Amazon.com description: Product Description: How to buy and operate a barge on the rivers and canals of continental Europe. Includes how to avoid pitfalls, where the best bargains are, what to look for and what to watch out for. Contains delightful instructional commentary on country canal customs and courtesies, lock operations, safety. Graphically instructs the novice on practical steps to develop the "feel" for maneuvering these large craft. Introduces one to the lifestyle, history, opportunities, and costs of exploring the culture of Europe the relaxing way...cruising comfortably on one's own barge.