Barging is an extremely comfortable way to experience Europe. Whether cruising in France, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium or Holland, on your journey you will see quaint little villages, beautiful chateaux, cathedrals, wineries and more, while also enjoying gourmet food and wine. There is much to see and do but the pace can be as leisurely as one wants.

For those that have seen the major tourist sites and now want to experience more of Europe, and still have the comfort of every aspect of the trip taken care of, then a luxury canal barge cruise may be for you. All excursions are included on most vessels as well as wine with the meals. The atmosphere is very relaxed, no formal nights, you are out during the day exploring, so you will never run out of activities. The staff of the barge are English speaking and go out of their way to meet your every need.

Most of the barges are air conditioned with central heating and carpeted throughout. There is a spacious saloon, dinning area and bar, as well as a sun deck. Cabins feature private bath, 2 twin beds and closets as well as drawer space.  On the deluxe barges, you will find jacuzzi, fitness rooms, pianos, computer access, tvs and bigger cabins.

The barges cruise to such regions as Burgundy, Alsace-Lorraine, Upper Loire, Champagne, Franche-Compte and Provence. A cruise through the Burgundy region will feature scenery made famous by French Impressionists painters and an itinerary of medieval towns and chateaux and the famous vineyards of Chablis. A journey through the Alsace region, perhaps one of the most picturesque provinces in France, is an endless discovery of art, architecture, gourmet food and wine 6 white wines and 1 rose), and history. The itinerary is full of turreted castles and picture-book villages. In the Upper Loire region, you will find the famous Sancerre vineyards and the home of the famous French goat cheese – "Crottin de Chavignol", as well as many historical buildings. With a cruise to the Champagne region, you will enjoy wine tastings in some of the most prestigious champagne houses, as well as visiting memorials to the fallen of the First World War, and the superb Gothic Cathedral in  Reims. While cruising through the Franche-Compte region, culinary delights will include Compte cheese and the white wines of Arbois. The region is full of rivers, lakes and streams. Provence – the image of sun, perfumed flowers, historical towns and some of the world’s finest wines – they are all here.

Another feature of the barges is their gourmet food and wine. As you are cruising through some of the most beautiful French countryside, you will enjoy specialty foods from the regions as well as local wines and cheeses (many of which are not exported out of France). Additionally, many of the barges have a open bar policy. During the course of the week, you will enjoy no fewer than 20 different local wines and almost 30 different types of cheeses. The chefs are all trained at top French cooking schools, and delight in offering you the very best of French gourmet cuisine. Your breakfast will include freshly baked breads and pastries from local bakers, lunch will be a buffet style with fresh fruits, meats, cheeses and vegetables of the regions, while dinner is served by candlelight and can contain from 5 – 7 courses of local, specialized foods such as beef, fowl and fish.

These cruises are great for small groups of 6 - 24 people, whether friends, family or for business meetings/incentives. Such group themes as gardens and architecture, opera, gastronomy, wine, health/walking/cycling, golfing, religious and ballooning are available. The land only prices for these inclusive cruises (including cruise, 4 - 6 meals daily, wine with meals, use of bicycles on most barges and all excursions) start at $1690 per person in off season and $1990 per person in high season for a 7 day cruise.

CRUISE FEATURES: clients unpack only once with these tours of Europe. All sightseeing is included, guests are all english speaking on all cruises except the Russia cruises which are multi nationality cruisers. 3 meals daily as well as afternoon tea, and the breakfast consists of a buffet, lunch is usually a 4 course meal and dinner can consist of 5 - 7 courses. Some regional entertainment is offered on some ships. 

SHIP FEATURES: Ship hold between 100 and 200 passengers. Each cabin has a telephone, tv, and private bath. All cabins are double occupancy - no single cabins and no triple/quad cabins. Ship will have dinning room, bar and card room. Viking Burgundy is the only ship with an elevator. Viking Schuman and Viking Normandy offer a stair lift. On the Russian cruises there is a doctor on board. As with the bigger cruise lines, there is a daily program put in the cabins each evening. Smoking is allowed outside on the ship only. The ships are usually classified as a 4*.

CLIENT: This cruise line is good for your first time European traveler or those clients that like to have a total package and like value for their money. Dress code falls in the casual  catagory, though not as casual as jeans. The cuisine is more Americanized continental.

PRICING: Cruise rates include sightseeing.