This e-book of waterways guides is intended to offer readers locatedin countries around the world a resource for planning cruises on thecanals and rivers of Europe at the helm of their own vessel.

I suggest that you start with an overview of the European waterwaysin A Grand Tour of Europe by Private Barge. This is a slide show ofphotos and maps showing a suggested route of contiguous waterwaysthat includes all of the primary countries of Europe which can bereached by inland waterway (Netherlands, Belgium, France, Luxembourg & Germany) and also a brief coverage of England (requiring a cross-channel trip.) It gives an overview of where it is possible to goon your own vessel, a beginning of the planning process.

If you prefer to go directly to a guide for a specific waterway, use theBookmarks panel at the left of this screen; point to your choice andclick on it to go there. To begin the Grand Tour slideshow, use the arrow below to go to the next page. .....Tom Sommers

Welcome to EuroCanals Guides 2007 Updated: December 1, 2006

The Plan: Travel through as much of the European waterway system as possible, and as many countries as possible, without leaving protected inland waters.

We visit five countries: The Netherlands Belgium France Luxembourg Germany

..and perhaps a cross-channel trip to England

England

Germany

France

NL

BelgiumLuxembourg

A Grand Tour of Europe by Private Barge

Our tour starts in Harlingen, a seaport in Friesland, northern Netherlands;an excellent place to purchase a vessel for the trip.

DeHaan & Broese is one of the top brokers of barges in NL, located on the town harbor; window-shoppers welcome.

On the top end of the barge scale, consider a 30 meter Dutch Barge; suitable for a group of 6 to 8 people.

Or a more manageable 18 meter barge, with plenty of space for a couple plus occasional guests.

It is even possible to be comfortable on a 9 meter canal cruiser.

Its common to find quite a few vessels marked with a sign Te Koopmeaning For Sale By Owner; the Catharina was one of these.

Countryside, narrow canals & small towns in Friesland, Overijssel, Flevoland, Utrecht and Zuid Holland

Interesting Cities: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Gouda, Maastricht

Peaceful, slow river: Vecht

Busy thru-route river: Maas

Broad commercial canal: Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal

The dark line shows a suggested route through NL

which includes:

Some towns will have a free quay available, or there are many marinas along the canals, with full services.

Many barge buyers find that they spend an

entire season visiting the small towns of Friesland, Overijssel & Flevoland

before heading south to France..

Friesland and Overijssel are the Land of Lakes, especially in the

popular area around the town

of Sneek.

A typical scene in The Netherlands: cruising alongside a farm with sheep and a windmill, with modern office buildings visible behind the fields.

Winter days can be rainy, or clear, cold and breezy as seen here.

The route to Amsterdam can include a day to either bypass or traverse a polder, an area reclaimed from the sea and kept dry by

pumps.

Sneek

When visiting Amsterdam its best to moor at Sixhaven Marina and use the free ferry for a short ride to Centraal Station.

Water taxis such as the Museumboot are a good way to tour the canals of the city.

AMSTERDAM

Amstel river Another marina is located south on the Amstel river

Sixhaven Marina

The canals of Amsterdam offergreat walking for viewing barges.

Its possible to cruise on the canalsof the city on your own boat,with some restrictions on size

and time of travel.

East of Amsterdam, the Vecht river route from Muiden south to Utrecht is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

The hotel barge Golden Odyssey cruising on the Vecht

An enjoyable side trip from Utrecht is through the small

canals, lakes and natural areas of the Green Heart

of Holland.

Follow the Oude Rijn river west to Woerden and Bodegraven;

Return through Gouda and Oudewater along the Hollandse Ijssel river.

In Holland the bridges are operated by the local government; some will charge a small toll.

Many of the passages on the small canals are one boat at a time, mind the traffic lights.

The Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal is a broad straight line southeast from Amsterdam & Utrecht, connecting to the Rhine river near Nijmegen.

At Nijmegen a short canal connects the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal to the Maas river, which our route

follows upstream through the Limburg province, with the German and Belgian borders close alongside.

Just south of Maastricht, at the border of Belgium, the river is known by its French name, the

Meuse.

Maastricht has been called

The Paris of Holland.

The river Maas enters the French-speaking Wallonie

province of Belgium for a trip to France in two parts:

first busy and modern, then peaceful and beautiful.

Belgium

South of Namur the river twists and turns through the wooded cliffs of the Ardennes forest.

The section from Lige to Namur is a busy industrial area

with heavy barge traffic.

The Belgian city of Lige is a commercial and industrial center;its not a favorite stop for barge travelers.

The Meuse at Huy, between Liege & Namur

Namur, located at the junction of the Meuse & Sambre rivers, is the capital of Wallonie. Its most important feature is the hilltop Citadel.

Dinant, on the Meuse, has its own citadel atop a 100-meter cliff. Cathedral Notre Dame is surrounded by waterfront houses and restaurants.

Scenery like this is prevalent south of Dinant and along the many turns of the river into France

France ...in four legs:

A

B

C

D

A. From the Belgian border to Paris via Champagne country.

B. Through Burgundy to St-Jean-de-Losne, the center of the French waterways.

C. Down the Rhone to southwestern France; Midi, Bordeaux & return.

D. Across Franche-Comt to Strasbourg, west to Nancy, then north on the Moselle river to Germany.

Waterways of France

1. Grand Gabarit canals, rivers Lys, Deule, Scarpe, & Escaut 2. Rivers Oise & Sambre3. Meuse river, Canal de lEst4. Canal de la Marne au Rhin5. Alsace & Lorraine-Est6. Canal du Rhone au Rhin7. Canal de Bourgogne8. Canal du Nivernais9. Canaux du Centre10. Marne river, Champagne region11. River Seine12. Canal de la Somme13. Canals of Brittany14. Rivers Garonne, Baise, Lot, Canal lateral a la Garonne15. Canal du Midi16. River Lot Amont17. Camargue, Canal du Rhone a Sete18. Canals & rivers of Paris

EuroCanals Guides for France:

Leg A: Givet to Paris

Champagne region

This leg includes two very beautiful rivers, the Meuse and the Marne, as well as several

opportunities to visit the towns and vineyards of the

Champagne region.On the river Meuse

A favorite stop soon after entering France on the twisting Meuse is at

the town of Revin.

Reims cathedral

The city of Reims is an excellent midway stop on this leg, for a tour of the cathedral

and visits to the Champagne Caves of Mumm, Taittinger, Piper Heidsieck,

Veuve Clicquot and others.The route then joins the Marne river, which passes through the heart of the

Champagne vineyards and wineries from Epernay to Chateau Thierry.

Entering Paris on the Seine, at Ile St Louis

Private barges are welcome in the center of Paris, where moorings are available on the Seine or in the Arsenal marina.

Seine

The Halte Concorde right in the center of Paris

The Halte Grenelle is also well-located, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower

The best way to see Paris by boat is to circle the city on the Seine, Canal St Martin and Canal St Denis.

Arsenal Marina, Bastille Metro Station

Entrance of the 2-kilometer tunnel of the Canal St Martin,under Place de la Bastille

Northern end of the tunnel, near Place de la Republique

The beautiful arched footbridges over Canal St Martin are frequently used as a movie set.

Leg B: Loire/Burgundy

The rivers and canals south of Paris in the Loire valley and

Burgundy are the most popular in France

(along with the Canal du Midi) for pleasure cruising, especially the Canal du Nivernais and the

Canal de Bourgogne.

Our destination is St Jean de Losne, the base for the next

two legs of the voyage.

Burgundy

Loire Valley

The route shown has been selected to visit the best of the area, not for the fastest passage to southern France.

For that purpose, continue south from Nevers directly to St Jean de Losne

via the Canal du Centre and the Saone river.

