Embrace Spring With A Relaxing European Barge Cruise

Spring is a wonderful time of year, and there is no better way to embrace the change from dreary winter to fresh spring than to take a lovely barge cruise through some of the most fecund European countries. These types of holiday will provide plenty of much-needed sunshine and fresh air whilst featuring some of the most beautiful parts of the continent in full bloom. Europe has many stunning areas to discover by barge that will delight and invigorate visitors, but here are a few of the best places to consider:

Italy

Italian waterway cruisesduring spring are a brilliant way to see the country’s great beauty. Venice is, of course, one of the best place for a water adventure as the lagoon is stunning during the warmer months, and you get to see highlights including the Chiesa del Redentore, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Punta della Dogana whilst immersing yourself in the city’s unique dream-like charm.

Burgundy

This beautiful region in France is famous for its wines, but it is also home to a network of canals and to a stunning landscape which bursts into life at the close of the winter months. There is nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine (local, of course) on the sun deck and taking in the majestic views of the Burgundian countryside as you feel the warmth of the sun on your face. You can also enjoy peaceful walks, explore the local villages and indulge in wine tasting experiences. Bliss.

Holland

You will struggle to find a prettier country than Holland during March and April as this is when their world-famous tulips are in full bloom and inject a remarkable amount of colour and life into the backdrop. There are cruises specifically designed to showcase Dutch tulips involving trips to the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens. Known also as the “Garden of Europe”, it has over 100 acres filled with 7 million flowering bulbs. Dutch cruises can also treat passengers to views of authentic Holland, including picturesque windmills, traditional barns, historic shipways and more.

Canal du Midi

This serene inland waterway in Southern France runs from Toulouse to Sète and will reveal the region’s best-kept secrets and authentic French towns. Birdwatchers, in particular, will enjoy this cruise during spring as the Petite Camargue region is teaming with unique species local to the area, including Pink Flamingo, African Rollers and Bee Eaters. This can be an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable cruise which provides a glimpse of life in southern France, and there is no better time of year for this than March/April when the region is full of life and the weather is perfect.

These are the four best places for a cruise during spring in Europe. Cruises are a terrific way to explore different regions and will often reveal hidden gems that most tourists do not get to see. Europe is transformed at this time of year with warmth, life and colour and a barge cruise will allow you to soak this up whilst immersing yourself in European culture.

Author Plate

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury river cruises and barge holidays throughout Europe. If you're looking for the most exciting Italian river cruises  European Waterways is an ideal choice. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.