Far removed from the bustle of modern life, European Canal Barge Cruises with Abercrombie & Kent gently transport travelers back in time along the waterways of France, Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland and Germany. From the moment they step aboard, guests enjoy picturesque villages, gourmet food and wine and the luxury of only having to unpack once.

For 2015, A&K has curated a portfolio of more than 20 canal cruise vessels operating in Europe, selected for their comfortable surroundings, innovative chefs and attentive crew.

Unique to Abercrombie & Kent, travelers have the opportunity to enhance their journey with pre- or post-cruise nights in some of the greatest cities in Europe, such as Paris, Amsterdam and Munich. These four-day extensions are available on select cruises through A&K’s six full-time local offices in Europe.

“Abercrombie & Kent has selected the finest vessels in Europe, renowned for their attentive personal service, to guarantee the most comfortable experience for our guests,” explains Abercrombie & Kent USA President Phil Otterson. “What sets us apart is our unique ability to enable guests to extend their stay with privately-guided sightseeing and privileged access in some of Europe’s most intriguing cities, to assure seamless service from arrival to departure.”

Prices for six-night cruises begin at $2,990 and include accommodations, meals, guided sightseeing and entry fees. The all-inclusive cruises feature three gourmet meals daily, prepared from market-fresh local ingredients sourced by on-board chefs. Lunch and dinner are artfully paired with local wines. Each vessel includes comfortable cabins with en-suite facilities and distinctive dining with exceptional service. Many offer spacious lounges and sundecks for al fresco dining.

From the vineyards of Burgundy to Ireland’s Shannon River, and from the Caledonian Canal in Scotland to the sun-drenched shores of the Canal du Midi, Abercrombie & Kent offers a variety of itineraries across Europe’s inland waterways, including more than 14 vessels that float through the classic vineyard regions of France.

Abercrombie & Kent, www.abercrombiekent.com