When it comes to exploring Europe, how you travel is just as important as where you go. European Waterways’ luxury hotel barges glide through some of the continent’s most breathtaking regions, offering travellers of all ages and interests a truly unique way to experience Europe – intimately, indulgently, and at a slower, more meaningful pace.
For Honeymooners & Couples
Imagine sipping champagne on deck as the sun sets over Burgundy’s vineyards, or enjoying a private tasting in a château. Our routes in Burgundy and Champagne offer romance at every turn – from tranquil canals and Michelin-inspired cuisine to curated excursions that create lifelong memories.
Highlight experiences
Private champagne tasting at the family-owned Maison Boizel vineyard on Épernay’s famous Avenue de Champagne, whilst aboard Kir Royale.
A taste of Burgundy within the fortified tower of Domaine Chanson in Beaune, travelling on L’Impressionniste.
Meander along quiet waterways on the Nivernais Canal – by foot, by bike, or from the deck of L’Art de Vivre with a cocktail in hand.
Cruise across Eiffel’s aqueduct as the Loire River flows beneath you.
Relax in the spa pool on deck, glass of bubbly in hand, as the sun dips below the horizon.
Add a touch of Parisian magic – our Burgundy and Champagne cruises begin and end in Paris, the most romantic city in the world.
For Multi-Generational Families
Travel that brings generations together is rare and unforgettable. Cruises through England and the Scottish Highlands blend adventure, culture, and comfort: mythical castles, gentle hikes and whisky tastings to delight from teens to grandparents.
Families seeking sunshine can look to Italy’s Venetian Lagoon and Po Valley, where gondola rides, Renaissance towns, and open-air dining appeal to every age group. Chartering privately transforms your barge into a floating family villa.
Highlight experiences
Ride the Jacobite Steam Train – part of the iconic Hogwarts Express route – during your Scottish cruise onboard hotel barge Spirit of Scotland.
Spend a day at LEGOLAND®, where imagination comes to life.
Join an Italian cookery class and make pasta from scratch together while travelling on La Bella Vita.
Enjoy horse riding, paintballing, or a scavenger hunt through Venice.
Bond over bowling, ice skating, kayaking, or waterskiing – family fun for all generations.
For Millennials & Travellers in Their 40s
For those seeking culture, cuisine, and a touch of indulgence, our cruises in the South of France, along the Canal du Midi, are irresistible. Think truffle hunting, cycling through medieval towns, browsing artisan markets, and long alfresco lunches paired with fine local wines.
For travellers with a taste for the unexpected, our Alsace & Lorraine routes blend French savoir-faire with German charm – perfect for those seeking new stories to tell (and share).
Highlight experiences
Sample wines at Château de Paraza, dating back to the 1600s.
Explore the medieval hilltop city of Carcassonne, climbing its towers for sweeping views, from your hotel barge Enchanté
Wander Narbonne’s magnificent covered market with your onboard chef before enjoying a lunch of regional specialities back onboard Anjodi.
Marvel at the seven-rise lock staircase of Fonserannes – with a cocktail in hand as you glide 23.5 yards up or down.
Soak up the Mediterranean sun from your barge deck, book in hand, as time slows to a blissful drift.
Discover Strasbourg’s half-timbered Old Town, Gothic cathedral, and Astronomical Clock aboard Panache.
Admire the René Lalique collection in La Petite Pierre after a morning at the Saverne market.
Experience the thrill of being lifted 450 feet by the Arzviller boat elevator, followed by a candlelit cruise through its tunnels.
Themed Itineraries
For adventurers seeking something a little different, our themed charters let you tailor your journey. With exclusive use of your barge, we can adapt the itinerary to suit your interests.
Options include:
Golf – play some of the region’s most beautiful courses.
Culinary – learn to cook like a master chef.
Christmas Markets – discover the festive magic of Colmar, Strasbourg, and Riquewihr.
Tennis – play on world-class grass and clay courts.
Walking – explore forests, hilltop villages, and vineyards.
Whisky Trail – enjoy a private guided tour of Scotland’s finest distilleries.
Wine Appreciation – visit some of the most historic and intriguing vineyards in the world.
No matter the destination, European Waterways promises the same hallmarks: all-inclusive luxury, gourmet dining, hand-picked excursions, and the kind of personal service only possible with a handful of guests aboard.
For more information, visit www.europeanwaterways.com
