Europe | Canal & River Cruising
 Relaxing with friends |
Looking for a relaxing extension after your private journey through Europe with Abercrombie & Kent? Or perhaps a mini European holiday with a focus on fine food, good wines, beautiful landscapes and an exciting new destination each day without ever leaving ‘home’? Then canal and river cruising is for you. It is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to discover rural Europe, without crowds and in great comfort. |
England | The Middle Thames | Magna Carta
7 days / 6 nights
A slow meandering journey past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns, villages , a mixture of ‘olde worlde’ England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore while following the old Viking trading route deep into rural countryside.
For further information about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck map.
Cruise itinerary: Hampton Court Palace – Henley on Thames
Up to 8 guests
France | Burgundy & Franche-Comte | Hirondelle
7 days / 6 nights
With large windows, and the sun-deck on top deck, this luxury vessel is easy for you to enjoy the passing scenery of Burgundy and Franche-Comté. All inclusive open bar with gourmet cuisine. Visit the quiet provincial town of Dole, the birthplace of Louis Paster. Enjoy the famous museum in Dijon, the castles in Châteauneuf and the birthplace of Victor Hugo, Besançon.
Cruise itinerary: Escommes – St-Jean-de-Losne
Up to 8 guests
France | Burgundy | La Belle-Epoque
7 days / 6 nights
Your journey begins in enchanting Auxerre, an area of medieval castles, quaint villages and wine tastings and cruises the Nivernais canal to Clamecy. With an all-inclusive open bar and gourmet cuisine onboard you’ll find the energy to explore enchanting Auxerre, taste Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a 12th Century cellar, see the underground passages of St. Bris and visit beautiful villages. The journey also includes a gastronomic dinner ashore and optional Hot Air Ballooning.
For further details about this itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Auxerre - Clamecy
Up to 13 guests
France | Burgundy | La Reine Pedauque
7 days / 6 nights
A delightful journey through southern Burgundy which boasts some of the world’s finest wines. The glorious Ouche Valley is a highlight with its villages and chateaux and a full day is spent in Beaune visiting the 15th century Hospice Hotel-Dieu, the old hospital, and some local wine tasting. The route travels through some 45 locks and the vessel is suitable for guests with physical limitations.
For further details about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Dijon - Vandenesse
Up to 8 guests
France | Burgundy | L'Arte de Vivre
7 days / 6 nights
With your crew of four the barge journeys along the magical Upper Nivernais Canal through charming countryside visiting medieval Clamecy with its 13th century cathedral, the 17th century home of Marechal Vauban and the hilltop basilica of Vezelay. Extra highlights include the 16-lock flight at Sardy and wine tasting at Tannay.
For further details about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plans.
Cruise itinerary: Clamecy - Baye
Up to 8 guests
France | Burgundy | L'Impressionniste
7 days / 6 nights
L'Impressionniste offers a delightful cruise departing from the Port of Dijon through the Ouche Valley. Visit Clos de Vougeot, one of the largest single vineyards in Burgundy and cruise to Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wine country, passing grazing white Charolais cattle, rolling hills and picturesque villages along the way.
For further information about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck map.
Cruise itinerary: Dijon – Escommes
Up to 13 guests
France | Burgundy | Savoir Faire
7 days / 6 nights
Finished in mahogany, teak and brass, the vessel is decorated with antiques and paintings and two spacious decks offer fantastic views of the countryside. Glide past the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the Eiffel Tower before joining the river Yonne that takes you south towards Burgundy, the land of Counts and fine wines. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed medieval town of Provins, to explore the ancient ramparts and browse around the boutiques and shops.
For more information about the itinerary click here
Cruise itinerary: Paris – Auxerre
Up to 12 guests
France | Canal du Midi | Anjodi
7 days / 6 nights
Cruise the World Heritage listed Canal du Midi through locks, aqueducts and bridges past avenues of plane trees, vineyards and villages. Tour the magnificent medieval city of Carcassonne, the 12th century fortress of Minerve, Lezignan’s colourful market and Béziers cathedral. Private wine tastings are also a highlight.
Cruise itinerary: Béziers – Carcassone
To download the deckplan please click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Up to 10 guests
France | Canal du Midi | Athos
7 days / 6 nights
A graceful journey through the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France including a champagne welcome. Visit the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, enjoy an olive oil tasting and exploring local market towns. Wine tasting at Domaine de Guery and a sample of vermouth at the Noilly Prat distillery. Cross the 18th century Orb canal bridge and see part of the Via Domitia, Roman road.
For futher details about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Salleles d'Aude – Marseillan
Up to 10 guestsFrance | Champagne | Savoir Faire
7 days / 6 nights
Visit the world famous cellars of Moet and Chandon for a tour and tasting and a selection of small family-run vineyards so that you can try their fine selection of champagnes. Highlights also include a visit to the magnificent cathedral at Riems, and an exclusive evening cruise through Paris. Enjoy views the magnificent church of Notre Dame, the resplendent Louvre art gallery and the floodlit Eiffel Tower at night.
For further information about this itinerary click here.