Hotel Barge on the Canal de Briare

Chanterelles cocktail cruise at dusk on the canal bridge over the Loire at Briare

Crossing the 343-meter canal bridge over the river Allier

A ville fleurie on the Loire side of the Canal du Nivernais

The old swing-beam lock gates on the Yonne side of the Canal du Nivernais

A couple of 8 to 12 passenger hire boats on the Nivernais

Early morning at Marcilly-sur-Yonne

Following another boat into a lock

In the lock at Chatel Censoir

Auxerre, northern end of the Canal du Nivernais

St Vinnemer, on the Canal de Bourgogne

The port of Dijon, in walking distance of the city center.

Between Dijon & St Jean de Losne the canal is straight and flat.

St Jean de Losne is widely known as the center of the French waterways:Saone river, Canal de Bourgogne & Canal du Rhone au Rhin intersect here.

St Jean de Losne is the home of the three major brokers of barges and canal cruisers in France: H2O, Bourgogne Marine & Luxemotor Club.

There are several harbors available for wintering of foreign-owned vessels.This one, operated by H2O, is a disused canal and lock.

Leg C: To southwestern France & return

Saone river

Rhone river

Although it requires a trip down the Saone & Rhone

rivers (and return), the Canaux des Deux Mers

connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Med is an essential part of our cruise through Europe.

High seasonal flow rates on the Rhone river require careful planning

and/or waiting in port.

Home Sweet Homeat Verdun-sur-le-Doubs, just off the river Saone

Waterways of Southwestern France

Beaucaire port, Canal du Rhone a Sete

The hotel barge Sherborne moored for the winteron the Canal de la Robine.

Village of Poilhes, Canal du Midi

Le Somail, a very popular stop on the Midi

Capestang port, a good wintering port but always full

Oval locks are common on the Midi but rare elsewhere

Traveling back to the north on the Rhone & Saone rivers is against the current. Careful planning is required to avoid

high water periods; August-September is often the best time.

Canal de la Marneau Rhin

Moselle river

Rhine river

Canal du Rhone au Rhin...the canalized river Doubs

Leg B: Eastern France

Exiting a lock on the river Doubs

A lock and weir on the river Doubs

The Bargees Chapel on the Canal du Rhone au Rhin, branche nord,

a short distance south ofStrasbourg.

Traveling boats can tie up on the canals east bank for a visit to a very peaceful and

beautiful place.

La Petite France, Strasbourg

Winter mooring near Lutzelbourg, Canal de la Marne au Rhin

Rental boat entering the Niderviller tunnel,Canal de la Marne au Rhin

The Crown Blue Line rental boat base at Hesse,on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin

A large river barge on the river Moselle, headed south towards Nancy

Germany ...a quick taste or a longer tour:

A

B

CD

E

A

AD

A. From the French border to The Netherlands via the Mosel & Rhine rivers or other canals.

B. Across Germany to Berlin via the Mittelland Kanal.

C. Cruises into Berlin and through the lakes of Mecklenburg & Brandenburg.

D. A choice on the Elbe river: northwest to Hamburg and the North Sea or south to return via the Mittelland Kanal.

E. An alternate entry from France: down the Rhine from Strasbourg.

B

Waterways of Germany

The inland waterways of Germany are dominated by rivers, with a few canals in the northwest and a major connecting canal across the north of the country to Berlin.

Leg A: Mosel & Rhine rivers

Our route leaves France on the Moselle river, which becomes the Mosel as it forms the border of

Luxembourg and Germany. This beautiful river twists between

steep hillsides covered with vineyards through Rheinland to a

junction with the Rhine at Koblenz. The Rhine flows north into central

Netherlands.There are no waterways into Luxembourg, and none directly connecting Belgium and

Germany.

An alternate route continues north on canals into the northeastern corner of NL, the Drenthe province.

The hilltop castle at Cochem, on the river Mosel.

A large commercial barge entering a lock on the Mosel.

Leg B: Across northern Germany to Berlin

A canal bridge (completed in 2003) carries traffic over the river Elbe near

Magdeburg.

East of the Elbe the waterway is the Elbe-Havel Kanal, passing through the cities of Brandenburg, Potsdam and Berlin.

Mittelland Kanal

Glienicker Bridge, looking north on the Havel, where during the Cold War the East and the West exchanged agents and spies.

Leg C: Berlin andMecklenburg-Brandenburg

Framed by two long north-flowing rivers, the Elbe on the western side and the Oder on the east, the regional rivers that twist through Mecklenburg-

Brandenburg-Berlin often begin at a lake and then widen into many more interlinked small lakes and river sections along the way. There are a few major

routes with commercial barge traffic, but it is easy to find a waterway for leisure cruising and quiet, pleasant moorings.

The northeastern corner of Germany is a vast

network of canals, rivers and lakes both large and small.

A real steamer and a modern tour boat in the center of Berlin.

Leg D: Return to The Netherlands

The inland route to NL from the

Mecklenburg lakes is to travel south then

west on the Mittelland Kanal then into the The Netherlands via the Rhine or canals.

Vessels that are suitable for coastal travel can stop at Hamburg and then on to the North Sea. And then what? West along the coast to NL or east through

the Kiel Canal into the Baltic Sea for a cruise to Copenhagen, across the peninsula of Sweden on the Gota Canal and even into the lakes of Finland!

Leg E: Down the Rhine from Strasbourg

An alternate, more direct route from eastern France to The Netherlands

would be to enter the Rhine at Strasbourg and travel north down

the river. The last lock is at Iffezheim; north from that point

there is only open river.

However, depending on the flow of the river, it can be a stressful trip. The section between Mainz and Koblenz includes the Rhine Gorge, the site of

the Lorelei rock. This route will usually require the services of an

experienced and properly licensed skipper.

The unladen barge (black) is traveling downstream very fast while the heavily loaded (white) barge is pushing slowly against the current.

In the Rhine Gorge, near the Lorelei rock

After returning to The Netherlands, another pleasant season of cruising

then what?

How about crossing the channel to England?

From central Holland, the next important visit is the city of Antwerp.Most travelers stopover a day or more at Willemstad & Tholen.

Several days can be reserved for visits to the old cities of Gent & Brugge.

Brugge is a city of canals, although you cannot cruise them on your own boat; small guided tour boats are a pleasant alternative.

Some liveaboard barges moor on the Kanal Gent-Oostende, which loops around the east of Brugge.

Visitors can tie up on the Coupure, a disused canal which ends very near the center of Brugge, a convenient location and pleasant stopover place.

Nearly any vessel can cross to England, if careful planning is done and you are

willing to wait for suitable weather conditions. Several port pairs are available.

Crossing to EnglandTo Thames Estuary

& London

Nieuwpoort or Oostende,Belgium

Waterways of EnglandVisiting boaters can travel most

of the Thames river and across to Bristol via canal, but the Grand Union Canal to the Midlands is

restricted at Birmingham & Northampton by narrow (7 ft

wide) locks

The entrance to London... Tower Bridge

Thames River

The Thames river from London to Oxford offers an excellent cruising area.

A visiting Dutch Barge moored near Tower Bridge

Narrowboat near Oxford

The London Ring

Its possible to cruise a circular ring around and through London,a very interesting way to visit the city

Narrowboats moored in central London,

on the London Ring

Ready to go? Details of all of the waterways mentioned in this tour are included in the EuroCanals Guides which follow. Use the Bookmarks panel at left as an index, just click on a subject of interest to go to that page.

The first chapters discuss the various ways to travel on the European waterways:

Self-Skippered Cruising for one week or more at the helm of a rented boat. Hotel & Charter Barges, again for one week or more, with a full-service crew. River Cruise Ships, again for one week or more, for long-distance travel with full services. Your Own Vessel in Europe, for long-term travel or live-aboard on a vessel that you purchase.The next section, Waterways of Europe, includes maps of the waterways in 19 countries, useful for laying out a multi-country trip, along with details of the types of vessels and how to use the waterways.The heart of the e-book is in the guides for individual countries and for the major waterways within each country. Go first to the overall guide for each country: Waterways of ... France, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Germany, Italy. These guides give sufficient detail to enable you to put together a cruising plan and estimate the time, distance and fuel requirements.

