Barge Cruising Tour & Holiday Packages

Most cruises are 6 nights / 7 days, operating from Sunday to Saturday. Extended or back-to-back itineraries are available on request.

• Accommodation in an ensuite cabin
• All meals, beverages, and fine wines
• Daily guided excursions
• Use of bicycles and leisure facilities
• Round-trip transfers from a designated meeting point

You can either book a single cabin and share the cruise with other like-minded guests or charter the entire barge for exclusive use with your group. Private charters are available on select barges only, please inquire for details.

Hotel barges carry between 2 to 22 guests. Some can be paired for larger groups upon request.

Private Charters: All ages welcome
Cabin Bookings: Minimum age requirements vary by barge. Please check with us at the time of your inquiry.

Yes, barge cruises are well-suited to both solo travellers and couples. The intimate setting provides a comfortable balance of privacy and social interaction, making for an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Due to stairs and narrow corridors on some barges, accessibility may be limited. We encourage you to contact us to explore suitable options tailored to your needs.

Cabins feature private ensuite bathrooms, stylish décor, comfortable beds, quality linens, and climate control. Space is optimised for comfort and function.

Common amenities include:

• Wi-Fi (where available)
• Sun decks and lounges
• Hot tubs (on select barges)
• Bikes for onshore exploration
• Library, games, music systems

Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel but may be allowed in designated outdoor areas. For specific details, guests are advised to consult with the crew.

Laundry service is not offered onboard. We advise guests to pack accordingly to accommodate the duration of the 7-day journey.

Daily guided excursions are included and may feature wine tastings, château visits, artisan demonstrations, local market tours, and explorations of historic villages or UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Itineraries depend on the type of booking. For private charters, itineraries are often fully customisable to suit your group’s interests. For individual cabin bookings, cruises follow a fixed itinerary thoughtfully curated by the crew.

Absolutely. We kindly ask that any special requirements, including dietary restrictions, celebrations, or beverage preferences, be communicated at least four weeks in advance to allow us to make the necessary arrangements.

Gratuities are generally not included in the cruise fare and are left to the discretion of guests. While tipping is not mandatory, it is usually appreciated by the crew as a gesture of gratitude for their service. Guests are encouraged to inquire directly with the onboard personnel for guidance.

Barge cruising involves travelling on a small, flat-bottomed boat, typically along canals and rivers. These cruises offer a more intimate, leisurely travel experience, focusing on cultural exploration and relaxation.

Discover the unique appeal of barge cruising in Europe with Entire Travel Group, your expert in luxury barge cruises. Experience a tranquil journey along Europe’s scenic canals and inland waterways, where each stop offers authentic cultural encounters and bespoke experiences. Enjoy serene countryside views and leisurely explorations of historic villages and regional culinary delights.

Entire Travel Group offers tailor-made European barge cruise packages perfect for travellers seeking an intimate and personalised adventure. Our small-group cruises ensure a cosy, exclusive atmosphere, allowing you to relax and connect with your surroundings. Cruise iconic routes such as France’s Canal du Midi barge cruises or Italy’s Po Delta barge cruises, with expertly curated itineraries featuring private excursions and local experiences.

Barge cruising provides a slower, more immersive way to travel, ideal for those wanting to escape typical tourist trails. Combining luxury, fine dining, and cultural exploration, barge cruises deliver a unique blend of relaxation and authenticity that redefines slow travel.

