Barges are essentially slow-moving, flat-bottomed boats that may accommodate six to twelve people. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The newest barges on Europe's canals are modeled like chic boutique hotel suites, complete with modern furnishings, sunny rooms, hot tubs, and other amenities. This means that barge traveling has never been more stylish. We take you on a tour of some of the best cruise locations in Europe with this collection. Discover the top barge canal vacation spots around the continent by clicking on!

Colmar, France

Colmar is credited with inspiring the hamlet in the 1991 Disney picture "Beauty and the Beast," and it makes sense. It is a must-see, no matter how much time you have, La Petite Venise, or "Little Venice". Glide beneath the willows and past the city's timber-framed residences on a wooden boat driven by a quiet motor; this stretch of half-timbered buildings along the canal is perhaps one of the most seductive.

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Giethoorn is a small Dutch hamlet where people and tourists alike go by bike, boat, barge, or foot. The calm there is almost surreal. There's not much to do in this hamlet of little peat islands connected by bridges, other than lose yourself in isolation among the thatched-roof farmhouses and walk-bridges that span the network of canals.

Powys, Wales

If you want to get lost in the great outdoors, Powys is the ideal destination. With stunning views of the mountains, the canal is located nearly entirely within the Brecon Beacons National Park. Additionally, this is a recognized dark sky reserve. There are some excellent places for natural swimming as the canal descends into the Usk Valley. You may hire an electric boat to make your excursion even more tranquil.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark's Nyhavn (also known as "New Harbour") is a 17th-century waterfront, canal, and entertainment area. It runs directly south of the Royal Playhouse from Kongens Nytorv to the Inner Harbour and is bordered with vibrantly colored townhouses from the 17th and early 18th centuries, as well as pubs, cafés, and restaurants. Numerous ancient wooden ships are moored in the canal.

Venice, Italy

The only barge tour in Italy travels through a variety of environments and natural settings on its route between Venice and Mantua. These include the vibrant waterfront of Venice, charming lagoon islands, untamed beach dunes, and pine forests teeming with wildlife.

Toreboda, Sweden

A vital component of the municipality of Töreboda, the Göta Canal welcomes a large number of tourists each year, both on land and in boats. The stunning natural surroundings of the Göta Canal provide plenty of options for fun day outings.

Seville, Spain

Not to be missed are Seville's ancient sites, which range from 13th-century buildings to medieval defenses, from iron bridges to a Carthusian monastery. On the other hand, the Guadalquivir River cruise offers a unique viewpoint of the city's must-see attractions as you glide along the river and take in its highlights.

Milan, Italy

The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals are well-known features of Milan's Navigli area. One of Milan's favorite neighborhoods is the Navigli, with its fantastic stores and bars. Not to mention one of the most historically significant: the area was first settled in 1179 when the adjacent lakes were connected by rivers.

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Potsdam, Germany

Boat exploration is highly recommended in the Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommen area, which stretches between Berlin, the capital of Germany, and the Baltic Sea. By renting a motor yacht or small canal boat, you may cruise through canals and rivers, stopping to anchor and read a book in peaceful areas, or you can explore the lakes at your own pace, stopping along the route to visit ancient cities like Potsdam and Furstenberg.

Inverness, Scotland

Scotland's west coast at Corpach, close to Fort William, and east coast at Inverness are connected by the Caledonian Canal. Scotland's Caledonian Canal, which traces a fault line dividing the country in two, passes via whiskey distilleries and the exposed dome of Ben Nevis, yet barge cruisers still little know about it.  The remainder of the length is provided by Lochs Dochfour, Ness, Oich, and Lochy, with just one third being man-made.

Gdansk, Poland

With several important canals, Gdańsk is situated along the Baltic coast. From Amsterdam to Copenhagen, architectural styles were absorbed in a similar way; Gdansk’s waterfront was lined with vibrant golden residences in addition to stunning red brick structures. Although there aren't any picturesque gondolas or paddle boats to explore the river or canals, the Motława River does offer river barge rides.