Then you can read about many of the specific waterways along the route, locating them by name from the index: Canal du Nivernais, Canal du Midi, etc.

The balance of the e-book is a series of articles about buying and owning a vessel in Europe, then Glossaries of related terms, finally Links to other waterway-related websites.

Dont hesitate to write to me with questions: tomsom@eurocanals.com

CRUISING IN EUROPE

The waterways of Europe can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you are planning a holiday, an extensive cruise or a complete live-aboard lifestyle, traveling on the canals and rivers of Europe offers a relaxing, comfortable means to enjoy the cities and beautiful rural areas.

EuroCanals Guides can help you plan your adventure in one or more of these ways:

CRUISING IN EUROPE

Self-Skippered Cruising Hotel Barges Full-Boat Charter Barges River Cruise Ships Your Own Vessel Walking Bicycling Canoeing or Kayaking

These options are briefly described on the next few pages. Suggestions regarding places to stay while on an extended walking, biking or canoeing trip will be added to future updates.

To view a map, at any time, of the waterways in a particular country of interest, select it from the Bookmarks index at left.

Cost ComparisonIt is difficult to compare the costs of these various ways to enjoy the waterways because there are somany variables involved. However, the following comments (based on a one-week cruise) may help:

Self-Skippered: The advantage here is that you pay one price for the boat and can bring as many guests as will conveniently fit aboard. $500 to $2,500, no meals, activities or transfers included.

Hotel Barge: Rates are per person, double occupancy. Meals, activities and transfers are included. $1,490 to $4,150.

Full-Boat Charter Barge: Again, one price pays for everybody. Meals, activities and transfers are included. $10,000 to $50,000.

River Cruise Ship: Rates are per person, double occupancy. Meals are included, activities and transfers extra. $685 to $4,700.

Your Own Vessel: Initial prices can be as low as $15,000 for a small cruiser suitable for a couple to over $1 million for a lavish refit of a commercial barge. The cost of maintenance is variable,depending on whether the owners do most of their work or use boatyards. Actual travel costs are reasonable, since the slow speeds mean very low fuel usage; license and docking fees will becharged relative to the size of the vessel.

Self-Skippered CruisingIn the Caribbean, this would be called bareboating; the British call it hire boats. We have decided to use self -skippered, as used by many companies that rent boats without captain or crew. In France, this is advertised as sans permis, meaning that the skipper will not need to be licensed (and that the rental operator has paid the necessary fees for use of the canals.) A brief lesson at the base, perhaps followed by accompaniment for a short portion of the trip, will acquaint the skipper and crew with the operation of the boat and the rules of the road for the waterway to be traveled.

Once underway, the skipper is in full control of the itinerary. Each days travel can be as short or as long as desired, with stops for sightseeing, dining and overnight stays usually decided as you go. The only limits are the schedule of locks that must be passed through and the need to return the boat at theagreed place and time. In some locations, the rental operator will limit the waterways that can be used, to prevent travel in hazardous areas (this includes the major rivers.)

Going ashore for dining, provisioning or sightseeing is done on foot, on bicycles (which can usually be rented at the start of the cruise) or by taxi (not generally available in rural areas.) In most areas, the boat can be moored anywhere along the banks of the waterway. Many towns and cities offer a quai(stone or concrete bank) or a port, sometimes with water, electricity, showers and laundromat available.Boats are available for families or groups of 2 to 10 passengers. At least one person will need to be physically able to go ashore easily for the handling of lines during mooring or locking. Initial or complete provisioning can usually be ordered in advance from the base, however a major part of the enjoyment of the trip is shopping at local stores or at the many regional market days. The boats will be fitted with toilets and showers (some with bathtubs), often one per cabin.

Navigation is not difficult, since the trip is usually in a confined waterway. The base will supply a chart and guide that will give detailed information for navigation, restaurants, shopping, sightseeing and mooring. The better rental bases will send you a chart with the contract, for pre-planning your cruise.

What is a Self-Skippered Cruise?A family or group can rent a boat that they will operate themselves, traveling at their own speed andagenda. The rental base staff will provide a full checkout of the details of the particular boat, followedby a brief lesson and, in some cases will accompany you for a short portion of the trip. After that, yourcruise is entirely on your own.Do I need a license to operate the boat?No, operators license requirements are waived for a certified rental boat. The rental base has paid thefees charged for use of the waterway.

Do I need previous boating experience?No. Even first-timers will find that the boats are remarkably easy to handle. Travel will be in canals and controlled waterways, so navigation skills are unnecessary. The rental base staff will provide a chart of the area and they should review it with you to explain your cruising and mooring options.

How big are the boats?Boats are available for 2 to 10 passengers. The length varies from 9 to 15 meters (30 to 50 feet.) Theclassic style is long and narrow, a beam of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet.) Motorcruisers may have a beam approaching 5 meters (16 feet.)

Where can I dock the boat?You can usually moor the boat anywhere you like (some short areas are restricted because of the narrow waterway.) The boat can be tied-up along the banks of the waterway using stakes furnished on the boat. There are often mooring facilities in towns and villages, usually free. Water and electricity are sometimes available; there may be a charge for their use. In large cities, marinas offer docking facilities at reasonable fees.

Is it difficult to get through the locks?While the skipper needs to be alert and plan the approach into the lock, it is not difficult and becomesquite enjoyable with a little experience. It is best if at least one member of the crew is physically able to handle the lines that will hold the boat in place while the lock is filling or draining. Often the lock keeper or other bystanders will offer to take the line and pass it around a bollard.

How fast does the boat go?Most canals and waterways have speed limits and most rental boats are designed to operate within thelimit, usually no more than 4 to 8 miles per hour. Walkers on the towpath can keep up with the travel of the boat.

What happens if I have a problem with the boat?The rental base staff is always available by telephone and can be contacted for immediate assistance. A mechanic will be sent if necessary. Because the length of the trip is not far from the base, assistance can arrive by road very quickly.

Where can we get provisions?Initial provisioning is available by an advance order to the rental base. Shopping along the way at local outdoor markets and stores is part of the enjoyment of the trip. Many towns and villages have shopping available within a short walk of the canal, but in some places a bicycle or taxi may be necessary.

How can we travel on land?Bicycles can usually be rented from the base at the beginning of the trip. In larger towns and sometimes at small villages taxis can be called; often there will be a sign with the telephone number at locks and ports. Rail and bus transportation may be located near the beginning and end of the route.

What are the cabin facilities like?Single and double berths are often quite comfortable in the sleeping cabins. To reach the full advertised passenger capacity of the boat, it will be necessary to convert the dinette or lounges into temporary berths. Look for the statement in brochures Sleeps 8, comfort 6; that will most likely mean three double-berth cabins and the other two berths will be on the converted dinette. Be aware of the potential inconvenience of this arrangement.What about bathrooms?All boats will have at least one toilet, sink and shower; large boats will have two or more of each. Check the layout before you rent, by looking carefully at the diagram in the brochure or questioning the booking agent. Many boats will utilize a hand-held shower in the same compartment as the sink and toilet. The more comfortable arrangement will have the shower in a separate cabin, so that two people can be using the facility at the same time. A separate shower stall is the most convenient, so that the bathroom compartment does not become wet and a sometimes-unwieldy wraparound shower curtain is not needed.How much baggage can I bring?Most boats have substantial storage space; it is not always in rectangular spaces, so soft luggage is best. There are no laundry facilities onboard except hand-wash and clothesline. Laundromats will be difficult if not impossible to find, so plan enough clothing for the length of the cruise.Can we swim or fish?Generally, the canals and rivers are not recommended for swimming, although it can be enjoyed in some specific locations. Fishing will usually require a license. Consult the rental base staff for advice.

All boats will have adequate lighting from the onboard 12-volt system. Power for computers and other devices may sometimes be available onboard from the boats system, but more commonly it is only available when moored at a port with shore-based connections; it will be 220 volts.