• Family: Family themed cruises are available on most of the barges in our range. Whether for a special family celebration or simply a chance to enjoy quality time, a barge cruise is the perfect opportunity whatever your age. Tuck into a delightful dinner all together or partake in group activities that both adults and young ones can enjoy.
• Group: If you are looking to travel as a group with family, friends or colleagues and if you require more cabins than a single barge offers, Entire Travel Group can arrange tandem cruises for you. This is where two barges will follow the same itinerary, allowing more passengers to cruise in company. A group cruise is also a good option for two families keen to explore together but have their own personal space if wanted.
• Gastronomy: Are you a lover of fine food? Do you get a kick out of eating fresh ingredients and supporting local producers? If so, our gastronomy cruises are the answer. Itineraries on these cruises will focus specifically on the gastronomy of the region you are exploring. Typical highlights of a gastronomy cruise include a visit to a cheesemaker, a truffle farm and plenty of food markets to sample local delicacies.
• Wine: Europe as a continent is well-known for producing some of the oldest and finest wines in the world. Theme your barge cruise around your love of wine and visit well-known estates for wine tasting and sometimes lunch. Predictably perhaps, many of these cruises are available across France in the country’s rich wine growing regions: Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon. The experience can also be organised for a cruise in Italy.
• Whisky: At Entire Travel Group, we offer whisky trail cruises on board the authentic Scottish Highlander. Discover how Scotland’s primary export is produced as you visit established distilleries around the country. Typical excursions include Benromach Distillery, a family-run business for over 100 years, the Glen Ord Distillery, Tomatin Distillery and Dalwhinnie Distillery. A thrilling experience for whisky fans.
• Cycling: Most of the barges in our range have bicycles on board for passengers to use during their voyage. A cycling cruise however focuses on the activity in an organised way. Your guide will take you on a tour around your chosen region on a daily basis. For avid and casual alike, a cycling route may take you along the tree-lined towpaths along the Canal du Midi for example. Cycling itineraries can be customised to suit your group’s wishes.
• Walking: Discover the rustic charm of England, the lush scenery of Ireland or the pretty medieval towns of France with a walking cruise. A number of the barges in our selection offer this opportunity. In Burgundy, enjoy walks past fields of Charolais cattle, picturesque hilltop villages and vineyards. Walk around Richmond Park in England, Virginia Water lake and the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle. Wherever you choose to cruise, your guide promises to take you to the best spots.
• Golf: If you are a golf enthusiast you will probably know that France, England, Ireland and Scotland feature some of the best golf courses in the world. Add scenic waterways and a unique hotel barge into the mix and you will have yourself an incredibly special and memorable golfing holiday. As well as playing your favourite sport, you get to relax on board your floating hotel with all the perks of a barge cruise such as delicious meals and flavoursome wines.
• Opera: Italy is considered by many as the birthplace of opera dating back to the 1600s. The La Bella Vita offers an itinerary for opera lovers. Before your cruise begins, your guide will take you to Verona to visit its fascinating sites and that evening enjoy a performance in the authentic setting of Verona’s Roman amphitheatre. Embark on your cruising journey in Venice after a thorough visit to the main monuments and sites. Other cruise highlights include a guided tour of an opera house, a tour of Chioggia and its markets, tour of Adria, Ferrara and the city of Mantua.
   

Let Entire Travel Group take you on a journey beyond the ordinary with luxury barge cruises through Europe's picturesque landscapes.

• France: Barge cruises in France offer a unique way to explore the country's rich landscape and heritage. Discover the beauty of Burgundy with its sprawling vineyards and historic chateaux while indulging in fine wines and gourmet dining. The Canal du Midi invites you with stories of Renaissance and charming riverbank towns.

• Italy: Journey through the Po Delta, rich with Roman history, lush landscapes, and delicious local cuisine. Experience Venice's enchanting canals and explore Padua's artistic heritage.

To help you maximise your barge cruise holiday, here are some handy tips and advice:

• Embrace intimacy: With a small group of fellow travellers, be prepared for close quarters and friendly interactions. Pack your open mind and willingness to connect, as conversations and shared experiences are inevitable and enhance the charm.

• Plan for excursions: Research and pre-book shore excursions if there are specific experiences you don't want to miss. Some barge cruises include excursions, while others allow for independent exploration.

• Relax and unplug: Barge cruising is about slowing down and appreciating the journey. Leave the hustle and bustle behind, disconnect from digital distractions, and immerse yourself in the scenery and local culture.

• Engage with the crew: The crew are your onboard experts and often locals. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the region, hidden gems, or recommendations for local specialties.

• Embrace the local culture: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, try local dishes, and participate in cultural activities offered by the barge.

By following these tips and advice, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable barge cruise experience.

Packing for a barge cruise should include comfortable and versatile clothing suitable for the weather, good walking shoes for excursions, and perhaps a swimsuit for onboard amenities. Don't forget a camera to capture the scenic views!