Hmmm, do you fancy a vacation where you can truly kick back and relax….then you should consider barge cruising…

Barge cruising in Europe is immensely popular because it allows you to proceed at a Luxuriously languid pace through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. The charming "country cottage hotel" transports you, the Luxury Traveler, in divine Luxury and comfort in the shape of an elegantly appointed canal or river cruiser.

The food is wonderful. The wines a delight. And best of all, each day on the water can be shaped to fit your whim. There is cycling and jogging along the towpath for the energetic, village rambles and vineyard visits for the culturally inclined, and napping, reading, snacking and daydreaming for the unrepentant hedonist. The choice is always yours (hmmm, sign me up for all of the above!).

With A&K, the choice is virtually limitless. With a huge stable of vessels crisscrossing the waterways of Europe in 2003, you can choose a route to fit any mood.

Cruise quiet country landscapes or busy riverside cities. Board a canal boat that hosts six passengers or a river cruiser carrying fifty.

There is a vast selection of cruises to choose from, but what can be really fun, are some of the theme cruises. Consider opera charters in Provence, golf outings in England and Scotland, tulip cruises in Holland and springtime getaways in France.

So my Travel Darlings, if you are looking for a relaxing European holiday you can personalize as you please, in destinations ranging from Ireland's River Shannon to England, Scotland, all of France, and on into Holland and Belgium consider barging…..I know you will love it!

The difference between canal & river cruising

For the most part, canal cruises emphasize relaxed, leisurely travel in remote country regions.

The actual miles covered on a canal trip are relatively few, with frequent opportunities for waterside activities such as bicycling along towpaths and village rambles.

River cruises cover more distance, more quickly. They too offer a relaxed on-board atmosphere, but the emphasis here shifts toward a more comprehensive itinerary in town and country, with most activity consisting of sightseeing tours away from the vessel.

Hotel barges generally accommodate between 12 and 24 passengers; hotel river cruisers carry up to 50 guests.

Cabins on hotel departures are booked separately by individual travelers. If meeting new people and enjoying the camaraderie of travel is part of the fun for you, a hotel vessel may by your most attractive choice.

On chartered departures, however, all accommodations are reserved for the exclusive use of the chartering party, which may be a family or group of friends vacationing together. Most charter barges accommodate between 6 and 12 passengers.

Canal and river cruising is one of the most relaxing and intimate ways to experience Europe, without crowds and in great comfort.

All-inclusive prices

The rates for the barge and river cruising holidays include:
Cruise accommodation
Breakfast
Elegant buffet lunches
Four or five-course dinners
Bar drinks and wine with meals (bar drinks are not included aboard Anacoluthe, Chardonnay, Provence departures)
Escorted assistance to your barge embarkation point including first-class TGV rail tickets where applicable in France
Excursions and entry fees
Use of bicycles or other equipment available
All taxes

For those who appreciate fine food and good wines, peaceful vistas and an exciting new destination each day without ever leaving 'home', canal and river cruising has become a favorite way to travel.

Walking, wine and Specialty Cruises

If you are looking for a relaxed yet invigorating way to experience the European countryside, consider one of the many special itineraries:

Walking Cruises
Wine Cruises
Garden & Tulip Cruises
Golf Cruises
Opera Charters
Antiques Cruises
Henley Royal Regatta
Springtime Getaways for the Ladies

Contact The Travel Goddess for complete details.

Extending your stay

At six or seven nights in length, a cruise is a relatively short holiday, and many travelers like to extend their stay in Europe by adding other options before or after their cruise. The possibilities are nearly endless, on escorted or independent programs throughout the continent.

Contact The Travel Goddess for brochures, itinerary details, destination insights, extension suggestions, departure dates, fares and what is included, and any other enquiries you may have about these splendid river and canal voyages.

By the way, A&K has specially priced airfares that are generally lower than those published by the airlines, particularly in Business Class (oh yes please). Ask The Travel Goddess for details.

"For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake.
The great affair is to move"
Robert Louis Stevenson