Is there electricity onboard?

Links to Self-Skippered (Hire Boat) Companies

http://www.crownblueline.com/

http://www.kuhnle-tours.de/

http://www.connoisseurafloat.com/

http://www.nicols.com/

http://www.franceafloat.com/

http://www.hatenboer.nl/

http://www.locaboat.com/

Hotel Barges

These floating hotels offer private staterooms (singles or doubles), some with ensuite bathrooms; others may share a bathroom. A very popular way to cruise remote country regions in a relaxed, leisurely manner while in the company of others, a trip will cover very few actual miles but will give frequent opportunities for tours of nearby historic sites, vineyards, museums and other interesting waterside activities, with transportation and guides included.

Activities that are available on either type of barge cruise include golf, tennis, riding, ballooning, hiking, cultural excursions, wine tasting and special events such as tulip season, gardens, antiques, opera, etc. Onboard features will vary from barge to barge, but may include air conditioning, central heat, sauna and hot tub. Bicycles are usually provided for the use of guests.

Gourmet meals, wine and open bar are usually included. Transfer by van or rail from, and return to, a central meeting point such as a Paris hotel is included in the price.

Full-Boat Charter Barges

For families or groups of 2 to 24 that want to travel the waterways in comfort and leave the operation of the vessel to others, barges can be chartered for your exclusive use. The captain and crew, often a family themselves, will steer and handle the boat, furnish all meals and will tailor sightseeing and activities to your desires.

What is a Hotel Barge?Hotel barges are much smaller versions of a cruise ship, accommodating from 6 to 50 passengers insingle or double staterooms. Bathrooms may be ensuite or shared. Most hotel barge trips include allgourmet meals with wine, all shore excursions (land transportation is provided), open bar, bicycles for guest use and other amenities such as hot tub and exercise equipment.

What is a Full-Boat Charter Cruise?Hotel Barges may be booked exclusively by a single family or group; some barges accept only full-boat charters. Activities and excursions will be tailored to the desires of the group.

How long are the trips and how fast does the barge travel?One-week trips are the most common, traveling 60 to 120 kilometers (37 to 74 miles) at a rate of speed equivalent to a brisk walking pace. The barges do not travel at night, nor do they usually travelthroughout the day; daytime stops are planned for shore excursions. Frequently passengers willdisembark and walk along the towpath when locks are close together, re-boarding at the next lock.

What activities and excursions are available?Activities may include golf, tennis, horseback riding, ballooning, bicycling and hiking. Excursions often are to cultural sites, vineyards, museums and chateaux. Special events are planned for the season, such as tulip cruises in Holland; garden visits in France and England, antique fairs, opera and others.

How do we travel when on land?A guide will meet guests at a major city; in France, this is usually a Paris hotel, or at another city such as Lyon. From there, you will be escorted by private van or motor coach or, in some case travel by rail, to the location of the barge. Guided shore excursions may be walking tours or by private van or motorcoach.

Is physical agility required?A significant feature of hotel barge travel is that the level of activity is entirely up to the individual guest. Those who wish to simply sit back and relax are welcome to stay aboard the barge and enjoy the passing scene. More active types can take off on village walks, longer hikes, bicycling or any of the activities listed above. Physically impaired persons should discuss their needs with the booking agent to be sure that the facilities of a particular barge will be suitable.

Will I get seasick?No, there is no significant rocking of the barge. Barges cruise on canals or other controlled waterways where there is little or no movement of the water. The gentle motions of the barge when anchored at night are pleasant and sleep inducing.

Do the cabins have private bathrooms?Many barges have ensuite bathrooms directly connected to the cabins, with showers and sometimes abathtub. Some cabins may utilize shared bathrooms and require access from a hallway. Ask for detailwhen booking.

Are there telephones and TV onboard?Some barges offer satellite TV, but usually telephones and TV are not available because they defeat the purpose of a relaxing, tranquil cruise. The crew will have a cellular phone for emergencies and public phones may be found at almost every stop. Of course you may bring your own cellular phone.

Will all dining be on the barge?Definitely not, most barge trips plan at least one gourmet meal at a highly rated restaurant (the cost isincluded in the booked price), often not located directly adjacent to the canal (land transportation isprovided.) Lunch can be on your own in one of the towns along the way.

What clothes should I bring?Dress is never formal and ties are rare, although most guests enjoy a little dress-up for some dinners. Comfortable, casual attire with sneakers or docksiders onboard is recommended. You should, of course, dress for the season; evenings will often be cool.

Are children welcome?In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere on board, children under 17 are usually accepted only on full-boat charters.

What is the best season for cruising?Cruises operate spring, summer & fall; the best rates are available in early spring and late fall. Some barges follow the European custom of closing in July or August.

Is tipping required?Tipping is at your own discretion; some booking agencies will provide suggested guidelines.

What about the language?There will always be at least one member of the crew that speaks English; usually most of the crew is multi-lingual. Guides on excursions will provide commentary in English. During visits to rural areas, the local people will probably speak only their own dialect but they are often very willing to communicate with visitors who make an effort to speak at least some of their language.

Links to Hotel Barges

http://www.bargeluciole.com/http://www.lareinepedauque.com/

http://www.midicruises.com/

http://www.bargeburgundy.com/

River Cruise ShipsMuch larger than the barges used for canal cruising, river cruise ships will accommodate 60 to 250 passengers in single or double staterooms. They cover more distance, more quickly and travel the major rivers of Europe. The emphasis is on sightseeing tours away from the vessel, with the ship itselfserving as a means of transport and a portable hotel.

The advantages as compared to rail or automobile travel include a relaxed way to view scenery that is frequently beautiful, while unpacking only once and traveling the entire trip in the equivalent of a pleasant hotel with full services. These ships travel on rivers such as the Danube, Seine, Rhine, Rhone,Main, Elbe, Po and Mosel, as well as the larger canals of Holland and Belgium.

Grand Canal dAlsace(Rhine river)

Links to River Cruises

http://www.rivercruisetours.com/

http://eurorivercruises.com/

http://www.maupintour.com/maupin/maupinwaterways/waterways.html

http://www.vrcruises.com/

Rhine

Seine

WalkingThere are thousands of great spots totie-up and go for a walk along the canal, or into nearby fields and woods.

Canal du Nivernais

Bicycling

http://www.bretonbikes.com/

The well-maintained towpaths on many canals are perfect for biking along with a boat, or for an extended excursion by bicycle from inn-to-inn.

Canal de Nantes Brest

Your Own Vessel in Europe

Traveling on your own vessel is an ideal way to visit Europe and experience the cultureand customs of life in many countries. Cities, villages and countryside are oftenvery accessible by natural or man-made waterways. Cruisers can travel at their ownspeed and on their own route, stopping almost anywhere to spend a night or a week.You can bring your own affordable hotel right into the center of many major cities,or find a secluded anchorage amidst peaceful surroundings. If you will use your vesselfor only part of the year, you will be able to find marinas and boatyards that willprovide safe storage (as well as maintenance or restoration) at a reasonable cost.

Where do you want to cruise? Most people will have a special interest in a specific area of Europe. Francehas a vast network of canals and is well known as a prime country forcanal cruising. The adjacent countries of Belgium, Netherlands and Germany are all linked directly with France; the choice of vessel can be similar for all countries in this region. In England, many attractive canals are extremely narrow, thus the Narrowboat is prevalent there, while inIreland and Scotland a river cruiser will be more appropriate.

Do you want to cruise in a concentrated area or would you like to rangefurther, say to the Mediterranean in the winter and north to the Baltic in thesummer? In the latter case, a vessel capable of safely sailing in open wateris needed, while still being of suitable draft and height to easily negotiate the canals and locks. You will need to research the limiting dimensions for the intended waterways, listed in detail in the EuroCanals Guides.

