Barging Ahead

Below, a sampling of companies that offer hotel barging trips in Europe, featuring overnight accommodations, meals and guided sightseeing. Most barges stick to the shallow canals of France, but some traverse waterways in other countries and some venture onto rivers. There are about 50 European hotel barges, many of which are represented by several of the companies listed below. Most prices are per person, double occupancy for six- night stays. Below, barging on the Thames. *

Abercromble and Kent Tel: (800) 323- 7308 Countries: Austria, England, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium Price: $1,690- $3,950 *

Afloat in France Tel: (212) 355- 5141 Countries: France Price: $3,250- $5,200 *

Bath Hotel Boat Co. Tel: (800) 227- 5550 Countries: England Price: $693 *

Clair de Lune Tel: (800) 767- 2885 Countries: France Price: Starts at $1,650 *

Cruise Company of Greenwich Tel: (800) 825- 0826 Countries: England, France, Holland, Ireland, Scotland Price: $1,600- $3,200 *

Etoile de Champagne Tel: (800) 280- 1492 Countries: France, Germany, Holland Price: $3,150 *

European Waterways Tel: (800) 217- 4447 Countries: England, France Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Scotland Price: $1,490- $2,990 *

French Country Waterways Tel: (800) 222- 1236 Countries: France Price: $2,395- $3,055 *

Frontiers International Tel: (800) 245- 1950 Countries: Austria, France, Germany, Holland Price: $1,915- $5,665 *

Julia Hoyt Canal Cruises Tel: (800) 852- 26125 Countries: France Price: $3,125 (based on four- person occupancy) *

Kemwel’s Premier Selections Tel: (800) 234- 4000 Countries: England, Holland, France Price: Starts at $1,680 *

Le Boat Tel: (800) 922- 0291 Countries: England, France, Holland, Ireland, Scotland Price: $1,500- $3,500 *

Le Reine Pedauque Tel: (408) 257- 2257 Countries: France Price: $3,020, (This barge has special facilities, including an elevator, to accommodate disabled travelers.) *

Thames Hotel Voyages Tel: (800) 227- 5550 Countries: England Price: 1,147 *

The Barge Lady Tel: (800) 426- 9297 Countries: France Price: $1,000- $4,000 *

The Lanakai Tel: (800) 487- 6630 Countries: France, Holland Price: $1,750- $2,350 *

Willow Wren Cruising Holidays Tel: (800) 227- 5550 Countries: England, Wales Price: Start at $570 (seven nights)