Cruise itinerary: Epernay – Paris
Up to 12 guests
France | Loire Valley | Nymphea
7 days / 6 nights
Classic Dutch design with shallow draft, ideal for navigating the beautiful and sandy reaches of the river Cher in the Loire Valley. All-inclusive open bar and gourmet cuisine with a cruise under the famed Château de Chenonceau, a visit a Troglodyte cave dwelling and to see the silkworm nursery, private wine tastings at Montrichard and Civray, visits to colourful street market and entry fees to excursions with optional hot air ballooning.
For further information about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Azay Sur Cher – Nitray
Up to 8 guests
France | Provence | Napolean
7 days / 6 nights
Luxury hotel river cruiser travelling on the Rhone between Arles and Tain l’Hermitage/Tournon. Highlights include Avignon and the Pope's Palace, wine tasting at the famous Chateauneuf du Pape, the Roman amphitheatre of Arles and some of the famous Cote du Rhone vineyards and wineries.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Tain l’Hermitage – Arles
Up to 8 guests
France | Upper Loire & West Burgundy | Renaissance
7 days / 6 nights
Sportinga newly refurbished interior and exterior, Renaissance will delight the most discerning passenger. Accommodating up to eight passengers in ultimate luxury, the beautifully appointed vessel has a comfortable lounge, a cosy bar stocked with your favourites and bookshelves contain a Bose CD system, the latest books and up-to-date periodicals and magazines. She has 4 suites, which can be configured as twins or doubles. Each has a 60ft square private bathroom. Renaissance has a sundeck with Jacuzzi and bicycles for client use. The well established cruise route will include cruising on the River Seine, the Canal de Loing and the ancient Canal du Briare with stops in the beautiful towns of Samois-sur-Seine, St Mammes, Nemours, Nargis and Rogny les Sept Ecluses.
For further information about the itinerary click here.
Cruise itinerary: Samois-Sur-Seine - Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses
Up to 8 guests
Holland | Tulip Cruise | Savoir Faire
7 days / 6 nights
Savoir Faire spends most of the year cruising in the Upper Loire and Champagne regions of France, however in March and April she journeys through Holland for the tulip season. At this special time of year cruise from Amsterdam through the western provinces, past Zaanse Schans windmill village to the picturesque walled town of Haarlem. Highlights include the beautiful town of Gouda, the Keukenkof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world, and the colourful flower market at Aalsmeer.
For further information about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Haarlem – Haarlem
Up to 12 guests
Ireland | The River Shannon | Shannon Princess II
7 days / 6 nights
See Ireland at its finest. Rolling green fields, lakes and rivers, ancient Celtic monasteries and an abundance of wildlife. The legends and fables of Ireland are found everywhere and are well understood by the warm and hospitable locals.
For further information about the itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Killaloe – Quigley’s Marina
Up to 10 guests
Italy | Venice | La Dolce Vita
7 days / 6 nights
The only vessel of its kind cruising the islands of the Venetian lagoon, the La Dolce Vita gives a comprehensive insight into the natural beauty and architecture of this area. Highlights include the canals, historic sites of the area. Visit the Veneto-Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, lace and glass museums in Burano and Murano and enjoy a guided villa tour and Tiepolo’s frescoes.
For further details about this itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Padua – Venezia
Up to 6 guests
Scotland | The Great Glen | Scottish Highlander
7 days / 6 nights
Travel the length of the Great Glen through mountains from Inverness to Fort William over lochs, past castles and along the scenic Caledonian Canal. All-inclusive open bar and gourmet cuisine. Visit Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, explore Culloden Moor, the last British based battleground in 1746 and drink tea at Glengarry Castle Hotel. Take a break from the water with an overnight mooring alongside 13th century Urquhart Castle and learn about the treachery between the Campbell and MacDonald clans.
For further information about this itinerary click here.
Click here to see the barge deck plan.
Cruise itinerary: Inverness - Fort William
Up to 8 guests
Food & Wine
One of the major highlights of any European sojourn is the regional food. Onboard, your chef is a true master whose gastronomic creations are often rated higher than top restaurants by our discerning guests. The vessel's pantry is supplemented with fresh produce bought from lock-keepers gardens or local markets.
Before you wake each morning, a crew member has already been ashore to collect fresh breads, croissants and pastries, while the coffee brews. Lunch will be a selection of salads, pâtés, quiche and cheeses with a four or five-course dinner each day. Enjoy regional specialities such as magret de canard and foie gras while in Bordeaux or ragout de Calamars in Provence. Each course is accompanied by the finest wines handpicked from the cellar.
Daily Excursions
Excursions into nearby villages or surrounding countryside are either a quick journey in the barge minibus or just a short walk from the mooring. Touring may include the magnificent châteaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting in Burgundy, visiting an ancient abbey in the south-west or a gothic church in Franche-Comté. All excursions are included but are entirely optional.
Special Interest Cruises
For those who prefer a holiday with a specific focus, itineraries have been designed to cater to unique interests. These may be for golf or garden lovers, opera goers, wine connoisseurs, antique collectors or families travelling with children. Most are available to wholeboat charters only.
A&K Benefits
Most transfers to and from the meeting point (mostly in Paris) and the barge * all meals * Morning coffee and afternoon tea * Open bar and fine wines on most vessels * Use of bicycles, jacuzzi, sauna or other equipment as available