Do you intend to live aboard year-round?If so, consider whether you will be in colder areas and will need heat onboard and ice-free docking. Many foreign boat-owners will use the vessel for only part of the year, making their needs different from the full-time liveaboard. What will the weather extremes be while you are onboard the vessel?

What accommodations are needed for yourself, your family and guests?Give careful thought to sleeping and toilet facilities for those that will be aboard all of the time, as well as for occasional guests. Many boats that are advertised as sleeps 6 means two double cabins with a toilet for each, while the fifth and sixth passengerswill have to sleep on a converted dinette and will not have a private toilet.Plan your normal and maximum expected passenger load and decide what you will need regarding beds, toilets and shower/bath facilities.

How physically fit are you?While just about everyone can be sufficiently fit to cruise in Europe, the choice of vessel depends on the capability of the crew to handle it in all conditions. Cruising inland waterways is not arduous as compared to open-water sailing but a day or two of many close-together hand-operated locks can be exhausting for some. So chooseareas and specific canals that minimize the frequency of locks, or that offer automatic locks.Also consider whether you will look for a fixer-upper or a vessel ready for use. Will you be able to handle the physical work involved, or will you pay a boatyard to complete it for you?

Are you a sailor or a motorboater?Sailboats are fine on the open seas and lakes, however an auxiliary motor will be needed on the canals and in most cases the mast will need to be unstepped or removed from the boat for shipment by land. Draft is also a consideration if the boat has a keel that may be too deep for many canals. Extended cruising on inland waterways is best done on a motorboat. But that doesnt mean that sailboats are totally excluded, just that proper planning needs to be done. In the Netherlands a Staande-Mastroute is available and is clearly marked on the ANWB planning chart; it allows traveling the entire north-south length of the country with the mast stepped (there are bridges, but they are all lifting type and overhead wires are kept high.) There are similar open canals in Norway and Sweden that can be traveled by sailboat, with idyllic lakes for sailing between the canalised sections.

If its to be a motorboat, should it be a barge or a conventional motorboat? An easy answer to this question relates to speed; due to speed limits and traffic, all vessels will have to travel at essentially the same (slow) speed, so a fast motorboat is of no advantage, unless the inland travel is only for the purpose of getting to open seas where higher speeds can be used. The other answers will be based on your need for space to accommodate guests, handling of the vessel by the crew, the degree of restoration work involved and the aesthetics of the look of the vessel. The primary question, of course, is how big the vessel should be, which depends on the waterways to be traveled. A suitable vessel to travel all of the French canals has a maximum length = 24 meters, width = 5.0 meters, height = 2.7 meters and draft = 1.2 meters. There are regulatory and practical advantages for vessels less than 15m overall length. The next step is at 20m and again at 24m, where the rules require a greater level of onboard equipment and stricter construction, as well as mandatory operator licensing. To maximize the availability of convenient moorings, select a vessel less than 15 meters.

There are these categories of costs to consider: 1) Purchase of a vessel; the range is US$50,000 to US$450,000.2) Maintenance and restoration of the vessel; these costs must be researched for each vessel.3) Waterways fees; these vary widely, in France they range from 80 euros to 458 euros per year, depending on the size (length X width) of the vessel.4) Operating costs; they can be surprisingly low, as fuel usage is generally very low and moorings can often be found at no cost. 5) Liveaboard expenses; these will vary with the season and the location.These parameters will affect not only your choice of the size and type of vessel, but also the area that will be selected for cruising.

Will you search through a broker or for-sale-by-owner advertisements?Probably a combination of both; a preliminary search can be done on the Internet or in various magazines published in Europe. This will turn up vessels of interest that are advertised for sale by both brokers and private owners. During a personal visit to Europe, even a drive along certain waterways may result in finding something of the desired type.

Brokers often have their own website with photos and detailed information on vessels for sale. In magazines they will show photos, descriptions and prices. In the section Buying a barge in The Netherlands and ... in France we report on individual brokers, regarding the types of vessels that they offer, their office location and vessels on display, as well as some judgement of their reliability based on the experiences of past buyers. Brokers will often assist with surveying, registering and insuring a vessel, as well as the very important step of researching previous ownership to assure that there are no mortgages or liens.

It is possible to deal directly with an owner when buying a vessel, however some of the obstacles include language difficulties and the problems of dealing with documentation.

What is your budget?

TIPS ON TRAVELING IN EUROPE

LANGUAGEEnglish is used throughout Europe as a second language, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Proficiency in French, German or Dutch will be helpful, and in some cases absolutely necessary, however it is possible to "get by" with just a smattering of basic terms and a pocket language guidebook. The most important terms that will be needed constantly are the numbers, in order to communicate time or money information. In addition, the national and regional terms (and style) of greetings should be mastered as soon as possible; by and large, "the natives are friendly", especially if you are friendly in the first place. Don't hesitate to greet people, with at least a small amount of their own language. You will find that they will be courteous and helpful if you chat a few moments before getting to your real needs.

In France, this means starting with Bonjour M'sieu or Bonjour Madame, or when greeting a couple use the more difficult Bonjour M'sieu'dame. The response will usually be a return Bonjour, followed immediately by Ca va? (How's it going?) The normal response is Ca va! This can be followed by Tres bien!

It is the parting comment that can be confusing, for there are many variations. Au revoir is universal, but here are a few others that we hear: A plus tard - See you laterA bientot - See you soonA toute l'heure - See you at the agreed time, See you laterA demain - See you tomorrowA ce soir - See you tonightA la semaine prochaine - See you next weekA lundi - See you on MondayBonne journe - Have a nice dayBonne nuit - Good night

TIME AND DATEThe 24-hour time system is used in Europe, rather than the 12-hour AM/PM system. Therefore the hours after 12:00 noon (midi) are 13:00, 14:00, etc. The hour after midnight (minuit) is 0:00. This works fine on digital clocks, however 12-hour clocks and watches with hour & minute hands are used everywhere, so it is common to say deux heures "at 2 o'clock" or sept heures "at 7 o'clock" for afternoon or evening appointments.

Some of my American friends find it difficult to deal with the 24-hour clock, but I think that it makes it much easier to know the current time in the USA; I simply subtract six hours for the east coast and nine hours for west coast time. It is a lot faster to subtract eight hours from 15:00 = 07:00 than trying to subtract eight hours from 3:00PM: "Let's see, that's 3 hours back to noon, then 5 hours more, 12 minus 5 = 7:00".

Dates are written in the format day/month/year. This causes me continual problems because I also use the American system of month/day/year every day on the Internet. A two-digit date is no problem, in France it is 21/10/03, but it is very confusing when the date is 9/8/03; is that Sept 8 or Aug 9? In such situations I generally write out the complete date in words, just to be clear.

CLOSING HOURS

On our first visits to France we were caught off guard by the closing schedule of shops and restaurants, to the point of not being able to buy food when we had planned. We were surprised to find this to be true in Paris, not just in the tiny villages; both the supermarkets and small specialty shops often close Sunday and Monday. Many shops of all types continue to follow the traditional schedule, closing for a one or two hour midday break and closing all of one weekday, most commonly Mondays, but it can be any other day as well. Surprisingly, this is even true of some large supermarkets and other chain stores.

Some towns will be almost totally closed on Mondays. Even most of the cafes are closed. However the boulangeries (bakeries), because a daily bread is absolutely essential to the French, coordinate their closing schedule so that at least one is open every day. In smaller villages there will be only one such shop, so sometimes bread is sold at a nearby caf or newsstand on that day, designated as a depot de pain. La Poste in most towns and cities is open all day Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings, however they are usually closed for an hour or more at midday.

Because small businesses are operated day after day by the same staff, they close down for several weeks each year for annual vacations (vacances, congs, fermeture annuelle), usually in August but in tourist areas it will more likely be in May, June, September or October.

