Boating Holidays Europe
Relax and unwind – go boating in Europe.
Many more people are discovering the pleasure of a European boating holiday. It is an alternative holiday that far easier to do than you might think and it delivers relaxation from the day-to-day stresses as well as giving you the opportunity to soak up culture, see the sights and commune with nature in some of Europe’s most interesting destinations. And, boating holidays are for all the entire family.
The outside of canal boats has changed little over the last hundred years but the amenities they offer inside have changed enormously! They are far more comfortable, even luxurious, and depending on the boat’s length, they can accommodate up to 9 people with up to 3 bathrooms and all the modern conveniences of home.
These boats are built to operate and be navigated without the need for previous boating experience or the physique of an athlete. Even the locks aren’t a problem for most people. Probably the hardest part is deciding where to stop for lunch!
The luxurious surroundings, the comfort and safety of the boats, along with the opportunity of exploring some of the most culturally interesting and scenic waterways in Europe will give you memories to treasure for a lifetime.
Couples can have that romantic getaway and holidaying with the family or friends couldn’t be easier or more enjoyable with something new to see and do everyday. Just think of it – with moorings close to historic houses and castles, cathedrals, nature reserves, picturesque pubs and waterside restaurants, towns and cities, etc. even the pickiest member of the family will find that days just aren’t long enough to get it all in.
So choose your destination in the regions that interest you most, decide on your departure date and cast off on that idyllic and memorable boating holiday.
France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Poland and Britain, (including England, Wales and Scotland) are laced with waterways, canals and rivers. Here is just a very small sampling of what there is to see and do.
Ireland – The scenery around the Upper and Lower Lough Erne is breathtaking and if you’re a keen fisherman, the lakes around the rivers Shannon and Erne, and the rivers themselves, are well-stocked with perch, salmon, pike, tench and bream. For walking and sightseeing try Portumna’s National Park and the 17th century castle, Clonmacnoise, near Shannonbridge, is an ancient religious site, traditional Irish pubs for lively Celtic music, championship golf courses, small towns, restaurants and pubs close to the waterways are all worth a visit. Plus cruising is made that much easier by the hundreds of moorings and high-tech locks.
Scotland – The entire length of the Caledonian Canal has the most spectacular views. Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then you make sure you enjoy a ride on the West Highland Railway Line. Mountain biking at championship level, monster spotting, dolphin watching, salmon fishing, learning about Highland culture, plus shopping for a kilt in Edinburgh or Inverness are definite must-do’s while in Scotland. There’s nowhere else that you’ll see such magnificent, brooding scenery than from the Caledonian Canal.
Belgium – has a dense network of pretty Flemish waterways that wind their way through this country’s historic landscape. Enjoy Bruges, also known as the ‘Venice of the North’ and Belgium’s ancient gothic capital of Gent. Nieuwpoort’s excellent sandy beaches, the war memorials and the Last Post at Ypres plus the 300+ varieties of Belgian beers are all there for you to experience. Nieuwpoort is less than one hour from Calais by Eurostar so you’re set for a really good time wherever you go on your boating holiday in Belgium. Oh, and don’t forget the chocolates!
Holland – Boating and windmills are a way of life! Climb the 465 steps to the top the Dom Tower in Utrecht for incredible views over the town. Visit Muiderslot, the home of Holland’s most famous medieval castle and its wonderful herb garden, moor up at Giethoorn, the ‘Little Venice’ of Holland and be sure to try a Boterdrabbel cake while you’re there. Don’t miss the great Dutch masters Rembrandt, Ruisdael and Vermeer – see them all at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. You’ll discover the friendly Dutch nation on its waterways.
Italy – from your own sundeck you can enjoy the Venetian Lagoon in the enchanting city of Venice. Boating holidays now include Precenicco in the Venetian Lagoon and the seaside canals between Precenicco and Casale as well as cruising the peaceful, rural countryside of very hospitable osteria (an Italian eatery) and friendly fishing villages. Things to see and do include watching glass being hand blown on the island of Murano and lace making on Burano, relaxing at the Adriatic seaside resorts and the sandy beaches at Jesolo, watching the fascinating wildlife on the Po Delta and of course tasting the incredible food and wine found throughout Italy.
Germany – Travel Germany’s many waterways and see the architectural rejuvenation of Berlin and its amazing nightlife, the medieval towns along the network of canals and lakes in the Brandenburg and Mecklenburg regions, the birds and wildlife in the Spreewald Nature Reserve, the castles at Potsdam, Fürstenburg and Rheinsberg. Or cruise through the heart of Germany on its most famous rivers, the Rhine and the Danube, all the way to Austria and beyond. You’ll see beautiful, unspoiled countryside with fairytale castles, charming towns and villages, enjoy fishing in the lakes and all the other facilities and good eating just waiting for you.
France – each region has its unique waterways that provide opportunities for visual and gastronomic pleasures. The Canal du Midi in the south of France, links the Atlantic with the Mediterranean. It has an eight-lock staircase at Fonserannes and is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Each area of France, the Camargue, Aquitaine, Lot, Charente, Burgundy, Nivernais, Loire, Brittany, Alsace-Lorraine offers fantastic scenery, wildlife and birds, fishing, its own unique regional food and wine specialties, from foie gras and truffles to seafood, fine cognac and wines. Glide down the canals and rivers of France and see Napoleonic castles, forests, Gallic towns and villages and scenery to inspire everyone.
There is so much more to say about boating in Europe but whatever you are seeking in a holiday, a boating holiday allows you to travel at a relaxed speed, seeing the world from a very different point of view. Take time to taste the regional cuisine, take in the culture both modern and timeless and do it all from the comfort of well-equipped boats that allow you to bring the whole family, friends and even the dog!
If a boating holiday in Europe isn’t what you’re after right now, visit our sister sites http://cottageholidaysbritain.co.uk
http://citybreaksbritain.co.uk
http://familyholidayseurope.co.uk
http://europeanvillaholidays.co.uk
http://petfriendlyholidays.org
for ideas, places and holidays that will inspire you.
Wherever you go – have a great holiday!
The Handbook for Boaters produced by the Environment Agency and British Waterways is available online and gives you detailed information about boating. Use the link below to download the pdf http://www.britishwaterways.co.uk/media/documents/Boaters_Handbook.pdf