these top destinations, Italy is an up and coming destination for barge cruises and we feature several unique experiences from Venice!
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
2 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
Amy Siegel
2 days ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
2 days ago
Adventure Life took care of a lot of details for me because I flew separately and met up with the group at the start of the trip. On the return they dropped me off in Cantania and flew back to the UK as one group.
I was the only American on the Exodus trip which was not a problem. Communication between the two companies was good.
Happy Camper
2 days ago
We loved our time aboard the Angel. Beautiful boat and crew. Naturalist Jose Luis was incredible-very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He adapted tours to our group and we all had an amazing trip. Love staying a the quaint hacienda and the recommended activities.