The point is, plan ahead, and don't get caught short of provisions. If you are in one place you will soon get to know the schedule, but if you are cruising it is even more important to be stocked up and flexible. And don't forget about the schedule for locks, check the guidebook and back that up by asking a lock-keeper. Be aware of national holidays; I use a calendar downloaded from www.timeanddate.com That website offers a "Calendar Generator" for any country, showing their holidays.

MONEY

The primary currency that you will encounter is the Euro, written as the symbol or as euro and most commonly pronounced as "oo-ro" rather than "you-ro". It is currently being used in 12 countries of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands. EU countries Denmark and Sweden have voted not to enter the "Euro Zone" and the United Kingdom is still considering a possible referendum. (Switzerland and Norway are not members of the EU or the Euro Zone.)

The currency is available as printed banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros; a 1-euro note is proposed and is currently being debated. Coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents as well as 1 and 2 euros are commonly used. For complete information on the Euro, go to www.euro.ecb.intThe euro is roughly equivalent to one US dollar, however the exchange rate varies significantly. In myexperience since the euro was introduced in 2000, I have been able to obtain 1 euro for as little as 89 cents US and as much as $1.26 US, a variation of almost 42 %! A convenient online currency converter for determining the current status can be found at www.xe.com/ucc

The best way to obtain the euro currency is to utilize one of the ubiquitous Automatic Teller Machines (in France, distributeur aux billets.) I have personally obtained all of my daily funds by using the cash-dispensing machines, even to the point of making several withdrawals to obtain cash that I then deposited in my French bank account (the fees are substantially less than for an electronic transfer directly to the account, and the exchange rate is good.)

Note that a decimal comma is used instead of decimal point, while the point (dot) is used to separate thousands; for example: 1.980,20 = one thousand nine hundred eighty euros and 20 cents. 4,42 = four euros and forty-two cents

CREDIT CARDS"Foreign" credit cards (that is, from any country other than the one you are in) such as VISA, MasterCard and American Express are widely (but not universally) accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. Note these cautions: Check with your credit card company before traveling to advise them of your itinerary and to be sure that the issuer will allow charges and cash-machine transactions in those countries. Be aware that your card may be "frozen" at any time by suspicions of fraud, triggered by actions that fit certain security profiles. It will be inconvenient to get this removed while traveling. (One potential trigger that may freeze your account is to have a charge processed in your own country, say a normal monthly billing, on the same day that you make a charge in Europe.) Shops that will accept a VISA/MC from their own country may not accept foreign cards of the samebrand (for instance, 24-hr self-service fuel stations will accept only local cards.)

BANKINGIf you intend to have your own vessel in Europe or will be making frequent trips, financial transactions will be made much easier by opening a bank account in the country where you expect to spend most of your time, or even accounts in several countries. Opening an account will be difficult or impossible unless you have a residence address in each country. If you are buying a vessel through a broker, perhaps he can help with his banking contacts.

One Dutch bank, ABN-AMRO, offers many services to clients from other countries and comes highly recommended by those who have purchased vessels in the Netherlands. They have an informative website at https://www.abnamro.nl/nl/particulier/engels_expats.html

Residents of Ireland or the UK should investigate Britline:http://www.britline.com/

TAXESThat is, Value-Added Taxes (similar to sales taxes in the USA), not income or property taxes that may be due in Europe; this report assumes that you are here to spend money, not earn it, and also doesn't cover residential property that you may purchase.

VAT (in French, TVA) is included in the sales price of all items, so the price shown on a tag is the final price; it is not added on top of the total at checkout, as is common in the USA. But the tax amount is shown separately on all receipts, invoices and printed advertisements, by including both the HT and TTC amounts. HT stands for Hors Taxes meaning "outside of taxes"; TTC stands for Touts Taxes Compris, meaning "all taxes included".

The tax rate varies by country; in France it is a rather shocking 19.6%, however it applies only at the time of first sale. All used items (including boats!) are not taxed when resold.

TIPPINGThis is a question that arises frequently. The general answer is that most of the time a percentage fee for service has already been included in the bill. It is common to directly give the server a very small amount, usually the small change returned by the cashier, if the service warrants it. 5% of the bill is reasonable, or 10% for good service; 15 or 20% as is common in the USA would be over-tipping. Sometimes the coins are placed in a jar or box, either by the customer or the clerk, so that the entire staff shares tips.

When personal services are performed without a specific charge, such as by a lock-keeper or porter, a small tip is appropriate. "Small" means one or two euros, five euros would be a big tip. Or, of course, tip with cigarettes, drinks, candies, or other items rather than cash. You will almost never see anyone waiting for a tip, certainly not with a palm extended. Tips are truly optional and are appreciated but not expected or demanded.

PASSPORTS, VISAS, BORDER CHECKS

With the exception of a few travelers who choose to cross the English Channel or North Sea between Britain and the continent, cruising the inland waterways of Europe is most commonly done in, and among, the countries of France, Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands. Crossing the borders between these countries became much easier in 1995 when the Schengen treaty was signed, eliminating border checks at the common borders of 15 countries. Visitors can travel freely across these borders after clearing through Customs and Immigration procedures at the point of first arrival.

For citizens of the United States intending to stay in these countries three months or less, a valid USA passport is the only requirement; it is not necessary to obtain a visa in advance. Citizens of some countries may need to apply for the "Schengen Visa".

Technically, the rules state "The stay in the Schengen area should not exceed 90 days in a 6 month period." For longer stays, a visa may be required. Regardless of which country you first enter, you should apply for a long-stay visa valid in the country where you will be spending the most time. You do this by contacting their embassy in your country of residence, BEFORE traveling to Europe.

The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg where the treaty was signed. The fifteen Schengen countries are: Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All of these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members. Note that the United Kingdom is not included.

Full details, and an application form, are available at www.eurovisa.info/

PASSPORTS, VISAS, BORDER CHECKS

The requirements for a long-stay visa vary slightly by country, however they generally include:

Passport with a validity date that extends at least 3 months past the end of your intended stay Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of your intended stay Medical Insurance valid in the countries that you will visit A return airline ticket Police report from your home jurisdiction showing a clean record

It is possible that some of these items may be demanded at the time of entry or in the event of an incident attracting the attention of an authority, regardless of the length of your intended stay or visa status. Some visitors, however, enter on their passport and simply "stay over" beyond the 90-day limit. No authority will be "checking up" on you, your presence will not be officially noted unless there is an incident that requires interaction with the authorities.

When crossing a border aboard a vessel, it will be necessary in most cases to stop and present the vessel's documents, including insurance certificate, and pay any waterway-usage fees that may be appropriate, but your passport/visa (as well as your skipper's license) will not normally be requested. You should, of course, keep your passport handy, as well as any skipper's license or documents attesting to your boat-handling skills.

PETS ONBOARDOr more specifically, DOGS; I have no experience with cats or other types of pets . We have a Tibetan Terrier, Johnnie, now 13 years old. He has made six transatlantic flights, three entries into France, and has traveled along with us in countries from The Netherlands through France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy, with absolutely no problems and not a single question, not ever, from any border authority. We have never been asked for any documentation whatsoever (in Europe), although we have always been cautious enough to obtain a veterinarian's certificate of good health and he has always had a current rabies vaccination (which he would have needed in the USA in any case.) On each of his two return trips to the USA, an inspector has asked to see his rabies certificate; on one trip, the current certificate was entirely in French but was accepted with only minor delay in locating and translating the proper words (the inspector accepted my translation.)

The flights have all been on Air France or their partners Delta and Continental; Air France is noted for being dog friendly, the partners somewhat less so. Continental required that he be shipped as air cargo, with substantially more paperwork and cost. On other flights, he traveled as "Excess Baggage", an unpleasant term but one that reduces the hassle and cost. We turn him over to an agent at the ticket counter at the last possible minute, after paying a fee of about $80, and then collect him at the baggage pickup area. On arrival in France, an official has never inspected him nor have we had to present our papers. We simply take over from a baggage handler, with our thanks for their courtesy and assistance.The airline may refuse to transport a dog, however, if the destination or stopover airport will be too cold or too hot; inquire with your airline for their rules.

When traveling in Europe, he has been welcome in nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops. When dogs aren't welcome there is usually a sign posted at the entrance, or a note in the guidebook listing. Many hotels will charge an extra daily fee of 5 to 10 euros. Most companies that rent self-skippered boats will allow dogs, again with an extra fee.

PETS ONBOARDOnboard, the major concerns are the dog's toilet needs and the method of getting the dog on and off the vessel. Some owners furnish a designated area of Astroturf or carpet onboard, available for the dog to use at any time, however an advantage of inland waterway cruising is that stops are more frequent and convenient, allowing the dog to go ashore for relief.

Getting on and off can be a problem, and is dangerous if the dog should fall between the boat and a wall, or into a lock. You will need to work this out with your dog; perhaps it will have to be restrained during mooring or locking. Our dog is very well behaved, but is too anxious to leap off when weapproach a dock or wall, so his leash is clipped on at that time. A life jacket made for dogs is a good item to have, or at least a shoulder harness rather than just a neck collar, so that a boathook can be used to pluck the dog from the water if it has gone overboard. As much as you may love your pet, it would be dangerous and unwise to go into the water yourself to rescue it.

If you have a pet that is your constant companion, there is no reason not to let it have the same fun that you are having while cruising the waterways of Europe.

It is important to note that a quarantine period is ONLY required in the United Kingdom; the countries on the continent have no such requirement.

For information regarding other animals, consult the websites referenced on the following page.Check with your airline for details regarding their requirements for documentation and the acceptable type of crate. Small dogs (less than 5 kg/11 lbs) may be allowed at your seat.

PETS: Entry into EuropeBecause the incidence of rabies in Europe has been greatly reduced in recent years, the EU has issued new regulations regarding the movement of pet dogs and cats into and between member countries, including the UK. Pet owners should read the documents on the links shown below before traveling, however a brief summary is as follows:1. Pets must be identified by a tattoo or implanted microchip, with documents that relate the tatoo or microchip identification number to the owner's name and address. Beginning in 2012, only microchips will be accepted.2. The microchip must meet ISO standard Annex A, 2.1, ISO # 11785 (website: www.iso.ch). The HomeAgain microchip from AKC Companion Animal Recovery, which is manufactured in compliance with Annex A, 2.1, ISO # 11785 meets the requirements. (If you are not sure if the chip complies, then you should purchase and carry with you a scanner that works.)3. The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland (along with other countries) are included in Annex II EC regulation 998/2003, which means that these countries are considered low risk regions for rabies. Therefore no rabies serological test is required.4. Rabies shots must now be updated every 1 or 2 years depending on the type of vaccine used (rather than a blanket 1-year requirement based on previous regulations.)The above information was taken from the website of the Embassy of The Netherlands in the UnitedStates at www.netherlands-embassy.org/article.asp?articleref=AR00001142ENPlease take note that Pit Bull Terriers (and Pit Bull Terrier cross breeds) are not allowed into NL.

For More Information regarding UK regulations:http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

For More Information regarding USA regulations:http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm

CONNECTING TO THE INTERNETFirst of all, bring a laptop or handheld computer to Europe with you from your home country, and in your own language. If you purchase a computer in a European country, it will be difficult to find one that has its keyboard AND its Operating System in English (it is essential that the Operating System, such as Windows or Mac OS, not just the screen language, be in English; if you install other software, it will not run unless the language is compatible.)

Second, check with the ISP that you are currently using to learn if they have local telephone numbers that will connect with their service in each country that you plan to visit. If so, sign up for their Roaming Service if necessary and bring all telephone numbers with you. If you can't do that with your current ISP, wait until you are in Europe and locate a suitable ISP then, there are many choices available. (CompuServe has historically been popular with canal travelers; however they have not upgraded their software to be compatible with newer computers, so check carefully. AOL is prevalent in Europe and may be a good choice.)

If your e-mailbox is website-based (rather than on the server of an Internet Service Provider) consider the fact that it may take a considerable amount of time to download the web page (or pages) before you can login to access your mail. An ISP-server mailbox will be very fast.

Wireless Hotspots (WiFi) are becoming very prevalent in Europe and are an ideal way to connect to the internet. Many marinas now offer this service, they will provide you with a password. There are also many municipal, commercial and private wireless networks that you can access as you travel along the waterways. Set up your computer to search for them, or purchase one of the several gadgets that will search for hotspots without turning on your computer.

MOBILE PHONES Unless you already have a mobile telephone that includes both the 900 mhz and 1800 mhz bands, don't buy a phone before you arrive in Europe, do that in the first country in which you will spending time. Take your laptop with you when you go to buy a phone, which should be done at the most complete and most professional mobile phone store that you can find, there will be many such choices in a medium or large city. And in that store try to locate a competent, experienced clerk with good English. Explain to the clerk that you wish to purchase a telephone and a phone-service contract that will allow you to use your computer and the new phone to download e-mail. Don't let them sell you a phone-based service that will not easily and quickly connect to your own e-mailbox; for instance, WAP is an Internet service for mobile phones but it is very limited and may not allow you to reach your usual e-mail service, nor is it suitable for broad use of the Internet. Buy a telephone with a built-in modem; the modem in your computer is intended for a landline connection, not a mobile phone connection.

The easiest way to get telephone service is by buying a Pre-Paid SIM card, which will allow you to connect immediately and will include a preset amount of usage. You can later add "Recharge" time as necessary with a credit card or by purchasing the appropriate recharge card from a variety of shops(newsstands, tobacco shops or supermarkets.) You can then buy a similar SIM card in each new country, if your current card doesn't work there or is too expensive because of "Roaming" charges.Instead of a pre-paid SIM card, you can sign up for a monthly-billed account with roaming service throughout Europe through major companies such as Vodaphone or Orange. However, it will be difficult to arrange a monthly-service telephone contract without a local residence address (confirmed with utility-bill receipts in your name) and/or a local bank account. A pre-paid SIM card in each country is quick and easy, and may be cheaper than roaming service throughout Europe from a single provider. Some services will give a substantial discount for calls to a single pre-selected number, so it may be a good idea to use the number of your ISP dial-up. You will need only one dial-up number to use throughout the coverage area of your SIM card or account; charges are not based on distance.

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(Flanders)

(Wallonia)

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BARGE TYPES

Canal St Martin,Paris

FRENCH PENICHE (Commercial Freight-Hauling Barge)The working peniche Cabourg is traveling upstream on the river Oise. These barges were built to completely fill a standard French Freycinet-scale lock, at 38.5 meters long by 5.1 meters wide. The bow and stern are both blunt and broad-shouldered, so as not to waste any of the available lock space.

Some peniche have been converted into spacious hotel barges, such as Joie de Vivre, and many arepermanently moored as live-aboard homes. They are not common as a private cruising barge because of their large size and not-so-elegant lines.

Canal de Briare

The rental-boat company Locaboat Plaisance manufactures the Penichettes, a design based on the working peniche in overall appearance but constructed of fiberglass in various sizes and models. They are based at rental locations throughout Europe and also sold as private cruising boats.

Vecht river,Utrecht, Netherlands

A sharp bow, an upswept stern and a gently arcing sheer line are the marks of a Luxemotor, a verypopular style for conversion to both hotel barges and private cruising vessels.

DUTCH BARGES: Luxemotor

Canal du Nivernais

The tjalk (pronounced chalk) is another very popular Dutch design. Like the French peniche, it has broad, blunt bow and stern shapes, maximizing internal volume for a given length and beam. They are generally available as 16 to 24 meter vessels.

DUTCH BARGES: TjalksMeuse river,

Belgium

DUTCH BARGES: Tjalks Along with the hull shape, like a Dutch wooden shoe, note that the rudder usually rises to the top of the stern rail, probably a tradition dating from tiller steering.

Canal du Nivernais

AakA pointed bow and swept-back stem usually mean that the vessel is one of the many regional designs of Aak built in The Netherlands.

Canal de Bourgogne

DUTCH BARGES: Platbodem

Sailing barges for the inland waterways and lakes of The Netherlands have flat bottoms and lee boards.

English NarrowboatsAlthough only 7 feet wide, narrowboats can be as long as 72 feet. They are steered by a tiller on an open rear deck.

LOCKSCanal St Martin, Paris

River navigation for the transport of people or goods is thousands of years old, but until locks came into use (in the 14th century) it was limited to sections of the rivers with adequate depth and no impassable barriers such as rocky ledges which formed natural weirs.

Lateral canals are those which follow alongside a river; locks are used to change the elevation of the waterway in steps and to allow vessels to bypass obstacles.

Locks back up a stretch of water at a certain surface level; when the depth becomes too shallow or a ledge of rock is encountered, then another lock is installed. The waterway proceeds up the slope in steps. If the canal crosses over a summit between two watersheds, then it is called a summit canal, and there will be a series of locks stepping down the other side.

An example of a summit canal is shown below, taken from the EuroCanals guide Waterways of Brittany. The horizontal sections show the distance between locks; the vertical steps are the rise or fall at each lock. On both sides of the summit the locks are very close together, so the steps are obscured on this graph.

0

10

20

30

40

50

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Redon Rennes Hede Dinan

12 locks

6 locks

Summit Pound

The Invention of LocksThe first pound lock, a basin of water impounded between two gates, was invented in China in 984 AD. The practical details that make locks work as they do today was developed by Leonardo da Vinci, who in 1495 introduced in France the apparatus Lcluse sas deux paires de portes busques, A lock chamber with two pairs of gates attached. Leonardos sketch still exists and is much more artistic than this one (with his notes translated):

Pivoting gates hinged to sidewalls, with valves built-in and

operated from above

Level, rigid chamber floor

Masonry sidewalls (rather than dirt)

The key to the design is the mitered gates which close tightly and are held in place by the pressure of water due to different water levels. The photo shows the miter angle of the mating gates.When you are in a lock that is filling or emptying, the first sign that the cycle is complete will be the slight opening between the mitered ends, indicating that the water levels have equalized, allowing the gates to open.

Leonardo da Vincissketch is labeled Sa. The French word is Sas, for lock chamber.Flow

Sa

Step 1: A vessel bound upstream enters the lock and the crew secures lines to bollards.

Rise, typically 2-4 meters

Upstreamgatesclosed

Downstreamgatesopen

How Locks Work:

Upstream valves closed Downstream valves open

The vessel should be immediately secured to bollards with a line from the bow and the stern, and held tightly against the lock wall.

Side View

Top View

Step 2: Downstream gates and valves are closed after all vessels have entered.The lock fills with water through the open upstream valves, lifting the vessel.

Upstream valves open Downstream valves closedAll gates closed

How Locks Work:

As the vessel rises the crew must take up slack on the bow & stern lines to hold the vessel tightly against the lock wall.

Step 3: When the level in the lock equals the level upstream, the upstream gates are opened, allowing the vessel to exit and proceed.

How Locks Work:

Downstreamgatesclosed

Upstreamgatesopen

Downstream valves closed

A Note of Caution:

Many locks will have a sill that extends 1 to 2 meters inside the lockfrom the upstream gate. Be sure that the stern of the vessel does not settle onto this sill.

How Locks Work:

The process is reversed when headed downstream.

Downstream valves openUpstream valves closed

As the vessel descends the crew must let out on the bow & stern lines while holding the vessel tightly against the lock wall.

Most locks, like the one at left, will have walls that are straight, both horizontally and vertically. But on some canals, notably the Canal du Midi, the sidewalls are curved, resulting in an oval lock. This was done for reasons of strength; when the lock is empty there is substantial inward pressure on the long sidewalls. An arc is inherently stronger than a straight wall and was suited to 17th-century construction techniques. The design is not used on later locks, although some are built with straight sidewalls that slope inward toward the bottom, for the same reason of inherent strength.

Abbeville lock, Canal de la Somme

Raonel lock,Canal de la Robine

(a branch of the Canal du Midi)

The oval locks are attractive but are inconvenientfor all but the smallest boats. Large boats must enter in a straight line through a narrow passage, then "go sideways" to secure to the wall.

The trick is to steer slowly toward the wall while watching the stern. Then a crewman at the bow throws a line, one end secured at the bow, around the bollard.

He then takes that line to the stern and pulls the stern to the wall, with help from the helmsman using reverse power, if necessary.

In the photo the line has been secured to a midships cleat. When the lock begins to fill, crew needs to be ready to loosen the line and take up slack while holding the line taut, keeping the stern tight against the wall.

On the narrow canals of Britain, a single swinging "top gate" issometimes used, with a mitered pair at the bottom, or downstream end, of the lock. A narrow lock is seven feet wide.

Cropredy lock, Oxford Canal

Narrowboat travelers approaching a lock on the Oxford Canal. The previous lock is just around the curve behind, so it is convenient to simply walk ahead on the towpath.

It is not unusual that the lady of the boat is the steerer, while men walk ahead to operate the valves and gates, both of which sometimes require good strength.

The lady at the bow and the gentleman are each holding a lock key used to crank the valves open. It is carried along on the boat; forgetting it may mean a long walk back to the previous lock, and for heaven's sake don't drop it in the canal.

How Locks Work:Operating a manual lock

The lock is full of water, as the previous boat has completed its passageand has tied up in the distance for lunch.

Craydon lock

The first step is to drain the lock by cranking open the valves in each of the downstream gates.

He has already opened the valve in the gate at right; note the shaft extending above the gearbox.

The water level in the lock has already dropped about one foot.

Both valves are now open and the lock is draining.

The beams are swung to open the gates. The lady is closing the valve on her gate.

Only the locks are 7 wide; the canal is more than twice that.Note the bollards for use by waiting boats.

The boat is aligned with the lock wall.It is only necessary to watch one side,as the narrowboat will just fit.

The nose of the boat begins to enter the lock.

Note the position of the valve shaft at right, fully down (closed) while the gentlemen is preparing to lower the valve shaft on his side.

The bow line is left handy on the deck. The skipper will stop the forward progress of the boat by reversing the engine, however there is a braided rope fender tied at the bow just in case contact is made with the lock gate or another boat.

Hes afraid to watch!Not really, he was speaking to a British Waterways maintenance crew which has just arrived.

Ready to close the gates.

When the gates are closed the lock is filled by opening the

valves alongside the upstream gate.

The lock is filling and the boat is rising.

Note the towpath which continues along the entire canal,convenient for the crew but also great for hikers and bikers.

In France the crank handles are most often permanently attached. The one atop the pedestal will swing the gate closed. The handle at right, on the gate catwalk, is used to raise or lower the valve in the gate, opening or closing it. Although it is possible to release a cog and allow the mechanism to free-fall, this may be harmful to the valve (or to your hand!); it should be cranked in both directions.

A crew of six is traveling aboard this rental boat on the Canal du Nivernais; everyone has a job to do.

In France and Belgium a lock-keeper is usually present, but the boat crew (in red and white above) often helps with the cranking as a courtesy and to speed things along. On some canals the lock mechanisms are now fully automated; the operation of the lock may be initiated by a photocell, a remote control box or a canal-side pole which activates a switch. (Water is overflowing the top of the gates in this photo; the valves are just beginning to open, under the lower water level.)

Here the skipper is holding the boat againstthe wall with a line from the bow, around a bollard, to the stern. This is a small boat (9m) so a single line is sufficient; largerboats will require a separate bow & stern line, with a crewperson on each line. The line should be ready before entering the lock; be sure that it is outside the bow rail.

Do not secure the line to a stern cleat, it must be ready to be tightened in a filling lock or slackened in an emptying lock.Careful attention should be paid to this task, as it is much easier to keep the boat under control while